Testing Procedure and Results

Data Analysis

For the same bridge design made of both materials, the basswood bridge was able to carry nearly double the load of the balsawood bridge before breaking. The balsawood bridge was able to support a weight of 158N, or 16kg, or 35lbs, before breaking, while the basswood bridge supported 318N, or 32kg, or 71lbs before breaking. So, for the same model, the basswood material was stronger. However, the basswood bridge weighing in at 0.045kg was slightly heavier than the balsa wood bridge which was only 0.035kg. So for the same model and the same amount of material, the basswood bridge was about 29% heavier than the balsa wood bridge. Although the basswood bridge was heavier than the balsa wood bridge, the basswood bridge ended up being much proportionally stronger, so its ratio of the weight of the bridge to the weight it can hold was greater. The balsa wood bridge had a weight ratio of 1:457 while the basswood bridge had a weight ratio of 1:711.