Visual examples of size and magnitude are provided to explain forces. Forces are applied to cause stress (eg tension and compression) on three pipes of different materials and the resulting strains are discussed. The dead load, live loads, and wind loads are explored using a model house. This same model is then used to understand the importance of the structural elements of a house, with visualised load paths.

This module is part of the Real Serious Games Building and Construction Fundamentals series.

• Defines the basic conepts of forces, stresses & strains, loads and structural elements.