Analyzing Melbourne’s Singer Building: Construction Insights

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Structural Systems
Envelop Systems
Service Systems
Interior Systems
Site Systems
Conclusion
List of References

Introduction

The building for analysis in this paper is situated in Melbourne Australia and is known as Singer building-Building 22. It involves the construction of an additional level to the structure and the creation of accommodation for the development portfolio (Property Services, 2010). In this analysis, I analyze the building under all the categories of building systems that exist by use of the pictures of the structure. The analysis is done using the evidence pictures or assumptions on the systems that are to be used.

Structural Systems

Substructure

Foundations

This is a massive structure occupying a large area on the ground and therefore requires strong foundations to counteract differential settlement. For this reason, therefore, heavy foundations must have been used to provide structural safety to the intended users and frequenters of the structure. Some of the structural elements that have possibly been used in the substructure include the following discussed below.

Pad footings

Underground columns rising above the ground level to higher grounds which are established on pad footings to help in spreading the massive loading to the subsoil are an important component in such a structure.

Raft foundation

Due to the massive floor area to be covered by the structure the most appropriate foundation that may be employed is the raft foundation. This is so because a solid and stable base should be established for the structure to rest upon. This kind of foundation makes it easier for damp proofing the basement floor and wall areas. Adequate reinforcement is essential for the in-situ cast concrete foundation.

Superstructure

Beams and Columns

In building 22, various design factors have been put into consideration considering the massive loading and size of the finished structure. Due to the fact that the structure is enormous and high loads are expected, it should therefore be constructed in such a way as to ensure the loads are safely transferred from one level of the structure to the foundation bases. The structural system of beams and columns should be designed to ensure the efficient and safe transfer of loading down the whole structure. The beams and columns have therefore been designed and positioned in a way that will ensure maximum strength, stability, and safety of the structure is attained during the construction and occupation phase.

The building, the interconnections of beams and columns are provided to ensure the maximization of safety and usability of the structure. Different types of beams have been used to span the spaces in relation to the requirements. Simply supported beams have been used to provide support to small spans while continuous beams have been used in the critical areas and ring beams. Depending on the loading at particular spots, beams of different types, thicknesses, and lengths have been employed (The Free Encyclopedia, 2008). Reinforced concrete beams linked to vertical columns have been used to carry and transfer loading from the higher-level floors and roofing system in a secure way to the footings of the structure.

Slabs

In-situ cast concrete slab has been used in all upper floor slabs, staircase flights, and landings to provide enough area and support for partitioning and circulation spaces. Reinforced concrete slabs in modern buildings are usually reinforced with steel to provide a strong base to support the other systems of the structure such as partitioning walls, and imposed dead and live loads (Concrete manufacturers association, 2004). The structural component is used to transfer these imposed dead and live loads to the beams in a way that is safe throughout its intended useful life. In suspended reinforced concrete slabs, there is tension at the lower end and compression at the upper surfaces of the slab. Since concrete is weak in tension but very strong in compression, the solution is to provide steel reinforcement at the lower surface while minimal reinforcement at the top depending on the span and type of the slab itself. An adequate concrete cover is also provided according to the building codes regulations. This ensures an effective cover to steel and fire protection. In building 22, this has been considered to ensure a safer structure in case of building fires which may require long periods of evacuation.

Envelop Systems

Reinforced concrete roofing

A concrete roofing system shall be used on the last level of the structure to ensure the intended purpose I met. This involves the creation of space on the roof of the last level for the provision of facilities. The design is made to ensure maximization of the space and an efficient drainage system used at the last level. This enables quick elimination of rainwater from the roof thereby reducing the increased loading during long and heavy downpours. This characteristic makes it possible to collect and redirect the water to a required destination such as storage tanks or stormwater drainage channels.

Facade

The façade at the top level of the structure is composed of the green Penrose motif which gives a perfect appearance from a bird’s eye view position. This cladding, therefore, increases the aesthetics of the structure to match the perfectly designed and decorated interior of the building.

Glazing and partitioning

External partitions have been provided with openings to allow for fixing doors and glazed windows. The walls are painted on both sides to ensure a good appearance is obtained.

Service Systems

Electrical supply system

Electrical lighting in the structure has been provided to boost daylight factor, night lighting, and emergency lighting. Artificial lighting in the building has been effectively provided with standard switches and lighting points. In the circulation spaces as an example, fluorescent tubes provided in louvered casings are mounted at the ceiling height to provide the required artificial at the most appropriate times and conditions. The design and positioning of such lighting points ensure adequate mobility and an equivalent high productivity rate by easing movement within the building. The conduits carrying the cables to the lighting cables are fixed by clips onto the ceiling soffits and help to suspend all the lighting points as is expected. In the staircases, emergency lighting has been installed to aid in movement in cases of emergencies such as power blackouts and fire outbreaks. This is aided by abiding to fire safety rules and evacuation requirements which is evident by the directional lighting point “EXIT” installed at the escape staircase.

Sewer and stormwater drainage

A separate system of drainage is assumed as the most appropriate method that has been used to eliminate stormwater and other waste from the surrounding and building respectively. The sewer and stormwater pipes are therefore provided beneath the structure to required fall and structural engineers’ requirements. This ensures efficiency and that the system does not fail due to interferences such as excavations.

The sprinkler system

As a safety regulation, the building has been provided with a fire sprinkler system to ensure an effective control to fire cases of fire outbreaks in the structure. The sprinkler system is fixed to a pressurized source of water provided in fire hydrant points which are located in the building structure. This pressurized water flows through the main supply piping that branches to sub-branches connected to the sprinkler heads. When a fire occurs beneath a sprinkler head and rises to a point that exceeds the withhold temperature of the head, it bursts to force out a lot of water. This pressurized water, therefore, extinguishes the fire by eliminating the heat component of the fire. The sprinkler system ensures that the degree of safety in a structure is maintained at a level that is acceptable.

Interior Systems

Lighting systems

The lighting system used on the structure is extensive and well designed to suit the different functions. Staircase lighting, room spaces, and circulation spaces are effectively designed to match the lighting requirements for maximum utilization. From the diagram, we have a nice linear arrangement of the lighting points which provide an attractive layout of the lighting system. The positioning of the lighting points is also done to ensure efficient lighting of the structure’s spaces.

Circulation

Circulation spaces are well maintained at realistic widths to ensure easier traffic for maximum utility and functionality of the structure. Different areas are covered in tiles to provide an attractive appearance. Staircases are constructed and strategically positioned to ensure movement from one level to another and within one level is not compromised.

Finishes

The concrete slab ceiling is covered in a well-finished plaster lining and painted to provide an approved and appealing finish to the interior of the structure. The high-class paint used provides protection to the structure in addition to having an aesthetic influence. Appropriate tiling has been used on the floor areas to provide an attractive appearance and at the same time a durable finish. Due to the durability of tiles as a finishing material, the overall cost of building maintenance is also significantly reduced. Replacements of tiles are minimal and this ensures that the operation costs are kept as low as possible.

Site Systems

Landscaping

The exterior landscaping consists of trees, surrounding buildings, and paving designed specifically for walkways which lead to the interrelated elements of the built structure. The interaction of the built structure and its landscaping provides a significant level of association keeping in mind the aesthetics of the structure.

Conclusion

Building 22 has a good aesthetic appearance internally and externally due to the durable and decorative finishes that have been utilized. The analysis of the structure helped in establishing the usability and efficiency of the structure under different circumstances like emergencies and normal usage. The building can be considered structurally safe and at the same time provides maximum comfort for its purpose as an educational structure.

List of References

Concrete manufacturers association, 2004. Precast concrete slabs on load bearing masonry walls: Good practice guide pg. 1-8. [Pdf] South Africa: Concrete manufacturers association.

Construction Reinvented, 2010. Building Systems.

Footings and foundations, 2003. An overview of footings and foundations pg. 1-16. [Pdf] South Africa.

Get Better Results, 2010. Concrete Forms for Floors, Roofs and Decks. Web.

Property Services, 2010. Building 22 refurbishment: New accommodation for the International and Development Portfolio and an extra level. Web.

The Free Encyclopedia, 2008. Concrete slab. Web.

The Free Encyclopedia, 2009. Beam (Structure). Web.

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