Structural Stresses

Start with structures

Begin with the Structures mind map that introduces mass, frame, truss and suspended structures. It connects these types to examples such as walls, dams, cranes and suspension bridges. Use its branches to practice matching each type with an example.

Another Structures mind map introduces force, load and stability. Look at it after the overview to connect the idea of a structure with the forces acting on it. You can return to either map when you need to check a term.

Explore types of stress

Next, look for the mind maps on types of efforts and stresses. They cover compression, tension, bending, buckling, torsion and shear. One describes compression as forces pressing a body inward and gives columns and foundations as examples. Another describes traction as forces that stretch a body.

Compare the branches across the maps. Notice which terms appear in more than one resource and use the descriptions to practice explaining the difference between stretching and compression. The maps offer different ways to organize the same group of ideas.

Use maps for recall

There are no quizzes listed on this page, so use a mind map for a short recall exercise instead. Read a branch, cover its description and try to explain it in your own words. Then check the map and return to any terms you want to study again.

Teachers can use the maps to select examples or descriptions for a discussion with school students. Students can compare their explanations with the wording in the resources.

Connect the topic to the unit

Structural Stresses is one section of Structures and Forces in Engineering and technology (general or other). The overview maps and the stress maps connect within this section: one introduces structures and forces, while the other focuses on types of stress. Try tracing those connections through a mind map as you study.