11 thoughts on “Albury High School Popsicle Bridge record breaker!”

  1. i want a design of bridge for the competition ………..as the bridge made on the spot of competition in 4 hr.and it can bear a max.lode ………. plz give any suggestion ?

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  2. Wow Garrett,
    just revisited the original post. Thanks for the correction. How did I get that so wrong! Lots of excitement at the time maybe.
    I have since been building to a set weight of 22grams over a 600mm span. I find the efficiency formula a bit simplistic so include a % adjustment to any variation from the set weight. If the bridge is lighter I multiply the efficiency index by the % under 22grams and add. If the bridge is heavier than 22grams I minus it. This brings the efficiency results of the average performers back to a closer contest.

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  3. I’ve seen 5 level Baily bridges from WW-II that supported Sherman tanks using the same general design principals. Heavy cables where supported at the center by a built-up underside structure, as this level of arching was not possible. Still, the cables added hugely to the strength of the structure.

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  4. Hi, would you be able to show me some ropes as to how I can build a bridge like yours? For instance, what do I have to take into consideration in order to be able to build a strong bridge? Would appreciate it very much for your help. Thanks.

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  5. Thanks for sharing the photo.
    The efficiency equation works like this:
    Take the mass held: 58kg and covert it to grams, 58,000g. Then divide that by the mass of the bridge: 69g. That equals 841.

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      • The bridge efficiency is the ratio of the mass supported to the mass of the bridge.
        mass_supported / mass_of_bridge = efficiency

        In this case:
        58000 / 69 = 840.58 efficiency

        This is different to the original posters claim of 12,000 efficiency.

        The use of string/thread in this design is a major structural element.

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