STRUCTURESA structure is something that supports an object or a

weight. It can also be described as anything that provides support and is made from one or more

parts.

• the weight carried or supported by an object

–e.g. a bridge must

support the load

of traffic over it.

• the amount of force that is exerted on an object by gravity

• the amount of matter in an object.

• An object's mass remains the same whether the object is on Earth or in space.

There are MANY types of Structures!

STRUCTURESWhen classifying structures by design they can be divided into

three groups:

Frame, Solid and Shell structures

Shell Structures

In a shell structure the outside layer of the structure holds the whole object together. Tins or cans are shell structures. The weight of the liquid or food inside is supported by the skin of the container.

Shell Structures

Did you know?

The Taj Mahal roof in India and the Sky Dome roof in Toronto are examples of shell structures

Frame StructuresFrame structures have a rigid arrangement, or framework, made up of parts fastened together, called structural components. A frame structure can be arranged in 2 dimensions, as in a door frame or fence. A frame structure can also be organized in 3 dimensions, as in the frame for a music stand or the wood framing for a house.

Frame Structures

Did you know?

The Greek Parthenon and the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building are all examples of frame structures .

Solid Structures

Solid structures are sometimes called mass structures and are usually made from one solid piece of a strong material. A solid structure has little or no space inside and relies on its own mass to resist the forces that act upon it.

Solid Structures

Did you know?

The Egyptian pyramids and the CN Tower and the Great Wall of China are all examples of solid structures

Combined StructuresSome structures are combinations of different types of structures.

• Football helmets are shell structures (to protect the head) with a frame structure attached in front (to protect the face).

• Airplanes are frame structures, with a 'skin' that acts like ashell giving it the added strength to resist stresses and making it lightweight and flexible.

• Domed buildings combine shell and frame construction

Classify This Design Structure…

Classify This Design Structure…

Classify This Design Structure…

Classify This Design Structure…

Classify This Design Structure…

Classify This Design Structure…

Classify This Design Structure…

Natural StructuresNature produced the first structure millions of years ago and has been developing them ever since. A leaf is a natural structure. Its veins provide a form of support, rather like a skeleton or umbrella. A spider’s web is an extremely strong natural structure in terms of the weight it will support. The threads which go across the web are much stronger than those going around it. Natural structures are those found in nature occurring organically.

Natural Structures

Did you know?

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef extends for more than 2000 km, and it is the largest structure ever built by living creatures!

Technological StructuresMany of Nature’s structures have been copied by humans. The hexagonal honeycomb found in nature is an efficient structure for containing and supporting honey. When copied by humans, it provides a rigid structure which can be used to make aircraft skins, lightweight doors and packaging. The strength and flexibility of large trees have been studied and the underlying principles used to design and build modern skyscrapers.

Technological StructuresDid you know?

Toronto’s CN Tower sways over 3m at the very top! The Great Wall of China can be seen from the moon and is one of the largest technological structures in the world

.

1. Copy this table into your notebook

Solid Frame Shell

Can you fill in the chart with structures you may see in your

daily life?

2. Give an example of a combinedstructure. What types of structures are included?

3. What type of structure is the human body? Explain.