Bridging the Gap

Purpose: To build a popsicle stick bridge that is at least 130 cm long and wide enough to allow a toy truck to travel across. To test its structural soundness, it will be weighed down with masses until it breaks.

Introduction: In starting the design process, we researched bridge designs. What was similar in all designs was that there were triangle structures on the sides of the bridges which were connected across to each other. These trusses make bridges stronger because triangle shapes are very strong and patterning them together makes the bridge secure. Another element that makes a bridge stronger is having more of the ends of the bridge on solid ground.

Designs: All three preliminary designs were very similar to each other because certain elements are important in keeping the bridge strong. The design that we ended up constructing was actually plan C. The only problem with this design was that without a railing, the car was likely to fall off because the trusses were underneath the flat strip. We were also short on time and had to change the design slightly to complete the bridge in time.

Materials: popsicle sticks, hair dryer, binder clips, white glue, brushes ( for glue)

End Result:

Analysis:

free body diagram of bridge

free body diagram of suspended mass

Fg of suspended mass: 43.12 N

Fn exerted by each desk on bridge with suspended mass: 23.96 N

Conclusion: Our bridge was a success because although the drivability of the bridge was not optimum, it was less than half a kilogram and was strong enough that it could hold almost 9 times its mass. In a real life situation, it would be good because it is structurally sound. With more time, the bridge could have been constructed more carefully and even a railing could have been added so that it is strong and drivable

Reflection:

Dilsha: My role in the group was to help plan and roughly sketch out the bridge designs. We had three plans and we used the plan C. I always contributed into helping with setting up the bridge using the materials given such as popsicle sticks and painting using glue. I was positive throughout the process of building the bridge and encouraged my group members into keep working. The project was good experience in terms of building up team working skills.

I completed task – 5

Active listener – 5

Communicated ideas – 4

Encouraged – 3

Positively – 5

Dependable- 3

Patient-2

Pavreet: My role in the group was to draw out the ideas my team members planned for the bridge. I contributed in constructing the bridge by glueing sticks together, holding parts together while they dried and blow drying parts also. I made sure to keep track of time. This was a good team building exercise because we had to do multiple tasks each in order to create the bridge and it would have fallen apart if everything wasn't done properly.

Completed Task - 5

Active listener - 4

Communicated Ideas - 4

Encouraged - 3

Positivity - 4

Dependable - 4

Patient - 2