Gr 8-Technology-Study Guide by Impaq

Senior Phase Grade 8 • Study Guide

Technology CAPS IEB Technology

• Comprehensive explanations of concepts in simple language. fun and practical activities with everyday objects to help • Interactive, learners master concepts. • Includes drawing sheets and step-by-step instructions. • Alphabetical list of important terminology for easy reference. • Learners are shown how to complete the practical assessments. • Use in school or at home. home classroom college workplace

Study Guide 8

Technology Study guide

2108-E-TEC-SG01

Í5(È-E-TEC-SG01IÎ

Grade 8

CAPS aligned

FI le Roux JC le Roux J Lubbinge HA Saaiman J Saaiman A Schwartz

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

Contents

PREFACE............................................................................................................................ 7 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 7 STUDY TIPS........................................................................................................................ 7 SUBJECT CONTENT AND PLANNING.............................................................................. 8 TERM 1: UNIT 1: Design skills.......................................................................................... 9 LESSON 1: Design process.................................................................................. 13 Activity 1................................................................................................................. 15 LESSON 2: Safety................................................................................................. 15 Activity 2................................................................................................................. 16 TERM 1: UNIT 2: Structures............................................................................................. 17 LESSON 3: Frame structures................................................................................ 18 Activity 3................................................................................................................. 20 LESSON 4: Structural members in roof trusses.................................................... 20 Activity 4................................................................................................................. 21 LESSON 5: Forces................................................................................................ 23 Activity 5.1............................................................................................................. 25 Activity 5.2............................................................................................................. 25 LESSON 6: Reinforcing of structures.................................................................... 26 Activity 6.1............................................................................................................. 26 Activity 6.2............................................................................................................. 28 Activity 6.3............................................................................................................. 29 LESSON 7: Structures spanning a space.............................................................. 31 Activity 7................................................................................................................. 34 LESSON 8: Types of structures............................................................................. 34 Activity 8................................................................................................................. 41 LESSON 9: Structural failure................................................................................. 41 Activity 9................................................................................................................. 42 TERM 1: UNIT 3: Communication skills......................................................................... 44 LESSON 10: Graphical communication ................................................................ 45 Activity 10.1........................................................................................................... 52 Activity 10.2........................................................................................................... 66 Activity 10.3........................................................................................................... 71 Activity 10.4........................................................................................................... 71 Activity 10.5........................................................................................................... 76 Activity 10.6........................................................................................................... 81 Activity 10.7........................................................................................................... 89 Activity 10.8........................................................................................................... 96 TERM 1: UNIT 4: Mechanical systems and control..................................................... 103 LESSON 11: Simple machines............................................................................ 104 Activity 11............................................................................................................. 105

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

LESSON 12: Gears............................................................................................. 106 Activity 12.1......................................................................................................... 107 Activity 12.2......................................................................................................... 109 LESSON 13: Mechanisms that change direction of movement........................... 110 Activity 13.............................................................................................................111 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK..................................................................... 113 TERM 2: UNIT 5: Impact of technology and processing............................................. 126 LESSON 14: The positive impact of technology.................................................. 127 Activity 14............................................................................................................ 129 LESSON 15: The negative impact of technology................................................. 130 Activity 15............................................................................................................ 131 LESSON 16: Reducing the negative impact of technology................................. 131 Activity 16............................................................................................................ 132 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK..................................................................... 135 TERM 3: UNIT 6: Mechanical systems and control..................................................... 143 LESSON 17: Simple machanisms: Levers.......................................................... 144 Activity 17............................................................................................................ 144 LESSON 18: Gears............................................................................................. 151 Activity 18............................................................................................................ 155 LESSON 19: Impact of technology: Mining......................................................... 156 Activity 19............................................................................................................ 157 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK..................................................................... 158 TERM 4: UNIT 7: Electrical systems and control........................................................ 171 LESSON 20: Simple circuit components............................................................. 172 Activity 20............................................................................................................ 176 LESSON 21: Correct connections....................................................................... 176 Activity 21............................................................................................................ 177 LESSON 22: Electrical components and their symbols....................................... 179 Activity 22............................................................................................................ 179 LESSON 23: Impact of bias in technology........................................................... 180 Activity 23............................................................................................................ 182 LESSON 24: Electrochemical cells...................................................................... 182 Activity 24............................................................................................................ 185 LESSON 25: Photovoltaic cells........................................................................... 187 Activity 25............................................................................................................ 188 LESSON 26: Generating electricity..................................................................... 188 Activity 26............................................................................................................ 193 LESSON 27: Alternating current.......................................................................... 194 LESSON 28: Electrical circuits and control.......................................................... 195 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK..................................................................... 199

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

ADDENDUM A: Important terminology......................................................................... 205 ADDENDUM B: Squared paper...................................................................................... 208 ADDENDUM C: Isometric paper.................................................................................... 210 ADDENDUM D: Drawing sheet...................................................................................... 212

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

PREFACE Technology can be defined as the use of knowledge, skills, values and resources to meet people’s needs and wants by developing practical solutions to problems, taking social and environmental factors into consideration.

INTRODUCTION This book has been developed to support the new Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). The contents have been organised in topics stipulated by the CAPS. The authors have strived to make this book as comprehensive as possible within the framework of the curriculum. The main aim of this book is to equip learners with a sound basic knowledge of various aspects of technology. It will not only assist them to master technology but also to put theory into practice. We took special care to: • make the contents learner friendly • attractively illustrate the contents • make the contents industry related • provide relevant and stimulating activities • provide a variety of additional activities for practice at the end of each unit • motivate learners to explore the different fields in technology The Technology Study Guide is supported by the Technology Facilitator’s Guide.

STUDY TIPS • • •

Don’t postpone studying until the night before the examination or test. Compile a timetable so that you can manage your time effectively. Choose a suitable study method that suits your needs and practise it. Study skills have to be practised if you want to perform well. You may use any study method to master technology, but to achieve good results, the following principles are suggested:

1. Summary 2. Questions 3. Read and learn 4. Recite 5. Check 6. Repeat

Get an overview of the work to be studied. Read through everything quickly to see what it is about. Prepare questions about the work that you can use to study: Why? How? What? For example: what are drawing standards? How are they used? Read and study these questions very carefully. Say the questions and answers out loud without using your book. If you understand, know and repeat the work, check your answers against the content in the study guide. Keep on studying until you remember everything. Repeat the work every day. 7

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

SUBJECT CONTENT AND PLANNING UNIT 1

3 4

LESSON TERM 1 LESSON 1: Design process LESSON 2: Safety LESSON 3: Frame structures LESSON 4: Structural members in roof trusses LESSON 5: Forces LESSON 6: Reinforcing of structures LESSON 7: Structures spanning a space LESSON 8: Types of structures LESSON 9: Structural failure LESSON 10: Graphical communication LESSON 11: Simple machines LESSON 12: Gears LESSON 13: Mechanisms that change direction of movement PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK (PAT) TERM 2 LESSON 14: The positive impact of technology LESSON 15: The negative impact of technology LESSON 16: Reducing the negative impact of technology PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK (PAT) TERM 3 LESSON 17: Levers LESSON 18: Gears (continued) LESSON 19: Impact of technology: mining PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK (PAT) TERM 4 LESSON 20: Simple circuit components LESSON 21: Correct connections LESSON 22: Electrical components and their symbols LESSON 23: Impact of bias in technology LESSON 24: Electrochemical cells LESSON 25: Photovoltaic cells LESSON 26: Generating electricity LESSON 27: Alternating current LESSON 28: Electrical circuits and control PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK (PAT)

HOURS ½

2 4 4 7 6 2 2 6 8 2 9 2 2 2 2 2 6

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

TERM 1

UNIT 1: Design skills

Learning objectives After you have completed this unit, you must be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of: Design process • Investigate • Design • Make or manufacture • Evaluate • Communication Safety The main causes of accidents • General safety rules for practical technology work • Safety regulations regarding electricity • Gas • Safety precautions when using cutting tools • Safety precautions related to cleaning agents and medicine

Introduction

Technology is the use of knowledge, skills and resources to provide practical solutions (objects) to solve people’s problems or meet their needs. Technology contributes to human support and comfort, while taking social and environmental factors into consideration.

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY Analyse To closely study or examine a problem, need or item. Annotate/Label To provide work or sketches with notes and explanatory remarks.

Artistic drawing When advanced techniques such as colour, texture, shading, shadows and perspective are used to create a drawing that resembles reality. Bias A tendency to support or oppose a particular person or thing in an unfair way by allowing personal opinions to influence your judgement. Communicate To share information with others by speaking, writing, drawing or using models or products. Constraints Aspects that limit conditions within which the work or solution must be developed, e.g., time, materials, cost. Creative Producing or using original and unusual ideas. Describe To say or write what something or someone is like. Design To make a provisional plan or drawing (a possible solution). Design brief A short statement of a problem or need. For example, a plastic container for packaging.

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

Design process The activity of solving problems through ideas. STEP 1: Investigate STEP 2: Design STEP 3: Manufacture STEP 4: Evaluate STEP 5: Communicate

Design specifications

The criteria of the final solution, e.g., shape, size.

Evaluate To judge the quality or effectiveness of a product or idea. Flow chart A diagram that allows you to identify every step in the manufacturing process.

Investigate To carefully examine a problem, need or want. Isometric projection A 3-D drawing that uses lines drawn at 30°.

Make To produce or manufacture something.

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

Needs Things that a person must have for a satisfactory life. Orthographic projection A 2-D drawing used to produce a working drawing, usually showing three separate views of the same object.

Portfolio A systematic and organised collection of someone’s work. Problem A situation, person or thing that needs attention and needs to be solved or addressed. Prototype The first version of a product. Questionnaire A set of questions used to find out people’s views about something.

Survey Research carried out by questioning. Wants To desire a particular thing (which you can live a satisfactory life without).

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

LESSON 1: Design process Below is an example of the steps involved in the design process. STEP 1: Investigate 1.1 1.2 Safety 1.3

Identify the problem (need/want) ...……………………………………………………………………………………………………................... Analyse EXISTING products on: Suitability of materials Investigation strategy

Fitness for purpose

Cost

Manufacturing method

Use a variety of available technologies and methods to: • locate (library referencing systems, internet searches, indexes, magazines, shops) • collect (questionnaires, data collection forms, literature surveys) • test and compare the properties of a product • sort and verify the information Circle or underline the method you used.

STEP 2: Design 2.1 Design brief (Short written idea including outline of the problem, who is affected, how the product will be used, reliability and the impact on the environment.) ..…………...............……………………………………………………….…..…………………………….... 2.2 Design ideas (Use the design brief and freehand drawings to find several solutions. Choose the best solution.) ……....……………………………………………………………………………………………..…………… ….............……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.3 Design specifications (More detailed than the design brief.) List of features of product/description (Details of size, shape, colour, etc.)

Materials (What will the product be made from?)

Safety

Cost

Quality standards (Does the product meet a certain standard?)

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

STEP 3: Make/manufacture 3.1

Planning

•

Formal drawing showing • dimensions and quantities (on separate folio paper) • Resource lists: (tools/ equipment) ................................................. • ................................................. .................................................

•

3.2

•

Manufacturing process (how it is made) Formal drawings showing dimensions and quantities (on separate folio paper) Resource lists: (tools/equipment) ..................................................................................... ..................................................................................... Manufacturing skills (Skills needed to manufacture, e.g., measuring.) ..................................................................................... ..................................................................................... Safe working practices (Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of safe working practices.) .....................................................................................

STEP 4: Evaluate 4.1 4.2 4.2.1 mm

Who is doing the evaluation? ............................................................................................................................................................. How are you going to evaluate? ............................................................................................................................................................. Evaluate the final product by comparing it with: • design brief • specifications

mm 4.2.2 mm

Evaluate the manufacturing process with mm regard to efficient: • work procedures • skills • time management

STEP 5: Communicate 5.1

Prepare presentation • Existing drawings • All written information (design brief, poster, PowerPoint or slides including reasoning for design) 5.2 Comments on design process • Was design/project successful/good? • ……………………………………………………………….................................................… • Reasons for the above • ………………………………………………………………….….............................………… • Suggestions to improve design …………………………………………………………………….............................………...…

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

Activity 1 Design process Instructions Design a means of transport made of wood to carry five learners across a river every day. Name the five steps of the design process to follow when a new product is developed to solve a problem.

LESSON 2: Safety 2.

The main causes of accidents • • •

Reckless or unsafe acts Faults in mechanical systems Faults in electrical systems

2.1

General safety rules for practical technology work • Obey all safety rules when using electrical apparatus, kitchen appliances and machinery. • Do not play around with the power switch/power button. • Always keep hands and fingers clear of moving parts, blades or sharp edges. • Ensure that the machine is switched off and that all moving parts have stopped before making any adjustments.

2.2

Safety regulations regarding electricity • Ensure that the electrical apparatus is connected correctly. • Know where the main switch or emergency cut-off switch is located. • Report any defects of/damage to electrical apparatus. • Examine all cables, wires or cords for damage and replace immediately if necessary. • Check that the power source is switched off before connecting plugs to/ disconnecting plugs from a wall socket. • Never work with electricity near water. • Never overload the wall socket with too many plugs.

2.3 Gas Gas leaks may cause the following accidents: • explosions • fires • poisoning

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

If you smell gas: • Make sure there are no open gas valves. • Close the main valve on top of the gas cylinder. • Open all windows and doors. • Never look for a gas leak with an open flame like a candle. 2.4

Safety precautions when using cutting tools • Prevent cutting tool accidents by: o keeping tools in a good condition o handling tools correctly • Use the correct cutting tool for the job intended. • Handle cutting tools with care. Don’t drop them. • DO NOT check the sharpness of a blade with your finger. • DO NOT carry cutting tools with sharp blades or edges in your pocket. • Store cutting tools in a safe place after use. • Carry cutting tools with the sharp edge towards the ground or pointing away from your body. • DO NOT run around with cutting tools.

2.5

Safety precautions related to cleaning agents and medicine Cleaning agents (methylated spirits, benzene, paraffin, bleach, etc.) must: • never be stored with food • be kept out of reach of children • be clearly marked • be closed properly • be kept away from open flames (cigarettes, lighters, fires, etc.) as they are often highly flammable

Activity 2 Instructions 1. Name the THREE main causes of accidents. 2. List FOUR safety regulations to apply when handling a knife. 3. Connect a plug as shown below. • L: Live Brown or red (bottom right) • N: Neutral Blue or black (bottom left) • Earth: Green or green and yellow or only copper wire

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

TERM 1

UNIT 2: Structures

Learning objectives After you have completed this unit, you must be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of: Frame structures • Definition of frame structures • Types of frames • Purpose of structural members in roof trusses Structural members in roof trusses • Types of structural members in roof trusses • Rafter ties in trusses Forces Reinforcing of structures • Triangulation • Internal cross-bracing Structures spanning a space • Structural members of structures spanning a space Types of structures • Bridges • Arches • Cantilevers Structural failure

Introduction

Structures are part of everyday life and serve a variety of purposes. Different types of forces also act on structures, which is why certain structures need to be reinforced to withstand the forces being exerted.

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY A structural member is a specific part or component used to make a structure, e.g., columns, beams and struts. Each member performs a specific function in a structure.

Roof trusses are an example of an inside frame

Modern designes feature frame structures as part of their design

LESSON 3: Frame structures 3.1

Definition of frame structures Frame structures are different structural members joined together to form a frame that can withstand forces and provide support. The frame is usually made of wood, steel or reinforced concrete. The structure supports its own weight as well as the load it carries.

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

3.2

Types of frames

Inside frame: • The frame is sometimes hidden; e.g., roof trusses hidden underneath the tiles of a roof or corrugated sheeting. • Most high-rise buildings have an internal frame structure that is not visible after the construction of the building is completed. Outside/Visible frame: • Modern designers feature the frame structure as part of their design.

3.3

Purpose of structural members in roof trusses

Roofs are supported by triangular frame structures called roof trusses. The structural members are usually made of wood or steel. The purposes of the different structural members vary as each member is designed for a specific purpose. All structural members help to: • withstand forces in a structure • support structures • add to the strength of a structure The following table compares the advantages and disadvantages for the use of wood and steel as structural members.

Advantages

• • • • • • •

Disadvantages • • •

Steel structural members Stronger than wood Strong, lightweight material Carry bigger loads than wood Withstand strong winds Do not bend or become crooked Quickly assembled Used in all weather conditions Prone to rust Must be treated with anti-rust agents to protect it Weaken with time

• • • • • • • •

•

Wood structural members Cheaper than concrete Lightweight material Durable, long lasting Flexible material Good insulating properties Has an attractive natural finish Easy to use Must be protected against insects and moisture; e.g., with creosote or varnish Rot in the presence of water and sunlight

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

Activity 3 Instructions Identify the two types of frame structures in the pictures and indicate the type of materials that they are made of.

1 2

LESSON 4: Structural members in roof trusses 4.1

Types of structural members in roof trusses

Type of structural members 4.1.1 King post

Description A single, vertical, central support post. It is connected to the top of the ridge (apex) and perpendicular to the tie beam below.

4.1.2 Tie beam

A long horizontal beam at Joins the two rafters the bottom of a roof truss. and spreads the load that the roof truss carries to the walls of the building.

Purpose Connects the rafters and tie beam to each other and strengthens the truss frame.

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

Type of structural members 4.1.3 Rafters

Description Purpose The two diagonal beams Form the framework of the roof truss. of a roof. They spread the load of the roof over the roof truss.

4.1.4 Struts

Struts are either wood or metal beams connected to the rafters. Struts do not bend.

4.1.5 Queen posts

Vertical bars between Allow the roof truss the tie beam and rafters. to span over larger distances.

4.2

Strengthen the frame structure of a roof truss by binding the whole structure into one unit.

Rafter ties in trusses

A rafter tie is a horizontal tension tie that helps to keep the walls of a building from spreading due to the weight of the roof. Fastening a tie beam to the walls may also be seen as a type of rafter tie.

Activity 4 Instructions Build as many different roof trusses from paper or straws as possible. Use a glue gun to make it much quicker and easier. Requirements • A4 sheet of paper or straws • glue/glue gun

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

Steps 1. Roll a sheet of A4 paper around a pencil. Roll as many as you need to build the roof trusses. 2. Paste it on the rim so that it doesn’t roll off, or use straws as an alternative. 3. Use a glue gun to build the roof trusses quickly. 4. Build as many different roof trusses as possible. 5. Use the following examples as guidelines. You may build any other design.

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

LESSON 5: Forces A force is an action that either pushes or pulls an object. The action can change the movement or shape of an object. The result of a force on a structure depends on the: • size of the force • direction of the force • connection point of the force Forces Shear force

Torsion

Tension/tensile force

Description A force that moves two objects relative to each other. (The objects move in opposite directions.)

•

General examples Two pieces of wood or metal held together with a bolt. The bolt will break if shear force acts on it Tearing a piece of paper

Torsion takes place • when a twisting force is applied to an object.

Water wrung from a cloth

•

Twisting the lid off a jar or cold drink bottle

A pulling force is • exerted on an object • when trying to • stretch the object or pull it apart. Tension is the opposite of compression.

People playing tug of war Walking a dog on a leash Guylines on a tent

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

Compression force/ Densification

uncompressed

Compression force • takes place when a solid, gas or liquid is compressed.

Air compressed in a syringe

•

Air compressed in a bicycle pump A person sitting on a chair Pushing open a door Struts on a wire fence pushing against the beam to keep it straight

compressed

Compression force

A pushing force or • compressed force • exerted on an object • (in an effort to shorten the object or reduce its size). Compression is the opposite of tension.

Bending

A force applied at an • angle in an effort to bend an object.

A heavy weight bending a shelf

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

Activity 5.1 Instructions Test the ability of an object to withstand forces by completing the following activity. Requirements • a flat piece of wood • 2 long nails • a hammer • an elastic band • a pen to feel and see the effects of the force applied Steps 1. Drive the two nails into the piece of wood, perpendicular to the flat surface; one to the left and one to the right. Space the nails far enough from each other for the elastic band to stretch. 2. Place the elastic band over the respective nails. 3. Pull, press and apply torsion to the elastic band. Use the pen to wind up the elastic band to see the effects of the torsion force being applied.

Tension force

Compression force

Torsion force

Activity 5.2 Instructions In activity 4 you built different roof trusses from paper or straws. Apply what you have learnt about forces and use the roof trusses to test their resistance to different forces by pulling, twisting, squashing or bending them: • • • • •

Shear force Torsion force Tension force Compression force Bending

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

LESSON 6: Reinforcing of structures Structures need to be strong, stable, safe and rigid. It is important to pay special attention when reinforcing frame structures to ensure that the structure can support its own weight and the load it is carrying. Not all structures are designed to meet these requirements and need to be reinforced to stabilise them. Two types of reinforcement techniques for frame structures are triangulation and internal cross-bracing.

6.1 Triangulation Triangulation involves strengthening a structure by joining its members in such a way that they form triangles. When a force is exerted on a rectangular structure it can be pushed out of shape because the forces are spread over a small surface of the structure. Adding a diagonal strut or brace strengthens the structure. The strut or brace divides the structure into two triangles and spreads the force over a larger area.

Activity 6.1 Instructions Complete this activity to better understand triangulation. Requirements • 4 straws • 4 pins

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

Steps 1. Cut two of the straws in half so that you have four equal lengths.

Use the pins to assemble the four cut parts into a square shape by pushing the pins through the ends of the straws as shown.

Distort the shape of the structure by pulling the opposite corners away from each other.The structure should now have a parallelogram shape.

Fix the third straw diagonally across the structure to make a cross brace.

Now apply the same force as in step 3 and note the difference.

Discuss your findings with a fellow learner, friend or family member.

Unit

6.2

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

Internal cross-bracing

Internal cross-bracing is used to strengthen structures by using diagonal beams that form an X. This results in four triangles that are very rigid.

Activity 6.2 Instructions Complete this activity to better understand internal cross-bracing. Steps 1. Use the triangulated structure that was built in activity 6.1. 2. Add the fourth straw diagonally across the structure to apply cross-bracing. 3. Apply the same force as in activity 6.1 and note the difference. Discuss your findings with a fellow learner, friend or family member.

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

Activity 6.3 Case study: Electricity pylons Electricity pylons are large structures used to support overhead electricity cables, which supply electricity all over the country. They have different designs; for example, an open frame structure made of solid concrete, steel or wood. Characteristics of electricity pylons: • They are strong, rigid and stable. • Electricity pylons: ○ feature triangulation (triangular shapes) to ensure rigidity; and ○ feature cross-bracing to make them resistant to torsion forces. • The design should be able to withstand wind, storms, rain, snow, sun and extreme weather conditions. • The structural members should be able to withstand all forces applied to them (e.g., tension and compression). • The structure must be safe. People or animals should be prohibited from climbing onto the structure. Cables should be high and out of reach. Instructions Study the following pictures of electricity pylons and answer the questions.

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Study Guide G08 ~ Technology

Do these electricity pylons feature triangulation? If so, make a drawing of one of the pylons and indicate the triangulation with a different colour pen. Which materials were used for the electricity pylons in these photos?

Study Guide G08 ~ Technology Unit

LESSON 7: Structures spanning a space Some structures are designed to span the space between two points so that they connect. These structures are mostly used over rivers and mountains; e.g., bridges. The longer the bridge, the heavier the structure becomes. This requires additional support to act against the forces exerted on the structure.

7.1

Structural members of structures spanning a space

7.1.1

Beams (horizontal members) • Beams are long rectangular-shaped structural members made of wood, metal or concrete. • Beams are horizontal structural components. • Beams support the load and prevent the structure from bending by spreading the forces equally. • The load is spread across the beams and down into the pillars. • The beams on each level spread the load to the pillars that are built between the two levels. Parking garages or large buildings where pillars support the different levels of the building are good examples of this.