What is tensile stress and how does it affect s... - JSS1 Basic technology Introduction to Structures Analysis Question

Tensile stress is the internal force per unit area within a material that resists stretching or pulling forces. When a structure is subjected to tensile stress, it experiences elongation or stretching, which can affect its integrity if not properly accounted for in the design. Materials must be chosen and designed to handle the expected tensile stresses without failing. For example, in bridges and cables, tensile stress is a critical factor, and materials like steel are used because of their high tensile strength. Properly managing tensile stress ensures that structures can handle the loads they are subjected to without breaking or deforming excessively.