How to Build a Model Bridge Out of Skewers
Building model bridges can be a fun and exciting experience for budding engineers of all ages. The experience can teach you a lot about real bridges and the work that goes into building them. Follow these tips to successfully design and build your own model bridge out of wooden skewers.
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Instructions
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Read up on the basic principles of model bridge designing before trying your hand at it (see Resources). It's important to get the basics down before building a model.
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Decide on the type of model bridge to build. Popular types include Pratt, Warren, Arch and Howe. If you'd like to exercise your creativity, use model bridge designing software to build a model bridge of your own design (see Resources). Be aware that each bridge design may have its own weight and distance constraints.
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Scale your bridge and outline it on grid paper. Use the straight lines and right angles on the grid paper to plan out your bridge according to the scale and skewer lengths. Write down measurements clearly.
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Build your bridge with skewers by meticulously following the design on the paper. Use string, wood glue or other connective objects to join the skewers. Use a glue formulated for wood, like Elmer's Wood Glue, to have the skewers form a solid connection. Create "gusset plates" around the connections using small bits of wood to reduce stress on joints and ensure a strong connection.
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Examine your model bridge's functionality. Run an appropriately scaled and weighted object across the bridge. If the model bridge almost collapses in certain parts, remove the item and make modifications by disconnecting the skewers and rebuilding as necessary.
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Practice your model bridge building until you become confident enough to enter contests.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the model bridge designing software to test your bridge's usability. The software allows you to make modifications should a problem arise with its design.
If you find that you need different lengths of skewers, simply cut the skewers until they meet your requirements.
Ratios are extremely important when designing bridges. Calculating ratios incorrectly can result in an unstable or poorly designed model bridges.
Build the best model bridge you can by designing your bridge to have extra support around its base. The base's surrounding area is just as important as the base itself. Read up on load paths for more information.
Not all types of glue are suitable for building model bridges. Certain types of glue may affect the model bridge's functionality by stressing the wood or connecting the skewers in unacceptable ways.
