Popsicle Bridge #2
This popsicle bridge was made from 58 unmodified popsicle sticks. It was 25 inches long, 4 inches tall, and 3 inches wide. I used only Elmer’s white glue to build the bridge. It weighed 86.5 grams, and held 45 pounds. Its efficiency score was 248.
I redesigned this bridge from the earlier version. The new one is more efficient. It is also easier to build. I changed the position of only a couple popsicle sticks, and actually took off a few. I found that the average popsicle stick weighed 1.49 grams.
Stronger Version
This bridge uses the same basic design as the one above but doubles the number popsicle sticks in strategic places.
This popsicle bridge was made from 84 unmodified popsicle sticks. It spanned 24 inches, was 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide. I used only Elmer’s white glue to build the bridge. It weighed 118 grams, and held 115 pounds. Its efficiency score was 442.
This bridge is slightly crooked, even though you cannot tell it from this photo. I’m sure that had an affect on its performance. However, this bridge was also tested 5 times. Both my sisters stood on it, and one twice before this picture was taken.
I thought I was making a movie when I tested the bridge, but found out afterward that I hadn’t started the camera. Oh well, maybe next time.
None of the popsicle sticks actually broke. Only the joints failed. This is something for me to keep in mind, as it should be very easy to make this bridge a lot stronger.
You mentioned a Camel back arch in a previous post, How do you make such an arch
Josheph, this bridge is an example of a Camel Back arch. This simply means it isn’t one continuous arch, but rather is broken up into smaller sections.
This bridge looks like a good bridge and w my partner and i have a project in I.T. and i think that this bridge is going to do good well i hope so but i will get back to you on how much it holds.
hey gb competiotions this tuesday can’t wait ill write a post on how it went
Sweet! I hope your bridge does really well. I just finished testing a popsicle bridge I have been working on for the past several weeks. You should check it out.
how did the sticks bend so well
The popsicle sticks are not bent at all. They are simply formed into a Camel-back arch.
i love you and thank you for everything! I was doing this bridge and I hadn’t the clue on how to make it and my partner bailed out, ughh hehe.
So thanks so much
DUDE!
this looks great, i am researching bridges for engineering class and this will definetly help me along the way.
If I were you, I would have added more trusses. Still, great bridge!!!!!!!!!!
is this the design that you currently have a license for selling because this would be something very fun to build during a weekend just to get better at bulding bridges.
I used Elmer’s white glue as stated in the beginning of the description.
Mad man serz!!
Helpz me out big time
One question??
Wat did u stick the paddle pop sticks with??
Did u do it with PVA glue or with a hot glue gun??
PS. Plzz reply bak!!
without ur cool bridge i dont know if i would ever get through my life for i had no clue i could ever stand on a bridge made of popsicles. u r my new hero……next to superbatman(a combination of batman and superman). He has all the powers of superman and is smart like batman. U place secound though.
Thank you so much Garret for posting this online! You’ve given me hope keep on living my bridge-building life! We are having this competition on my physics class at school and I think with your design I might just win!
My sister is actually standing on a bathroom scale which is placed on the top of the bridge. Those two pieces of wood under the ends of the bridge are 2×4′s.
Hi!
My partner and I have a physics project due in a couple weeks, and we are drawing a major blank on even where to begin. We cannot decide on what kind of bridge. Therefore, I am grateful for this website. I think it will help alot, so thank you. I do have a question though… What kind of glue should we use? And could you possibly tell or give a hint on what kind of bridge would be the best to use. Because our teacher is going to place a mass of about 40g in the middle. From it, there will be a hook hanging below the bridge with a bucket hanging on it. My teacher will then proceed to load sand into the bucket until the bridge breaks. Hopefully, that’ll give you an idea on what kind of bridge is best. Get back to me asap. Please and thank you!
how did u get the efficiency score
What is the platform your sister is standing on and how big were the two planks of wood you used to hold the bridge up?
can i get some tips of this design?? what did you do after the joints failed?