Bridge Over Troubled Water - Recently Updated Pages

Conclusion

VRuble — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:58:56 CDT

You will be building a bridge in your class using typical classroom materials. You may also want to test your knowledge of bridge building by visiting the West Point Bridge Contest. This program allows you to construct bridges online and test them by running a truck over them. The point is to build the strongest bridge, but I'm sure it will be more fun to crash the truck.

How can computers help design bridges?

Be sure to respond to the prompt on Sound Off Before Signing Off

Famous Bridges

VRuble — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:57:19 CDT

See if you recognize any of these:

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Charles River Bridge
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Firth of Forth Bridge
Garabit Viaduct
George P. Coleman Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge
Iron Bridge
New River Gorge Bridge
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Tower Bridge

Check out this video of bridge designing gone bad: Tacoma-Narrows Bridge collapse.

What type of bridge is used for very long spans? Which bridge is the longest? Which bridge is the longest arch bridge? What type of materials do you envision being used in future bridges?

How about some local bridges?

Getting Started

VRuble — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:42:41 CDT

First you need to know about the types of bridges and what makes them stay up...or not....

Bridge Basics is a great place to get started. The links on the page will further your understanding. Take your time! Explore the many links on the page.

Once you think you are pretty smart about bridges, it's time to try out what you know. This Bridge Challenge activity will test what you have learned.

Sound Off Before Signing Off

VRuble — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 08:47:15 CDT

What type of bridge do you think will be best for your situation? Why?

Local Bridges

VRuble — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 08:22:47 CDT

We have several interesting bridges here in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

See if you can classify each of these bridges by their type.
Corrider D over Blennerhassett Island (under construction)
Video of Construction
Live Webcam

Ohio River I-77 Bridge
Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Parkersburg-Belpre Railroad Bridge
Parkersburg-Belpre Bridge
5th St. Bridge
Lee Creek Bridge
Jackson County Covered Bridge
Williamstown-Marietta Bridge
Juliana St. Bridge
Memorial (toll) Bridge in background
Little Kanawha bridges

Are you tired of bridges by now? Let's Wrap this up.

Forces Lab

tmcknight126 — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:36:40 CDT

A virtual experience of the effects of materials, forces, loads, and shapes on the strength of the bridge. How many elephants does it take to squish an arch bridge?

I am sure you have learned a lot about bridges by now. It's time to look at some pictures of famous bridges and classify them. Which bridge is the longest suspension bridge?

Bridge Challenge

tmcknight126 — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:20:43 CDT

What have you learned so far? See how well you do at Craggy Rock .

Maybe you need to learn more about how forces affect your bridge and what you can do to overcome the difficulties.

Problem

tmcknight126 — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:10:55 CDT

Problem:
Recent heavy rainfall has caused high, rushing water in Worthington Creek. As a result, the bridge crossing the golf course that many students use as a shortcut to walk home was damaged. The bridge is no longer safe and must be replaced. I would like to enlist your help in designing a new bridge that will provide a safe passage for the students who live in this area and walk to school.
The model bridge that you build will need to span 16 inches and support at least two Hot Wheels cars. Consideration should also be given to environmental factors such as rain, wind, and snow that affect the durability of the bridge.
As the project engineer you must choose between several types of bridge designs. Your bridge must meet the design requirements while considering basic engineering constraints such as cost, time for construction, strength, and weight of the structure. You will receive a list of available building materials and the cost of these materials. Your task is to build the strongest bridge in the most cost effective manner within the allotted time.

Let's Get started

Home

tmcknight126 — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:55:41 CDT

Welcome to the Bridge Over Troubled Water wiki. This page will guide you through learning about types of bridges, how different bridges are constructed, and the best uses for each type. Enjoy working through the activities and gaining information so you will be able to build the best bridge for the "Problem" .

Go to the Problem