Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering / Kimberly W. Kramer / Trusses are an efficient way to span long distances with minimal material required. This report is a parametric study of the different design and construction aspects for a 300’-0” span, steel, Warren type truss. The study specifically examines the vertical loading on the truss, including components and cladding wind loading. The engineering variables investigated are panel point location, steel shape size and type, steel grade, member orientation, and connection design. Each of these aspects are studied independently with major results accounted for later in analysis. This allows for the most economical truss by reviewing each alternative possibly not commonly used in steel construction. However, trusses require special consideration in constructability compared to a common steel structure such as an office building. Because of this added complexity, constructability issues are also examined after all parametric studies are completed for engineering variables. Transportation regulations and restrictions, steel erecting (including the construction loading of the ASCE 37-02), and temporary structures are considered for the 300’-0” span steel truss. The results of the engineering design variables are documented showing the benefit of using W-Shape members with higher grades of steel in select members, and the rotation of members for truss stability and simplified connection detailing. Each of the multiple construction considerations are presented, providing the most recent information available at the time of this report.

The play materials designed for special education are commonly used by children with various disabilities. This study overviews these materials from the perspectives of special needs, special user groups and special education. Furthermore, the effects of different disabilities on the interactions of the children with the same toys are investigated, within the light of those special cases. The base of the study is constructed with a literature review on toys, play and special education, followed by observations that are performed in a special education centre with six subjects having different disabilities, namely Rett&rsquo / s syndrome, mental retardation, hyperactivity, Down&rsquo / s syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. The study is concluded with compared results of the observations and design implications derived from the interactions between the toys and children.

Origami-based mechanisms have unique characteristics that make them attractive for engineering applications. However, origami-based design is still a developing area of design. Continued work to increase general understanding of key design parameters specific to origami-based mechanisms will increase the ability of designers to capture the potential benefits of origami-based mechanisms. This thesis presents a fundamental study of origami to assist designers in gaining a stronger understanding of the key parameters and capabilities of origami-based mechanisms. As a starting point a study of fundamental motions in action origami models (those that exhibit motions in their folded state) is presented to explore fundamental motions and actuation in origami-based mechanisms. Eleven fundamental motions are outlined and defined with the associated actuation forces that drive them. Additionally, considerations for ensuring necessary performance and force transfer characteristics in origami mechanisms are presented. This is done by exploring the effect of surrogate hinge selections, fold pattern modification, and actuation inputs on the final mechanism. A model of mechanical advantage in origami models consisting of N, degree-4, vertices (where N = 1,2,3,...) is developed and explored. From the exploration of the parameters of the mechanical advantage model it is shown that hinge selection can greatly affect the performance of an origami mechanism by determining its range of motion, precision, and mechanical advantage. Therefore, in order to better understand this important design decision, specific considerations for surrogate hinge selection are presented. These considerations discuss methods to increase performance and reduce hinge imprint, as well as develop surrogate hinges in metals. The key design parameters and considerations presented herein as well as study of origami motions serve to lay the groundwork toward the development of analysis tools and design guidelines specifically suited to origami based design.

Underwater has always been attractive and curiosity for human beings. Exploring, employing and being part of underwater has been a challenge for them at all times. The first underwater structures were products of engineering studies and have been used for fields of scientific researches and observations, military purposes and obtaining energy for centuries. However, underwater is a new medium for human for accommodation and entertainment purposes / and correspondingly new subject which is worth to study for architects. Designing underwater structures became a race between architects and engineers during last years. Accordingly, underwater hotel and restaurant projects were realized. Currently, underwater structures can uttered as a fantasy and a new understanding for architecture, however in the future underwater may be suggested as a new accommodation area. The thesis aims to point out the design considerations of underwater structures from not merely engineering, but also architectural aspects. Designing underwater has its own principles and characteristics and these should be asserted under the light of the study on former structures. On the other hand, basic criteria and purposes of architectural aspects for underwater structures should be defined to meet requirements of human. To achieve that, parameters will be pointed out and interpreted according to the conditions and limitations of the environment in order to set the fundamentals for architectural approaches to underwater design. A comparative study on contemporary examples will be made to evaluate these parameters and comments will be made under the light of the evaluation.