Department of Technology

ENG 130 - Introduction to Engineering

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Bridge Building Assignment

Problem: Your team will design and construct a structure that will support the greatest amount of weight per unit weight, within the following constraints:

Constraints:

• Only round wooden toothpicks and white (Elmer's) or yellow (carpenter's) glue can be used.

• The structure must have a free span of 56 cm. That is, the structure must not make contact with the supporting table or supports for a horizontal distance of 56 cm.

• The bridge mass may not exceed 85 grams.

• Load will be applied to the top of the structure. A 14 cm diameter wooden disk will be placed on top of the bridge, and additional loads will be applied to that. Your design must support and balance the loading disk.
  
  
• The bridge abutments will provide support at the ends only, and will resist only longitudinal deflection. No lateral supports may be used.

• The toothpicks must be used as they come from the box. No cutting, splicing, or fraying of ends will be allowed, with one exception: tips at the end or top of the structure may be trimmed to allow solid contact with the abutments or the support disk.

• The bridge may not be dipped or sprayed with any finish.

Due date: The bridges will be tested in class, Monday, October 27.

Grading: This project is worth 10 points. Teams that produce evidence of design and construction efforts will earn up to 6 points. Teams who produce a bridge for testing, but fail to satisfy the design constratins will earn up to 8 points. Teams that produce a bridge that satisfies the constraints, and who participate in the testing, will earn 10 points. The winning team will earn one bonus point for a score of 11 points.

MSUM sponsors a competition each year as part of National Engineers Week. You can find pictures of previous winners, tips on construction and other information at the competition web site.