Bridge Project
 You will have six class days to work on your project.
 Each individual must turn in a report including all material
 A sketch must be made by each individual and initialed by
teacher before building of bridge may begin
 A complete material list needs to be provided
 A research paper of 400/500 words
1. Three sources given in the correct form (bibliography)
a. Any books or periodicals used
b. Internet source or CD-ROM/database reference
-internet bibliography includes the URL (address or
location) and the title of the page you get your information
from.
Sample: http://www.uwashington.geology.edu
2. Typed on one side of paper, double-spaced
3. Cover page
4. Research will include:
a. Purpose and history of bridges
b. Description of different types of bridges with an explanation
of what makes it strong
c. The type of bridge your group has chosen to build
5. Discussion questions
a. What did early civilizations use for bridges?
b. What were the advantages and disadvantages of covered
bridges?
c. Why were bridges and tunnels important to railroads?
d. What are the most common materials used in bridge
construction?
e. What was the problem with iron bridges?
f. Name and locate the first steel bridge in the world?
g. What caused the Tacoma narrows bridge to collapse?
h. Name and locate 4 Famous bridges in the United States…In
the world?
i. Bridges can help transport a variety of things; name as many
as you can?
j. Locate and identify as many bridges as you can in your
community…town…city….state?
k. What is a cantilever?
l. Explain the difference between arch and suspension bridges?
 Bridge building requirements
-Bridge must have a minimum length (span) of 18” in length
-Bridge maximum height must not exceed 16”
-The deck of your bridge must have a 4” width (a matchbox car
must be able to drive over your bridge deck without falling
through)
-Limit excess glue-it is only to be used to attach materials-any
extra coating will lead to disqualification.(also it will add to the
weight of the bridge and work to your disadvantage
*hint-notches can be cut for extra support or used for
fastening
-only elmers all purpose glue is to be used-no wood glues,
super glues, etc. (cheating will result in a ZERO!)
-don’t glue ends of road ways they usually bend upwards
under load
-Write your team name prominently on a main horizontal
beam of your bridge and on both sides of the bridge
-design for strength at the load application point
-most bridges bend inwards (as viewed from one end);
consequently they require horizontal bracing
 Extra Credit
-On your own (individual) a bridge may also be built out of
toothpicks or spaghetti. The parameters do not have to be the
same. (10 points are possible-based on design and effort)
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