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4 ways structures can fail
Shear, Bend/Buckle, Torsion, Metal Fatigue
Shear Failing
When one section of a structure slides over another along its weakness
Bend/buckle
When compressive forces are exerted on a structure and causes the material to bend on the inside of the curve and pull/snap on the outside of the curve until it gives way
Torsion
Application of twisting forces to a structure
Metal fatigue
Metal weakening after experiencing bending or twisting forces over a period of time
Shearing
What does torsion cause?
3 things to think about when designing with forces
Distribute the load, direct forces using angles, shape the materials
Distributing load
Ensuring no part of the structure carries most of the load
Directing forces using angles
Direct forces along angled components so forces hold pieces together instead of pulling them apart
Shaping materials
Shape the materials to withstand a specific type of force
Examples of distributing the load
triangles
Examples of directing forces using angles
arches, keystones
Examples of shaping materials
“I-beam”, “T-beam”, corrugated cardboard
Cantilever
Horizontal board/span supported by a very strong column at one end
Braces
Used to direct the forces through the solid part of the structure to the ground
Buttress
Architectural structure built against a wall or arch to support it
Flying Buttress
Columns on the outside of a structure that connects to the building near the top to support outer walls
Eg. Notre Dame Cathedral, Westminster Abbey…
What are some famous examples of flying buttresses
Notre Dame Cathedral, Westminster Abbey
What are some examples of bend and buckle?
Blades of grass, car bumpers, accordions
What is an example of a structure that needs distributive load?
Frame structures that can get pushed and pulled out of shape.
What are 3 things designers need to keep in mind when building a stable structure?
Friction, low centre of gravity, large base
What does friction do?
Friction holds a structure in place because it resists motion.
How does friction occur?
By contact between two surfaces.
What is a problem with friction?
Too little or too much friction can cause problems.
What are some examples of friction?
Fasteners (nails/screws) and brick layers.
What is the low centre of gravity?
The specific point where all mass is evenly distributed around.
How would you find the centre of gravity in an irregular shape?
Based on the way the object balances and falls.
What does a large base do?
It increases stability.
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