126
Structures
5
d)
Piles are thin columns used in small contructions.
False. Piles are foundation systems that consist of
underground bars that make it possible to reach firmer
ground or anchor the structure in the ground.
61.
Cut out three cardboard rectangles 10 x 30 cm. Fold
them lengthwise and make three sections: circular,
triangular and square.
a)
If we put the same load on top of each section, for
example a pencil case, what type of stresses are they
bearing? Does it have the same intensity in each
case?
Compression force. The intensity of the force will be the
same, since all of the sections have the same amount of
material. However, each will behave more effectively in
the direction in which they have most inertia. The circular
section is even and has the same inertia in all directions –
and therefore the same resistance at the fold.
b)
Despite being made of the same amount of material,
which do you think will bear the stress better? Why?
The sections that will offer best resistance are the square
and the triangle. These have weaker inertia in some
directions.
62.
Choose a piece of street furniture which is familiar
to you (a bench, a street light, a waste bin). Analyse
its form and structure. Present your assignment with
photos and illustrations.
Student’s own answer; follow the guidelines in the section
Analysis of structures.
63.
Look at the bridge in this photo. It is made up of two
very different structures. Identify them, name all the
parts and say what type of stress each one bears. Do
you think the two parts of the bridge work the same?
Why?
This is a suspension bridge on the right, where there are
cable suspenders which hold the deck to both sides of the
pillar. However, on the left part, the bridge is formed of two
corbelled beams from the pillar that supports them. The key
factor is the edge of the beam where it is not suspended. This
shows that the beam works independently of the other part
of the bridge. An Internet search for the Dubrovnik Bridge will
show photos of its construction. These reveal how the two
parts were built independently before being put together.
CONSOLIDATION
