Construction - Arch

Farah Wahida Bt Ismail
0322808
Bachelors of Interior Architecture
Construction And Technology

20 Apr 2016

ASSIGNMENT 1 : ARCH 

Instructions : In your group, discuss how you would build an arch by using just plasticine/clay. Keeping in mind that the arch should be able to withstand loads; live/dead, wind, seismic.

My group and I (GROUP 4) did an arch that was inspired by the old traditional arches; Roman Arch. While constructing the arch, we tested the arch using our phones (load). We observed if it could hold the load and when it doesn't, we observed what was the reason that causes it to do so. Then we tried to fix the parts that needs improvement and we tested it one more time. We did this repeatedly until we were satisfied with the outcome. 

PERSONAL CONCLUSION
My group's arch (GROUP 4) was listed to be battling up against Hidayah's arch (GROUP 5) and KY's arch (GROUP 6). For the load test, GROUP 5's arch collapsed while ours (GROUP 4) and GROUP 6's arch still stood strong.

As for the seismic test, all of the groups' arches were placed onto a table and the table is then shook vigorously. Our arch were able to hold on for quite some time. However after several intense shake, our left column broke, sending the arch flying. Our arch did not survive the seismic test.

My conclusion is that, even though  our arch were able to hold the load test, it is apparently not strong enough to handle vigorous seismic test. I think that if we made the arch's footing more secure and perhaps larger, it might able to hold on a little longer during the seismic test.

PERSONAL IDEAS

To improve strength, I would suggest that maybe we could have improved our footing. In my opinion, if the footing is large enough, it could be secure enough to hold the column in place.

To improve stability, I would suggest that we make the arch a little shorter. As tall arches have a higher possibility of falling, especially during seismic test.

To improve aesthetic value, I would suggest using clay with complimentary colours. Unfortunately we did not plan ahead for the aesthetic value for the arch, hence we just use random colours of clay that was available to us.

REFLECTION

While doing this experiment, I realised that every part of a construction is important. Other than that, I also understood that having a keystone for the arch is crucial to make sure that the arch can hold the top part together, also to distribute the load equally to both sides of the column. Next, I also learnt that aesthetic value is as much prominent as other characteristics because an arch that looks nice would be able make the arch stand out. This is influential because if a client were to choose between two strong arches/building design, he would most probably opt for the one with more aesthetic value.