Bridge Lab Activity

Finished Arch Prototype

This particular activity involved my fellow classmates and I building bridges out of toothpicks and Dots. I was assigned the arch prototype, in which I had to construct an arch bridge. Initially, I was very confused as to how I would build it. I had to make sure it was strong, fit the model, and was uniform to the constraints applied by Mr. Taylor. Finally, a prototype was created. It LOOKED as though it was strong, but looks can be deceiving. Although strength in the side collumns was adequate, the strength in the middle was not, and therefore my bridge collasped. Next time, I will ensure that the middle of the bridge, which is where the majority of support will be needed, is stable. Now that I have learned about tension and compression, I am sure that my second attempt will be far more successful than my first. It'll be a piece of cake!