Timber Tectonics in the Digital Age BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR PROFESSORS MARIAPAOLA RIGGIO AND NANCY YEN-WEN CHENG | WINTER 2017 DOUGONG BRACKETING Denise Blankenberger | Antony Schutz | Molly Taylor ARCH 510 TIMBER TECTONICS | Prof. Nancy Cheng [UO] Mariapaola Riggio [OSU] DESIGN 1: FRAMES + TRUSSES Dougong Bracketing DESIGN Our team agreed that we liked the aesthetic of the Japanese stacked beam systems and would like to reflect that in our first pass of the pavilion design. We thought that a combination of the stacked beams with thin cluster columns (that are braced around their midpoint) might make for an interesting pavilion that feels lightweight but is also structurally sound. The canopy design was built to cover a 25’ square area. This is supported by a cluster of (4) 4”x4” columns and additional 4”x4” columns at the corners. All the connections can be hidden. BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 1: FRAMES + TRUSSES Dougong Bracketing DESIGN In the scheme to the right, no optimization had occurred yet. Clearly, there are an excessive amount of members to support the structure. We assume that a better analysis of the system in Karamba, would prove that many of the intermediate beams can be removed with each growing stacked layer. It would take a bit of experimentation to understand when additional members are necessary or duplicative. BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 1: FRAMES + TRUSSES Dougong Bracketing CONNECTIONS The structure is comprised of three main connections: 1. Ground to column 2. Column to first beams 3. First beams to secondary beams. The column is composed of four elements each having its post base, the assembly between the ground and the column is stable. The configuration of the post base makes it possible to hide the screws. The wood must have a ground clearance so as not to be damaged by rainwater when it bounces off the ground. If there is no ground clearance, the wood may rot due to water and fungi. In addition, as with water retention, wood may discolor. It is therefore necessary to provide a ground clearance of at least 20cm. Simpson: https://www.strongtie.com BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 1: FRAMES + TRUSSES Dougong Bracketing CONNECTIONS It is important for this assembly that the components are hidden because it is one of the most visible parts, so we opted for an ETB Hidden Timber Connector. To make this assembly, it is necessary to machine the wooden elements to insert the connectors. The elements are hollowed out with a rooter. Although there is machining, this assembly has the advantage of removing very little material, which does not alter the mechanical strength of the structural element. In addition, the connectors are protected by wood. In the event of a fire, the fire cannot damage the assembly as long as there is wood. To ensure that the water does not stagnate in the assembly, a vertical discrete saw cut is required under the assembly. The connectors are fixed to the column and to the beam with screws. Simpson: https://www.strongtie.com ETB Hidden Timber Connector (Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.) BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 1: FRAMES + TRUSSES Dougong Bracketing CONNECTIONS For this assembly, we chose stainless steel brackets. As they are placed on the top of the beams, they will not be visible from the ground. It is a cheap assembly and easy to implement. The brackets are fixed to the first beam and to the secondary beam with screws. Simpson: https://www.strongtie.com ETB Hidden Timber Connector (Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.) BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 1: FRAMES + TRUSSES Dougong Bracketing DIGITAL FABRICATION The series of operations are rather simple and are repeated with each layer (color coded in the model.) The basic strategy of operations is move (z) -> scale -> rotate BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 1: FRAMES + TRUSSES Dougong Bracketing DIGITAL FABRICATION / ANALYSIS BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 1: FRAMES + TRUSSES Dougong Bracketing REFLECTION FEEDBACK Although it would be quite simple to model our design in Rhino The commentary of our design was that it is indeed beautiful, but alone (and apply forces manually with Karamba), it was the secondary columns were unnecessary. It was also hoped that important to our team that we have a dynamic model so that we would be able to do more analysis in Karamba, but this was not we could get live feedback in regards to the design decisions possible given the need to move forward with subsequent we were making (i.e. how far to space the members, whether iterations and coursework with different structural systems. to include secondary columns, how many beams to include, etc). We not only successfully modeled it in Grasshopper, but also were able to integrate it with Karamba. Further steps would mean using the Karamba analysis to investigate the structure in order to make design decisions on how much and where to brace our canopy/where to remove beams. BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 GRIDSHELL PAVILION Denise Blankenberger | Antony Schutz | Molly Taylor ARCH 510 TIMBER TECTONICS | Prof. Nancy Cheng [UO] Mariapaola Riggio [OSU] DESIGN 2: GRIDS + GRIDSHELLS Gridshell Pavilion INSPIRATION This is the design inspiration for the pavilion – a design-build project actually completed in Lafayette, Louisiana by UL students. The reason for using this project as our inspiration is the way the structure meets the ground. We agreed that we did not like the gridshell from the lecture that was hoisted on top of columns. Rather, we wanted to use the base support of the gridshell as a design feature – namely, a bench or seating place that people could enjoy. We also decided to use an arch as the second support feature in order to tie together the two weeks’ themes: arches (and domes) and gridshells. University of Louisiana at Lafayette School of Architecture and Design: https://soad.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20151209/lafayette-strong-p avilion-nearing-completion BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 2: GRIDS + GRIDSHELLS Gridshell Pavilion DESIGN With our goal in mind of creating a gridshell with a bench and arch for support, we began experimenting with catenary curves and shells in Grasshopper. We found that by offsetting one line (with the intended span in mind) and shortening one end, the proper head height clearance could be achieved. BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 2: GRIDS + GRIDSHELLS Gridshell Pavilion BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 2: GRIDS + GRIDSHELLS Gridshell Pavilion BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 2: GRIDS + GRIDSHELLS Gridshell Pavilion CONNECTIONS The structure is comprised of four main connections: 1. Ground to main arch 2. Main arch to secondary arches 3. Gridshell intersections to each other 4. Secondary arches to ground 1: The main arch is supported by a stainless steel post base. This post base is fixed to the floor with studs and to the main arch using stainless steel screws. 2: The secondary arches are connected to the main arch with notch and peg. Nevertheless, if the assembly is not enough strong, it is possible to make a pinned mortise-and-tenon joint or use steel connections. Due to the difficulties of collaborating with such distances between group members, there are inconsistencies between the connections imagined by the designers and those specified by the construction expert. This was a learning experience. Simpson: https://www.strongtie.com BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 2: GRIDS + GRIDSHELLS Gridshell Pavilion CONNECTIONS 3: This assembly is the most repeated of the structure since it connects all the arches between them. In order not to be over-demanded or to be a source of additional effort, it should not generate a moment. For this reason we have retained an articulated connection. The assembly is a halved joint with peg. However the machining must leave a little play to not block it. The bore of the peg must be narrow enough to wedge the peg. The best way to do this is to use a peg with a conical shape. BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 2: GRIDS + GRIDSHELLS Gridshell Pavilion CONNECTIONS 4: In order to maintain ground clearance, this assembly rests on a concrete low wall. The secondary arches are fixed using screws on a wooden support with a notch. The wooden support is fixed to the low wall with studs. BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 2: GRIDS + GRIDSHELLS Gridshell Pavilion CONNECTIONS / ENCLOSURE For the enclosure of our pavilion, we look to the Lafayette Strong pavilion again for inspiration. Our pavilion would also have bracket connections at the gridshell intersections that serve as the point where additional assembly pieces could be attached. We have entertained the idea of incorporating PV panels in association with some sort of fritted glass that keeps the interior of the pavilion shaded and protected from precipitation. University of Louisiana at Lafayette School of Architecture and Design: https://soad.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20151209/lafayette-strong-pavilion-nearin g-completion BLANKENBERGER, SCHUTZ, TAYLOR TIMBER TECTONICS IN THE DIGITAL AGE - WINTER 2017 DESIGN 2: GRIDS + GRIDSHELLS Gridshell Pavilion DIGITAL MODEL The first attempt at loading the gridshell and creating beams from the shell was largely unsuccessful.