STRUCTURAL DESIGN ESSENTIALS WORKSHOP
Manja van de Worp
Matteo Attanasio
Ritu Vora
Nina Avdalyan
Yetkin Demir
Kruti Ajaykumar Ghariwala
Ragini Chakrawarti
Google HQ , London
We are exploring alternative structural systems for the Google HQ building in London. As part of this process, a beam from the proposed system is designed to meet performance standards. A full-scale (1:1) model of the beam will be constructed and tested under simulated loads to evaluate its strength and deflection. This testing will confirm if the design is sufficient and provide insights for further optimization, ensuring the feasibility of innovative structural solutions for the project.We are exploring alternative structural systems for the Google HQ building in London. As part of this process, a beam from the proposed system is designed to meet performance standards. A full-scale (1:1) model of the beam will be constructed and tested under simulated loads to evaluate its strength and deflection. This testing will confirm if the design is sufficient and provide insights for further optimization, ensuring the feasibility of innovative structural solutions for the project.
BEAM TEST
As a result of a beam test, the structure started bending at the top part while being pressed by ~45 kg, at the ~60 kg mark, the cracking sounds could be heard and the middle part split into two at the ~75 kg mark. Interestingly enough, it didn’t break or crack where it was originally split into two parts that were reinforced for research purposes.
Failure mode + improvements:
Beam consisting of three angled elements and one horizontal member, with the angled elements secured using screws and dowels. During pressure testing, the beam failed under a load of 75 kg. The angled elements were reinforced with shear support on one side but left unsupported on the other. As a result, under compressive stress, the unsupported sides of the angled elements buckled, causing the beam to fail.
