Bridge

What is a truss?

A truss is an interconnected framework of straight structural elements usually arranged in triangular units. This geometric design distributes weight efficiently, allowing the bridge to support heavy loads across large distances using minimal material.

Common Types of Truss Bridges

Warren Truss

The Warren Truss uses equilateral triangles in alternating diagonal patterns.

Pratt Truss

The Pratt Truss is characterized by parallel horizontal chords connected by vertical and diagonal members

Howe Truss

This is distinct for having diagonal members that slope inward toward the center and vertical members.

Step 1: Design

In order to design the bridge and make sure that it is stable, we used the simulations of the Bridge Designer. Through the software, we were able to design a bridge and make changes based on the different forces that were calculated on the simulation.

Here is the design:

Step 2: Model

We then modeled the bridge on a 3d software: Tinkercad.

This model was 3d printed.

Step 3: Build

With our finished model, we started building the bridge with 15 balsawood planks (3 x 36 inches) and 150 3 foot long sticks. This process required a lot of teamwork and effort.

Here is our finished bridge:

Step 4: Test

We tested our bridge, putting bricks onto the bridge until it broke. One of our legs failed at 11 bricks causing the entire bridge to come tumbling down. Our road's edges were too thin because we hadn't added any support in that area, but overall our bridge was a success and we are very proud of our design.

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