Computer applications:

West Point:

In the computer application, West Point, we were able to create multiple designs for our bridges and save them to the computer. This application allowed us to see the amount of compression and tension in each Popsicle stick. In West point we also were allowed to test the design and see the correlation between tension and compression. Tension is the force that pulls materials or objects apart. Compression is the force that pulls materials or objects together. My partner and I were able to virtually see each joint that would be useful for later constructing.

Auto CAD:

Using the computer application Auto CAD, my partner and I were able to create an accurate sized Popsicle stick to match our West Point design. To get the dimensions of the Popsicle stick, we used dial calipers to measure the outer dimensions of a Popsicle stick by using the lower jaws. Once this was done, in Auto CAD we inserted the dimensions into a line and used the tan tan tan tool to make a semi circle. This created accurate dimensions for the Popsicle stick. We inserted an image of our bridge design from West Point and scaled the image to the actual size. We created a group so we could essentially copy and paste each Popsicle stick to match the design. This allowed us to create a layout so we could start building.

Results

Our bridge help up 20 pounds successfully but, when we put another 5 pounds on the bridge, the bridge collapsed. Our bridge weighed 347 grams and we had failed to successfully hold 75x its weight which was 57 pounds. Our bridge held approximately 27x its weight.

Before and After Pictures

Why our bridge collapsed and ways to improve the bridge

As you can see from the picture above, the bride had folded over when it collapsed. Our bridge had most likely failed because there was an uneven weight distribution throughout the bridge. There were multiple Popsicle sticks that were not cut which led to the uneven weight distribution. In addition, if our bridge was bigger it could've handled the distribution of weight more effectively. A smarter idea would've been to not make the "road" across the bridge because it had served no purpose at all during the testing. To improve the bridge, the Popsicle sticks that are pointing up and out of the bridge must be cut because then the bridge would be even and would prevent the bridge from folding. Also my partner and I should've tried to connect the bridge with a full Popsicle in between instead of half of one.