Building Bridges: Initial Research Webquest
Part I: Bridge Types
Bridge Basics: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/basics.html
1.The three primary families of bridges are:
a. Beam or Girder: Truss bridges
Characteristics
Examples
b. Suspension:
Cable Stayed
Suspended
Characteristics
Examples
c. Arch: Wood, Stone or Steele
Characteristics
Examples
Part II: Bridge Terminology
PBS: Building Big: Forces Lab
FORCES
2. Define the following terms in your own words:
a. Compression
b. Tension
c. Buckling
d. Bending
e. Shear
f. Torsion
LOADS
There are seven different types of loads that can affect a bridge.
3. Name and briefly describe each type of load.
Dead Load
Earthquake
Live Load
Wind
Soft Soil
Vibration
Temperature
MATERIALS
This section presents 8 different materials that could be used in a bridge.
4. Compare and contrast the use of the following materials regarding its
cost to weight ratio, load performance and variety of applications:
a. Concrete vs Reinforced concrete
b. Steel vs cast iron
PART III. BUILD A BRIDGE
NOVA Super Bridge
Follow this interactive activity step-by-step and answer the questions
5. How is an arch bridge supported?
6. What are some problemswith span in beam bridges.
7. What are some of the advantages of Cable-Stayed bridges over other
types of Suspension bridges?
8. Play the game and write your results:
Site
Bay
Freeway
River
Canyon
Bridge Type