Catalan structure at Riverfront

Introduction

Students of CEPT university in there summer workshop had designed a form shaped similar to a dome. They approached Sankalan for suggestions on – structural stability of the form, material that could be used, construction detailing and construction of the structure. 

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Hypothesis

The design development of a compression-only shell structure that is structurally stable and exhibits aesthetic appeal, without the requirement of RCC or steel members, is investigated. The utilization of lightweight materials is explored as an alternative approach to accomplish these objectives.

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Experiment Procedure

After the structural and foundation design was complete, to define the construction methodology, a scale-to-scale prototype was constructed in Bhuj for load testing.

The materials used to construct the prototype were - 

1. Terracotta tiles
2. Plaster of Paris (POP)
3. Chicken mesh
4. Cement Sand mortar-1:2 

Total load applied=2 tonnes x 3 = 6 tonnes

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Testing procedure 

1. After the tile dome was complete it was kept for 15 days of curing.
2. The load was applied after the curing period was over.
3. Scaffolding was prepared and load was distributed evenly from top to bottom.
4. Cement bag used for loading weighed 20 kg each.
5. The loading was done in three stages i.e. 2 ton, 4 ton, 6 ton was applied on the same day and after 6 tons it was kept for 3 days as is to check out the creeping.

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Observation Table

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Conclusion

The load was applied after 15 days of construction. After 6 ton of loading, 3 mm deflection was observed in one day and no deflection happened any further.

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