Q1.3: Is there a limit to how much we can scale the building model to the real life building for architectural purposes? Additionally, can we use this scale to factor our cost and revenue and so it is not based on the area of the model but of the real life building?
A: The building model can be scaled only for render purposes to show any aesthetic features of the building if it would be constructed in real life. However, for the cost and revenue, no scaling is allowed as the FABI is based on the area of the wooden model.
Q1.2: Due to the absence of a geotechnical reference map to show the coastline of the bay, are we allowed to choose the location of the building in any area located in San Francisco city?
A: The location for the competition will be announced soon, but in the meantime you can go with downtown San Francisco.
Q8.1: It is stated that there are 2 different weight models specified for 2 different earthquake directions specified in the design guide. These loads are min. and max. values are certain, but the dead load weights to be installed in the mezzanine floors are not clearly expressed. Since we do not want to make any mistakes regarding this, we kindly ask you to indicate how much weight will be applied for the given two directions for different floor levels.
A: The floor dead loads are installed at specific floor levels only. The details can be found in section 8.3 of the ‘Official Rules’ and section 5 and 8 of ‘Design Guide’.
Q8.2:In the design guide, it is stated that the accelerometer to be placed on the model will be fixed with the help of clamps. Since we could not find any clear information about the weight of the accelerometer and the clamp, we kindly ask you to share the accelerometer and the total clamp weight to be used in order to calculate the maximum displacement and acceleration values of the structural model.
A: Please refer to section 8.3b of the ‘Official rules’.
Q7.3: Can a curtain wall be used in the sky bridge? (For example gusset plates)
A: Curtain walls as non-structural elements should not be in the actual physical model but can be added in the architectural rendering. Furthermore, gusset plates are not curtain walls. Gusset plates are permitted but shall not be in contact with any wall members. A gusset plate shall be in contact with and glued to at […]