Introduction to Structures Structure Types Frame Structures Are

Introduction to Structures Structure Types

Frame Structures • Are made of parts connected into a set arrangement • For example: framing for a house

Solid Structures • Are made of a solid piece (or solid pieces) of strong material • For example: a stone bridge

Shell Structure • Are molded into a shape that provides strength and stability • For example: a basketball

1) Frame Structure • Frame structures are created using a skeleton of strong materials to support the weight of the rest of the structure. • Filled or covered with other materials for extra support, but most of the inside is empty space. • This is most commonly used to construct buildings because of cost and it’s easy to build. • Ex) roofs, bike frames, houses, human skeletons

2) Shell Structure • Force is distributed evenly over the structure, giving the structure strength. • Shell structures are naturally empty making them a great design for containers. • If the structure is compromised (cracked, dented, chipped, etc. ), it weakens the structure considerably. (Think cracking the side of an egg. ) • Ex) igloos, sports domes, bee hives, beaver dams, eggs, watermelons

3) Solid Structure • Structure which relies on its own weight to resist the applied forces • Not always completely solid, can be layered and have hollowed out areas for specific functions • Ex) power dam, Great Pyramids

3) Shell Structure (cont. ) Can be made by: • Piling up or forming similar materials into a particular shape or design • Ex) Mountains, coral reefs, sand castles, dams and brick • One large piece of solid material • Ex) marble statue or ice sculpture Advantages: • Held in place by its own weight • Losing small parts often has little effect on the overall strength