Glenn Katz
Your Design Journal entries this week should highlight your design thinking that influenced your decisions about:
- your overall strategy and the features of the structural system
When thinking about what the best layout for my structural system would be, I wanted to limit the number of floating columns. This meant I made sure the columns, beams, and beam systems on all floors were the same. Since my levels alternate I had to find where to put my columns so that they support both types of floors, close to where they intersect when looking at the underlay. I also put beams around my shafts for the stairs and elevator.
- the material and framing system selected
I chose to go with the steel-frame system. Using steel allowed me to have bigger spans so that I could have less columns per level and more open space. I went with common beams and columns for larger buildings. I used W 14X43 columns and W 16X 26 beams. I placed the beam systems along the shortest spans.
- the locations of structural columns and major framing elements
I removed the beam systems around the atriums and stairs. Also I tried to keep the open spaces from having columns in the middle of the room so that the building feels less enclosed. I achieved this by putting the columns as close to the exterior walls as possible. I also added structural walls around my elevator shaft.
- any special structural challenges
Due to the hexagonal shape and alternating floors, finding the best places to put my columns was challenging. I could not get the columns along all exterior walls like I wanted to, but this option is more structurally sound. Also, on the corners I made beam systems that cantilevered out for structural support since I could not add floating columns.