1. Week 3: Structures
Plan for Giant Trampoline Bridge in Paris

2. There are two main FORCES that are applied to structures
There are two main FORCES that are applied to structures. Watch this video!
COMPRESSION
TENSION
Objects are getting PRESSED/CRUSHED
Objects are getting PULLED
Stand up, and try it out!

3. COLUMN
A COLUMN is a vertical linear element used to support a beam, floor, or roof
BEAM
A BEAM is a horizontal linear element spanning across an opening, supported at both ends

4. CANTILEVER
A CANTILEVER is a horizontal structural element supported only at one end
FRAME
A FRAME is a rectangular arrangements of linear structural elements.

5. TRUSS
A TRUSS is a 2-dimensional triangular arrangement of linear structural elements.
SPACEFRAME
A SPACEFRAME is a 3-dimensional triangular arrangement of linear structural elements.

6. ARCH Experiment 1| 2|
The first person (Arch) places their elbows on a table, and clasps their hands together. The second person (Load) pushes straight down on top of Arch’s hands The arms and hands form an ARCH.
“Load” pushes on “Arch’s” hands from the side.
Can you hold more straight down force (load) with hands locked together or with just one hand alone? How much more? Twice the load? 3| 4|
Load pushes on the arch from the front, then pulls from the front.
Is it easier to resist the pulling or the pushing?
Load pushes and pulls from the side.
Which side is in compression and which side is in tension when Load pushes or pulls?

7. What structures do you see?
Go on a hike through your school and look for some of the structures you acted out! Do you see any of them in your classroom?