Terminology

aesthetics = the concepts of how visually attractive or beautiful something is (pg. 325)

arch = a curved structure used to span a space while supporting a load (pg. 301)

B

beam = a horizontal structure designed to support a load (pg. 295)

C

cantilever = a beam supported at only one end (pg. 297)

centre of gravity = the point around an object's mass is equally balanced (pg. 292)

compression = an internal force that presses or squeezes the particles of an object together (pg. 279)

corrugation = multiple folds in a material that provide additional strength (pg. 296)

D

dead load = a type of static load caused by the weight of the structure itself (pg. 273)

dome = a shell structure that looks like the top half of a sphere (pg. 302)

dynamic load = any load on a structure that is not caused by gravity; for example, wind or rushing water (pg. 273)

E

ergonomics = the science of using knowledge of human characteristics to design structures that are comfortable, safe, and efficient (pg. 327)

external force = a force acting on an object or structure from the outside (pg. 277)

F

force = a push or pull (pg. 270)

form = the shape and physical appearance of a structure (pg. 268)

frame structure = a push or pull (pg. 270)

friction = a force produced when objects rub against each other (pg. 231)

function = the task or purpose of a structure (pg. 268)

G

gravity = the force of attraction between all objects; it is noticeable when at least one of the objects has a large mass (pg. 270)

I

I-beam = a beam that is in the shape of the letter "I" when seen from the end (pg. 296)

internal force = a force acting between two parts of a body (pg. 277)

L

line of symmetry = a line that divides an object in half; helps display symmetry (pg. 323)

live load = a type of static load caused by the weight of the objects it supports (pg. 273)

load = a force acting on a structure (pg. 273)

P

plane of application = an imaginary flat surface through which an applied force passes (pg. 278)

point of application = the location on an object where an external force is applied or concentrated (pg. 278)

S

shear = forces acting in an object as a results of pushes and/or pulls in opposite directions; usually rips or tears the object (pg. 280)

shell structure = a hollow structure with a curved shape providing high strength and rigidity (pg. 275)

solid structure = an object that uses solid construction to support loads (pg. 274)

stability = the ability of a structure to remain in or return to a stable, balanced position when forces act upon it (pg. 290)

structural failure = the failure of a structure as a result of the structure, or part of the structure, losing its ability to support a load (pg. 306)

structure = anything made of parts put together for a particular purpose (or purposes) (pg. 268)

symmetry = an exact reflection on opposite sides of a line dividing an object in half (pg. 323)

T

tension = an internal force pulling the particles of an object apart (pg. 297)

torsion = internal twisting forces created in an object as a results of a twisting motion being applied to the object (pg. 280)

truss = a network of beams arranged in triangles (pg. 300)

U

universal design = an arrangement of the components of a structure or device resulting in the most user-friendly product possible (pg. 332)

W

weight = the force of gravity acting downwards on an object, measured in newtons (pg. 272)