1. ©2006 CSUC Institute for Research in Intelligent Systems Structures June 12, 2006

2. ©2006 CSUC Institute for Research in Intelligent Systems Plates and Beams Plates are short bricks Beams are 1 x 1 bricks with holes in their sides Beams can be stacked on top of each other Connector pins can be used to assemble beams side by side

3. ©2006 CSUC Institute for Research in Intelligent Systems Axles and Pegs Black friction pegs provide very strong connections Technic pegs are good for pivots and hinges where movement is needed Axles are measured by stud length Axles can be lengthened by use of connector pegs

4. ©2006 CSUC Institute for Research in Intelligent Systems Using Plates with Pegs Adding 2 flat plates will change the dimensions so that a cross brace can be used for strength Adding connector pegs will make the structure stronger

5. ©2006 CSUC Institute for Research in Intelligent Systems Making Strong Frames Single plates do not lock the corners at right angles The 2 x 6 plate firmly locks the beams together

6. ©2006 CSUC Institute for Research in Intelligent Systems Strong Frame Examples Cross- braced Frame Sturdy, tall frame

7. ©2006 CSUC Institute for Research in Intelligent Systems Large Structure A stronger model with cross-bracing Use the small gray pegs to attach the beams