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In this project, we used instructions to build a paper bridge to reflect the structure of the future bridge we will make. Here is the link to the instructions we used: drive.google.com/file/d/1chRz-dSxCAi3sjV4gypzS3BVFhLz_v3L/view.
In the beginning, our bridge used one paper index card across two wooden blocks that were four inches apart. This was able to hold about four hex nuts. Then, in the picture you see to the left, we added four 1/2 by 3 inch strips of paper to the original card to form two triangles on the side. This was able to hold about six hex nuts.
Here, we added more strips of paper (1/2 by 3 inches) within our bridge design. We also realized the bridge was stronger when we flipped it so that the added paper was on top rather than below. We placed the new strips in a design so that (in total) four new triangles were added to the bridge (three on each side). We also added two strips of paper connecting the two sides of the bridge (one on each side). Now, our bridge could hold a lot more weight. In this stage, our bridge held roughly 20 hex nuts.
In our final bridge design, we added two more strips of paper on top of the bridge to once again connect the two sides and add more stability. In this final design, we recorded a grand total of 32 hex nuts could stay on the bridge.
Bonus picture! Our final design actually held all of this items (yes even a laptop) for a split second.
Reflection Questions:
1) What is the difference in the load in this structure?
On the sides of the structure, the load is very compared to the load in the middle of the structure. This because all of the hex nuts sunk into the middle of the paper, add much more weight to the center of the bridge compared to the outer edges.
2) What is the difference in the types of stress on this structure?
Our structure faces compression stress when the hex nuts are added to the middle paper because it adds more weight on the paper that makes it sink down. It also faces bending stress which is different because the wooden blocks lift the sides of the paper up while the hex nuts make the paper sink down, creating a bended shape.
3) What forces come into play with this structure?
The force of gravity, the hex nuts, and the wooden blocks all comes to play in the structure. Gravity weighs all items down and makes the hex nuts slide into the center of the bridge. The hex nuts add a force to the bridge/paper, and the wooden blocks force the paper up on the outer edges.
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