SCIENCE PRACTICE
CLASSIFYING STRUCTURES
Structure: A structure is something that is made of many parts that serves
up a purpose.
Form: The form of a structure is how the structure is shaped and arranged
together.
Function: The function of a structure is the purpose of a structure.
Shell structure: A structure with a hollow shape protecting its components.
Frame structure: A structure with a framework. Light material and it's easier
to build.
Solid structure: A structure with no hollow shape with strong material.
Combination: A structure with 2 elements of structures, eg, Solid and
Frame.
Composite materials: Materials combined with each other's properties.
Layered materials: Materials placed on top of each other and pressed into
together.
Woven Knit and pressed materials: Twisted, spun, looped and knotted
materials.
FORCES
Forces: A push or pull (Measured in Newtons)
Gravity: The force of an object getting attracted, pulls objects together.
Magnitude: The size and weight of an object.
Mass:
- Measured in grams
- Does not change because of gravity
Weight
- Measured in newtons
- 6x greater in earth than the moon
- Pulled by gravity
Load: A force that acts on a structure
Static Load: A force that results from gravity
Dead load: Is the weight of the structure itself
Live load: A load is the weight of a structure.
Dynamic Load: Where a force is applied to a structure with no gravity.
External Forces
Forces on an object from outside of the structure.
Point of application: Where the force is applied.
Plane of application: Where the force can go.
Internal Forces
A force acting on the structure within.
Tension: pulling
Compression: Pushing in
Shearing: Tearing
Torsion: Twisting
Structure failure
Structural Stress: A structure slowly breaking down after a long period of
time.
Foundation: The foundation of a structure is the base of a structure that
supports the building and anchors it to the earth, for example a basement
in a house
Structural fatigue: A structure changing its shape permanently.
Structural Failure: When a structure dies and fails.
Extreme Condition: When a structure breaks from natural events.
Metal fatigue: Metal breaking down after being used a lot.
Foundation failure: Damage to a structure's foundation causing the
structure to fall.
Thrust line: What helps the structure whether it falls or not.
Stability: A structure to remain positioned and to be balanced.
Symmetry: Is a reflection of a structure to be balanced. (Or aesthetics)
Asymmetrical: Not symmetrical.
Frost Line: The maximum depth underground that the soil will not freeze
even to the coldest temperatures.
Centre of gravity: The point within a structure.
Extraordinary load: A load you don't expect.
Strengthening Structure
Triangle: Strong rigid and are not easy to bend. Distribute the forces evenly.
Beams: A beam is a length of a material that is used to support a load.
They are horizontal. We use I beams, L beams and box beams. Uses less
material and supports less of its weight.
Cantilever: A beam that is supported on one end.
Arches: An arche is shaped like a half cylinder, used to support loads in
space. The last piece of an arch is a keystone. The compression forces
transfers into the ground.
Dome: A dome is a half sphere (round structure) that balances external
forces. The compression forces transfers into the ground.
Trusses: A truss is a networking beam and triangles. Mostly used in
bridges.
Corrugation: Where you strengthen a structure with triangles.
Geodesic dome: A dome built with triangles.