Computational model of central node

Spire

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Civil Engineering Part 2, Temporary Structure
A temporary structure designed to be located on the central lawn of our Bolderwood Campus
Group Members
Michael Cooper, Kyle Ogata, Omofolahan Omotola, Gaopalelwe Gwamba, Theodore Vrentas

Supervisors
Dr. Gerald Muller, Carl Leroy-Smith, Alastair McDonald

This structure has been designed to use proprietary carbon fibre tube sections connected by bespoke 3D printed stainless steel components. The scale, proportions, and geometry of the spire balance contextual visual impact, structural elegance, global stability, material availability, and manufacturing parameters.

The 3D printed components have been designed to fit within the print-bed dimensions of the 3D printer, resist their predicted loads, and minimise the use of material. A central node connects the four carbon fibre sections, three ‘foot’ elements connect the structure to the ground using stainless steel stakes (sized to suit ground conditions and calculated uplift), and the ‘tip’ component completes the structure visually whilst also being designed to a specific weight that reduces structural vibration.

Stainless steel inserts bonded into the ends of the carbon fibre sections are bolted to each 3D printed element; this allows for ease of transportation and avoids mechanical fixings into the carbon fibre which may subsequently fail due to fatigue.

A bespoke Python programme was written to instantaneously analyse structural performance as alternative form and scale options were considered. Computer Aided Design software, hand calculations, and physical prototyping further supported the design resolution. This project was developed as a group project during Semester 1 and then further refined by Michael Cooper during Semester 2.

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