Cardboard Bridge Strength Testing
Friday, February 15, 2008
Bridge Strength Testing
2:15 p.m. – Civil/Mechanical Building
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department
Who will build the strongest bridge?
Call 394-2256 or email vi.stoltz@sdsmt.edu to order your instructions and supplies today!
SDSM&T students, technicians, and faculty will test the maximum load of the cardboard bridges built
by junior and senior high school students following specific instructions. Mail or bring bridges to Civil
and Environmental Engineering Dept., SDSM&T. Sponsored by American Society of Civil Engineers,
Student Chapter, under the direction of Dr. Mel Klasi. Entry Deadline – 4 p.m. Wed. Feb. 13, 2008
Bridge Design
OBJECT:
To use the given material in the most efficient way to build a beam supporting the load.
RULES:
1. Contestants are limited to one 8 ½ x 11 sheet of cardboard of a specific weight (supplied by
SDSM&T) and cannot use scraps from other cardboard sheets you have. Each contestant is
limited to one entry.
2. Staples and paper slots are the only means allowed to attach beam members together.
3. The beam span length (L) must be less than or equal to 10 inches, and greater than or
equal to 8 inches.
4. Denote on the beam where you want the block supports set to determine the span length.
(See sketch below.)
5. Loading stops at the maximum load supported by the beam or when the deflection is equal
to the height of the supports, whichever comes first.
6. The equation used for determining the points is:
Number of points + PL1.7
M
Where P is the maximum load applied in pounds, L is the span length in inches, and
M is the mass of the beam in grams.
Send or bring entries to: SDSMT, Civil & Environmental Engineering Department,
501 East Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Good Luck to ALL!