What are the differences between the statics of tension and compression in structural engineering?
In structural engineering, tension and compression are two types of forces that act on materials. Tension is a pulling force that stretches or elongates a material, while compression is a pushing force that shortens or compresses a material. The main difference between tension and compression is the direction in which the force is applied: tension pulls the material apart, while compression pushes the material together. These forces can affect the stability and strength of structures, so engineers must consider them carefully when designing buildings and bridges.