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Understanding Solid and Combination Structures

Structures can be classified into three basic forms: solid, frame, and shell, each serving different functions and supporting various loads. Solid structures are made from solid materials, frame structures consist of interconnected parts, and shell structures have hollow, curved shapes. Most structures are combinations of these forms, such as buildings and the human skeleton, which incorporate elements of all three types.

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6 views4 pages

Understanding Solid and Combination Structures

Structures can be classified into three basic forms: solid, frame, and shell, each serving different functions and supporting various loads. Solid structures are made from solid materials, frame structures consist of interconnected parts, and shell structures have hollow, curved shapes. Most structures are combinations of these forms, such as buildings and the human skeleton, which incorporate elements of all three types.

Uploaded by

james juma
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

10.

3 Classifying Structures
Key Question: What forms do structures have?

Different structures have different functions. We can


group structures based on their functions.

We can also group structures based on their forms.


Structures have three basic forms:
• solid
• frame
• shell
Complex structures are often combinations of these
forms.

Different structural forms can support different loads.

SOLID STRUCTURES
solid structure A solid structure uses solid construction materials to
an object that uses support loads. A solid structure usually has a large mass.
solid construction to
support loads
A well-made solid structure can last a long time.

A concrete dam, a wooden telephone pole, and a


marble statue are examples of solid structures.

Figure 1 shows a concrete dam. The dam has thick


concrete at the bottom where the load forces of the
water are huge.

Figure 1 This dam is made of strong, solid concrete.

230 Chapter 10 Worksheet 10.3-1 Copyright © 2010 by Nelson Education Ltd.


FRAME STRUCTURES
frame structure A frame structure uses a network, or skeleton, of
a network of parts materials that support each other.
that supports loads
Frame structures can be very strong. The parts of a
frame work together to resist forces. Frame structures
are also lighter than solid structures.

A goalie’s net and a spiderweb are examples of frame


structures. Many buildings use frame structures (Figure 2).

Figure 2 You can see the frame structure that supports this building.

A frame structure may have a membrane stretched


over it, but the membrane does not help support
loads. For example, a tent may be made of a metal
frame with fabric stretched over it. The fabric does not
help support loads.

SHELL STRUCTURES
shell structure A shell structure has a hollow, curved shape. An egg
a hollow structure and a bike helmet are shell structures (Figure 3).
with a curved shape
providing high
strength and rigidity

Figure 3 A helmet is an example of a shell structure.

Shell structures are strong and rigid, but they can also
be very light.
Copyright © 2010 by Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 10 Worksheet 10.3-1 231
TURN
COMBINATION STRUCTURES
Most structures are combination structures. They have
solid, shell, and frame parts.

For example, most buildings have a solid foundation.


They also have a frame of wood or metal that supports
a shell of brick or concrete. Table 1 shows other
examples of combination structures.

Table 1 Examples of Combination Structures

Structure Forms
car • metal frame
• plastic or metal shell

bridge • solid pier


• steel frame supports

domed stadium • solid concrete walls


• metal frame
• shell roof

The Human Skeleton


The human skeleton is a combination structure
(Figure 4). Bones can be considered solid structures.
The network of bones is a frame structure. The skull
is a shell structure.

Figure 4 The human skeleton includes solid, frame, and shell parts.

232 Chapter 10 Worksheet 10.3-1 Copyright © 2010 by Nelson Education Ltd.


Name: _________________________________________ Date: _________________________

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1. What three forms can structures have? Give an example of each.

2. How does a frame structure support a load?

3. Which structural forms are found in the human body? Explain.

4. Think back to the Key Question. Where do you see the three structural forms
in your community? Give an example of each.

Copyright © 2010 by Nelson Education Ltd. Chapter 10 Worksheet 10.3-1 233


END

Common questions

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Shell structures achieve strength through their hollow, curved shapes, which distribute stress across the surface, making them rigid yet light. This design allows shell structures like a bike helmet or an egg to resist external pressures efficiently while remaining light, facilitating easier handling and less material usage .

Combination structures integrate solid, shell, and frame elements to exploit the strengths of each form. Solid components provide foundational support, frame structures offer flexibility and weight efficiency, and shell parts add strength with minimal material. For example, buildings use solid foundations, frames for structural integrity, and shell materials for protection and aesthetics .

Solid structures like dams use their mass in structural design by incorporating thick, dense materials capable of withstanding immense pressure, such as that from water. This construction ensures stability and long-term durability, dealing effectively with sustained forces by distributing load across a dense body, reducing the risk of failure .

Solid structures use materials with large mass to support loads and are typically built with solid construction, providing the necessary support. They are meant to withstand heavy pressure, exemplified by a concrete dam that features thick concrete at high-pressure points to manage the water's force .

Buildings combine solid, frame, and shell structures to enhance functionality. The solid foundation ensures stability, the frame structure provides support and flexibility, and the shell offers protection and insulates from environmental factors. This integration results in efficient load bearing, durability, and aesthetic appeal .

In engineering applications, solid structures are chosen for their durability and ability to withstand heavy loads, frame structures for their lightweight and flexible configurations, and shell structures for their ability to enclose space with minimal material. Engineers decide on the structure type by considering factors such as loading conditions, environmental impact, material availability, and cost, ensuring that the chosen form meets the structural and functional needs of the project .

Frame structures use a network or skeleton of materials that support each other, making them lighter than solid structures. Unlike solid and shell structures, frame structures resist forces through collaboration among parts and do not rely on solid mass; instead, they provide support through interconnected components like a skeleton or lattice .

The human skeleton exemplifies natural integration of solid, frame, and shell structures. Bones serve as solid elements providing primary support, the network of bones functions as a frame structure offering flexibility, and the skull acts as a shell structure protecting the brain .

Frame structures maintain their integrity by distributing loads and forces throughout a network of interconnected components, ensuring that no single part bears the entire load. They rely on the principle of load sharing, where interconnected elements work together to resist and balance external forces, such as tension and compression .

The skull functions as a shell structure due to its curved, hollow shape that provides strength and rigidity. This structure effectively protects the brain from external impacts while being lightweight enough to allow for head movement and flexibility. Its design helps in distributing forces across its surface, minimizing localized stress .

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