Model Bridge

The objective of this exercise is to fabricate a model bridge with a span of 0.65m and capable of
supporting a load of 13.83 N applied as three separate loads of 4.61 N applied at the ¼ points (i.e.
one load a quarter of the span from the left-hand support, one applied at mid-span and one applied
one quarter of the span from the right-hand support). The loads correspond to the weight of three
cans of beans. The bridge should be fabricated from newspaper and cellotape and should have the
form of a truss.

When designing a real bridge there are multiple objectives: the bridge should perform its function;
the bridge should not fail under the load; should not deflect too much; the bridge should use
materials efficiently (ie. the cost of the material and construction should be low); the bridge should
be easy to maintain and dispose of at the end of its design life; the bridge must be capable of being
constructed, and the bridge should be aesthetically pleasing. In practice all bridges must meet the
design criteria while aiming to minimise the overall cost.

To replicate this experience you must satisfy two design criteria in addition to the basic requirement
that your structure doesn’t collapse under the prescribed load: the bridge should have a total mass
less than 0.3 kg and the maximum deflection should not be greater than 50mm.

Calculating the deflection is problematic. When you first apply the load the joints will stretch and
sections of the bridge may crush. Don’t measure this initial deflection. Instead, remove the loads,
take your zero measurement, reapply the loads and measure the deflection. When you remove the
loads you should observe the extent to which the bridge recovers.

You may apply the loads to either the top or bottom cord of your bridge, see the pictures below.

The structure shown in the pictures had a mass of 200g and deflected by less than 20mm, when the
loads were removed and then reapplied.

Note, your bridge may fail when you try to apply the load. If this happens make a note of the mode
of failure. If your bridge doesn’t fail but you notice that it is starting to change shape or buckle, this
should be noted.