DAB510-1- FABRICATION- The Different Parts.

OVERVIEW

The proposed design for the interaction node is made up of 5 main components, the concrete foundation slab, the shipping container, the recycled timber viewing space, the steel roof frame and the solar panel roofing.
Each of these elements, their construction, fabrication and transport requirements, are discussed below. 

1- CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION

This is the only element of the design which cannot be fabricated off site and will need to be constructed at the wharves. It is a standard 150mm thick, reinforced concrete slab, with a small set down where the shipping container sits on it.

It will provide a solid base for the rest of the node and help to elevate the structure off the ground, to assist in preventing flood damage. Although, it will need to be constructed on site, this should not be a problem, as there is sufficient access for trucks and enough space around the site, for construction equipment.Footings and reinforcing will obviously need to be applied and constructed in the necessary locations around the node. 

An example of the proposed concrete slab.
Sourced from: http://toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au/demosites/series10/10_01/content/
bcgbc4010a/10_floor_systems/05_concrete_slab_types_ofconstruction/images/page_003b.gif 

2- REFURBISHED SHIPPING CONTAINER

The main element of the design is the refurbished shipping container. Three major modifications need to happen to the container, in order for it to work in the prescribed manner.

The first major change is that the length of the container needs to be shortened, in order for it to fit into the 5m bounding box that the node is constrained to. Standard shipping containers are 20 feet long, which equates to around about 6.1 metres. It is proposed that the container be shortened at one end, and the total length reduced to 4.5 metres, as this would leave adequate room on either side of it for any other structural features of the node. The end that will be shortened, will be refitted with the corner support columns, and the standard doors will be replaced by a single roller door, to allow easier access to the node. The other side of the node will remain untouched, and the standard doors will be sealed closed.

The interior of the container will be fitted out with various counter tops and cooking and mechanical equipment. These include a built in fridge and cooktop. The counter tops and storage spaces underneath will be constructed from stainless steel, to ensure they are robust and durable. This also allows them to be welded onto the shipping container and allows for a solid and sturdy construction.

Finally, the various fenestrations on either side of the container will need to be fabricated. This is a fairly simple process and consists of cutting out the openings, reinforcing the edges and connecting the cut-out pieces back to the container via hinges. All the openings will be sealed with a water tight join and in the case of a flood, the container can be sealed, and the internal equipment and furnishings preserved.

An example of the type of shipping container that will be used.
Sourced from: http://www.royalwolf.com.au/images/zoom/2ndhand2.jpg

An example of how the container will get to the site.
Sourced from: http://www.transportplanning.com/images/small/04_20ft_CONTAINER_TILT_BODY_TRUCK.gif

One final aspect of this element is the transportation to the site. The use of a shipping container means nearly any flatbed truck of an adequate size can be used to transport the container to the site and once of the site, all that is required is for the container to be placed on the concrete slab and bolted down. This ensures a fast and easy construction process and will help to minimise costs.



3- RECYCLED TIMBER BLOCKS

The recycled timber blocks from the viewing space of the node and are a key element in the teaching process. The blocks are built up in heights of 10mm, and stacked in an interesting and varying manner.They are all regularly shaped, and can be easily manufactured off site. Once on the site, all that is required is for them to be placed in their positions and secured down, either to the concrete slab or to each other. 

An example of the type of material that can be used to fabricate the viewing blocks.
Sourced from: http://static.coco.sensis.com.au/20120717t134748n00f0033/Using%20recycled%
20timber%20for%20your%20interior%20design_300x300.jpg 

4- STEEL ROOF SUPPORT FRAME

The roof structure is one of the only elements of the node that does not make use of recycled materials, however, it can also be fabricated off site and easily transported to the site.

The structure is designed to be as abstract representation of the Story Bridge and is constructed from cast steel. The entire frame consists of 3 main components, the supports on either end, the centre beam which connects them and the 5 pivots that sit on it and support the roof panels.

An example of a cast steel beam.
Sourced from: http://images.wisegeek.com/steel-i-beam.jpg

The size and nature of the frame, means that it is easy to transport, and this can be done with each component separate from one another. Once on site, the frame can be constructed around the sipping container and connected to the concrete foundation.


5- SOLAR PANEL SHADING DEVICE

The solar panel roofing is another element of the design which can be easily fabricated off site, transported to the site and attached to the node once it reaches the site.

The shading device consists of 5 panels, each one includes a solar panel that is housed in an aluminium frame. Once fabricated the 5 panels can be flat packed to create a package that is no more than 5 metres long, 1 metre wide and 1 metre high.

Once on the site, all that is required is for the panels to be secured to the frame structure and the required electrical circuit set up, to allow them to supply power to the interior of the shipping container.

Adjustable solar panels.
Sourced from: http://api.ning.com/files/xcM-8YrOacalSjzYMQbYAUu1uQMjpJDpTNc4ncHNkwSEjqnaxeNJi6-TZDjdZYh6dAnB5guwGKeu7EYoo3cMoJ5xzcg-C0ha/SolarPanel.JPG