I have always wanted to build a model suspension bridge, and finally I have finished one. This is a popsicle stick suspension bridge. I created it from scratch, coming up with the design on my own. After testing it to failure I learned quite a bit about how suspension bridges react to loads. This model suspension bridge uses popsicle sticks as the main building material. The decking is cardboard, and the “cables” are 550 parachute cord (military surplus)

This kit is actually one of my first introductions to building model bridges. My mother bought this for me one year, thinking that I might like to build a model bridge kit. This bridge building kit from Amazon actually has three different bridges. It comes with all the supplies you need to build a suspension bridge, a truss bridge, and an arch bridge. All of these combined make this kit an excellent gift idea, or something you can build just for fun

I just finished this bridge a few days ago after working on it on and off for 3 months. It’s a cable stayed bridge design made with standard round toothpicks and wood glue.
The bridge is 31 inches long and just under 20 inches tall. The main road truss is 2 inches by 2 inches, constructed of beams of laminated toothpicks (3×3) and held together by individual toothpicks in a triangular truss pattern. The towers were constructed of laminated toothpick beams as well, but thicker (4×4). Then the suspension was created with 4 strands of thick string wound back and forth across the top of the towers

Here is a picture of the George Washington Bridge that a friend of mine took recently. This is a great looking suspension bridge. I think that suspension bridges in general look good, but this one is particularly beautiful. Thanks to Elizabeth for providing this as well as many other photos of historic bridges.

I have become enamored with the idea of building a suspension bridge. I am not exactly sure why, and I also need to finish my toothpick bridge. However, I have begun thinking about how I would go about it. A suspension bridge would be the most difficult challenge so far for me. I am thinking [...]