Structure Lesson 1

Fundamentals of Structure

 Appreciate how technology is used to improve

the way products work.
Appreciate how structures can add to strength
and aesthetic appeal.
Recognise the use of different ways to reinforce
structures.
Understand that a good design uses
appropriate technology.

Objectives of lesson.

What is a Structure? Examples?

Why is there a need for manufactured

structures?
What are natural and man-made structures?
What are the four functions of structures?
What are the types of forces that a structure
might experience?
What are the effects of forces on structures?

Structures are all around us

Structures come in all shapes and sizes.
Structures can either be man-made or natural
We need to manufacture structures to satisfy
many functions.

Structures

Many people only consider buildings,

bridges and other such frames as

structures.

However there are many simple objects which

can be classed as structures such as a cabinet
or

even the humble school chair.

So what is the definition of a structure?

Anything
that supports a load is considered as
a structure. These load include the structures
self-weight as well as other weight imposed on it.

Structures

Structures
Classified into two main types

Frame structures

Shell structures

More examples of frame and shell structures

Natural Structures

More examples of frame and shell structures

Engineered Structures

More examples of frame and shell structures

Frame structures

Shell structures

Functions of Structures

What is the purpose of having a structure?

Supporting

Spanning

Basic functions of
structure:

Containing

Protecting

Supporting

Containing

Spanning

Protecting

Structures

Structures are designed to resist the loads and

forces that they are subjected to.
Structures must be able to support or carry the loads
(forces) for which they are designed;
1. They must not fail or collapse during use or under
extreme circumstances, such as earthquakes
(strength, stability).
2. The structural components of structures must
maintain the correct relative positions during use
(stable). (e.g., minimal deflection of floors in
multistory buildings a floor can substantially
deflect while maintaining its strength).

LOADS
I)

Dead loads - A constant load in a structure

(as a bridge, building, or machine) that is due
to the weight of the members, the supported
structure, and permanent attachments or

accessories.
II) Live loads
-A moving, variable weight added to the dead load or
intrinsic weight of a structure or vehicle.

LOADS
I)

Static loads - A force that has a

constant magnitude, position and
direction on or within a structure.

II)

Dynamic Loads - A force that

changes magnitude, position or
direction on a structure.

Forces
A structure must be able to withstand all the force
that it is subjected to when loaded.
The five main types of forces are :
Compression, Tension, Bending, Shear and
Torsion
- Lets find out more about them from the website
below.
Web Link 1

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/forces.
html

Effects of forces on structures

Tensional Forces
In many structures thin members or cables are used to
resist tension. An example of this are the ropes or chains
used on a children's swing in the park.

 Compressive Force
The inspection platform which is
used in many garages allows the
mechanic to inspect the under-side
of a vehicle
The weight of the vehicle on the
platform acts on the ram causing it
to be subjected to a compressive
force.
If the member is too thin it may
buckle and break.

 Wires, cables and thin (slender) sections are used

for members in a structure that are subjected to
tension.

Thick, stocky or special sections are

used for members in a structure that are
subjected to compression.
A design that went wrong!!! See
the collapse of a bridge.

Structures needs to be strong and

stable and most times they must be
rigid.

How do we reinforce structures

for strength, rigidity and
stability?

Strengthening structures.
A diagram consisting of
frames is set up as shown.

When a horizontal force is

applied at d can you see what
happens?

Do you think the structure is

stable? Can you think of some
ways to strengthen the
structure.

Lets look at two ways of strengthening

the structure.
1st way (Bracing)

When a third member is

added across the diagonal
points, the square is split into
two triangles.
Now if the same force is
applied at the same point, the
structure becomes rigid.
The bracing member
prevents the two
diagonal points from
moving apart as in the
first case.

 2nd Way

Add gusset plates to the

structure as indicated. The
gusset plates strengthen the
corners of the frame.
When a pushing force is applied,
the frame again remains rigid as
the gusset plates prevent a and c
from moving.

Triangulation

Triangulation is used to give strength to structures,

especially structures which requires to support
extremely large loads.
We call these triangular elements TRUSS.

Strength of structures
Shape of a structure can affect the strength of the
structure. Lets take a look at three different shapes: a
rectangle, arch and a triangle.
From the weblink given below, lets find out:
I) How forces acting on them affects the structure and
II) How to strengthen the structures.
Web Link 2

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/shapes.html

Reinforcing Structure for Strength,

Rigidity and Stability

Thin sheet of materials can be made

rigid by folding the edges. The
Stiffened Folds
advantage
to this type of
reinforcement is that less material is
used which relates to a saving in
the cost of production. It also
reduces the weight of the product.
e.g the car body panel are thin
sheets of steel that are made stiffer
by using the folding method.food
tray are also made stiff by folding the
edges..

Web refers to small piece of material

Webs
joined to the corner to prevent
the
sides moving. It can also be stuck
over joins in a frame to add strength.

Thin sheets can also Lamination

be made strong by
laminating several sheets together. E.g several
thin sheets of wood (plies) can be laminated
with their grains at 90o to each other.

The space between two thin plates/panels can be

Honeycomb
divided up to create a very strong sheet structure.
Interior doors often consist of honeycomb
bonded between two thin panels. This kind of
structure can be applied in making products that
are very light but strong. It is said to have a high
stiffness-to-weight ratio.

Ribs are used to act as stiffeners and

to add strength and rigidity to
Ribs
products such as food packages. They
also used to add strength to walls to
prevent them from caving in or to
structures such as aircraft wings and
haul of boats.

Summary
Why do we need to reinforce structures?
i)
Strength
ii)
Rigidity
iii)
Stability
Types of reinforcements
1. Bracing
2. Gusset Plates
3. Stiffened Folds
4. Lamination
5. Honeycomb
6. Ribs
7. Webs