My Engineering Process
For me, I chose the basic Warren Truss bridge. I have done a lot of research on toothpick bridges previous to choosing my bridge type. Truss bridges have straight beams which makes it that ideal bridge for toothpicks. I chose the Warren Truss bridge because it didn't require a lot of toothpicks, unlike other designs. I started off building the base for one side. The base consists of 2 layers of toothpicks. After I allowed it to dry, I started forming triangles. Triangles are used in the bridge because triangles are the strongest shapes to use. After the triangles have dried onto the base, I added the top. After the whole side has dried, I started on the other side. Once the other side was done, I connected them and placed the eye hook on. The eye hook and block of wood protruded through the roadbed. From this project I have learned that building bridges is actually quite a difficult task, but is important because if they fail to support the weight, then it would collapse.