PAPERWORK!

OVERVIEW: Structural forces are at work all around us. Any structure whether it is man made or natural experiences forces and loads. Your body is a structure and experiences the same forces that a building or house might. Even a simple piece of 8.5x11 copy paper can act as a structure and experience the effects of forces. This activity will focus on the design, testing and evaluation of structural components produced from a standard piece of 8.5x11 copy paper.

PROBLEM: As a structural designer your first job is to test and evaluate different types of materials for their structural integrity. The most abundant material available to you is simple 8.5x11 paper. Before you can decide how to use this paper you must test it for compression, tension and horizontal load.

RESOURCES: 3 Pcs. 8.5 x 11 copy paper Glue Stick

Testing Device Asst. Weights

Scissors

LIMITATIONS

• 1. All tests will be performed with the 11 inch side of the paper in the horizontal position.
• 2. You will be limited to the material provided by the teacher.
• 3. Your first test will be to test the strength of the paper in tension using a special fixture. For this test you must make the most efficient use of the paper. Remove as much of the paper as feasible and support as much weight as possible.
• 4. Your second test will involve testing the strength of the paper in compression. You must collaborate with two other classmates to complete this test. Working with two classmates design three columns that will support the maximum weight possible.
• 6. Your last test will test the horizontal strength of the paper under a load.
• 7. You must design a beam that will support a maximum of weight when placed in the horizontal position. It will be supported on both ends and weight will be loaded in the center.
• 8. You must keep a record of all test results.
• 9. You must calculate the efficiency of the paper in each test and perform any other calculations required by the teacher.
• 10. You must complete the evaluation sheet provided by the teacher.

EVALUATION

• 1. The design which produces the highest efficiency in each category will receive a score of 100 for the design portion of this assignment.
• 2. You must complete both the practical and written portion of this activity to receive a passing grade.
• 3. You must provide a sketch of each of your solutions for evaluation.
• 4. You must present all of the results of your efforts for evaluation one day after the final design test.

 TRUSS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

OVERVIEW: A common structural component used in both residential and commercial construction is called a prefab truss. A truss is made up of individual framing members, reinforced with a gusset plate and designed to withstand a specific load. When individual framing members are combined, the resulting truss is significantly stronger than any single component. Trusses are commonly used for roofs or floor members in buildings or as structural members in bridges and towers.

PROBLEM: Design and build a scale model of a truss to withstand the maximum amount of load possible. You will use only those materials provided by the instructor and you must adhere to the following specifications.

RESOURCES

10 TONGUE DEPRESSORS GLUE

CARDBOARD STRIPS GRID PAPER

LIMITATIONS

• 1. You must first produce at least three sketches on graph paper prior to beginning.
• 2. You must work in a scale of One Inch = One Foot.
• 3. You must design your truss to hold the maximum weight possible.
• 4. You must work from a template drawn on 1/4 inch grid board.
• 5. You may only use those materials provided by the instructor.
• 6. Your truss must be designed to span a distance of 12 Feet and have a rise of between

5 and 10 inches per foot.

EVALUATION

• 1. The truss holding the most weight will receive a grade of at least 90.
• 2. Your sketches and template must be submitted for evaluation.
• 3. You must complete a portfolio and submit it for evaluation with all other paperwork.
• 4. You will have five class days to complete this assignment.