Don't worry if you don't understand everything on these pages.  Sometimes I am not sure that I completely understand all of these concepts.

Introduction - a general introduction and explanation of the structure challenge

Definitions - basic definitions applicable to structure

Stress - What are the stresses (forces) that are acting on your structure?

Columns and the Law of Squares - the math of columns.

Bracing - different types of braces and their application

What do you really need to know off of these pages?  

• Most structures have vertical pieces designed to support weight (columns) and less than vertical pieces (braces) designed to resist forces acting on the columns and to add stability to the structure. 

• A shorter column holds more weight that a longer column of equal size, shape and material. 

• Adding horizontal braces to a column effectively "cuts" the column into shorter pieces that will hold more weight.

• Diagonal braces resist twisting in a structure.

Select the Up Link to the left to be returned to the Tutorials page.