What are some tips for building a toothpick bridge?
Tips for Building Toothpick Bridges Goal: To make a structure using only round wooden toothpicks and glue that will: 1. Span at least 20 cm. This means that for at least that distance, there can be nothing supporting the bottom of the bridge. 2. Weigh less than 50 grams. 3. Support a weight stacked on a 9″ wooden dowel placed on top of the structure. Note from the rules that the winner is judged on the capacity of the bridge – weight supported/weight of the bridge – not on the total weight supported. That means that a very light bridge that is moderately strong might win over a stronger, heavier bridge. Your bridge design should consider several things: h Tension and compression. Some members on the bridge will be loaded in tension – the force tends to pull out on both ends – while others will experience compression – the force pushes in, trying to shorten the member. Members in compression need to be stronger. They tend to bend in the middle, or buckle. (You can probably snap a toothp
