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

In summary, a year 10 student from Australia is seeking advice for an Engineering Challenge at their school which involves building a 80cm bridge using only paddle pop sticks and PVA glue. The winning bridge must hold the most weight while having the least mass. The student is looking for design suggestions, tips, and software recommendations. They also mention the possibility of using Young's Modulus in their design. One initial idea is to build a box, but they are also considering researching trusses for inspiration.
  • #1
abccheung
1
0

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
 
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  • #2
Look up 'Trusses' - there have been hundreds designed and the properties of steel and pop sticks aren't too different at small sizes.
 
  • #3
with a few extra support sticks. But I feel like that might be too simple.


Hi there, as a scientist, I can definitely provide some tips and suggestions for your bridge building challenge. Firstly, it's great that you're considering Young's Modulus, as it is an important concept in engineering and can help you understand the strength and stiffness of different materials.

In terms of design, there are a few things you can consider to make your bridge both strong and lightweight. One idea is to use a truss design, where the bridge is made up of triangles connected together. This distributes the weight evenly and can make the bridge more stable. You can also try using different types of truss designs, such as a Warren truss or a Pratt truss, to see which one works best for your bridge.

Another important factor to consider is how you connect the paddle pop sticks together. Using PVA glue is a good choice, but you may also want to reinforce the joints with small triangles or gussets, as this can add extra strength and stability to your bridge.

As for software, there are many programs available for bridge design and analysis, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Bridge Designer. These can help you visualize your design and test its strength before building it.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and try out different designs. It's important to think outside the box and be creative in your approach. Good luck with your challenge, and I hope these tips will help you in building a winning bridge!
 

What is the purpose of the "Bridge Building Homework - Help a Year 10 Student Win the Engineering Challenge!"?

The purpose of this homework is to provide support and guidance to a Year 10 student in their engineering challenge of building a bridge. The student is seeking help from a scientist to improve their understanding and skills in bridge building.

What is the engineering challenge that the Year 10 student is facing?

The engineering challenge is to design and build a bridge that is strong, stable, and able to withstand a significant amount of weight. The student is looking for assistance in understanding the principles and techniques of bridge building to help them successfully complete the challenge.

What kind of help is the student looking for from a scientist?

The student is seeking guidance and advice from a scientist on the scientific concepts and principles involved in bridge building. They may also need help with problem-solving, calculations, and understanding engineering drawings.

What are the key factors to consider when building a bridge?

The key factors to consider when building a bridge include the type of materials to be used, the design and construction techniques, the weight and load-bearing capacity of the bridge, and the environmental conditions in which the bridge will be built.

What are some useful resources for learning about bridge building?

There are several useful resources for learning about bridge building, including textbooks, online tutorials, and videos. Consulting with experts in the field of engineering and visiting actual bridge construction sites can also provide valuable insights and knowledge.

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