Examples of Structurally Stable and Unstable Structures - JSS2 Basic technology Lesson Note

Structurally Stable:

• Pyramids of Giza: Built with massive stone blocks and a broad base, distributing weight evenly to ensure stability over millennia.
• Golden Gate Bridge: Utilises suspension and truss structures to distribute loads effectively and withstand seismic and wind forces.

Structurally Unstable:

• Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1940): Collapsed due to resonance and inadequate design to handle wind forces, highlighting the importance of aerodynamic considerations in bridge design.
• Building Collapses: Instances where poor construction, design flaws, or inadequate maintenance lead to structural failures, compromising stability and safety.