Bridge

Intro:

For this project, we had to build a bride out of popsicle sticks and see how much weigh it withstood. We got to make any type of bridge we wanted, but we has some restrictions such as only being able to use 120 sticks, sticks could only overlap 2 1/4 inches, and the bridge had to be between sixteen and twenty inches.

Technical Concepts: 

During this project, we had to know a lot about physics such as dealing with different types of forces. These concepts helped us come up with a bridge design that was strong and could hold a lot of weight.

Learning Goals:

I wanted to learn more about different types of bridges and how they work. Also, I wanted to learn more about different types of forces and how they apply to bridges.

Design Brief: 

For our bridge, we ended up using 100 Popsicle sticks exactly. The form of the bridge was straight on the bottom and arched on the top. To connect these two frames, we made a V pattern with the sticks and had one stick between each V. We also used and X pattern for the bottom of the bridge to connect both side frames. My partner and I decided to add the bottom X pattern to the top of the bottom of the bridge so we would be testing the strength of the bridge and not how well the glue holds. For the top of the bridge, we just laid a few sticks across for a little bit of stability.

Positive Feedback: 

Our bridge was very successful. It withstood 100kg and held the most weight in the class. This success was made possible by the X's on the bottom of the bridge which provided tremendous support.

Redesign:

If I was to build our bridge again, I wouldn't change anything about it. It was a very good design and we executed it perfectly so I don't see how it could be improved any more. What I would change though is the testing device. It didn't really test how much weight the bridge could hold and mainly just tested how well the glue held.

Technological Resources:

Resources provided for this project were materials, people, and time. We were given a limited about of materials we could use, had a partner to help us, and a deadline to meet.

Biggest Challenge:

The biggest challenge we encountered was trying to attach the bottom of our bridge to the side frames. The Popsicle sticks would keep falling off because the side frames would get bumped. This part of the bridge was very stressful and we had to be very careful while doing it as to not bump anything.

What I Learned:

In this project, I learned a lot about bridges and forces. I can now recognize different types of bridges and how they work. Also, I have extended my knowledge on forces.