ARC423 Advanced Building Systems

Lecture Notes for Monday March 3, 2003

• At the time of the second proposal for the exhibition building, Paxton is off site observing the construction of cast-iron railroad bridge.
• Paxton draws a sketch, in section, of a proposal.
• Paxton uses a similar vocabulary as he has used previously in his greenhouses.
• His proposal suggests a post and beam construction creating right angle connections.
• The bay system alternates with a short and long bay all based on an 8 ft. module.
• Paxton creates multiple floors and makes several double and triple height spaces.
• On the top of the structure is the ridge and furrow glazing system.
• The scheme allows for expansion in both length and width by simply adding additional bays.
• 1848’ long
• June 11^th Paxton decides to suggest a scheme for the project. In 11 days he creates the documents of construction.
• Paxton visits Fox who produces iron railroad sheds, bridges and tracks. He also speaks to Chance who manufactures glass.
• On the 30^th of June, the trio submits a proposal to the commission that they will construct and manufacture the building on time for 150,000 British pounds. They add a second part to the proposal. They will not only build the structure but they will dismantle the building and take the building away for only 79,000 if the trio gets to keep the materials after the removal.
• On May 1^st 1851, the Crystal palace opens on time.
• Columns are designed as hollow systems so they can double as drainage system. Each column rests on individual footing pads. The columns have identical base and capital detailing making it reversible (up side down, right side up).
• A connector piece is designed to universally accept up to four trusses and additional columns on top.
• Ground floor columns are 2ft. higher than those on the upper floors. Otherwise they are identical
• All the columns, regardless of location in plan, are identical.
• Short span (24’) trusses are cast iron and are universal for all the levels.
• Paxton uses wooden vertical members to support glazing.
• External glazing has a louver system to allow for ventilation.
• Ridge and furrow system: the 24’ bays are supported by a post-tensioned wood & iron truss.
• The 24’ bays are subdivided into 8’ widths. The furrows are designed as a wooden gutter to both structurally support the glass as well as collect water. The gutter is made by routing a single piece of wood, a subtractive method.
• The glazing is limited by the glass blowing process at the time. 49" is the maximum, reliable length consistently achievable by glass blower.
• Vertical structural continuity is maintained by a bolt connection.
• Horizontal structural rigidity is provided by a portal frame arrangement which requires a fixed moment connection.
• The connection is locked into place with small wood shims. The system is exceptionally fast and allows for easy dismantling. See images for connector piece.

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