To start off this unit we first completed the Bridge Design Kit, where we learned basic bridge design by making a Truss bridge out of paper and adding parts to it and testing how many metal nuts it can hold before breaking. To the left is an image of the final bridge: it could hold 19 metal nuts.

Next, we learned how to use ModelSmart3D, a bridge design software, to test the strengths of various bridge designs. To the right are pictures of a 3-foot balsawood truss bridge that can hold up to 200 pounds of weight!

Using Tinkercad, we were able to create rough 3D designs of our bridges to help provide us a better understanding into what our bridge would look like before we create it physically, and how we can make it both structurally stable as well as attractive. As seen in the picture, we went through multiple designs, starting with a simple table-like design to a stronger arch bridge, combining techniques of both arch and cable bridges. However, given our materials and the intense difficulties needed to take in order to create such a bridge, this was not feasible for us. Later, we created a design for a truss bridge, something similar to the last bridge in the image. This worked out the best for us, working out to be extremely strong and secure. We replicated this bridge using wood to create our final physical bridge.

First we drew out a rough design of what our bridge would look like on the board and calculated all the measurements and how many pieces of wood/what their lengths would be for each part of the bridge. This allowed us to cut the wood before we built and for us to make a more planned out design.

Here is our completed bridge!