Question

Which term describes a lens-shaped structure having the outward thrusts of an arch balanced by the inward pulls of a cable, resulting in no net lateral forces at the supports?

Options:

Lenticular structure
Catenary structure
Cantilever structure
Parabolic structure

Answer 1

A lenticular structure is a lens-shaped form that balances the thrust of an arch with tension in cables, allowing for large spans without significant lateral forces on the supports.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term that describes a lens-shaped structure having the outward thrusts of an arch balanced by the inward pulls of a cable, resulting in no net lateral forces at the supports, is a lenticular structure. This kind of structure is designed to combine the properties of an arch, which deals with compressive stress, with those of a cable that handles tensile stress. The design of lenticular structures allows for efficient load distribution and span large distances without the need for massive supports.