Exploring Structural Engineering Fundamentals

 On your paper, sketch what you think will happen to these shapes if we apply the force shown in GREEN (assume the sides are rigid)

 The TRIANGLE is the only shape that won’t collapse!  WHY?

 The other shapes collapse because the angles between the structural members change.

 The TRIANGLE cannot collapse because the angles are fixed based on the opposite side length. A C B ab c

 All other shapes can be deformed because the angles are not fixed. Draw these shapes in a way that will keep them from collapsing.

 Make TRIANGLES!

 The same thing applies in 3D

1. Create a Google document entitled: Truss Design Notes 2. Create a square truss and triangular truss (see instructions) 3. Rack them (exert forces) 4. Add to notes: 1. Describe each design 2. Describe the type of force and the direction of each force applies 3. Describe the reaction of the truss to each force added (be specific) 5. Choose and create one of the 8 Famous trusses (4”x12”) 6. Repeat #3-4

Exploring Structural Engineering Fundamentals