SIMPLE STRUCTURES AN MECHANISMS

SIMPLE STRUCTURES
A structure is an arrangement of parts joined together in a manner that provides strength to facilitate
the carrying of loads. A structure is a supporting framework of any size, shape and purpose. The strength
of a structure is its ability to support a load. Its stability is its ability to maintain balance. Forces will push
and pull down on a structure. Gravity causes the weight to pull down on a structure. This is called stress
and it pushes the structure down or compresses it. Examples of simple structures include; chair,
buildings, bicycles, etc.
FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO STRENGTH IN A STRUCTURE
 The strength of the material.
 The shape of the parts
 The method used to join the parts together
 How they are arranged.
STRUCTURES IN FRAME CONSTRUCTION
Frame structures are the structures having the combination of beam column and slab to resist the
lateral and gravity loads. Examples are cranes electricity pylons and buildings.
IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF STRUCTURES UNDER NATURAL AND MAN-MADE
Natural structures; these are structures created by nature to provide support. Examples are plants,
caves spider web honey comb and human skeleton.
Man-made or artificial structures; these are structures made by man to provide protection and support.
Examples are chairs helmets, suspension, bridge.
CLASSIFICATION OF STRUCTURES UNDER SHELL
Is thin, curved plate structure shaped to transmit applied forces by compressive, tensile and shear
stresses that act in the plane of a surface. Examples are body of motor cars.
STRUCTURAL FAILURE IN CONSTRUCTION
Structural failure refers to defects in which a load bearing component of the building is unable to
support and transfer loads to another element.
TYPES OF STRUCTURAL FAILURE
Structural failure are usually in three types namely: cracks, splits and breakages.
1. Cracks: is developed whenever stress in the building component exceeds it strength. Cracks are
classified into structural and non- structural categories. The structural cracks are due to faulty
 design, faulty construction or overloading which may endanger the safety of buildings. The non-
structural cracks are due to intentionally induced stress.
2. Splits: Concrete splitting/bursting is a well -known failure mode of concrete works that can
compromise the integrity of the work. This raises railroad maintenance and also help to track
safety concerns.
3. Breakages
: when an external force is applied to a building to exceed its maximum strength, it fails. A
prevalent contributory factor of breakage is edge damage.
CAUSES OF STRUCTURAL FAILURE
 Bad design
 Faulty construction
 Foundation failure
 Extra-ordinary loads
 Unexpected failure modes
 Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, cyclones and fires.
PRINCIPLES OF FORCES ON STYRUCTURES
Struts and ties help make the structure stronger and more resistant to forces of pushing and pulling.
The part of the structure that has a tensile force acting on it is called a tie and the part that has a
compressive force acting on it is called a strut.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FORCES
Internal forces: forces that are caused by one part of a structure acting on other parts of the
structure. Examples of internal forces include:
Compression: two pushing or opposing forces that squeeze an object trying to pull it apart.
Tension: two pulling forces that stretch an object trying to pull it apart.
Shear: two pushing or pulling adjacent forces, acting close together but not directly opposing each
other.
Torsion (twisting): created when a moment or turning “force” is applied to a structural member
making it deflect at an angle (twist). A moment that causes twisting is called twisting or torsional
moment.
External forces: this are forces that come from outside the structure. Examples are;
Gravity: this is the natural force of attraction between two objects.
 To describe how any force is acting on a structure, engineers talk about three main things: the
force’s magnitude, its direction and the point and plane of its application. The point of application is
the exact location where the force meets the structure. The plane of application is the side of the
structure affected by the force.

Factors used to describe a Question to consider Example

force
Magnitude How big is the force compared A gentle breeze causes a flag to
to the size and weight of the flatter. In a very strong wind,
object? the flag appears stiff
Direction Where is the force coming If the wind is blowing into your
from? face, it is difficult to walk. If the
wind is blowing on your back,
you can walk faster but you
might find it difficult to keep
your balance
Point of application an plane of Where does the force meet the Is the wind affecting the entire
application structure? structure or just a part of it? A
strong gust of wind at your feet
might be enough to knock you
over.

MECHANISMS
A mechanism is a device that transforms input forces and movement into a desired set of output forces
and movement. They are devices whose function is based around movement. Mechanisms generally
consist of moving components which may include gears and gear train, belts and chain drivers, cams and
followers, linkages. Examples of artefacts in the environment that operate on mechanisms are bicycle,
tricycle, motor bike, conveyor belt.
DESIGNING AND MAKING SIMPLE SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS USING TWO OR MORE OF THE
MECHANISMS
Rack and pinion system: A rack and pinion steering system consists of a pinion (a circular gear) with a
rack (a linear gear). The system works by converting a revolving motion into a linear motion.
ADVANTAGES OF RACK AND PINION SYSTEMS
 Steering tends to be more precise because there are fewer parts and pivot joints.
 It gives you better road feel which makes this type of driving a little easier.
 Repairing it steering system tends to be easier than a traditional system.
DISADVANTAGES OF RACK AND PINIONS
 Because of the simplicity of the system it steering requires fewer parts to function properly.
 When installed in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it steering can cause problems when driving off-
road
 Its simpler construction and reduced number of parts help rack and pinion system provide more
road-feel than other steering mechanisms
Cam system: a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary
motion into linear motion.
ADVANTAGES OF CAM SYSTEMS
 Can be used to produce linear motion
 Can reduce the number of mechanical components used within a system
 High level of precision can be achieved.
DISADVANTAGES OF CAM SYSTEMS
 Use mechanical parts which use friction to achieve their outcomes
 Used in applications where they are designed to be relatively small.
 The production of cam mechanisms requires a high level of precision and quality materials.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN THE SELECTION OF MECHANISMS TO BE USED
 Usage
 Availability of the mechanism
 Cost of the mechanism
 Skills of the designer