30 Questions
What is the primary function of a beam in a structure?
To span a gap and be supported by columns
What is the term used to describe when an ugly object stands in a beautiful environment?
Visual pollution
What is the purpose of cross-bracing in a structure?
To stop the structure from being pushed out of shape
What is the term used to describe the point where most of the weight of an object is located?
Centre of gravity
What is the purpose of gusset plates in a structure?
To reinforce and connect different parts of a structure
Why are triangles used in frame structures?
Because they are very strong and stable
What is the purpose of tubing in a structure?
To make a structure rigid and strong while also making it light
What is the primary reason people design and make structures?
To serve different purposes and functions
What is one of the purposes of structures like houses, barns, and silos?
To protect people, animals, and crops
What is the main function of a bridge's support structure?
To support the bridge's overall structure
What is an example of a natural structure?
A natural landscape feature
What is the purpose of a shopping basket?
To contain the groceries
What is one way that structures can be used?
To keep things apart
What is the purpose of a ladder?
To span the gap between two points
What is the main difference between man-made and natural structures?
Man-made structures are built by people, while natural structures occur naturally in nature.
What is a shell structure?
A container that holds liquids or small solids.
What is the primary function of anchor ropes in cell phone towers?
To increase the stability of the tower.
What is a solid structure?
A structure that consists of one piece of material with no open spaces.
What is a characteristic of frame structures?
They consist of different parts combined together.
What is an example of a combined structure?
A house.
What is the purpose of roof trusses in a house?
To provide a frame structure.
What is the purpose of the paper rolls in the experiment?
To test the strength of a structure
What is the initial shape of the paper before rolling it around the sosatie stick?
Square
What is used to make holes in the paper for the triangulation experiment?
Nail or awl
What is the purpose of adding small triangles to the corners of the frame?
To provide additional support
What is the benefit of using triangulation in structure design?
It stiffens the frame structure
What is used to attach the small triangles to the frame?
Glue
What is the purpose of testing the frame's ability to withstand pressure?
To determine its strength and stability
What is the second option to strengthen the frame?
Supporting the structure internally
What is the shape of the paper after folding it in Step 1?
Square
Study Notes
Introduction to Structures
- Structures are part of our daily lives, and we live in, walk over, travel under, and see them across the landscape.
- Even before humans, nature created structures, and many manufactured structures copy those that occur naturally.
Purpose of Structures
- Structures are designed and made for different reasons, such as:
- To contain or hold something in one place and keep it apart from other things.
- To protect something from damage.
- To support something and help it stand or hold it up.
- To span the space between two objects and connect them.
Classification of Structures
- Structures can be classified as either man-made or natural structures.
- Examples of natural structures include termite mounds, bird's nests, seashells, and rocks.
- Examples of man-made structures include houses, towers, chairs, and cups.
Types of Structures
- There are three basic types of structures:
- Shell structures: Containers used to hold liquids or small solids, such as coffee mugs, bowls, and bags.
- Frame structures: Consist of different parts combined to make the structure strong, such as ladders, bicycles, and spiderwebs.
- Solid structures: Structures like rocks, bricks, and cement poles that do not consist of different parts with open spaces between them.
- Combined structures: Structures that combine shell, frame, and solid structures, such as a house.
Investigating Structures
- Structures can be designed and constructed to achieve specific functions, such as cell phone towers.
- Anchors are structural elements made from flexible materials that hold a structure in place.
Reinforcement Techniques
- Cross-bracing increases the stability of a structure by triangulation.
- Gusset plates can be used instead of cross-bracing to reinforce and connect different parts of a structure.
- Base size and foundation are important for the stability of a structure.
- Centre of gravity affects the stability of a structure.
Investigating Structures and Triangulation
- Frame structures can be strengthened using triangulation, making them very stable.
- Folding, such as origami, can be used to strengthen materials and make them more rigid and stiff.
- Tubes can be used to make structures rigid and strong, while also making them lighter.
- Stiffening techniques, such as triangulation, can be used to strengthen frame structures.
Learn about the basics of structures, how they are a part of our daily lives, and the differences between natural and man-made structures. Discover how structures are created for different purposes and constructed using various materials.
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