Green Building and Sustainable Design

1.  Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be used to collect this natural resource.

Simply placing barrels that are piped into by the gutters or eaves is an easy method to collect and store rainfall.

Website: http//www.calfinder.com/blog/green-remodeling/rainwater
2.  Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.

A method called rammed earth is used to help maintain the environment.  It takes all natural products and compacts them into making bricks for houses.

Website: http//www.greenhomebuilding.com/rammedearth.htm
3.   During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are delivered to the site. List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste produced during the construction phase. 

      Estimate the types and quantities of waste the project will generate and determine a schedule of when the wastes will be developed.  Work with all suppliers to reduce waste on a project by asking them to buy back unused product.
Website: http//www.neo.ne.gov/home_const/factsheets/const_waste_min.htm

4.  Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a designer do to reduce energy consumption in a building?

 Super efficient windows, lighting fixtures, and sustainable construction materials and design can make a major impact on energy performance.
Website: http//www.areadevelopment.com/viewpoint/august09/reduce-commercial-building-energy-costs013.shtml

5.   Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building. Describe a method to use a site’s natural resources in the construction of the structure.        

Using sod on the old frontier was very green and also was very sustainable.  You can dig up new sod and repair the house at any time.     
Website: http//www.nebraskastudies.org/0500/frameset_reset.htm

Conclusion

1.  Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.

In very snowy regions, you could have a large black container that will act as a catcher of snow.  Get a pipe to connect to the house where it can send clean and cold water straight inside to the house.

2.  Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live. Describe why it is an improvement.

At my house, the windows could be changed so that they are not wide open to the hot summer sun.  This would help reduce the need for using the air conditioner as much.

Building Elements

1. Why is wood so often used for residential buildings?

Wood is highly used because it is relatively cheap and available everywhere.
2. What alternatives to wood frame construction are available and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

- Steel Framing

Pros: Is much sturdier than wood, Lighter than wood, Doesn't warp or expand

Cons: Special tools are needed, Builders are unfamiliar

- Adobe

Pros: Easily available in some reasons
Cons: Possibiltiy to get sick much easier than normal homes 

3. How are trusses able to span large distances?

If they are layed vertically, it makes the truss much stronger and the deflection is much less.

4. What framing systems are used to support residential roofs?

A popular method of framing is diagonal bracing.  It makes them much stronger by forming triangles.

5. How are different roof styles and pitches related to different architectural styles?
Some styles may be chosen due to the fact that there is restricted materials or heigth constraints.  Other roof styles may be picked by the builder due to cost or by the owner's desire.

WEST POINT BRIDGE

WEST POINT BRIDGE: 

How do we design the best bridge? Let's go on an Information Hunt, looking for clues.

Find the words and definitions in West Point Bridge Design HELP and fill in the blanks below.

1.      Click on HELP. Then select Help Topics.

2.      You can type the word you’re looking for, or scroll down.  Once you see the word, double click on the word you want to look up.

A.     Materials:

1.      Look up materials.  List the 3 different types of materials

• Carbon Steel
• High Strength Low-Alloy Steel
• Quenched and Tempered Low-Alloy Steel

2.      Scroll down to Notes and Tips. Read the section.

         List strength and expense for each type of material.   

	Type of material	Strength (weak to strong)	Cost (least to most)
1.	Carbon Steel	Carbon Steel	Carbon Steel
2.	High Strength Low-Alloy Steel	High Strength Low-Alloy Steel	High Strength Low-Alloy Steel
3.	Quenched and Tempered Low-Alloy Steel	Quenched and Tempered Low-Alloy Steel	Quenched and Tempered Low-Alloy Steel

 B.     Cross-Sections

1. Go back to Index. Look up cross-section.  Choose Cross-Section from menu.  List the 2 different types of cross sections.
2. Go back to Index. Look up cross-section.  Choose the line that names the 2 cross section types. from the menu.
3. Look for the boxes that describe when it is most economical to use each type of cross section.

Type of cross section	Better to use for: (tension or compression)	Shown as what color (blue or red)
Solid Bar	Tension	Blue
Hollow Tube	Compression	Red

C.     Engineering Design Process: What are the steps?

1. Go back to Index. Look up engineering design process.  Choose The Engineering Design Process from the menu.
2. List the 7 steps.

      1.      Identifty the Problem

2.      Define the Problem 

3.      Develop Alternative Solutions

4.      Analyze and compare alternative solutions 

      5.      Select the best alternative

6.      Implement the solution

7.      Evaluate the results

 

How do we optimize our bridge design?

Let's go on an Information Hunt, looking for clues.

A.  Find the How to Design a Bridge page from the help index.  What is the objective?

B.  Go to each step of the Design Process flowchart.  Read about the step, especially the Notes & Tips section.  Enter one important fact from each step.

¨     Select a Site Configuration

¨     Decide on a Truss Configuration

¨     Draw Joints

¨     Draw Members

¨     Load Test Your Design

¨     Strengthen All Unsafe Members

¨     Optimize the Member Properties

¨     Optimize the Shape of the Truss

¨     Find the Optimum Truss Configuration

¨     Find the Optimum Site Configuration

¨     Choose the Optimum Design

¨     Record Your Design

Interview

1.) What is your job title?
Landscape Architect & President

2.) When and why did you choose your career path?
Tim chose his career in his sophmore geometry class.  His textbook highlighted this career at the end of a chapter and he decided that it mixed many components that he really loved.  These components include plants, engineering, art, drawing, and being outdoors.

3.) Describe your primary duties and skills.
-- Be a good listener
-- Have and eye for design
-- Have a strong plant knowledge
-- Find creative solutions
-- Psych engineering

4.) What is your favorite part of your job?
-- Being around people
-- Solving other people's problem

5.) What was the title or titles of the degree(s)?
Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture from Ball State.

6.) What liscenses do you have and what were the exams required to receive them?
-- LARE; Must pass a 6 section, 3 day test. 
-- Degree from an accredited college
-- Maintain a bi-annual Landscape Architecture liscense

7.) What do you hope to accomplish at the conclusion of your career?
He hopes to be able to see that he served his customers well and they are pleased with the solutions he developed. 

This Is Your Career

1. What is your age?
26
2. Where do you live?
Fort Wayne, IN
3. What do you like to do outside of work?
Watch NFL and college football, fish, be outside, spending time with my friends.
4. What is your job title?
Landscape Architect
5. When and why did you choose your career path?
I chose this because I enjoy being outdoors and designing outside spaces.  I chose this career field as a senior in high school.
6. What is the name of your company or employer?
Cornerstone Landscape Group
7. Describe your primary duties and skills. [Cite your source(s)]
Working with building architects, surveyors, and engineers, landscape architects help determine the best arrangement of roads and buildings. They also collaborate with environmental scientists, foresters, and other professionals to find the best way to conserve or restore natural resources
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos039.htm
8. Describe your physical work environment.
Outdoor sites ranging from resedential backyards up to city streets and commercial offices.
9. What is your favorite part of your job?
Working outside, working hands on, as well as being able to show off my accomplishments. 
10. What is your salary? [Cite your source(s)]
$114,000  http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=landscape+architect&l1=+IN
11. Which accredited school did you first attend, and what was your degree? [Cite your source(s)]
I first attended Texas Tech University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture.
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/courses/LARC.php
12. Describe in detail three of the courses that you took which are closely related to your current career. [Cite your source(s)]
2308 Computer-Aided Design in Landscape Architecture, 3402. Master Planning, 2404. Landscape Architecture Grading and Drainage
 http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/courses/LARC.php  
13. Describe the two courses that you considered most challenging. [Cite your source(s) and include a course listing from the appropriate degree program]
4101. Proposal Writing in Landscape Architecture, 4302. Environmental Planning for Sustainable Development 
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/courses/LARC.php
14. What resources did your school have available to help you get through the most difficult courses? [Cite your source(s)]
They had advanced CAD programs that made the tough task of drawing plans, very easy.
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/courses/LARC.php
15. Regarding the two most challenging courses, how did you persevere?
I knew that the payoff would be worth it so it was easy to keep pushing through the hard times.
16. From what school(s) did you receive graduate degrees? [Cite your source(s)]
Purdue University
http://www.ag.purdue.edu/hla/la/Pages/default.aspx
17. What was the title or titles of the degree(s)? [Cite your source(s)]
Landscape Architecthttp://www.ag.purdue.edu/hla/la/Pages/default.aspx
18. What licenses do you have and what were the exams required to receive those licenses? [Cite your source(s)]
Almost all States require landscape architects to be licensed, which generally requires a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school, work experience, and a passing score on the Landscape Architect Registration Exam.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos039.htm
19. How would your clients and co-workers describe you?
I am a very fun and light hearted guy, but know when to be serious and proffesional.
20. What do you hope to accomplish at the conclusion of your career?
To be a successful businessman and be able to have a positive relationship with many community members through my services.
21. Why should a high school student consider a career in your field? What important contribution(s) can they make?
This career has many different rewarding aspects.  The challenges that you will face will make you a better problem solver and stronger buisness person.

Conclusion
1. You described a career related to civil engineering and/or architecture. Is this the career field that you are currently most interested in at this stage in your life?
No, right now I think that I am more interested in something to do with chemical or electrical engineering. 
2. Rank and describe the three most important characteristics that you value in choosing a post-secondary school.
First of all the school must be accredited.  Second it must offer the correct courses that I need to prepare me for my actual job.  The last one is that I fit well with the campus and its surroundings.
3. Rank the following in the order of importance to you regarding a career: job satisfaction; salary; making a difference; level of responsibility; titles; benefits; hours; co-workers; supervisors. How will a career in civil engineering or architecture satisfy the factor that you ranked highest?
1st - Job Satisfaction
2nd - Level of Responsibility
3rd - Salary
If I have the job of a landscape architect, then I will be able to satisfy both myself as well as the people who use my services. 

Assignment #1

1.     Define civil engineering.
the branch of engineering concerned with the design and construction of such public works as dams or bridges

2.     Define architecture.
The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings

3.     Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?
The beginning of the Neolithic period was a start with mud and brick houses. This was the first time that houses were built.

4.     In ancient times how were building materials chosen?
They chose material by what the region had to offer as well as what was the easiest.

5.     Give two examples of vernacular architecture.
Stone and clay houses in Nepal.  Igloos in areas with heavy snow fall.  

6.     Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.
The early system was using slave labor in order to construct buildings.

7.     What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?
The Egyptian pyramids were constructed for the use of tombs.  The Mexican pyramids were used as the chief temple of the Aztecs

8.     What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a simple sketch to illustrate.

They started by taking columns and then laying horizontal stones on top of them.

9.     What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?

They hated how the building fell over all the time so they came up with this.

10. Explain how an arch is created.

Start by stacking equal blocks on each side.  Then take curved stones and work the arch until you insert the keystone in the middle.

11.  How is the vault used in civil engineering?
The vault is used mostly in long hallways and cellars.

12.  Give an example of an arch and dome system.
One example is the Pantheon.

13.  Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How did this restrict construction in ancient times?

Now most buildings have some sort of steel structure whether its the beams or reinforced concrete.  Steel allows buildings to take any shape the steel is formed into.

14.  What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?
To bring water from up in the mountains and flow it down into the city.

15.  Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

The Romans roads were constructed very well with all roads leading towards Rome.  Where as the the Greek roads were bad and were not constructed in any order.

16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.

Most of the bridges had an arch base and were made of concrete.  They were the first bridges built to last.

17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?

Both the methods and materials slowly progressed until the early 19th century.  But nothing close to the Roman's advances.

Conclusion

1.     Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?

My example is a pyramid in Egypt, but not one of the Great Pyramids.  It is a memorial to dead unknown soldiers for the October War of 1973.  This pyramid is only a memorial not a burial site.  The reason for this is because humans are buried in separate graves and not mass tombs.

2.     Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.

Modern Architecture Dome in Kuwait City.

3.     What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?
People need to travel, goods need transported from place to place, and communication needs to occur.  The cost of building is cheap compared to the value of goods that are transported across it and intern that money goes into the economy.