From this activity, we were to build an arch using plasticine/clay and technique of a traditional stone arch. The chosen idea is inspired by the typical ancient arches, with a simple design. The addition that we put into is the double arches that cross over the columns. It actually made our arch more aesthetic. We planned to use monster clay to build it so it is sturdy enough to lift weights.
How we built our arch:
1. First, we melted our clay using hair dryer since we used a special kind of clay that requires heat to soften it.
2. Once it is melted, we measured and moulded the clay into parts of the arches, columns and pieces of the bricks.
3. After we have shaped the parts, we attached the pieces by using melted clay as a 'cement' to attach the parts together.
4. We let the arch dry for a moment and when it dries it's already very strong and durable.
PERSONAL CONCLUSION:
From what I have concluded from the construction of my team's arch, I learned that the choice of materials (plasticine/clay) is very important to build the arch, and also the design of the arch as well. We could've build a better looking arch if we had more time to make it but other than that our arch has withstand all two types of load that was tested (seismic load and dead load). This activity has thought us the importance of a structure's design and what do we do to make it durable and long lasting.
