Task Overview
During this task, we were required to research, design, build and redesign a tower to withstand an earthquake. The structure must reach the height requirement of 60cm, while the base had a maximum 30cm in width, while we only had a limit of ‘$60.’ Each piece of spaghetti costs $1 and a gram of blutack also cost $1. Knowing this we had to be able to budget and plan the materials we were using to construct the tower. Using research we acquired, we were able to use the best design structures to benefit our towers strength and stability.
Define
The problem this task is modelling after is the seismic waves, caused by two tectonic plates slipping past each other, resulting in an earthquake, causing devastation, death and destruction to buildings and homes. In this challenge, we were tasked with creating a spaghetti tower to withstand the ‘seismic waves’ caused by the fake earthquake.
Brainstorm
After we had defined the problem, we could move on to brainstorming what we already knew about earthquakes and structure designs. During this stage we brainstormed lots of different structures and design features, we knew about. There were many different options that we could choose from before researching further.
Research
Once we had brainstormed our ideas, we researched further into each design feature and and structure and what sort of problems earthquakes cause. Knowing about the topic better, assisted in our understanding of the problem and earthquakes as a whole. Once we understood the topic thoroughly, we then moved on to researching design features that benefited and supported a building better throughout an earthquake. Some examples include; Cross Bracing, which helps provide stability and strength throughout the structure, Equal Weight Distribution, this ensures the tower is strong at all points leaving no weak points to take the weight of the waves and finally, Base Isolation, separating the base from the main structure reduces swaying and shaking during an earthquake. This all aided in our brainstorming and ideating stage later on.
Design
Now that we knew more and understood the topic better, we could get on to designing our prototype for our first test. Though we did pick our design and features rather quickly, we had a few different ideas. For example, our first idea was a triangular base because a triangle is the strongest shape. Then we settled on a square base, 20cm x 20cm. Once we had the base down, we had to start working on the height and upwards design. The first layer would be 10cm tall, as well as having a double spaghetti layer. Whereas the second layer would move into a triangular shape, before moving into a square at the top so layer three could sit above and mirror level two. The final tier on prototype 1 contained a platform for the 5cm x 5cm cardboard square to sit on, prior to the point where the tower finished.
Create
Seeing as we had our design ready to go, our next job was to create our prototype to test and alter. This was a difficult part as one of my group members wasn’t there, meaning we had less hands to complete the structure, while not taking too long and snapping too much spaghetti. While creating the tower, we worked out the most efficient way was to have one person measure, and the other snap the spaghetti to the right lengths, before working together to place the spaghetti and Blutack. A few changes were made to ensure the tower met the height requirements during this process, such as the some of the measurements of layer 2.
Test
Once the building and creating was complete, we could move onto the first testing. Our structure held up very well, with very minimal swaying and no breakage. The only thing that wasn’t up to standards, was the cardboard square as it was sitting just under 60cm, even though the tower was over the requirement.
Evaluate
As shown in the video above, the sideways and vertical shaking didn’t cause drama for the tower at all and it held strong. The base didn’t shake at all, which showed that our choice of a square base was not a bad decision, as I was a little nervous looking around the room at all the triangular structures. The only other thing that could have done better during the testing and designing, was the third layer and the crookedness of it.
Improve
There were a few improvements we made to our second and final design to refine our construction and enhance our results. The first alteration was the cross bracing along the third layer. Instead of the one way brace, we added a second strand of spaghetti to stronger our tower. This was added to provide extra strength and support to the tower even more as. This unfortunately meant we didn’t have money in our budget to add the extra triangle on the very top of the tower. The second adjustment following the testing was the fourth mini layer. We needed to include this in our design, because otherwise the tower wouldn’t comfortably reach the height limit with the carboard square on top. As well as adding the third layer, we also added extra cross bracing to that level to secure the top half of the build. Another design feature we added during this build was more to help with the weight test. The addition was a simple cross bracing under the stand for the cardboard square. This helped as it meant the square at support all underneath instead of only at the points of contact on the corners. The final adaptation was the length change on level 2. Since we had the fourth mini layer without the triangle, we reduced the height of the second level. We chose to do this so the tower could be reach the height limit without one layer being so tall that it’s weak.
Our Final Design and Test
Teamwork and Collaboration
During this task each member of my group worked an equal amount in class and outside, which made collaboration extremely easy.
Each of us had a job but could effortless step up if another member was away.
Ebony: Project manager
Strength: Ebony is kind and smart. She understands the project and has a strategic mind
allocation: Ebony has been allocated this role because she is good at keeping people on track and getting them to get back to work when we get distracted.
Ash: speaker and reporter
Strength: Ash is very friendly and knows lots of people, she also is very direct so she know when and what she wants done when she needs it.
allocation: Ash has been allocated these roles because she can seek help from others because she is friendly and knows lots of people. She also is organised when the due date is near.
Ella: Equipment manager
Strength: Ella is very organised and has a very creative mind, she can always come up with different ways to do things if they don’t work.
allocation: Ella has been allocated this role because of her creative mind she can think of a design and know what equipment we need.