Web Drop In # 3- What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Various Materials in Structures?

By, Tanya McDaniel

 

                                                                               

 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig                             Concrete Columns                                            Steel Arches    

 

 

Background Information                                                  

Architects and Structural Engineers build structures with a specific purpose in mind. Their job is to build a sturdy building without spending a lot of money.  Remember if the materials are too heavy, then the structure will collapse.  Builders specifically pick certain materials based on how effective and cost efficient they are.  They are always trying to find ways to build a structure and save on costs.  Do you think you can build a strong structure and save the builders some money?  Let’s get started!

 

Lesson Overview

View the Building Big website by clicking on the site below.  Your job is to find out all you can about the materials engineers use in structures. You will have to look at a table to determine the properties of the materials you are investigating.  You will also need to complete a table to compare the advantages of disadvantages of each material.  After you investigate all of the materials you will need to select the best material to use for two different structures.  Then, you will need to explain your choice with the details you collected by completing the interactive lab.

 

Instructions

 

§       First, Click on Interactive Labs

 

§       Examine the type of material, cost, weight, pros and cons, and applications for use (What is this material used for?) by filling in the chart below.    

 

§       Complete the interactive lab activity of squeezing and stretching the material. Read the explanation of what happens to the material when you squeeze and stretch it.

 

§       Read the scenarios below and select the best material for the structure mentioned.  Explain why you chose this material for the structure and use the properties of that material to support your choice.

 

PROPERTIES TABLE

Type

Cost

Weight

Pros

Cons

Applications/Uses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCENARIOS

 

Pretend you are a structural engineer and are asked to build a house that could withstand a severe storm.  What type of materials would you use to build your house?  Explain your answer using supporting details from the table above.

 

Explanation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretend you are a structural engineer and are asked to build a bridge that spans a short distance and over a road.  What type of materials would you use to build the bridge?  Explain your answer using supporting details from the table above.

 

Explanation