BRIDGE DESIGNS

ABSTRACT

• For our project we are measuring how much weight these different types of bridges can hold. Our bridges were made out of toothpicks and structure glue. We have 5 different types of bridges, which are the Pratt, K-Truss, Howe, Baltimore, and Warren. We are going to attach a bungee cord and a bucket to the bridge. Then we will pour sand into the bucket. When the bridge breaks we will measure the weight of the bucket.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

• Which bridge design holds the most weight?

HYPOTHESIS

• The K-Truss will hold the most weight

VARIABLES

• Independent: the bridge design
• Dependent: the height of the bridge,& toothpicks

MATERIALS

• Toothpicks
• Liquid glue
• Graph paper
• Bungee cord
• Sealing wrap
• Bucket
• Weights
• Scale
• Bridge templates & Two tables

PROCEDERES

• Gather materials
• Draw bridge on graph paper
• Glue graph onto poster board
• Place sealing wrap over graph
• Glue tooth picks together using graph paper as a guid
• Let the glue dry for 10-15 minutes
• Take the bridge of in one piece
• Repeat steps 5-7

PROCEDURES

• Make bottom designs with the toothpicks and connect
• Make a top design with toothpicks and connect the tops of the bridge
• Attach bungee cord to the bottom of the bridge
• Place end of the bridge onto one side of the table and the other onto to the side of the second table. Let the bungee cord hang down.
• Attach the bucket to the bungee cord place weights into the bucket until the bridge breaks

PROCEDURES

• Take bucket and put it on the scale
• See what bridge held the most weight

Untitled Slide

Untitled Slide

In conclusion, the K-Truss bridge held the most weight. Our hypothesis was correct. Due to limited time we were only able to complete one trial of each bridge. If we had more data our information would be more precise.