Topic 6

Question 1

Designers Use What Three Key
Methods to Help Structures Withstand
Forces?

Answer 1

1. Distribute the load throughout the structure so no single
   part is carrying most of the load
2. Direct forces along angled components so that forces hold
   pieces together instead of pulling them apart
3. Shape the parts to withstand the specific type of force they
   are likely to experience

Question 2

How can we fix this problem: load forces pushing or pulling frames out of shape?

Answer 2

■ Triangles
– Form a sturdy shape
– Much stronger than rectangles
– Distribute weight
■ Share the load
– Many vertical supporting posts
– Each post shares the load
– No one post takes the whole load

Question 3

How can we fix this problem: horizontal beams being supported at each end bending?

Answer 3

-arches
-Can be rounded and stones shaped to
fit
-cantilevers
-braces

Question 4

What is a keystone and what does it do?

Answer 4

Central stone in the arch
– Pushes again the stones on either
side
– Forces are directed along the stones
and into the ground

Question 5

What is a cantilever?

Answer 5

■ Horizontal span supported by
a strong column on one side
■ A double cantilever bridge is
very strong - columns pull and
push up on the ends of the
cantilevers
■ has a free end and a fixed end

Question 6

What is a brace?

Answer 6

■ Added and angled to direct forces though the solid part of a structure to the ground

Question 7

How can we fix this problem: large solid beams are very strong, but very heavy, so they are not cost effective as they use a
lot of material?

Answer 7

• Differently shaped beams that are very strong, but use less material than solid beams (horizontal, I, L, T, cylinder beams)
• corrugation
  -erm apparently animal bones? Is that just an example? I mean they’re hollow…

Question 8

What is corrugation?

Answer 8

■ a wave like pattern
■ Used in items like cardboard
■ Gives strength
■ It is lighter and uses less material

Question 9

What is a flying buttress?

Answer 9

■ a side support that
counteracts an outward pushing force
■ Think of bookends
■ With advancements in technology and design they are no longer in use

Question 10

What is friction?

Answer 10

A force that resists, or works against the
movement of 2 surfaces rubbing together

Question 11

How can we use friction?

Answer 11

It can help keep pieces of a structure from moving apart. Ex. screws have friction with wall. Ex. bricks have friction between each other.