Experiment 2. Week 2 Independent Study

Progress in Max- remodeling Barcelona Pavilion

Material Research

1. Concrete

http://www.arroway-textures.com/files/gallery/1/demoscene_concrete-30.jpg

The basic concrete mix is formed from combining Portland Cement, water and rock. It is one of the most used material for buildings, bridges, tunnels and dams because of its strength and durability. Concrete gains strength over time and it is not weakened by moisture, mould or pests. A good example showing the strength and durability of concrete is the Roman Colosseum that was built nearly two thousand years ago and it is still standing firm now. This building material can last to about 50, 000 years. This building material is compact and non-porous and the fact that it does not lose its properties over time is considered low maintenance. Other than that, being naturally fire-resistant, concrete forms a highly effective barrier to fire spread. Although there are many benefits of using concrete, cracking has always been an issue and the reasons that cracking occur are drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, subgrade settlement and applied loads. One of the leading causes of deterioration of concrete is the corrosion of reinforcing steel and other embedded metals. Prevention can be taken to reduce or eliminate cracking in concrete and one of them is making sure that the concrete is properly placed, consolidate, finish and cured.

2. Glass

http://humanitiesunderground.wordpress.com/2011/05/30/glass-consciousness/

Glass is made by melting a mixture of silica in the form of sand and other minerals such as sodium carbonate, limestone, magnesium carbonate and additives in a furnace of 1700 degrees. Whilst still molten, glass can be manipulated into different shapes and forms. Glass is also a material used in the building construction. The benefits of using glass in construction is because of its high chemical resistance, a strong building material. However, it is a poor conductor of electricity and can be a problem for fire-resistance. Glass, overtime will crack and break due to several factors. One of them is due to the changes in temperature and wind deflects, causing glass to expand and contract and if insufficient space for glass to expand, it binds against the frame and causes breakage as a result.

3. Marble

http://www.essentialingredient.com.au/featured/marble-boards/

Marble is formed as a result of re-crystallization of limestone under pressure and heat of geologic processes. There are two types of marble, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Calcite marble is less resistant to acid attack as compared to dolomitic marble. Marbles are normally polished and they are popular decorative stones for architectural uses. Marble deteriorates due to exposure to the weather and other natural effects such as wind, rain and change in temperature. This causes the marble to lose its polish and detailing. Another condition that the marble will face is crumbling. This may be cause by the source of salt migration and this weakens the strength and durability of the marble and causes it to crumble.

Reference
Cement Sustainability Initiative 2013, <http://www.wbcsdcement.org/index.php/key-issues/sustainability-with-concrete/properties-of-concrete>.

GSA 2012,< http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/111858>.

Portland Cement Association 2013, <http://www.cement.org/tech/faq_cracking.asp>.

Viridian, 2011, <http://glasstalks.com/2011/03/16/physicalproperties/>.


Reflection

This week we learnt about material and looked at formwork. Structure and materials are really important as to what is placed and where the location of the building is cause it might caused damage. One really interesting event mentioned was a building in London melted a car. And I did a little reading on it, the Walkie Talkie skyscraper reflections melted the side mirror of a jaguar car. And this is due to the concave of its design. This has made me more aware of the choice of materials and the considerations that should be concerned, such as sunlight.