How can you construct a tall paper tower in 20 minutes?

[Oscar Wilde]

Homework Statement

I was recently given an assignment to construct, in 20 minutes, the tallest paper tower I possibly can. I have been given a standard sized 8x11 paper with 25 cm of tape. I am looking for relevant input as to how I could build the tallest tower. The tower needs to be able to stand on its own.

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

I've been pondering and here is what I've come up with:

Perhaps construct a thin square base of paper that uses minimal tape to stick to ground. I then would cut the rest of the 8x11 up into strips to arrange in a 'teepee' style. I would tape them to the support and put one strip sticking out top, to give extra height.

The key is that I need to achieve substantial height with this tower. I'm looking for about 1.25-1.5 meters. Any feedback appreciated,

Oscar

 

[KataKoniK]

Dear Oscar,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on how to approach this challenge. I would suggest considering the principles of structural stability and weight distribution in constructing your paper tower.

Firstly, you may want to start with a strong and stable base. This could be achieved by folding the paper into a thick triangular or square shape, and using the tape to secure the edges. This will provide a solid foundation for your tower to stand on.

Next, you could experiment with different shapes and designs for the main structure of your tower. For example, you could try creating a pyramid shape by folding the paper into a triangular prism and stacking them on top of each other. Or, you could try creating a spiral shape by rolling the paper into a cylinder and stacking them on top of each other. Keep in mind that the taller your tower gets, the more unstable it may become, so be sure to distribute the weight evenly and use tape to secure the layers together.

Lastly, you mentioned using a strip of paper to give extra height. This could work, but you may also want to consider the weight of the strip and how it will affect the stability of your tower. Perhaps you could try using multiple strips instead of just one, and attaching them at different angles to provide more support.

Overall, the key is to experiment and be creative with your design while also considering the principles of structural stability and weight distribution. Good luck with your tower building!

 

[Mene]

I would suggest some additional considerations for constructing a tall paper tower. First, it is important to understand the properties of paper and how it can be manipulated to increase its strength. For example, folding the paper into triangles can add rigidity and stability to the structure. Additionally, using a technique called "cross-bracing" where strips of paper are criss-crossed and taped together can also increase the tower's stability.

It may also be helpful to experiment with different types of tape or adhesive to see which one provides the strongest hold for the paper tower. Furthermore, considering the weight distribution of the tower is important to ensure that it can support its own weight and any additional weight added to the top.

Using a ruler or measuring device to ensure that each piece of paper is cut to the same size can also help maintain the tower's stability and symmetry. And lastly, practicing and refining the construction technique before the timed challenge can also improve the chances of building a taller tower.

In conclusion, constructing a tall paper tower requires careful consideration of the properties of paper, the use of effective techniques such as folding and cross-bracing, and attention to weight distribution and precision. With these factors in mind, you may be able to achieve a tower of 1.25-1.5 meters in height. Good luck with your assignment!