ARCH462 Course Learning Portfolio
Aastha Patel
(Appendix contained in PDF file submitted on ELMS)
Introduction
Building methods and materials are the foundation of any building, literally. The material and methodical choices made for a building impact how it looks, functions, costs, and determines its effect on the environment around us. Over the course of ARCH462: Construction Methods and Materials, I have had the opportunity to explore learning about a variety of building materials, design concepts, and construction methods. I was also able to use Revit to work with BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology to expand my knowledge about how BIM is integrated into the architectural field and its significance to the design and construction process. In this course, I was able to examine the impact that each of the materials and construction methods had on embodied carbon and the sustainability of these materials. As this class progressed we focused on four important learning areas: building materials and methods, architectural design skills, BIM integration, and embodied carbon and sustainability. Throughout this portfolio, I will exhibit my knowledge on these topics as well as reflect on my personal learning ability experience throughout the class.
Building Methods and Materials
Over the course of this class, I studied the specifications of materials like wood, concrete, steel, brick, stone, and glass for the first time; along with these I also learned about various design and construction concepts like concrete pouring, brick and stone wall building, roofing techniques, and building codes. Coming into this semester, I had little to no understanding or experience of construction materials, so with each material we studied, I now feel like I have an advanced understanding for. After taking this course, I have been able to identify building materials and systems in my everyday life when I go out and pass buildings or construction sites.
Wood
The first material we were able to learn about during this course was wood. The use of wood in construction has been recorded back to the neolithic era to build pit houses and longhouses. It has also been used in China for centuries as a traditional construction material. Wood’s availability in nearly any part of the world made it convenient to harvest and use, and as it was used more, wood construction methods became more complex. As the use of wood progressed, it started to become a primary material for colonial America’s architectural development. The invention of water-powered sawmills in the 1800’s made wood production easy and rapidly available for housing demand when America was being colonized. In order to build houses fast, builders used a lightweight wood structure method called balloon framing. Balloon framing used long vertical studs that were continuous for the exterior walls. Although this method was easy to build, it soon became a fire hazard and was replaced by platform framing, a safer alternative in which floors were separated incase of a fire to slow down the spread. We explored wood terminology such as lumber and timber, types of softwood (pine, fur, spruce) and hardwood (maple and oak), and the three main ways that wood can be cut: plain sawn, quarter sawn, and rift sawn. The seasoning process of wood dries out the moisture from wood, in order to make it stronger, stiffer, and lighter. We examined the multitude of seasoning methods such as air seasoning and kiln seasoning, and looked at the pros and cons of each of these methods. Wood can also have natural and manufactured defects and we were able to identify shakes, checks, splits, knots, twists, pockets, and more of these defects. We learned how to read a lumber grade stamp, which tells us about the type of wood, size, strength, and other important information. Lastly, we learned about some of the wood panel products used in construction, such as plywood, non-veneered products, and laminated woods.
Concrete
The next material we learned about in this class was concrete. The first use of concrete was documented in 300 B.C. by the Romans, who made concrete from lime water and volcanic ash. Modern day concrete was introduced when knowledge of hydraulic cement was rediscovered in the 1800’s. Later in the 1850’s, steel reinforced concrete appeared to add extra strength. Concrete is made from fine and coarse aggregates, Portland cement, and water. We learned about the process of creating Portland cement and explored the life cycle of concrete in our first in-class exercise (Appendix A). When learning about Portland cement, we examined how it uses large amounts of energy, which contributes heavily to carbon emissions. Concrete strength is determined by how much water is added, as less water means the concrete will most likely be stronger. Aggregates also determine concrete strength based on what kinds of aggregates are used and their quality. Lastly, we learned about concrete pouring and were able to go to a construction site for Exam 2 (Appendix G), where we observed live concrete pouring and documented our observations. Concrete normally takes 28 days to cure, but the time can be changed by accelerating or retarding admixtures.
Steel
The third material we were able to learn about was steel. The use of steel dates back to the Greeks and Romans using bronze cramps to join stone, wrought iron chains to counter thrusts in arches, and iron tie rods in masonry construction. After 1750, cast iron framing started to be used more in industrial buildings and structures. Steel is now one of the most commonly used noncombustible construction materials. We explored the differences between wrought iron and cast iron; with wrought iron containing little to no carbon, it is stronger in tension and weak in compressive strength. On the other hand, cast iron has 2-4% carbon so it is stronger in compressive strength and weak in tension. Steel combines both strengths of these irons to create a material that is both strong in compression and tension with less than 2% carbon. We learned about the processes of making cast iron and steelmaking. Steel can be made in a steel mill with iron ore being the main ingredient. Most steel produced in North America is made in “mini-mills” using electric furnaces, which are cost friendly, produce high quality steel, and use less energy than traditional mills. They use 90% recycled content, while traditional mills only use about 25-35% recycled content. We learned about the kinds of steel shapes made, for example, wide flange is the most common shape used for beams and columns, while channels, angles, and tees are used for trusses, lightweight framing, and other uses. The standard American beam shape is the traditional I-beam. We also learned how to read designations of steel beams, which tell us important information about a certain beam like the shape, depth, and weight. Fireproofing is used to protect steel from potential fires and increases the likelihood of a building structure surviving through a fire. Steel can be joined together in a variety of ways such as riveting, bolting, and welding. We differentiated between connections like shear and moment connections, where shear connections only have the web of a beam connected to the side of a column, but moment connections penetrate the web of a beam through a column, making this connection stronger and more stable. Diagonal bracing, moment resisting frames, and shear walls are all methods of steel used to stabilize buildings.
Brick
The next material we studied was brick. Bricks are produced from natural clays from the earth combined with water. We studied two main brick forming techniques: extruded and molded. Extruded bricks are made by moist clay being extruded through dies and then sliced into individual units. Molded bricks are created by pressing moist clay into individual molds. Extruded bricks account for 90% of US made bricks as they are the least expensive method and create a uniform look. After being formed bricks are fired in a kiln for between 10 to 40 hours. We learned about the different types of bricks and bonds, as well as how bricks are laid out. Mortar is used to seal joints and cushion masonry units, in order to minimize the flow of air and water between bricks. In addition, mortar also contributes to the physical appearance of a brick wall.
Roofing
We learned about the techniques and methods of roofing. Starting with low sloped roofs, which is any roof with a slope of 2:12 or less. Flat roofs are very uncommon as some slope is required so water can be drained. We discussed the three types of roof decks: sloped structure, tapered structure, and tapered insulation. Thermal insulation and vapor retarders are inserted within the roof deck and membrane to prevent the excess moisture build up. The insulation can be placed below the deck, between the deck and membrane, or above the membrane. With steep sloped roofs, shingles are a common addition to a roof to protect the roof from environmental damage such as rain or wind. Shingles can be made of wood, asphalt, mineral surface, slate, clay, or concrete. Shakes are thicker than shingles, and produce a rougher textured surface appearance with stronger shadow lines. Roofing can also be made from a variety of sheet metals such as copper, zinc, and stainless steel. Sustainable roofing can be used to create roof systems that are more environmentally friendly. An example of sustainable roofing is cool roofs, which use cool colored sheet metals to reflect sunlight away and keep the interior temperature of a building cooler. Green roofs are covered with vegetation, which reduce noise transmission and stormwater runoff, and provide natural habitat.
Glass and Glazing
The final material we learned about was glass and glazing. Glass making has dated back for centuries, since 10th century A.D., when the Venetian Island of Murano had become a major producer of glass. Modern day float glass is made by floating glass on molten tin and allowing it to harden with a high optical quality. It is cut by machines and then glazed. Glass is made from sand, soda ash, lime, alumina, and potassium oxide. Heat treated glass types include annealed glass, tempered glass, heat strengthened glass, laminated glass, and fire-rated glass. During our in-class exercise 3 (Appendix C), we were able to pick a glass type that would be the best suited for a storefront. This activity allowed me to do further research on the glass types and I was able to learn the specifications of each glass type before making my decision. Architecturally treated glass types include patterned glass, fritted glass, and spandrel glass. Glass can also be tempered to control solar radiation, such as tinted glass and reflective glass. Glazing is when glass is installed in a glazed opening, and glazing systems can be simple or advanced. We were able to look at some advanced systems, like the butt-joint glazing system, where the head and sill of the glass sheets are supported, but vertical joints are made between the sides of glass sheets with a clear silicone to create the effect of continuous horizontal glass. Another example of an advanced glazing system is the structural silicone flush glazing system. In this system, metal mullions lie within the glass and glass is adhered to the mullion by a clear silicone sealant. This creates a visual effect of the exterior side of the building being completely flush with the glass.
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Architectural Design Skills
The use of terminology in the class has really allowed me to become more confident in discussing the desires of my architectural designs. I remember in our first lecture on wood, we learned the differences between lumber and timber, which I had never known before. Even minor differentiations like that make me feel more comfortable in my ability to communicate a design concept. The decisions made on construction methods are dependent on the functionality, budget, design constraints, and sustainability considerations. Therefore, certain systems or methods of construction may not be fitting in every building situation, and it is the architect's job to design what methods are best to implement in their design.
BIM Integration
Were able to work in labs with classmates on an introductory level to Revit, a BIM program that allowed us to see how modern technology can be used by architects, engineers, and contractors to communicate the design fundamentals of a building. In our Exam 1 take home section (Appendix E), we were able to make and label two different wood pieces. This assignment allowed me to explore the Revit program for the first time and learn some of the basics. Although I only learned the very basics of Revit in this class, I am committed to learning more about BIM as I know it will be valuable in my career as a student pursuing architecture. I learned about how BIM can be used to map out a building realistically before the actual construction process begins to predict any construction issues, resolve any safety concerns, estimate costs and construction time, test materials, and communicate building specifications between builders, contractors, engineers, and architects. While studying each of the construction materials and methods in this class, I was also taught about the effect they have on the environment and the steps that can be taken to create more sustainable designs.
Embodied Carbon and Sustainability
From the guest lectures, I learned about how embodied carbon is measured through the use of Whole Building Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations. We were also able to experiment with the EC3 tool, designed to measure levels of embodied carbon in construction. One thing I now think about when I look at buildings is how I know their materials may have an impact on the environment or how sustainable I think they are. For example, if I were to see a green roof I can identify how that roof is more sustainable than a sheet metal roof, because it provides ecosystem services like natural habitat.
Learning Abilities
As a learner, I discovered how much I appreciate being able to collaborate in a group setting because it allowed me to gather and finalize my thoughts before I was ready to turn in an assignment or answer a question. It helped me feel confident in my answers to be able to hear others’ thought processes. As this was my first time ever learning about any of these topics or using Revit, I was slightly intimidated by the content we were learning as well as the Revit exercises. I quickly learned that my anxiety over the class material was nothing to be worried about. Working through the class homeworks and taking attentive notes to the lectures helped me the most with doing well on the exams. Revit took some getting used to but easing into it with the help of the lab sessions and the homework exercises made me feel more confident with working with the program and extending my knowledge of BIM. In this class, we were able to work through a variety of in class exercises in groups. Being able to bounce ideas off classmates and discuss our ideas with the TA’s during class solidified my ideas on these assignments and allowed me to get a better understanding of the concepts we were learning in class. I really enjoyed our class discussions when we were prompted to answer a question on the board by discussing with a group for a few minutes before coming together as a class to discuss. Being able to hear my classmates' ideas during class helped me get a good understanding of how others used their problem solving strategies in comparison to how I did. I think I found the Revit homework exercises most difficult because Revit was a completely new program that I had to learn in order to do my assignments for this class. However, this forced me to push myself and I enjoyed being able to teach myself something new with the help of video tutorials and lab sessions.