Bridge Construction Once you have designed your bridge

Bridge Construction

Once you have designed your bridge on Bridge Builder, you can make a VRML file to see it in 3 -D. Go above and below the deck to see how the trusses are joined VRML 3 -D Image of a student’s bridge

You have now completed the design of your bridge. The most difficult part now begins and that is the construction of your bridge. To build a bridge you must join many separate pieces. The stronger the joint, the stronger the bridge. We are going to view several methods of joining your bridge together.

Butted Joint A Butt joint is the weakest type of joint. Two pieces of wood joined at the ends, do not support each other. All that holds them together is the glue.

Scarf Joint Scarf joints do provide more support. If a force were applied downward on this joint, one piece of wood, would press against another adding strength.

Lap Joint The more two pieces of wood overlap, the more they can help each other. The dotted line represents a pin. A pin prevents the two pieces of wood from pulling apart.