Structures

Question 1

Define a Structure.

Answer 1

A structure is something that has been built, made or put together in such a way to support a load

Question 2

Name three purposes of structures

Answer 2

1. Containing objects (Basket, tin can)
2. Protecting or sheltering objects (e.g. tent)
3. Supporting loads (e.g. chair)
4. Spanning distances e.g. bridge

Question 3

Classify the following items and explain your classification:

1. Bucket
2. Tortoise Shell
3. Bicycle
4. Spider’s Web

Answer 3

1. Man-made structure - this structure was built by people to solve the problem for how to hold a volume of water.
2. Natural Structure (i.e. not made by people) - used to protect the tortoise body.
3. Man-made structure - built to support a load.
4. Natural Structure - created to span a distance between two branches so that the spider can move across the distance and create a trap for insects.

Question 4

Name the three main types of structures.

Answer 4

Shell, frame and solid structures.

Question 5

Describe a frame structure and give an example

Answer 5

Frame structures are made up of rigid parts which are joined together to form a framework. The frame structure supports the load on the outside e.g. bicycle, bridge.

Question 6

Describe a shell structure and give an example

Answer 6

Shell structures have an outer layer that holds the whole structure together and is usually hollow inside. The shell structure holds the load on the inside e.g. Eggshell, snail

Question 7

Describe a solid structure and give an example

Answer 7

A solid structure is made from solid pieces of material. They are not hollow and do not have any joints. The support the load from the outside and are extremely strong. e.g. bricks, mountains.

Question 8

What are the names of the pieces of a frame structure?

Answer 8

Beams

Question 9

Name the different types of beams and explain why they are different.

Answer 9

Tie Beam - a cross piece in a frame structure that holds or pulls the other beams together.
Strut Beam - a diagonal beam in a frame structure that braces or supports other sections, keeping them in place by pushing against them.

Question 10

What type of force does a tie beam create?

Answer 10

Tension force - pulling or holding items together.

Question 11

What type of force does a strut beam create?

Answer 11

Compression force - pushing against items to support them.

Question 12

Other than the beams what other design consideration provides stability to a structure?

Answer 12

A wide base.

Question 13

What is triangulation?

Answer 13

It refers to arranging beams or parts of a frame structure in a triangular shape in order to make the frame structure stronger.

Question 14

Name two frame structures that use triangulation to strengthen the structure.

Answer 14

Electricity Pylons
Mine headgear - steel structures that are constructed over mineshafts used to support the machines that transport workers and materials in and out of mines.

Question 15

Name five of the structural elements that must be considered when designing a frame structure.

Answer 15

Tie beams,
Strut beams,
Guys - tensioned cable used to keep vertical structures upright e.g. tent cords),
Columns - vertical structural element that transmits the weight of the structure above to the structural elements below)
Foundation - the load bearing part of the structure on top of which other parts are built.

Question 16

Name two design considerations when designing a structure.

Answer 16

Visual Pollution
Stability
Base size
Centre of gravity