Topic 1

Question 1

What is a structure?

Answer 1

Objects with a definite size and shape that serve a definite purpose.

Question 2

What is a force?

Answer 2

• Stresses like pushes or pulls a structure
  undergoes
• Forces may change the shape or size of the structure

Question 3

A structure must withstand what to perform its function?

Answer 3

Forces!

Question 4

What is a load?

Answer 4

Weight carried or supported by a
structure

Question 5

How can we classify structures?

Answer 5

A common form of classification splits structures into two groups:
natural structures manufactured structures

Question 6

What is a natural structure?

Answer 6

Are not made by people

Question 7

What is a manufactured structure?

Answer 7

Objects built by people. Many manufactured structures use designs
found in nature

Question 8

What is a mass structure?

Answer 8

Piling up or forming similar
materials into a shape or design. These structures are held in
place by their own weight.

Question 9

What are some pros and cons of mass structures?

Answer 9

PROS: Small areas of weakness or small parts being worn away does not have a large
CONS: Large size and weight. Must be carefully designed to take this into account.

Question 10

What is a shell structure?

Answer 10

Thin carefully shaped outer layer that provides strength and rigid. Also flexible shells like parachutes, bubbles, balloons.

Question 11

What are some pros and cons of shell structures?

Answer 11

CONS: Tiny weaknesses can cause the structure to fail. Forming shells from hot or moist materials may have uneven cooling and cause areas that are weaker than others. Flat materials, like plywood are not easily turned into round shapes of a shell structure, so construction is often slow and difficult. Flexible materials must be put together so they do not pull apart at the seams.
PROS:Loads are spread evenly across a shell structure. Each part takes a small part so overall the structure is incredibly strong
.

Question 12

What is a frame structure?

Answer 12

Skeleton of very strong material, which supports the weight of any covering materials.

Question 13

What are some pros and cons of frame structures?

Answer 13

PROS: Relatively easy to design and build. One of the least expensive construction choices.
CONS: Large and complex structures need correct bracing and perfectly fit together components. All aspects of a design must be calculated in advance.