http://forum.lowyat.net/ Fri, 30 Oct 2026 07:13:30 +0800 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/828277 Hi,<br /><br />We recently got an assignment requiring us to design and build a bridge out of balsa wood. The bridge must span a gap of 18cm, and the load will be in the form of a 7cm x 7cm plate that will crush the bridge from the top. We only get about 3.6m of wood that is 4mm^2 in area. The wood is stronger under tension than compression. I have a few designs in mind... <br />So if there are any civil engn/architecture students or anyone who knows about bridge designs out there, which one do you guys reckon will work best? <br />These are the designs. Both sides will be the same with horizontal bars joining the middle.<br />Bridge 1:<br /><img src='http://i35.tinypic.com/v5b954.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /><br />The idea for this one is to direct as much force to the sides as possible. <br />Bridge 2:<br /><img src='http://i35.tinypic.com/scs1aa.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /><br />This one seems to distribute force better but I&#39;m not too happy about having a joint in the middle with nothing underneath.<br />Bridge 3:<br /><img src='http://i33.tinypic.com/dmrzv5.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /><br />This one is kind of like the first one but with a pointed top rather than a flat surface.<br /><br />If you have better ideas, do suggest it as well <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://static.lowyat.net/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo--> kehler Education Essentials Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:57:31 +0800