Load Distribution of an Arch Bridge

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the load distribution of a spaghetti arch bridge designed for a grade 9 science project. The user seeks guidance on how a static vertical load from the center affects the structure and how to determine the load each of the nine spokes bears. Suggestions include using finite element analysis for accurate modeling, as the structure is likely statically indeterminate. There is also mention of modeling the bridge as a truss, though uncertainty remains about its applicability. Accurate calculations depend on the lengths and angles of the spokes.
asaver
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Ive made a spaghetti bridge for my grade 9 science class and I was wondering if anyone could help me find out how a static vertical load from the center my spaghetti bridge would be distributed along my structure to the edges. It is made entirely out of spahetti and hot glue and is designed to primarily bear the load on the 'spokes' of the bridge and the lower beam is designed to keep the arch compressed.

Ive a attached a word doc with the diagram on it.
NOTE: 20mm of the bridge sits on each side.

If this is just too hard to figure out i was wondering if anyone could tell me how i would calculate the proportion of the load each of the 9 'spokes' would bear under a vertical load. Is the lengths and the angles enough to calculate these vectors?

Thanks
alex
 

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Could you, by any chance, post your attached file in a portable file format, so I could open it? Posting in a nonportable, proprietary file format is not a good idea, if you want everyone to be able to see it.
 
nvn said:
Could you, by any chance, post your attached file in a portable file format, so I could open it? Posting in a nonportable, proprietary file format is not a good idea, if you want everyone to be able to see it.

Im not to sure if this is what you meant, but I've attached a .jpg file.
thanks
 

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  • Bridge Diagram.jpg
    Bridge Diagram.jpg
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asaver: It currently appears your structure is internally statically indeterminate. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. Therefore, it appears the only easy way to obtain the load distribution within your structure is to perform a finite element analysis using a finite element analysis program.

You might (?) be able to model it as, and solve it as, a truss. But I'm currently not sure about that.
 
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