Scale Bridge Competition

1
Scale Bridge Competition

• Objective To design, build and test in a scale
  bridge capable of carrying the heaviest load
  possible using only balsa wood and glue over a
  period of two weeks in class.
• Purpose To learn about the tension and
  compression forces involved when building a
  bridge. Also to experimentally determine the
  strongest truss designs as part of a Research and
  Design class.

2
Scale bridge obstacles

• Engineering Problems

• Solutions

• Incorporate arch into the truss design
• Use the notch joint method when gluing members
  together with high strength epoxy
• Use diagonal cross bracing between two trusses

• How to disperse load efficiently
• How to effectively attach members together in
  truss
• How to prevent lateral twisting of the trusses

3
Final Product
Side view of final project shows the diagonal
cross supports that add stability to the two
individual trusses.
Final Bridge incorporating arch design and notch
joint connections.