Miniature Bridge Design Ideas: Simple or Complex?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on designing a bridge using play-dough, straws, and rubber bands, with a span of 30 cm. The leader considers various designs, including a king post, queen post, solid ribbed arch, and through truss. The primary concern is balancing complexity with the limited time of 30 minutes and the available materials, specifically 50 straws and 300 rubber bands. The consensus leans towards simpler designs like the king post to ensure completion within the time constraints.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic bridge design principles
  • Familiarity with materials: play-dough, straws, and rubber bands
  • Knowledge of structural forces: tension and compression
  • Time management skills for project execution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the king post bridge design and its structural advantages
  • Explore the mechanics of tension and compression in bridge construction
  • Investigate the design of through truss bridges for potential adaptations
  • Learn about rapid prototyping techniques for time-sensitive projects
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and hobbyists interested in engineering, bridge design, and hands-on project management will benefit from this discussion.

dabomb14
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So I am the leader of a small group who has to build a bridge in 30 minutes on the last day of school. The only materials we can use are play-dough, straws, and rubber bands and it has to stretch 30 cm between two tables. Though I was looking for some ideas of a bridge design to use. Should I go with something simple like a king or queen post or something more complicated like a solid ribbed arch or a through truss? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.
 
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dabomb14 said:
So I am the leader of a small group who has to build a bridge in 30 minutes on the last day of school. The only materials we can use are play-dough, straws, and rubber bands and it has to stretch 30 cm between two tables. Though I was looking for some ideas of a bridge design to use. Should I go with something simple like a king or queen post or something more complicated like a solid ribbed arch or a through truss? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Welcome to the PF.

Can you say more about your own ideas for design options? What are the tradeoffs?
 
After thinking about the time it would take to do something very detailed, I was thinking about doing a king's post design. The main tradeoff would be time and material. If it is not completed in time or we a end up short a little of materials to finish, then obviously an unfinished bridge is going to fail.
 
How long are your straws?

Using them in compression is problematic, tension is easier to maintain.
 
I assume basic straw length. We get 50 straws and 300 rubber bands.
 

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