Andrew Graham Log
13th March, 2014
Updated cad file and range of motion http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Soil_Mixer_-_Overall_Machine_-_3D_CAD
Lime wash
Determined that the 4 parts lime/3 parts water then salt added (salt is 1/5th the lime amount by volume, not weight) is a good mix provided the surface is smooth. On a rough surface this mix is too thick. For a rough surface, this mix works - 1 part lime / 1 part water by volume, with salt being the same ratio - 1/5th the amount of lime. It isn't necessary to mix the salt with more water prior to mixing with a drill in both these recipes. this was done on previous days to help mix more evenly, but these mixes are both watery enough to not worry about this.
Pre misting the area before applying the lime wash significantly prevents cracking. this is done by lightly misting so the soil looks darkened and damp, but not soaking wet. Waiting a while to see it dry a little (~30 seconds) and repeating 4 or 5 times helps create a deeper bond into to adobe wall when the lime wash is applied.
Hard brushes are ok to use only on smoothly rendered stucco, but on mud stucco these can be too abrasive and affect application. softer brushes like the thick ones we used from horse hair apply the mix really smoothly and work really well on both surfaces.
12th March, 2014
- 3D range of motion test for hydraulic cylinder.
- http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Soil_Mixer_-_Opening_Mechanism_Module_-_Calculations
- http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:RangeOfMotion.png
- http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Soil_Mixer_-_Opening_Mechanism_Module_-_Bill_of_Materials
- Hablab whitewash testing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiA1LRERXjU&list=UU0Jra6oMPLejbnPr4bzxdpg
Determined that thick 2 to 1 lime/water ratio is too thick and cracks in some areas. Prepping with misting the adobe layer before limewashing definitely reduces cracking. We are also testing two recipes for tomorrow. One that is 4/3 Lime/water. The other that is 1/1. We will test both of these to see which works better.
11th March, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjADHmrkFy4
Tested different whitewash formula. it appeared that thick lime wash was less tolerant of some areas of the wall and was peeling back at some points after some time had passed. We applied a thin whitewash with the consistency of cream or milk at the end to different parts of the wall to see if we could avoid the peeling problem.
Drew the clamshell mechanism and hinge in sketch up for the Soil Mixer.
Screenshot
Sketchup in progress
File:SoilPulverizerV1s001.skp
10th March, 2014
Timelapse of wall painting- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4bef_KFQts
Helped sketch designs for soil mixer.
Painted wall with Lauren and Cat. (timelapse video in progress)
Cooked thai style fried rice for dinner.
Commenced ideation for procedural animation of the GVCS in Houdini for documentation.
9th March, 2014
Append design Rationale - http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Soil_Mixer_Construction_Set_Requirements
Laid hay over the ground to stop mud being moved along the path.