BCITO Buildability

Experimenting for Project

The second experiment the team has done helped us decide on what structure type/ framing type to use for the base of our sandpit

Aim:

In this experiment we tested which way of framing was a better option for the construction of the base. The box frame vs staggered box frame.

Method:

We as the team cut up uniform pine planks of 50x20x1000 (in mm) as pine was the previous winner. To construct our 500x500mm square frames which will be checked for proper construction to produce fair results. We will then add weight so that we can see how much of the weight is spread out on the timber frame compared to how much is put on the centre beams.

Controlled variables:

The weight that we add to the frames.

The planks used in the construction of the frame had to be uniform.

The distance that the frames span.

Variables

The different structure types we have used.

Images:

The image above shows where this frame broke, this frame supported about 140kg of weight, which is quite an amount.

The image above shows the secondary frame type and this frame only took about 60kg before it started to deteriorate, the team believes that this frame is stronger in a vertical position than horizontal.

Conclusion:

So the team has concluded that it is a stronger method for us to use the boxed plus half frame as it is easier for the team to construct this frame so that the way that it is constructed is exactly what we expect as the outcome. It is also easier for use to nail in the different support posts as you can sit a hammer in the needed areas unlike the other frame where you have two joists which join at 90 degrees to the main beam which makes you need to nail in 2 nails from above and below. This leads to busting out of the timber as the joist isn’t really held in place by much.