Building a Strong Popsicle Stick Bridge: Tips and Tricks

[DefyPhysics]

Hi, I've got to build a popsicle stick bridge for my Physics class. I have an idea of what I'm going to do, I just need tips, suggestions and thoughts.

Requirements/restrictions:

1. Width: Minimum 8cm
2. Length: Minimum 55cm
3. Thickness: Max 4cm
4. Should be able to hold a minimum of 100 pounds
5. Surface must be flat
6. Only materials allowed are popsicle sticks and glue, though any type of popsicle stick or glue is allowed

I already know that a Truss design is the best way to go. However, my biggest problem is the thickness. The maximum allowed is 4cm, which makes it very difficult to build Trusses using popsicle sticks.

Anyone have building tips or ways to increase the amount of weight the bridge can hold?

This is what I think the final product will look like (side view):

====================
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
====================

Would adding vertical beams in between each Truss help increase the amount of weight the bridge can support?

 

[haruspex]

The maximum allowed is 4cm, which makes it very difficult to build Trusses using popsicle sticks.

but not impossible, since one stick can be glued anywhere along the length of another.