NAME

NAME

PD DATE

WORKSHEET - ACCOMPANYING "BUILDING BIG"

CLASS TOPIC: FORCES AND INTERACTIONS

Each of the test boxes has a highlighted frame. To record your answers, click your cursor into the frame and begin typing. If your explanation exceeds the allowable length, you will have to edit your answer.

1. From the videotape, list and describe the two basic forces that act on bridges.

A
(Squeezing)
B
(Stretching)

2. Interactions between two or more forces can produce different effects. Go to the Forces tab on the Building Big website. List and describe situations resulting from interactions of forces. List any synonyms for the interactions as well.

A
B
(Shear)
C
(Torsion)

3. Go to the Shapes tab on the Building Big website. List and describe the three basic shapes of structures.

A
B
C

4. Run the shape simulation. List each shape. Describe how each shape reacts to increasing loads. Explain how each shape transfers the loads to the ground or a foundation. Rank the shapes in terms of strength (1 the strongest, 3 the weakest). Don’t forget to click on the shapes themselves.

SHAPE
HOW THE STRUCTURE REACTS TO A
LOAD
HOW LOAD IS
TRANSFERRED TO GROUND
RANK

5. Use the LOADS tab on the Building Big website. Describe what a "dead load" is. Then pick three of the remaining loads and describe how each affects a building and what is done to compensate for or to prevent the load particular load from causing a building to fail.

DEAD LOAD
(Weight of the structure)

6. Use the materials tab on the Building Big website. Choose four of the eight building materials. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the materials and describe an appropriate use for each of the chosen four.

MATERIAL / STRENGTHS / WEAKNESS / GOOD APPLICATION

7. Think of a structure in this area (it doesn't have to be big) or choose one from the Building Big Database. Record the following information.

My chosen structure
Its location
Its purpose

8. Explain how the builders and engineers have constructed this structure in order to function properly. First identify the structure, its location and its use. Then list the forces encountered by the structure, the basic shapes used, and the materials used. Use the information you have typed or the building big web pages for assistance.

LOADS ENCOUNTERED (WHAT DOES THE STRUCTURE SUPPORT?) / SHAPES USED TO DEAL WITH FORCES / MATERIALS USED

The shapes and materials boxes may each have multiple entries, depending on the loads and the particular building. Don’t forget that a structure has to deal with weather as well as its intended loads.

1