Assignment: Concrete Beam
The concrete beam is a scaled beam made primarly from "sand mix", reinforced with recycled materials. I used aluminum soda cans, folded and interlaced as my "rebar" support. First, we constructed a form made from 3/4" plywood which the concrete can be poured and allowed to cure. The form also served as a structure to support the reinforcing materials so they do not shift as the mix is poured. We destructively tested the beams using the Buster structure testing system as shown below. The beam was supported at each end and a force was applied. The following formula was used to determine the overall effieiency of the beam:
EFFICIENCY = MAX FORCE (lbs/weight) / WEIGHT OF BEAM (grams)

Testing my concrete beam using the Buster test

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Assignment: Footing and Foundation
For this assignment, we applied our knowledge to the design of footing/foundation system and estimated the costs for several alternative methods of construction. Using a cost data and provided plan, we prepared material estimates for various methods. Using Microsoft Excel, we did numerous calculations and created a Bill of Material as shown below. This assignment took me about 10 hours to complete, mainly becasue I had to brush up on using AutoCAD.

Screenshot of Excel Bill of Material

Then, we prepared a foundation plan of the building using AutoCAD software. Next, we were to draw all the framing for the foundation (shown in green).

Screen Shot of foundation plan AutoCAD drawing

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Assignment: Wall Framing
For this assignment, we were given a front elevation of a wall, and ask to draw all the framing for the wall in AutoCAD. We were to include a Bill of Materials as well.

Screenshot of Wall Framing AutoCAD drawing

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