Bridge
Project
Identifying the Problem
Final Design
Objective: To build the strongest bridge that will hold the largest applied load before failure
- Total Number of Sticks: 169
- Weight: 8 oz
- Efficiency Score: 250 lb / 8 oz -> 500
Materials: 4.5" x 3/8" x 1/12" popsicle sticks
Elmer's Wood Glue
Bridge Dimensions: Length: 20-24 in
Width: 4-6 in
Height: 3-18 in
Testing
Since the prototype was a design sketched out and I cannot test out a sketch, I will proceed straight towards the Final Design step
Venkat Bridge
Model/Prototype
Strategy
- Using West Point Bridge Designer, design Howe, Pratt, and Warren trusses using only carbon steel hollow tubes, and determine the cheapest truss design.
- Use the John Hopkins Bridge Designer to find the forces applied on each member, with the cheapest truss design.
- Draw out the truss of the bridge in full scale.
- Using the drawings, make any necessary modifications, and build the bridge.
Select Possible Solutions
Research/Brainstorm
Research
Brainstorm
Howe Truss
Pratt Truss
- A bridge consists of trusses on the sides, as well as a deck on the bottom
- The bridges may undergo "buckling" on compression members
- Load under Tension Tests: I approximated that each of my popsicle sticks can hold up to 30 lbs
- All three truss designs were designed with carbon steel hollow tubes.
- Prices for each truss design:
- Howe Truss - $180,206.88
- Pratt Truss - $182,356.83
- Warren Truss - $179,680.01
- All had similar stability
Key Terms
- Howe Truss
- Pratt Truss
- Warren Truss
- Joist
- Plank
- Truss Joints
Warren Truss
My Reflection
If I were to construct a bridge again, I would build the platform/roadbed first, and then the trusses.
Akaash Venkat
Principles of Engineering, P8