Designing and building structures that can withstand forces

Designing and building structures that can withstand forces requires knowledge of structural engineering. Technology Interactions ‹ Chapter Title Technology Interactions Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

What Is a Structure? A structure is something that is constructed, or built. Structures are made by joining parts to meet a certain need or perform a certain task. Structures can be natural or humanmade. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Civil Engineers Civil engineers design and supervise the building of structures that the public uses, such as roads and bridges, water supply plants, and sewers. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Structural Engineers Structural engineers are responsible for the mechanics of loadbearing structures. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Architects design buildings and often oversee construction. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Forces on Structures A force is a push or a pull that transfers energy to an object. External forces come from outside the structure, act upon the structure, and are called loads. ♦ Static loads, or dead loads, change slowly or not at all. ♦ Dynamic loads, or live loads, move or change. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Forces on Structures Internal forces are forces that one part of the structure exerts on another. They act within a structural material. ♦ Compression ♦ Tension ♦ Torsion ♦ Shear Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Structural Materials Wood is a versatile material cut from trees into various sizes of lumber. Engineered wood is a composite material made by combining wood strands, fibers, and veneers with adhesives. Steel is an alloy made from iron and carbon. Concrete is made by mixing cement, sand, gravel, and water. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Structural Members Structural members are connected to form the framework of a structure. Studs, joists, rafters, beams, and columns are examples of structural members. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Designing Large Structures Gather site information. Construct and test models. Conduct community planning. Excavate and build the foundation. Construct the superstructure. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The International Space Station The ISS is the most complex structure ever built. Sixteen countries are participating in its construction. When completed, the ISS will enable scientists to conduct important experiments in a microgravity environment. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Making a Structure Stable Soil must provide support for the building. Wind resistance is important for safety in strong winds. Earthquake resistance helps buildings stay intact when the ground shakes. Technology Interactions Chapter 3 Structural Engineering Copyright © Glencoe/Mc. Graw-Hill A Division of The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.