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Bending Bridges

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Bending Bridges
What factors affect the bending of bridges?

Abstract: This experiment was designed and conducted to find out how different factors affect the amount of bending of the beam. The two variables that were tested were the amounts of weight and the position of the weight on the plank.

Aim: To find out how weight and different placements of the weight affect the bending of the beam.

Hypothesis: It is predicted that the wood will bend more if there is more weight on it. When the weight is positioned differently, it will affect the amount the beam bends.

Introduction: A bridge is a structure built to span a valley, road, river or any other physical obstacle to give a clear passage to the other side. There are six main types of bridges: beam bridges, cantilever bridges, arch bridges, suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges and truss bridges. Beam bridges are horizontal beams supported at each end by piers. Weight on top of the beam pushes straight down on the piers. Cantilever bridges are bridges that are built using horizontal beams that are only supported on one end. Arch bridges are arch-shaped and have abutments at each end. The weight of the bridge is pushed into the abutments at either side. Suspension bridges are suspended from cables. The cables hang from towers that are attached to caissons or cofferdams. They are pushed deep into the lake or river bed. Cable-stayed bridges are kind-of like suspension bridges. They are also held up by cables, but less cable is needed and the towers are shorter. Truss bridges are made of connencted elements. They have a solid deck and a lattice of girders for the sides. The type of bridge used for our experiment is a beam bridge.
When designing and making bridges, there are many factors that need to be considered. One is how much weight the bridge will take, and if the position of the weight will affect the bridge in any way. That is why the design of the bridge is very important.

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