Static and Dynamic Forces in Structural Systems
Definition
Forces
Factors affecting strength when compressing, pushing, pulling, twisting, or squeezing an object.
Forces can be:
- Static – loads that do not move (e.g. weight of a building)
- Dynamic – loads that change over time (e.g. wind, people walking, vehicles)
Static Forces
Definition
Static Force
A stationary force acting on a structure, including its own weight and the load it carries.
- Static forces are constant or slowly changing forces acting on a structure.
- They include:
- Compression – squashing force
- Tension – pulling force
- Torsion – twisting force
- Bending – curving under load
- Shear – sliding force
Compression
Definition
Compression (force)
A force that squeezes a material or causes it to shorten.
Common in: columns, legs of a chair, arches
Tension
Definition
Tension (force)
A pulling or stretching force that acts to extend a material.
Common in: shafts, door handles, bike pedals
Torsion
Definition
Torsion (force)
A twisting force.
