Abstract
In the construction of a bridge using Popsicle sticks, it is necessary to consider several things. These considerations include the weight of the bridge, the length, height and the materials to be used in the entire process. For this project, the objective was to construct a bridge using Popsicle sticks in a manner that would ensure that it is light and can withstand heavy loads. The construction process involves joining different Popsicle sticks into bridge, following a number of procedures that will ensure a good result. One of the most important things to consider in the construction of a bridge is the type, which is wooden in this case, mainly for the purpose of a science demonstration.
Introduction
When building a bridge, one of the most vital considerations to look out for is the ration of its strength to its weight. The most common bridge type made from Popsicle sticks is the truss bridges. With these considerations, it is vital to consider that the project elaborates on the construction procedure as well as the time it takes to complete the construction. For this reason, this paper will be focusing on the construction objectives, thereby giving an elaboration on the process itself. The paper also takes note of the materials used in the construction process, consequently giving an analysis of the results. In order to obtain a clear demonstration of the process, the paper will include a number of images that will enhance the understanding of the process.
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"Bridge Construction".
Objective of the project
As stated earlier, the main objective of the project is to construct a bridge using Popsicle sticks with few materials. A vital element to consider in this project is that the weight of the bridge should be light, but it should be able to withstand a heavy load.
Methodology
The most effective type of bridge to consider in this project is the truss bridge since its weight to strength ration is high. The first thing to mull over is the shape of the bridge, which adopts a triangular framework. Adopting this shape in the construction of the bridge is necessary for the provision of a stable framework. Apart from ensuring its stability, the triangular framework is economical.
A complete framework of a truss bridge
The materials to use in the construction include sticks, clamps, silicon plates, and wood or hot glue. The clamps are used for holding the sticks together during the process of constructing the bridge. When choosing the materials to use, it is necessary to consider getting suitable sticks that will minimise wastage.
Steps used
The first step in the process involves placing three popsicle sticks in a straight edge, after which it would be necessary to cut one stick in half. After cutting the stick, the other thing would be to glue the end of the halves placed on each end, the glue two other popsicle sticks in the mid section. It is necessary to glue three sticks or more in order to create three layers that have overlapping joints. In order to create more beans, it is necessary to repeat the process four times on different sticks.
The second step involves one large beam and another smaller one to create a truss wall. We then put the beams on the table with the flat side facing down, after which it we arrange six sticks to form a triangular pattern. Cut any extra popsicle sticks on the bottom as well as the top in order to create flat surfaces and to glue the surfaces. Repeat the process after turning the truss wall over.
An example of a completed wall is shown in the figure below
The third step involves creating a road using the three-stick beams. This is achievable by laying the beams on the side and gluing a number of sticks on them as shown in the figure below.
After achieving this, the next step involves gluing the truss walls to the road, consequently adding extra glue to the joints between the truss wall and the road. This is shown in the figure below.
The fifth and the last step in the construction process involves gluing nine sticks, which form the crossbeams at the top of the bridge.
This figure shows how the final bridge looks like.
Results
Measurements of the bridge after the construction process indicate that it is one foot tall and 30 inches long. Its weight is 193.6 grams and the ration with a ratio of 34:2:1. After the determination that the bridge is complete, the next thing would be to test its stamina. This entails hanging some weight on the bridge, which helps in the determination of whether the sticks are strong enough to sustain the weight. According to the estimates, the weight of the bridge was 193.6 grams, meaning that it can hold weights of up to 6613 grams. It is possible to determine this by hanging the weight onto the bridge, and from the experimentation, it is possible to determine that the bridge was not strong enough to support the large weights. Acording to the construction standards, it was possible to determine that the construction dimensions are acceptable. One the other hand, the aesthetics of the construction was appealing, meaning that the design was of a good quality.
Conclusion
Before constructing a bridge using popsicle sticks, a vital element to consider would be to select high quality materials, which will ensure that there would be no wastage. Consequently, good quality materials would help in the creation of a good quality bridge.the other important consideration would be to use a suitable structure that will enhance the stability of the bridge as well as improve its aesthetics. During the demonstration stage, it would be beneficial not to overload the bridge in order to make sure that it does not collapse.
