SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Research Unit for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 2 [ARC 2513]

Prerequisite: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 1 [ARC 1223]
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Project: 2 (5 to 6 students in a group)
Understanding Forces in Solid Structure and Surface Structure
25% of final marks (25% teamwork & 10% individual
presentation)

Submission date: Week 13

Introduction

A building will normally comprise several different types of structural

systems, either due to its function or building code requirements. As
designers it is very important that you understand when and where each of
the different type of structural system is used.Solid and surface construction
method is one of the most widely used structures for building support. Solid
and surface structure provides the required load bearing resistance and
aesthetics required by designers.

Objectives of Project

The objectives of this project are as follows:

• To create an understanding of solid structure and surface structure and

its relevant structural components.
• To understand how a solid structure and surface structure reacts under
loading.
• To demonstrate a convincing understanding of how Solid Construction
and surface construction works.

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 • To exploit the qualities inherent in Solid Construction and surface
construction.
• To be able to manipulate Solid Construction and surface construction
to solve an oblique Design problem

Learning Outcomes of this Project

Learning outcomes assessed in this project include:

• Identifications of basic structural systems in construction

• Compare solid and surface construction systems.
• Differentiate solid ands surface construction systems in terms of loads
and forces acting on structural elements.
• Recognize and apply the implications of construction system in design.
• Analyse the issues of strength, stiffness and stability of structures
including modes of structural systems, forces, stress and strain and
laws of static.

Tasks - Methodology

1. Your task is to identify the different types of structural systems

especially solid construction and surface construction used in the
construction of a building of your choice. You are to ensure that the
building you select is using at least two (2) different types of structural
system.
2. Describe each structural system identified in terms of:

a. Function
b. Material
c. Load distribution
d. Relevant by-laws

3. Produce a model showing the different structural systems used in the

above building. Suitable scale and material to be used for the
construction of the model shall depend entirely on you. However, do
take note that quality and workmanship of the model produced will be
considered in the assessment of this project.
4. Analysis on the success or failure of the model together with the
mitigating measures in the case of failure is to be provided in the form
of an A3 presentation report
5. Students are encouraged to use annotated sketches / diagrams to
explain the forces, structural movement experienced.
6. Photographs of the model should also be incorporated into the
presentation board.

Submission Requirement
• A3 sized model of the solid and surface construction (students name
and ID should be clearly pasted onto the base)

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 • A3 bound report complete with visuals, sketches and inclusive of the
detailing and progressive documentation of your project.
• Visuals / Photos used in the submission must be clear and well
communicated.
• Sketches are meant to provide visual documentation and
communication. Therefore sketches are required to be neat, clear and
annotated.
• Assumptions can be made through reference from book/drawings. DO
NOT PLAGIARISE.

Suggested Format of A3 Report/Documentation

Cover page- Name and student ID number should be written clearly (TUC
Logo)
Table of Content
Introduction of site & elements
Findings and Analysis
Referencing (MUST)
Assessment criteria

The assessment for this assignment will be based on your

• Clarity of the analysis on success / failure of the model.

• Quality / workmanship of the model produced.
• Quality of the documentation of visuals sketches, drawings and load and
forces detailing of the construction elements.
• Creativity and clarity of ideas, materiality and richness of content
• Clear visual and verbal communication of your understanding of the
projects.
• Appropriate and sufficient referencing

Marking criteria

Marks shall be distributed as follows:

Function of Solid and Surface Construction (30%)

• Ability to identify the functional requirements of solid and surface
construction.

Material and Design of the Model (25%)

• Material attributes and method of construction.
• Originality & practicality

Load Distribution Analysis and Workmanship of the Model (25%)

• Neat and acceptable workmanship
• Quality workmanship
• Proper visuals and diagrams identifying loads and forces with
explanation

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Presentation Board with relevant by-law Analysis (20%)
• Clearly and coherently analysed
• Showing good understanding

NOTE: PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT INVIDUAL COMPONENTS IN GROUP

WORKS IS EVALUATED BASED ON PEER EVALUATION AND INSTRUCTUR’S
EVALUATION ON INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE OF A GROUP MEMBER.

Suggested References

1. Chudley, R. 2006, Construction Technology. 4thedition.

Pearson and Prentice Hall.
2. Lyons, Arthur, 2004. A. Materials for Architects and
Builders. 2nd Edition. Oxford. Elsevier Butterwort-Heinemann
3. Seeley, Ivor H.1995, Building Technology. 5th edition.
Basingstoke, Hants: MacMillan
4. Ching, Francis D.K. 1991. Building Construction
Illustrated. New York. Van Nostrand Reinhold.
5. Simmon, H. Leslie, 2001. Construction: Principles,
Materials and Method. 7th Edition. New York. John Wiley & Sons.
6. Zannos, Alexander. 1987, Form and Structure in
Architecture: The Role of Statistical Function. Von Nostrand Reinhold
Company, New York