cw2011workshop05
Port Harcourt, Niger Delta
Report Work in Progress
We have started working on the report. We have tried to separate the tasks up so everyone has an equal amount of work that should relate to topic they were working on.
If everyone completes their sections we should have a pretty concise report soon.
Download the link and update the relevant pages and then upload the new file.
When you upload the new file please name it with your initials and the date so we know which is the latest option!!!
We will be emailing the link out tonight for your use!!
Any questions let me know!!
Photo Diary_Day 8
With the excavations complete, the team met to start creating the formwork and support system.
The Waffle Raft
After forming the trench 1000mm wide x 2000mm long x 300mm deep (scale 1:2) they used a bucket to form large mounds of earth at regular intervals.The mounds were patted and compressed in the bucket and then turned over like sand castles.
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Using reinforcement bar they created a grid pattern around the mounds resting on bamboo sticks to lift them from the base of the trench.
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Due to the large area, we have left this covered with tarpaulin to be filled with concrete tomorrow.
The Canoe Strip
Working at 1:2 they formed a 500mmwide x 2000mm long x 400mm deep trench. Using wet mud/soil they created 2 no. mounds of earth.
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Tarpaulin was laid, being sure to reach all corners, but remaining taught to create the sloped edges.
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The support structure was laid over the tarpaulin and secured with large nails. Rocks and bricks were used to weigh down the tarpaulin and support system. Cross braces were applied to add strength when the concrete is added.
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The concrete was poured slowly and carefully and manipulated to be sure it was reaching all areas. We understand that the same amount of care may not be taken in the Niger Delta, but we wanted to be sure that the principle behind the design worked before accounting for human error.
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We will need to leave both designs to dry for 24 hours before testing, so fingers crossed for some good results!
Photo Diary_Day 7
After producing our test models with varying mound heights, we decided to put them to the test to see which could hold the most bags of sand (each weighing 25Kg).
Option 1 – shallow moundsno reinforcement – 7bags of sand – 175Kg
Option 2 – medium mounds no reinforcement – 8bags of sand – 200Kg
Option 3 – large mounds with reinforcement (minimal concrete) – 10bags of sand – 250Kg (minimal hairline cracks only)
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Group 2 progressed with their waffle form design by producing a 1:10 model in the plaster workshop.
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Following our morning of model making and testing, the hard labour began with manual excavation to create the trenches. The ground was very solid and filled with rocks/bricks/concrete! This was HARD WORK!
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GREAT TEAM WORK GUYS!!
Photo Diary_Day 6
Following our presentation on Friday we produced an analysis table to establish which design to take forward. We then met with Alan Chandler for a meeting to run through our design proposals.
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We have now decided to continue forward with 2no designs for construction and testing at 1:1.
- The Waffle Raft
- The Canoe Strip
Working on the Canoe Strip, Chris, Hannah, Lucy and Yosuke first began by establishing a defined step by step process.
Step 1 – We formed a box to replicate the width and depth of a trench in the ground.
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Step 2 – Form mounds of soil/sand which will form the hollow shapes beneath.
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Step 3 – Lay the plastic sheeting / fabric, being sure to push into all corners.
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Step 4 – Pin down the plastic sheeting over the wooden battens to form the fabric formwork.
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Step 5 – Pour the concrete mixture slowly and carefully to fill the the fabric mould.
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Step 6 – Leave to set, as required. Remove support system carefully for re-use on the next strip. Pin back the plastic sheeting for use as a damp proof membrane.
The first attempt at the scale model making worked well however along the way we found methods of improvement. Tomorrow we will retest making these improvements and prepare for the 1:1 test foundations for pouring on wednesday.
Week 2 Objectives
Our objectives for week 2 are:
- Analyse our initial ideas from week 1 to establish the 2no ideas with the most potential to take forward (I have created the table so we can fill in and conclude first thing Monday morning).
- Undertake engineering foundation calculations for the 2no foundations to establish the optimum dimensions to take the residential loading
- Produce scale models to weight test to ensure the above calculations are correct.
- Construct a 1:1 scale model of the 2no foundations for testing
- Produce step by step instructions for construction in the Niger Delta
- Create a material quantity list to establish what materials would be required.
- Establish a concrete consistency that could be easily and cheaply translated to Port Harcourt to improve their current mixture.
- Present our final ideas/drawings/method statements/material lists to Article 25
Please all add any further objectives for next week so we can establish a full list of items to be completed!
See you tomorrow!!
cw2011workshop05 
