Construction Technologies: Create the Strongest Bridge
Students work in pairs to create three simple types of model bridges (beam, arch, suspension). They observe quantitatively how the bridges work under load and why engineers use different types of bridges for different places. They also get an idea of the parts needed to build bridges, and their functions. The strength of model bridges is mainly a factor of the quality of materials used, and therefore they do not provide a clear visual representation of tension and compression forces involved. Yet, students are able to see these forces at work in three prototype designs and draw conclusions about their dependence on span, width and supporting structures of the bridge designs.
Students model different bridge typesCopyright 2007 Brocken Inaglory, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cirrus_Clouds_over_Golden_Gate_Bridge.JPG
Many people in different branches of engineering work to build bridges. Civil engineers are responsible for design and construction of such structures, and they work with mechanical engineers and material engineers to design the most stable structures possible for given project restraints. These engineers must consider many variables when creating plans, such as distance to be spanned, where the bridge is being built (physical terrain), what type of traffic (and other loads) it must carry, materials available, budget, and what the bridge will look like.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Create a design method.
- Observe quantitatively how bridges work under load and why engineers use different types of bridges for different places.
- Practice building techniques that civil engineers use.