| A | B |
|---|
| magnitude | the size of the force |
| direction | this also determines what effect the force will have |
| location | applying a force at a high or low point on an object |
| newton | the standard unit for measuring force |
| centre of gravity | the downward force of gravity acting on a structure |
| symmetry | a balanced arrangement of mass that occurs around an axis |
| static load | the wight of the structure itself |
| dynamic load | the load not connected to the structure |
| compression | a force that tends to squeeze on an object |
| tension | a force that tends to stretch an object |
| shear | a force that pushes parts that are in contact with each other in opposite directions |
| complimentary forces | when different kinds of internal forces act on a structure at the same time |
| structural stress | a combination of internal and external forces acting on a structure |
| structural fatigue | repeated abnormal use of a structure |
| structural failure | when a structure can no longer stand up to the forces acting on it |
