A rope suspension bridge has broken, separating a remote island village from the main island. The villagers are struggling to get their produce to the markets across the river and to get their children to school each day. Time is of the essence since rainy season is quickly approaching.
The Challenge:
You will need to construct a Truss bridge that will span a distance using limited materials (much like the villagers will have to do). Your goal will be to design the bridge to hold as much weight as possible without the bridge collapsing.
Criteria & Constraints:
The overall length of the Bridge must be 12" Long.
The overall width of the bridge may not exceed 3 inches.
The bridge must span a 6 inch gap between two tables.
The bridge shall allow a 4-inch long x 1-inch wide x 3/4-inch thick block of wood to pass through it over the roadbed.
The bridge must allow a 3/8-inch bolt to pass through the center of the bridge bottom unobstructed (for testing).
Nothing may rest against the perpendicular part of testing unit. The bridge must rest a top of the testing structure.
The bridge shall be constructed entirely of REGULAR ROUND toothpicks
Any common adhesive may be used at the joints of the wood members .
Adhesives may be used only at joints. (not the entire length of the toothpick) Not longer than ½” glue joint. Lamination of Toothpicks is not acceptable – instructor decision.