Forces
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    A force is anything that causes an object to accelerate.  It is also more simply defined as a push or a pull.  Forces are measured in Newton's (.2 Newton's is equal to one pound).  There are five basic types of forces that act on structures.  They are:

1. Compression force- A force produced when a structure is compressed or squashed.  A dam has the weight of the water on it so it must withstand a large compression force that is trying to “squash” it.

2. Tension force- A force produced when a structure is stretched.

3. Bending force- A bending force is produced when a structure is bent (There is a compression force on one surface and a tension force on the opposite).  

4.Torsion force- A force that tries to twist an object.  Struts and ties can be used to keep the frame rigid to prevent from a torsion force.  The twisting action in a torsion force is called a torque.  

5. Shear force- A cutting force created when two forces act in opposite directions to each other (like the blade of a pair of scissors).  

This Page was last edited on Thursday, July 27, 2000 .

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