Define function
The purpose for why a structure is built
Define aesthetics
How a structure looks (is it pleasing to the eye) or feels, good or bad
Define structure
Any object made of parts that are arranged together to provide support
What is a solid structure?
A structure formed from a solid piece or combination of solid pieces
What is a frame structure?
A structure made up of a rigid arrangement of parts or components that are fastened together
What is a shell structure?
A structure with a strong outer surface and is hollow inside
What is a combination structure?
A structure made up of more than one structural form
Define force
A push or pull on an object
What does the effect of force depend on?
Magnitude, direction, location
What is magnitude?
The size/strength of the force
What is location?
The location of the object that the force is applied to
What is direction?
The direction you apply the force in
Define external force
A force applied to an object by another object or force
Define center of gravity
An imaginary point where gravity is equal on both sides of the structure making it balanced
Define load
The weight that a structure must be able to hold
What factors influence the structure of a house?
Climate, location, materials available, cost, aesthetically pleasing, natural forces, does it impact wildlife?
What are the types of load?
Dynamic, and static
What is a dynamic load?
A load that moves or shifts
What is a static load?
A load that is motionless (dead load)
What are the types of bridges
Beam, truss, suspension, and arch
What is a beam bridge?
A bridge that is supported by pillars at the ends which holds up the beam. It is flat and is the most common type of bridge.
What is a truss bridge?
A bridge that uses triangles (trusses) on the sides to hold up the load. It is lightweight and strong.
What is a suspension bridge?
A bridge that uses cables to enforce it. There are towers at the ends that hold it up.
What is an arch bridge?
A strong bridge that uses an arch to transfer the load to the pillars. This bridge can withstand heavy loads.
What is an internal force?
A force applied on the inside of an object or structure
What are the types of internal forces?
Torsion (when an object becomes twisted), Shear (when two materials slide past each other), Compression (the push on an object making it shorter), Tension or Stretching (the pull on an object making it longer), Bending (one side squeezes together while the other pulls apart making it curved)
What is compression?
When an object gets pushed inwards. This makes the shape of the object shorter.
What is tension (stretching)?
When an object is stretched apart. This makes the shape of the object longer.
What is shear?
When two sides of an object slide past each other in the opposite direction. The object looks tilted.
What is bending?
When an object becomes curved because of a combination of compression and tension. One side squeezes together while the other side pulls apart. This makes a curved shape in the object.
What is torsion?
When an object is twisted. When this happens, one side becomes vertical and the other is horizontal.
What is structural failure?
When a structure can no longer withstand the force that is acted on it making the structure break or fracture
What is structural fatigue?
When a structure is worn down by the force and is slowly breaking down
How can structural shapes increase the stability of a structure?
Certain structural shapes equally distribute weight among the rest of the shapes therefore making a structure stronger
What is a joint?
Something used to connect two or more objects
What is a fixed joint?
A joint that does not move and cannot bend
What is a moveable joint?
A joint that can move and is flexible
What are ways you can strengthen a structure?
Corrugation, lamination, using a truss, using a arch, using a tie, or using a strut
Define margin of safety
The limit within which the manufacturer believes the safety performance of a structure is acceptable
What is corrugation?
Waves like shapes inside two sheets
What are the factors taken into consideration when building for safety
How strong and flexible a structure is
What is lamination?
Connecting layers of materials together
What is a truss?
A framework of beams that form triangles
What is an arch?
It is a curved structure that equally distributes weight amongst the rest of the structure
What is a tie?
A beam that is used to resist tension
What is a strut?
A beam used to resist compression
Explain criteria for evaluating designs?
Cost (how much will it cost to build and operate), benefits (the benefits of building it and who will enjoy it), safety (is there a safety hazard, who or what can be affected), and impact on the environment (will and how it may impact, how to prevent harm).
What are complimentary forces
When two or more internal forces are acted upon a structure