Building Bridges

Physics of Bridge Building

Three basic types Span: simplest form beam supported on vertical supports. Also truss bridge, cantilever bridge Arch: compression forces push outwards horizontally against the supports Suspension: main cables anchored to towers, suspender cables support roadway. Cables are in tension.

A bridge in New South Wales, Australia example of truss system (rigid triangular framework)

Forth Rail Bridge

example of cantilever bridge

Clachan Bridge, Isle of Seil The Bridge over the Atlantic

example of stone arch bridge

Pont Du Gard Roman Aqueduct triple arch bridge

Corrieshalloch Gorge Suspension Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge San Fransisco

example of suspension bridge

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Japan

(Longest single span in the world)

3-span 2hinged trussstiffened suspension bridge

Oresund Bridge, linking Sweden and Denmark

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway New Orleans, LA

Some Physics Considerations

Choice of material
Strength: in tension, compression, bending, torsion

Shape of framework
(why triangular?)

Testing the design use of models

Physical scale models Computer models

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

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Tacoma Narrows Bridge

QuickTime an d a decompressor are need ed to see this p icture .

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

QuickTime an d a decompressor are need ed to see this p icture .

Millenium Bridge, River Thames, London

Millenium Bridge, River Thames, London

The Bridge Competition

You are a team of bridge designers working for the internationally known bridge building company . (choose a name for your company) Your task is to design and build a single span bridge to the specifications given on the sheet, using the materials provided. The bridges will be judged on three categories

Technical Merit Artistic Impression Weight

Technical specifications
Single-track car deck (made from card) Coke can (full)
Makes bridge bend by less than 2cm at the centre

<30 >10cm

>90cm