Stability of structures

Question 1

DEFINITION OF STABILITY

Answer 1

Remains on its base
undamaged
when acted apon by forces
A structure is considered stable - if it remains on its
base, undamaged, when acted upon by forces that it is able to withstand (i.e. tension, compression, etc)

Question 2

FACTORS THAT AFFECT STABILITY:

Answer 2

Material
forces internal external
center of gravity

The type of MATERIAL that the structure is made of
The structures ability to withstand internal and external FORCES
An understanding of CENTRE OF GRAVITY

Question 3

DEFINITION OF CENTRE OF GRAVITY:

Answer 3

“The point on any structure where the majority of its MASS is concentrated”

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Structures are usually more stable if their centre of gravity is closer to the ground
How does this affect how you may build a structure - concentrate the mass at the BASE of the structure