Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

how to prepare a bridge using broom sticks ? such that ratio of weight it holds to it's weight is maximum?
please reply

Hi kaushik,

I don't know what the maximum weight is.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_an_arch_ ... eam_bridge
suggests that an arch bridge can hold more weight than a beam bridge.

So, you can construct both types of bridges and see how much weight they hold.
Note also there are several types of arch bridges, and you can experiment which type holds the most weight.

For further info, see the wikipedia entries in:
http://www.answers.com/what%20is%20a%20arch%20bridge
http://www.answers.com/what%20is%20a%20beam%20bridge

For more detail, see the direct wikipedia articles themselves at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch_bridge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beam_bridge

Hello,

I can relate to this project because I fufilled a similar task about a year ago. I would recommend that you be like the ancient romans and build your bridge with a series of arches. Arches are designed to even out the total weight placed upon it, therefore spliting the weight load proportionately. It's worth noting that you should take precaution when contructing arches because if they are built off at a significant angle, the infrastructure's performance may suffer. However you decide to construct your bridge, make sure you are consistant in your decisions *That is the key.

Best of Luck