Bridge Building Homework - Help a Year 10 Student Win the Engineering Challenge!

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around a Year 10 student's engineering challenge to construct an 80cm bridge using paddle pop sticks and PVA glue, aiming to maximize weight capacity while minimizing mass. Key suggestions include utilizing truss designs, which have proven effective in previous competitions, and considering the principles of Young's Modulus for material strength. Participants recommend researching various bridge designs and structural engineering concepts to enhance the project outcome.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic engineering principles, specifically structural integrity.
  • Familiarity with Young's Modulus and its application in material science.
  • Knowledge of truss design and its advantages in weight distribution.
  • Experience with design software for structural modeling, such as AutoCAD or SketchUp.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research different truss bridge designs and their structural benefits.
  • Learn about the application of Young's Modulus in evaluating material strength.
  • Explore design software options like AutoCAD or SketchUp for creating bridge models.
  • Investigate weight distribution techniques to optimize bridge performance.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students participating in engineering challenges, educators teaching structural engineering concepts, and hobbyists interested in bridge design and construction techniques.

abccheung
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Homework Statement


Hey guys!

I am a year 10 student from Australia and our school is having an Engineering Challnege.

One of the tasks is to build a 80cm bridge using only paddle pop sticks and PVA glue. To win, the bridge must hold the most weight but have least mass.

It would be really appreciated if you could suggest any designs, tips, software for designs or anything about bridge building.

Care to give me a hand?


Homework Equations


?Maybe Young's Modulus?


The Attempt at a Solution



One of my initial ideas was to basically build a box cause last year the winnng entry was literaly like a rectanglur box
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Look up 'Trusses' - there have been hundreds designed and the properties of steel and pop sticks aren't too different at small sizes.
 

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