1.Three designs for a series of short columns are proposed (see Table 1).
(a)Confirm all these column designs are structurally comparable.
[1 mark]
(b)The client has expressed a wish to use the timber columns as they are ‘lower carbon’. Define a functional unit for these columns and compare them formally in terms of embodied carbon. Explain any assumptions you have made and comment on sources of variability in the data giving a range for each material.
[4 marks]
(c)What additional environmental considerations might you take into account when choosing which column type to use? Discuss 3 examples, each with a short paragraph. Which column design would you recommend to the client if she is concerned about environmental impact? Justify your answer using 2-3 short paragraphs.
[5 marks]
Table 1: Column design proposals
