Lab 7: A Vertical Support System

The Objectives
The objective of this exercise is to investigate the implications of the Moment of Inertia on the behavior of a vertical load-bearing system (column).

The Rules
The only materials that can be used for this exercise are included in the kit of parts provided. This consists of one 3.5" square 5/8" thick foamcore "loading platform", two metal dowels (####), a foamcore base 12" x 16", cotton twine, 15 sheets of A4 (8.5" x 11") paper, and one roll of Scotch Brand clear tape.

A "column" should be created which supports the most 3.5 inch cube blocks as possible in one stack on the loading platform to the greatest height above the surface of the table. Each tower must be able to support a minimum of one block at a height of 24' above the foamcore base.

The total score for each group's tower will be calculated as follows:

The Documentation
In addition to the completion of the "tower" during the lab session, each group must submit one sectional and one axonometric sketch of the group's tower at the end of the period.

The lab report to be submitted must contain:

• digital images of the completed tower
• a written verbal description of the structural system
• a written verbal description of the structural elements
• a written verbal description of the flow of the forces within the structure
• a graphical description of the forces acting within each major element
• the answers to the questions:
  1. Where did your tower fail when the additional blocks were put on the tower?
  2. What kind of failure is this?

The Evaluation
The evaluation will be based upon the clarity and degree of completion of the lab report.