I am always on the look out for good software to help design model bridges. My latest find, Dr. Software, is a series of programs that allow you to customize a design, put a load on it, and see what happens. Dr. Truss comes in 2D and 3D options. You can also get Dr. Beam, which allows you to word with a beam and not a truss
International Bridge Building Competition
West Point Bridge Design Contest
Physics Balsa Bridge Building Contest
If you know of any other bridge building contests, let me know by leaving a comment.
I have built three different models of popsicle bridges. You can check out each one:
Popsicle Bridge #1
Popsicle Bridge #2
Popsicle Bridge #3
Popsicle bridges provide a unique challenge because of the limited length of the popsicle sticks. This hurts the inherent strength especially in tension. Ideally, a member of the bridge in tension would be one [...]
Many people ask “Where is the the best place to buy balsa wood online?” The best website I know of is Specialized Balsa LLC. The owner, Jake Zimmer, has been in the balsa business for years and knows what he is doing. Once I had Jake cut me some 1/32″ x 1/32″ sticks of Balsa [...]
Balsa wood is unique from all other woods. Its properties make it valuable to bridge builders, wood carvers, surfers, and many others.
My favorite article about Balsa wood was taken down, but I found a copy of it at Archive.org.
Balsa or Basswood?
I have heard a lot of people claim that nobody should use Balsa. They claim [...]
As I have been building this website, it has been my goal to get links from other model bridge related websites. I have spent a considerable amount of time doing this. It has paid off though.What is really cool though, is when other websites link to Model Bridge Design all on their own. And that [...]
I know I already mentioned this website in previous posts, but I felt this website was cool enough to deserve a post of its own. The coolest bridge website is BridgeHunter.com.
This website is simply amazing. James Baughn has created a website featuring historic bridges across the nation. Anyone can submit photos or comments about the [...]
Recently I was introduced to a bridge building program, Bridge It. This program is made by NVIDIA and Auran. In the game, you are given scenarios and have to make a bridge that will support the required load while staying within a budget. Let me tell you, some of them are not easy.
Bridge It lets [...]
This is a quiz on bridges, how they work and the forces that act on them. It is rather simple, but is a good review if you are just learning about bridges.
http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Stu/ppoggio/
Click the Bridge Building link on the left. Then click the 4th link down with the big question mark next to it.
I have never built a toothpick bridge before, as I thought it would be too much of a hassle. However, when I came across a toothpick bridge kit I knew it was time for me to try building one.I purchased the kit, and am very pleased and surprised at its contents. The kit contains everything [...]
Here I have complied what I believe to be the best list of websites that you will find useful. All of them have relevant model structure, bridge and tower information, some sell balsa and basswood, and others contain useful tips. Some of these sites have a specific competition or goal in mind, but you can [...]
Came across this today. Here is a scale model of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge
The website has some other interesting info about bridges, including screenshots of designs for the West Point Bridge Design contest. BTW, that contest starts today. If you haven’t checked it out, do so now.
http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/
It is free, and lots of fun to play [...]
What is the coolest bridge on the planet? This is one of them:
Coolest Bridge
I still love Scotland’s Firth of Forth bridge, and the famous one from my birthplace, the Golden Gate bridge. But that one that connects Sweden and Denmark is pretty cool! I wonder what it feels/sounds like when going under the water. It [...]
Many people come to GarrettsBridges looking for advice on building a toothpick bridge. And though I have thought much about it, I have not attempted to build one yet.
This is a Japanese toothpick bridge contest. You will find tips on how to make them, as well as pictures.
Toothpick Bridge Building Contest
Here is a father who’s [...]
What you want to look for in glue:
Drying time
Price
Weight
Strength
CA Glue. This is a very common glue used for a variety of projects. It dries in seconds, like super glue. It is also widely available. Numbers of hobby stores and online companies sell it. However, it is not cheap. CA glue can be bought in three [...]