1. A STRUCTURE
WHAT’S IT?
A set of elements that can bear burdens
• Without breaking them
• Without being deformated too much
FUNCTIONS
• Hold loads
• Limit a space
• Protect a space
TYPES
Constituted by bars that are united to
form triangles
TRIANGULATION They are light and very resistant
An example of triangulation: a crane.
Triangles are seen around us especially in the construction industry in building structures.
They can be large or small
They can be permanent or temporary
Look these examples:

2. Now, pay attention to the triangles of each structure
EXAMPLE: A house
• The roof is a triangle.
• The walls are constructed and then structural roof timbers are set in position.

3. Why?
• A triangle is a very strong shape.
• Rain water runs off the roof down the drainpipes, away from the house.
EXERCISE 1. DESIGN A TOWER OR BRIDGE USING TRIANGULATION
Use a set square to draw horizontal lines and lines at different angles. A 60/30 degree or 45/90
degree set square can be used but these will not always give the angles you may want to draw.
The tower should be drawn to a scale of 1:1 (full size).
EXERCISE 2.MAKING YOUR MODEL.
You can use straws, used paper, sellotape, scissors, plywood or chipboard. Your structure must
support a kilo of weight without becoming deformed itself.
VOCABULARY
Burdens=loads Straw: pajita
Timber: viga Scaffolding: andamio
Light: the opposite of heavy Plywood: contrachapado
Drainpipes: cañerías Chipboard: aglomerado
Support: soportar