2012 TOOTHPICK BRIDGE BUILDING
COMPETITION
Sunday, May 20th2012
The objectives of this event is to both design and build a structure with the highest
load-to-weight capacity ratio (Failure load/Weight), over a predetermined span
using toothpicks and glue and to be knowledgeable in the bridge built.
MATERIALS:
**As a reminder, Elmer’s white glue and the toothpicks will be provided to
you and are the ONLY materials allowed to build your bridge. You may purchase your own supplies for test and practice bridges.
3 boxes of flat toothpicks
2 Bottles White Elmer’s Glue
Matchbox Car
CONSTRUCTION:
·
A
matchbox car must be able to pass through bridge over the roadbed.
·
The
toothpicks may be altered (split, cut in half, notched).
·
Do
not coat the bridge with any material (i.e., paint, stain, glue).
·
The
bridge will span an opening of 12 inches on the loading table. Note that
bridges will need to be longer than 12 inches to allow for bearing on the
table.
·
Bridge
will only be allowed to rest on the loading table provided by StarChild
Academy. No glue or physical attachments may be made to the top or sides of the
loading table.
·
The
bridge must be able to accommodate a 2”L x 2”W x ½” H loading block which will
rest on the roadbed at midpoint of the span. The roadbed must be constructed to
accommodate the 2”-wide loading block and the one-fourth (0.25) inch eyebolt at
the midpoint of the span.
DIMENSIONS:
BRIDGE WIDTH: MIN- 2 INCHES/ MAX- 2.5 INCHES
BRIDGE HEIGHT: MIN- NONE/ MAX- 8 INCHES
MAX BRIDGE WEIGHT: 150 GRAMS
TESTING:
·
All
bridges will be measured and weighed for compliance with the construction
specifications.
·
StarChild
Academy will provide the loading block and testing apparatus.
·
During
the test phase, the bridge will be placed in the center of the testing
apparatus containing a span of 12 inches. The load will be applied to the
loading block using an eyebolt, “S” hook, a bucket, and sand provided by
StarChild Academy.
·
Weight
will be added until the structure fails. For this contest, structural failure
is defined as obvious structural collapse.
·
The
total load incorporates the total mass of the loading apparatus, bucket, and
added weight.
Scoring:
70% of score:
·
Structural
stability score will be determined by the equation:
[Maximum load supported (grams)/mass of bridge (grams)]
30% of score:
·
Each
group needs to create a poster for the day of the competition. The poster cannot
exceed 3x4 feet; it can be horizontal or vertical, hanging or tri-fold. It
should include the front and side sketches of the bridge, photos during
construction and a time line for construction.
·
Presenting
the bridge: Each student will have to answer and present one of the four
sequential questions listed below (groups with five students please split
question number one). All students in the group should be prepared to answer
any questions the judges may have.
1.
Research
bridge building history and construction. What did you learn about the history
of bridges? Are there different styles of bridges? Did you find any specific
bridges interesting?
2.
Why
you choose the bridge design you built?
3.
Testing-What
happened during your bridge testing? What did you learn from the testing?
4.
What
resources did you refer to in constructing your bridge?
* ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The students will also be completing
an individual report (to be done in class) for a grade.
IMPORTANT DATES:
FEBRUARY 29TH– A design
plan and sketch of intended bridge to build for each group will be due on this
date.
MAY 20TH- Bridge building
competition at UCF.
If you have any questions or concerns
please feel free to email me at:
LINDZ1421@YAHOO.COM
BRIDGE BUILDING TEAMS
TEAM 1
GAVIN HODGE
RAYMOND COX
NOAH BUTTERSTEIN
KIYLA RICHMOND
TEAM 2
NAM TRAN
HAYDN MCLAUGHLIN
EMILY MURPHY
ZACHARY HOYT
MIA COMAS
TEAM 3
CARSON MAYS
TUANH DOAN
DAVID RICKETSON
AUDREY SAPP
ANDRE RATTRAY