structures
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TYPES OF LOADS​
Structures are built to support static (not moving) and dynamic loads. For example, in a building, static load is the weight of beams, cement, glasses, etc and the dynamics loads are furniture , people, computers, tables, etc.
Dynamic loads are more important that Static loads because..... let's see a example:
In a chair, the design is made to support the heaviest person sitting on it ( static load ), but if a boy starts to jump on it ( dynamic load ), the chair is more likely to break.
Tension -> a pulling force that attempts to stretch or lengthen. For example, a rope with a weight hanging on the end.
Compression -> a pushing force that tries to squash or
shorten.
Torsion -> forces that cause twisting.
Bending -> forces that attempt to cause bending
deformation.
Shear-> 'sliding' forces that act very close in opposite directions.
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For example, in a teapot, there is a shear force in the surface between the handle and the body. You want to move the teapot up, while the load is downwards.
All these forces must be taken into account in designing structures. If the designer does not consider these forces, there is a big risk of crumbling, distortion, deformation or falling in all types of structures (bridges, buildings .. )
To prevent disaster, most structures are designed to withstand greater force than would be expected.
WHAT IS FORCE?​
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In a structure we can define a force as any agent that causes stress or compression in a fixed body.
The force of gravity pulls everything downwards towards the earth. There are forces acting on us all the time.
Force is measured in Newtons (N).
