Last year the team at Rockhouse International engaged the professional and expert services of a skilled structural engineer to put their revolutionary construction system under the microscope. Demonstrating a true show of faith, throwing their design work wide open to the unforgiving scrutiny of Australia's world renowned construction standards.
Entitled Report on Structural Testing of RockHouse Beams, Spreaders, Columns and Assemblies the systematic analysis was undertaken in August 2018 by a Chartered Professional Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia, the report summarised that:
"The test results confirm that RockHouse building structures are inherently strong and exceed the minimum seismic code requirements for 3-storey buildings, and exceed the minimum cyclone (hurricane) code for 1 to 2-storey buildings depending on each building’s individual configuration."
The thorough report documented a series of physical tests aimed at qualifying the RockHouse system's rigidity and capability as it relates to modern day building and construction standards. This was implemented using the following tests:
Beams and Spreaders - Test 1 - Non-Destructive test to establish point load capacity
Beams and Spreaders - Test 2 - Non-Destructive test to establish distributed load capacity
Beams and Spreaders - Test 3 - Destructive test to establish beam ultimate loading
Columns and Cladding - Test 1 - Destructive test to establish moment capacity of the columns
Columns and Cladding - Test 2 - Destructive test to establish axial capacity of the columns and bolted connection
Columns and Cladding - Test 3 - Destructive test to establish connection capacity of columns bolted splice connections across floors
Columns and Cladding - Test 4 - Destructive test to establish columns bending moment capacity
Columns and Cladding - Test 5 - Destructive test to establish cladding bracing capacity
The report's findings were pleasing, although not surprising to the RockHouse team. The parts and procedures associated with the RockHouse building methods passed with flying colours.
Additionally the report highlighted some key factors regarding the structural integrity of the patented RockHouse construction system. These are outlined below and came about via the use of the various expert testing procedures outlined above:
A total of 6.57 kN load was applied at the centre of the (flooring) grid without inducing any damage, and the system remained in its elastic state. Ultimate structural capacity was determined to be in excess of 5.5kN.
The sample was loaded up to 75.9kN without showing any sign of damage. The axial capacity of single columns was determined to be in excess of 31.6kN. Based on this assessment columns can safely support up to three storeys.
The frame was loaded up and achieved 41.45kN ultimate load, based on which the ultimate design shear capacity of wall cladding is calculated as 4.8kN/m per layer of plywood. This would enable the framing system to resist the (relevant) wind loading as per Australian Standard AS1170.2.
Given the structural testing failed to find fault in the inherent strengths and appropriateness of the RockHouse construction system, it can be deemed a great result for all involved.
The enthusiasm around this forward-thinking concept continues to gain momentum and excitement from those involved internally, colleagues such as engineers and builders that have been consulted and the wider industry overall.
If you want to know more, contact us today and our engineers will answer any questions that you need answered.
Rockhouse International
Unit 2B, 26 Production Avenue
Molendinar QLD 4214
Australia
Tel: +61 418 451 891
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