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Questions for Discussion: Columns: Finding the Strongest Shape
Both figures with straight sides -- the square and the triangle -- collapsed. Do you think we could make a column with straight sides that would work? How important do you think the size of the circle is? What would happen with bigger and smaller circles? How would you test a column to compare its strength in compression (a force pushing down on the vertical axis of the column) and in tension (a force pushing or pulling horizontally on the column)? What are the advantages of columns for use in buildings?
