Activity 2.1.1 Centroids
Introduction
Finding the centroid of a shape like a circle or square is very easy. However for an object such as a beam, the centroid is only represented by the geometric center if the material is uniform or homogenous. Beams and other materials are often reinforced with a different material. Such reinforcement likely changes the location of the centroid from the geometric center. It is important that engineers account for this in their designs.
Finding the centroid of a shape like a circle or square is very easy. However for an object such as a beam, the centroid is only represented by the geometric center if the material is uniform or homogenous. Beams and other materials are often reinforced with a different material. Such reinforcement likely changes the location of the centroid from the geometric center. It is important that engineers account for this in their designs.
Conclusion
1. How does a crane operator’s knowledge of where the centroid is generally located for most uniform objects help them perform their job more safely?
It allows for an object to not be heavy on either side when being lifted and as a result fall from the grasp of the crane and cause an accident.
2. In the construction industry, why are I beams generally used as support as opposed to solid rectangular beams? What might be an advantage of using a rectangular beam?
I-beams are generally used as support over solid rectangular beams because of their moment of inertia. A regular rectangular beam might be useful as it can be oriented to have a high and low moment of inertia and its centroid is fairly simple to point out.
1. How does a crane operator’s knowledge of where the centroid is generally located for most uniform objects help them perform their job more safely?
It allows for an object to not be heavy on either side when being lifted and as a result fall from the grasp of the crane and cause an accident.
2. In the construction industry, why are I beams generally used as support as opposed to solid rectangular beams? What might be an advantage of using a rectangular beam?
I-beams are generally used as support over solid rectangular beams because of their moment of inertia. A regular rectangular beam might be useful as it can be oriented to have a high and low moment of inertia and its centroid is fairly simple to point out.