Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
SITE VISIT 3
Above, temporary bracing can be seen in between the portal frames. This is installed before the concrete panels have been put in place, but can not be removed until an engineer has given his consent to do so.
Below is an example of permanent bracing. The size of the permanent bracing is much bigger than the temporary bracing, and is in the shape of an 'L' as opposed to the smalled rod that acts as temporary bracing.
Bracing in between the 'C' girts is visible in the above photo, and below, fly brace between the stanchioin can be seen connecting to the 'C' girts and purlins.
Steel plates cast into the concrete known as 'diamond dowels' can be seen above. These are to prevent the adjoining slab from rising/ or sinkning when it is poured, but allows for lateral movement.
Architectural specifications do not always work in practice. In the photo above, the stanchion can not be placed where it was intended to be by the architect. The capping and flashing required to cover the bottom of the 'orb' cladding where it meets the precast panels protrudes slightly from the facade, making it impossible for the stanchion to be placed hard up against the precast panels, as specified by the architect.
The site as can be seen when passing by on the Western Ring Road.
Monday, June 2, 2008
ARTICLE 6 - SCIENCE OF BRICK
The National Geographic channel's program 'Megastructures' covers some of the leading events in the construction industry. In a recent episode, it took a look into one of the world's first building materials, - brick.

ARTICLE 5 - WORLD'S TALLEST BRIDGE
The Millau Viaduct (le Viaduc de Millau), designed by structural engineer Michel Virlogeux, is the tallest bridge in the world.
It spans the valley of the River Tarn in southern France, and reaches a height of 343m at its highest point, making it taller than the Eiffle Tower, and only 38m smaller than the Empire State Building.
http://www.channels.com/catalog/playlist/811/megastructures#catalog/bookmark/7530/worlds-tallest-bridge
SITE VISIT 2
Safety mesh, 'C' purlins and bracing between the purlins is also easily identifiable.
Haunching is also evident at the apex, helping to reduce deflection of the rafters.
A welded cleat is also visible and connects the pre-cast panel to the stanchion.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
ARTICLE 4 - PRECAST CONCRETE
Saturday, May 31, 2008
GEELONG FABRICATORS
ARTICLE 3 - TIMBER SUSTAINABLITY


ARTICLE 2 - LVL
engineered LVL beams
e-beam is a product developed by wesbeam, and complies with AS/NZS 4357 Structural Laminated Veneer Lumber. It is manufactured from Maritime Pine veneer, and glued using a phenolic adhesive.
ARTICLE 1 - NY CRANE COLLAPSE
SUMMARY
Friday, May 30, 2008
SITE VISIT 1
The below images show the knee joint connection between the stanchion, and the 'I' beam. Due to the large span of the portal frame, the beams have been haunched (made deeper) at the supports, to stiffen the beams and reduce mid-span deflection.
Cross- bracing between the two frames and between the frames and 'Z' purlins is also evident in the photo. The 'Z' purlins, which are spaced at either 1200 or 1800 centres are used as an alternative to 'C' purlins to fix the roof cladding to.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
PRE - CAST PANEL LIFT
The panel is lifted at strategic points to ensure stress is equally distributed through the panel.
It's interesting to notice that the panel is being lifted with the temporary bracing already attatched to it.