What defines a stressed-skin structure?

A stressed-skin structure is characterized by its use of panels that are engineered to work together holistically, allowing them to act much like I-beams. In this context, the sheathing material that is connected to the panels contributes to the rigidity and strength of the structure, enabling it to resist both bending and twisting forces. This system makes efficient use of materials and allows for greater spans and lighter constructions compared to traditional framing methods. Panels are typically made of materials such as wood, plywood, or metal, which, when combined with the sheathing, create a strong and resilient assembly capable of carrying loads.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature of stressed-skin structures. For instance, relying solely on external framing does not encapsulate the internal strength gained through the connection of the sheathing. Likewise, a structure composed entirely of curved surfaces does not define stressed-skin construction, as this type can include both flat and curved elements, but it is the paneling performance and behavior that are critical. Finally, traditional timber framing represents a different construction method that does not leverage the stressed-skin principle, which maximizes the performance of sheet materials in tension and compression applications.