Bridges & Bridge Design

Technology Web Quest

Bridge Building

Overview:

This is a web quest project (internet research) about bridges and bridge design. Along the way you will learn about some famous bridges, you will learn about the forces that act upon bridges, and you will become a little more familiar with the internet and how to use it. Before the project is over you will have designed your own bridge using the knowledge gained through your research.

Getting Started:

To get started you will need to log into a computer. There will be some of you who have not done this type of activity at Bath H.S. yet. We will have an account ready for you to use. Remember your password, and your username for future use. Once you have logged in, find the internet explorer icon and click on it (it looks like a giant lower case "e"). Another web browser option is Netscape Navigator (this icon has a ship steering wheel). With either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator you will be able to browse the internet.

 

Now that you are able to use the internet follow these directions:

1. Find to the T.E Homepage by one of the following navigations:

  • Type in this address in the url box to find the T.E. Homepage www.noacsc.org/allen/ba/bs/noblet/teindex.htm
  • Go to the Bath Local Schools Home Page then to the High School then to the Technology Education button.
  • The T.E.-BHS lab computers will navigate directly to the T.E. Homepage when using the Internet.

2. Once at the T.E. Home Page scroll down the page and click on "The Design World" link.

3. Scroll down the "The Design World" page until you find the "Bridges & Bridge Design" link and click on it.

 

"Build a Bridge" Web Site:

Now that you have reached the Build A Bridge web site the real fun begins! In Step One observe the four different scenarios given to you. Your job later will be to determine what type of bridge to use for each one of these scenarios. First you need to learn a few basic principles about bridges to be able to make the best decisions for thier applications.

You have observed the scenarios in step one, now scroll down the page to Step Two "Doing Your Homework". Here you are given four basic types of bridges. Click on each one to find out more about them. Follow any of the links that are related to what you are reading about.

In conjunction with this activity you have a question and answer sheet to fill out. While reviewing the information about the four basic types of bridges in Step Two answer the questions on the question sheet. Once the answers have been completed turn them in. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to select and print the Questions & Answers sheet.

Play the Game:

Finally Step Three, "Play the Game". Here you will use what you have learned to identify which bridge will work the BEST for each of the four scenarios. Refer to the last question on your question and answer sheet and write down which bridge you chose for each scenario. However, there is only one bridge for each scenario that is the BEST DESIGN. The game will assist you in determining the correct choice. Once you have determined which bridge is the absolute best for each situation explain why that bridge functions best for that given environment. Remember there are four different scenarios to complete.

 

Bridge Builder: Questions and Answers

 

1. What are the four basic types of bridges?

a.

b.

c.

d.

 

2. The weight of an arch bridge is carried outward along the______________ of the arch to the supports at each end. Describe what characteristics a building material must have to support this style of bridge.

 

 

 

3. What are the two configurations of cable stayed bridges?

 

 

 

4. Suspension bridges can span distances between _____ and _____ feet.

 

5. Most of the weight is carried by the ________________ on suspension bridges.

 

6. Cable stayed bridges can span distances between _____and ____ feet.

 

7. What is the difference in how the road way is supported between a suspension bridge and a cable stayed bridge?

 

 

8. Give two examples of a:

  • Beam bridge-
  • Suspension bridge-
  • Cable Stayed-
  • Arch Bridge- 
 [Example: Suspension Bridge / Brooklyn Bridge]

9. What type of bridge should be used for the following scenarios? Also describe in your own words..... Why?

 

  • A 5,000-foot span across an ocean bay where huge ships come and go.- ____________________________-why

 

 

  • A 120-foot span across a freeway.- _________________________-why

 

 

  • A 1,000-foot span across a river busy with barge traffic.- __________________________-why

 

 

  • A 700-foot span across a deep canyon gorge.- ____________________________-why

 

Use a Search Engine such as Google and find four famous bridges that are located outside of the United States.

A.

B.

C.

D.

 

Back to: The Design World

Back to: The Home Page