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 ?

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

      • 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.


Leave a Comment