Under Pressure

Overview

Objectives/Goals There is a guide that states that the strongest beam is the shape with the greatest amount of material away from the axis. I want to see if it applies to tunnels as well. Methods/Materials I used poster board, cardstock, and construction paper to build tunnels. I tested by placing either washers, checkers, or gram blocks on a board placed on the tunnel. I decided that I would use cardstock and washers to test the strongest shape. Results The engineering guide for beams did not apply to tunnels because the shape the guide predicted would be the weakest was actually the strongest. Conclusions/Discussion I have a better understanding of structural shapes after this experiment. Triangles have strong bases, letting the pressure be dispersed over the larger area, so they make good supports on large buildings. Circles and arches have curved tops, allowing pressure to be evenly distribute on them and the ground, so they are found as tunnels and pipes. Squares are sturdy so they can support a lot of weight from the inside, but none from the outside.

Competition history

• CSEF 2002 Structural Capability & Strength of Materials (Junior Division Only) · Entry J1808

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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