Jump to main content

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Civil Engineering Science Projects (25 results)

Search
Refine Results
Filter by
Coding Projects
Sort by
The Design Process: Creating a Stronger Truss
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
This is an interesting project that explores which geometrical shapes make the strongest bridge truss structures. It is a good introduction to the engineering design process. You'll design three different trusses, and use online simulation software to analyze the distribution of load-bearing forces in each design. Then you'll build and test prototypes of each design. Read more
Solid Ground? Measuring Soil Bearing Capacity
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Foundations for many types of structures rest on soil. This project shows how you can investigate the bearing capacity of different types of soil. Read more
How Does the Ratio of Sand to Cement Affect the Strength of Concrete?
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Sorry, you don't get to use a jackhammer for this project, but you'll find out another way to break concrete (not to mention what makes it strongest). Read more
Shapes with Straws
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Start with 7 drinking straws and 14 paper clips. Use the paper clips to fasten the straws together. Here's how: 1) Clip two paper clips together, narrow end to narrow end. 2) Push the wide ends of each clip into the end of a straw. That's it! Connect four straws to make a square, and three straws to make a triangle. Now test which shape is stronger. Hold the shapes vertically, with an edge or a vertex resting on the tabletop. Have a helper push on the opposite side or vertex. Which shape… Read more
Strength of Glues
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Try gluing wood together with different types of glue, e.g.: regular white glue, yellow wood glue, cyanoacrylate (super glue), and Liquid Nails. Glue a short piece (5-8 cm) to the center of a longer piece (15-30 cm). After the glue has dried for the recommended time, drill a small hole through the center of the joint, big enough to pass through a piece of coat-hanger wire. Cut a length of coat hanger wire, pass it through the hole, and twist the ends together to form a loop. Place the ends… Read more
Avoiding Disaster: The Right Bridge Design
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
A bridge collapse, like that of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge, can be a major disaster. Bridges that cannot hold enough weight to do their intended job can be a serious public safety issue. And if they collapse, they can also cause economic damage due to costly rebuilding and people and companies scrambling to figure out how to circumvent the months of traffic impacts. Figure 1. On August 1, 2007 the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge collapsed killing 13… Read more
How to Build on Mars!
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
The idea of a colony on Mars is exciting! In this science project, you will tackle one of the challenges a Martian colony will face: what will buildings on Mars be made of? In this project, you will make bricks from Martian-like ground cover and measure how strong these bricks are. Read more
Holding Power of Nails
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
How strongly do different types of nails hold in wood? Try different diameters of nails, and try pounding them to different depths. To gauge the holding strength, measure how difficult it is to remove the nail. Can you pull it out with a pair of pliers? Can you remove it with the hammer claw? Do you have to push only a little bit, moderately hard, or as hard as you can? Do you need a crowbar? What happens if you pre-drill holes for the nails, using drill bits that are different… Read more
Paper Bridge for Pennies
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Using just a single sheet of paper (8.5 x 11 inches) and up to five paper clips, can you build a bridge that will span 20 cm and support the weight of 100 pennies? The area beneath the span must be free (so that boats can pass beneath it). To test your bridge, place two books 20 cm apart, and set the bridge on the books, spanning the gap. Do not fasten the bridge to the book (nor to any other support). Does your bridge hold as much weight as you expected it would? If your bridge fails… Read more
How Much Weight Can Your Sandcastle Hold?
Science Fair Project Idea
Scientific Method
Do you think a sandcastle can support a brick? How can you change a sandcastle to make it support more weight? Find out in this fun science project! Read more
< 1 2 3 >

Explore Our Science Videos

Quick Links X
Top
Free science fair projects.