Forces Acting on Structures - JSS2 Basic technology Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Compression is a force that tends to squeeze or shorten a material by pushing its particles closer together. In structures, compression is countered by materials that can withstand this squeezing force, such as columns and vertical members in frame structures. It plays a critical role in supporting the weight of buildings and bridges, ensuring stability and preventing structural failure due to buckling or crushing.

Tension is a force that stretches or elongates a material by pulling its particles apart. In structural design, tension forces are managed through elements like cables and ropes, which are designed to resist pulling forces. Tension is crucial in applications such as suspension bridges and cables supporting roof structures, where the ability to withstand stretching forces is essential for maintaining structural integrity and safety.

Shear is a force that causes parts of a material to slide past each other in opposite directions. In structures, shear forces can lead to deformation or failure if not properly accounted for. They are particularly significant in beams subjected to lateral loads like wind or earthquakes. Designing structures to resist shear involves ensuring adequate connections and bracing to prevent excessive movement or displacement under applied forces.

Bending forces result from a combination of compression on one side and tension on the opposite side of a structural element, such as a beam. These forces cause the material to bend or flex under load. Bending is critical in structural design because it determines the capacity of beams and similar elements to support loads without excessive deformation or failure. Properly designed beams distribute bending stresses to optimise structural performance and ensure durability under varying loads.

Torsion is a twisting force that causes an object to rotate around its axis. In structural engineering, torsional forces are significant in components like shafts and helicopter blades, where rotational motion is involved. Designing structures to withstand torsion involves selecting materials and shapes that can resist twisting without excessive deformation or failure. Torsional strength is crucial in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of rotating machinery and structural components subjected to rotational forces.