Structures I : Lab 2

Lab 2: Cantilevered Equilibrium (Part I)

The Problem
The problem is to create a free-standing cantilevered sculpture using only the standard kit of parts provided.

The Objectives
The objectives of this exercise are many. This is the first exercise in which the principles covered in the lectures can be applied in a physical manner. The concepts of balance and strengths of materials can be tested with the "kit of parts" included for each group. Structural principles are really quite basic. This is the beginning - more complex and poetic structures can be built upon these basic concepts. The most important things to remember are :

that structures are an everyday part of our built environment.
that structural understanding can only increase a design repertoire.
that structural concepts can be simply visualized and understood.

During the process of the design and construction of the sculpture, the relationship between

action and reaction
supporting and supported elements
statics and dynamics
essential and non-essential elements
should be investigated. Each individual should confirm their intuitive understanding of static equilibrium and initiate an understanding of the kinds of forces that different types of materials can withstand.

The Rules
The only materials that can be used for this exercise are included in the kit of parts provided. This consists of two wooden blocks, two 3 ft X 1/4 inch dowels, a plywood platform, cotton twine, sandpaper, thumb-tacks, wood glue, and 15 sheets of A4 paper. A "sculpture" should be created which suspends one of the blocks at least 16 inches vertically and 24 inches horizontally away from the edge of a table.

The Documentation
In addition to the completion of the sculpture within the lab session, each group must submit one plan and one elevation sketch of the group's sculpture at the end of the period.

The lab report to be submitted must contain:

a written verbal description of the structural system
a written verbal description of the structural elements
a written verbal description of the flow of the forces within the elements
a graphical description of the forces acting within each major element
the answers to the questions:
1. Where would your sculpture fail if the weight of the suspended block of wood were to steadily increase?
2. What kind of failure would this represent?

An Image Gallery of Past Projects

Details of the construction...