Which Bridge?
CSEF · 2015 Applied Mechanics & Structures
Overview
Objectives/Goals Compare 3 bridge designs with regards to their ability to hold a fixed amount of weight. The 3 bridge designs were Arch, Cable-stay, and Beam. We also considered the amount of time and resources it took to make each bridge. Methods/Materials Balsa, Pine and Bass wood Scale I-bolts String Bottles of water Results The arch design had the least sag with a fixed weight. Cable-stay was second while the Beam designed sagged the most. The Beam was easiest to build with the least resources with Arch being second and Cable-stay being third. Conclusions/Discussion Bridges using the arch design are the strongest but moderately difficult to build. We think the arch bridge is strongest because it is supported at 4 different points.
Summary statement
The varying strength of bridges based on their design
Help received
Parents helped refine idea. Teacher helped with board appearance
Competition history
- CSEF 2015
Resources
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Source: California Science & Engineering Fair public projects