What does rigidity of a structure refer to in relation to deflection?

Study for the GERTC PSAD Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Rigidity of a structure refers to its resistance to deformation under an applied load, specifically focusing on how much it deflects when subjected to stress. In this context, rigidity is directly related to stiffness, which quantifies how much a structure deforms under load. The concept of rigidity being the reciprocal of stiffness means that as a structure becomes stiffer, its rigidity increases, leading to less deflection for a given load.

Stiffness is defined as the ratio of the applied load to the resulting deflection; therefore, higher stiffness corresponds to lower deflection. Understanding rigidity as the reciprocal of stiffness captures this relationship succinctly: a more rigid structure exhibits lower deflection for the same applied forces, which is a critical factor in designing structural systems to ensure they can support intended loads without enduring significant deformations that could compromise their integrity or functionality.

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