Bridges 2010: Incomplete loading...

Physics Balsa Bridge Building Contest

 

2010

 

Photos and Design and Workmanship Comments

Workmanship could be improved. Rough saw cuts are obvious. Compact, low structure is beneficial. Thin roadway is advantageous.

74.85 kg

Graceful arch. Difficult to keep ends from bending out. Linking pieces between arch and road deck need to be carefully connected.

15.75 kg

Workmanship is clearly questionable here. Asymmetry of structure mean forces (weight) will not be equally distributed. Excessive use of cross pieces at centre. Some of these could be removed, with a focus only at the point where the load will be applied.

68.65 kg

Arch in this entry is strictly decorative. What stands out here is the lenticular (lens-shaped) main structure under the roadway. A very nice design and a tricky structure to build.

81.05 kg

Better workmanship was needed for this structure. The small feet have been added as an afterthought and they do not appear to be well built. This structure did receive a 2nd place award in the "most unusual" category. The actual roadway does not really meet the requirement of it being "approximately level", except in the centre portion.

15.75 kg