Build a Strong Bridge with Limited Resources: A Budget-Friendly Challenge

In summary, the challenge is to build a bridge with a $95 million budget that can fill a 40-cm gap, support 1kg for 10 seconds, and flex no more than 2.5 cm. The given materials are 18-cm straws at $1m, 18-cm toothpicks at $5m, 6-cm toothpicks at $20m for a package of 360, 33 meters of tape at $30m, and 1 meter of string at $5m. The most efficient design so far is made up of three 18-cm segments, wrapped in tape and held together by 6-cm toothpicks and tape. The budget has
  • #1
jkv6391
7
0
Here's a little challenge:

You need to build a bridge to fill a 40-cm gap. The bridge must be able to support 1kg for 10 seconds and flex no more than 2.5 cm. Your budget is $95 million.

Materials given are 18-cm straws at $1m, 18-cm toothpicks at 18-cm each at $5m, 6-cm toothpicks at $20m for 360 a package, 33 meters of
tape at $30m, 1 meter of string at $5m.
 
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  • #2
This sounds like a class project to me. What are your thoughts on it? Any preliminary sketches or calculations?
 
  • #3
Yeah. It's a class project.
Right now my group has the most efficient design in the room. The design is painfully simple but the part that's done right now can carry about 2.5kg. I'm just looking for ideas about something a bit... cooler.

The design is like... the entire bridge is made up of three segments , each are 18 cm each. The 18-cm sticks are wrapped in tape to prevent it all from falling apart if they break. the 6-cm toothpicks are all aligned in a row one layer thick; It's all held together by tape on the top and bottom. We might add extra rigidity to the bottom by putting an isometric pattern on it. So far there is about $30m left in the budget.
 
  • #4
You do not mention if your bridge has to be a practical means of conveying
things from a to b, a simple A frame could be a bridge.
 
  • #5
No, the bridge serves no practical purpose. It only needs to be able to hold 1kg at the center.
 
  • #6
jkv6391 said:
I'm just looking for ideas about something a bit... cooler.
In engineering, 'cool' is meeting or exceeding the specified parameters on time and on budget. Cooler is doing it ahead of time and under budget. If aesthetics are part of the requirements, then by all means make it look nice. If not, spending extra to dress it up is a waste of time and money.
 
  • #7
Extra points will be awarded for the most creative design, however they are not awarded if it goes over budget.
 
  • #8
In that case, it's pretty much up to your imagination along with the basic engineering principles. To me, that's pretty much architecture. By 'creative' design, do they mean 'peculiar' or 'artistic'?
 
  • #9
Since you can use string, perhaps a suspension bridge of some sort would be "cool". But you would need end conditions that would allow it.
 

1. What is a bridge building project?

A bridge building project is a construction process where a bridge is built to connect two separate areas or to cross over an obstacle such as a river or valley. It involves the design, planning, and execution of a structure that can support the weight of vehicles and pedestrians.

2. What are the key components of a bridge building project?

The key components of a bridge building project include the foundation, substructure, superstructure, and deck. The foundation provides support for the entire structure, the substructure distributes the weight of the bridge to the foundation, the superstructure consists of the main structural elements, and the deck is the surface that vehicles and pedestrians travel on.

3. What factors are considered when designing a bridge?

When designing a bridge, engineers must consider factors such as the type of terrain and soil conditions, the length and width of the bridge, the weight and volume of traffic that will use the bridge, and the potential for natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods. They also consider the budget and time constraints for the project.

4. How are bridges built to withstand different weather conditions?

Bridges are built to withstand different weather conditions through the use of specific materials and design features. For example, bridges in areas prone to earthquakes may be designed with flexible joints to absorb the movement, while bridges in areas with heavy snowfall may have a steeper incline to prevent snow accumulation. Additionally, materials such as reinforced concrete and steel are often used for their durability and ability to withstand extreme weather.

5. What is the role of technology in bridge building projects?

Technology plays a crucial role in bridge building projects. Advanced software and computer modeling are used to design and simulate the bridge's structure, allowing engineers to identify potential issues and make necessary adjustments before construction begins. Additionally, technology is used during the construction process to ensure precise measurements and to monitor the bridge's progress. Drones and other tools are also utilized for inspections and maintenance of the bridge after it is completed.

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