3) Understanding Structural Concepts

Definition of Stability:

• A force that pushes material together, making it shorter or more compact.

• How well a structure resists bending or changing shape when force is applied.

• The capacity of a structure or material to withstand forces without breaking.

• The ability of a structure to remain upright and not tip over.

Definition of Rigidity:

• The capacity of a structure or material to withstand forces without breaking.

• The ability of a structure to remain upright and not tip over.

• How well a structure resists bending or changing shape when force is applied.

• A force that pushes material together, making it shorter or more compact.

Definition of Resistance:

• The ability of a structure to remain upright and not tip over.

• How well a structure resists bending or changing shape when force is applied.

• The capacity of a structure or material to withstand forces without breaking.

• A sudden bending or collapsing of a structural element under compression or stress.

Definition of Buckling:

• Force that causes parts of a material to slide past each other in opposite directions.

• A sudden bending or collapsing of a structural element under compression or stress.

• Twisting force applied to a structure or material around its axis.

• Occurs when a straight material is curved by an external force acting on it.

Definition of Topple (over):

• To fall over or tip to one side, often because the center of gravity is not above the base.

• Force that causes parts of a material to slide past each other in opposite directions.

• A force that pushes material together, making it shorter or more compact.

• Occurs when a straight material is curved by an external force acting on it.

Definition of Center of Gravity:

• The external force(s) acting on a structure, such as weight from people, objects, wind, or snow.

• The point in a body or structure around which its weight is evenly balanced.

• The distance between two supports of a structure, such as the space a beam or bridge must cover.

• The base or underlying structure that transfers a building’s load into the ground, preventing it from sinking.

Definition of Compression:

• A force that pulls or stretches a material, making it longer or attempting to elongate it.

• A force that pushes material together, making it shorter or more compact.

• Force that causes parts of a material to slide past each other in opposite directions.

• Twisting force applied to a structure or material around its axis.

Definition of Tension:

• A force that pushes material together, making it shorter or more compact.

• A force that pulls or stretches a material, making it longer or attempting to elongate it.

• Occurs when a straight material is curved by an external force acting on it.

• Force that causes parts of a material to slide past each other in opposite directions.

Definition of Bending:

• Twisting force applied to a structure or material around its axis.

• Occurs when a straight material is curved by an external force acting on it.

• Force that causes parts of a material to slide past each other in opposite directions.

• A force that pushes material together, making it shorter or more compact.

Definition of Torsion:

• Twisting force applied to a structure or material around its axis.

• Occurs when a straight material is curved by an external force acting on it.

• A force that pushes material together, making it shorter or more compact.

• Force that causes parts of a material to slide past each other in opposite directions.