Unit D 1.1 Types of Structures

Unit D - Structures & Forces

1.1 Types of Structures

1.2 Functions they carry out

Did you know?

Every object that provides support is called a structure.

I bet you can think of a LOT of structures just knowing that!

Structures are all very different!

• They can be compared by their STRENGTH (how much weight they can hold)

• They can also be compared by their STABILITY (their ability to maintain their position even when a force is acting on them)

Three Main Types of Structures

1. Solid Structure

2. Frame Structure

3. Shell Structure

You can make ALL of these shapes just by using your hands. Try it now. What do you notice about the different arrangements? Can you see how one or another may be stronger? More stable?

SOLID Structure (sometimes called a mass structure)

• Formed from a solid piece of strong material.

• Has little or no space between inside, relying solely on its own mass to resist any force that may be acted on it

• Usually the strongest of the three types of structures

FRAME Structure

• Formed from a rigid arrangement of parts fastened together

• The strength of the frame comes from how these parts are placed together

• Lighter than solid structures because they use less material

• Example: Skeleton

SHELL Structure

• Has a solid outer surface, may be rounded or flat with a hollow inner area

• Rounded outer area are stronger due to the curved area distributing the load around the whole surface

• Hollow interior allows it to be lighter than solid structures

Multiple Choice

What type of structure is a concrete barrier in a parking lot?

• A mass structure.

• A frame structure.

• A shell structure.

Multiple Choice

What type of structure is a tent?

• A mass structure.

• A frame structure.

• A shell structure.

Multiple Choice

What type of structure is a phone case?

• A mass structure.

• A frame structure.

• A shell structure.

Multiple Choice

Which type of structure is most likely to fail because the weight of the structure caused the ground underneath it to shift?

• A mass structure.

• A frame structure.

• A shell structure.

Multiple Choice

Which type of structure is most likely to fail because the material it was built from has small cracks or weaknesses?

• A mass structure.

• A frame structure.

• A shell structure.

Multiple Choice

Name the type of structure shown in the picture below?

• A mass structure.

• A frame structure.

• A shell structure.

Multiple Choice

Name the type of structure shown in the picture below?

• A mass structure.

• A frame structure.

• A shell structure.

Multiple Choice

Name the type of structure shown in the picture below?

• A mass structure.

• A frame structure.

• A shell structure.

Multiple Choice

What type of structure is a crane?

• Mass

• Frame

• Shell

• Natural

Structures can be natural OR man-made

Please watch the following video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh3wLR-bG-I

Copy the URL above and paste it into a new window to watch this short instructional video.

The video is linked in Google Classroom

Multiple Choice

Identify the manmade structure

Multiple Choice

The natural structure example is a ....

Multiple Choice

What natural structure is this barbed wire fence likely inspired by?

Multiple Choice

What natural structure are flippers likely based on?

The purpose of structures...

• mainly to hold or house something

• protection

The function of a structure...

...Is based on the PURPOSE it is built for.

For example, cars and airplanes are built for transportation.

When a structure is built, knowing the main function (i.e. comfort, transportation or shelter) of the structure will allow the designers to build it accordingly

ROOFS - they all have the same function (to provide covering), but check out the differences in design!

Why do you think that is? (read each caption) You'll offer your idea(s) on the next slide.

Open Ended

Why do you think there are so many differences in the designs of the roof structures on the previous slide?

If you said...

Designs may be different because they are all effective but are suited for different environments (climate), cultures, resources

way to go!

Aesthetics and Structures

Do you have a favorite building or style of architecture which is pleasing to you?

This term "pleasing to the eye" is referred to as AESTHETICS.

Structures are sure to have aesthetics in mind when created by inventors, designers, and engineers

Multiple Choice

Here are 7 SUMMARY QUESTIONS:

A solid structure can be defined as:

• A structure that is made up of various components and parts.

• A structure that is made from a solid mass of material and is very strong in supporting a load.

• A structure that encases and protects a load

Multiple Choice

A frame structure can be defined as:

• A structure that is made up of various components and parts.

• A structure that is made from a solid mass of material and is very strong in supporting a load.

• A structure that encases and protects a load

Multiple Choice

A shell structure can be defined as:

• A structure that is made up of various components and parts.

• A structure that is made from a solid mass of material and is very strong in supporting a load.

• A structure that encases and protects a load

Multiple Choice

Characteristics which are important in structures are ___________.

• function, design, aesthetics

• form, function, and design

• seasonal demands and functions

• climate, aesthetics and design

Multiple Choice

The function of a structure refers to ___________.

• its overall design
• its use or purpose
• how it is built
• the technological requirements

Multiple Choice

Natural or Man-made?

Multiple Choice

Natural or Man-made?

Videos:

Real World Mega Structures

Wonderland: The Science Behind the Rides

• Please view the last two videos also linked in Google Classroom

• That's all for today! :)