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What is it?
Every structure has a certain amount of force it must bear (called load). This force is distributed (or shared) by all the parts of the structure that support it (or hold it up). That is what is called distribution of force over an area.
If a building has a heavy roof, then the downward force or load of the roof is supported by the posts, lintels, and other structures that make up the building. The more of these supporting members there are, the less of the load each individual post or lintel has to support. In other words, the force becomes distributed over more area.
Give me an example! Have you ever lifted something really heavy, like a couch? Have you noticed that the object seemed really heavy when only one person lifts it at a time ... but when more people join in and help lift the couch, it seems lighter? The couch didn't get lighter -- the part you had to lift became lighter. |
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