A-Frame Bridge

Final Summary
KRISTEN SNYDER
IAN VICKLUND
CHRISTOPHER SLAWSON
What part of the bridge broke
Our bridge broke at the frame that secured the bridge together.
Why did it break?
The frame was not even, glued entirely securely, or sturdy.
Was it close to failure in other
locations or was the breaking point
weak
I think the breaking point was the weakest point because the rest of
the bridge still looked pretty sturdy.
How could it have been
strengthened
If the frame was built stronger or designed better and had a
stronger connection to the rest of the bridge.
Define tension & compression
Tension is an object being stretched
Compression is an object being pushed upon itself
What portions were under tension,
and what were under compression
The frame of the bridge experienced tension, while the supports of
the bridge underwent compression
How could you tell from viewing
the bridge
By where the bridge broke and how it stretched
Why is a triangular shape more
stable then an open square
An open square can collapse in on itself while a triangular shape is
supported
Did all bridges have the same weakness? Did
they all break the same? Explain common
weaknesses
Most of the bridges had the common problem of breaking within
the frame. They did not all break the same. The common weakness
would be the frame
What about the structure of the
most efficient? How did they do it?
The structure of the most efficient was a truss bridge. Solid frame and
plenty of reinforcements.
Two helpful suggestions
Build a sturdy frame
Use all extra balsa to reinforce