Bridge Building 2016

[NamG]

I'm pretty sure the time limit used to be 15 minutes once upon a time.

I used to bring a nice big scoop with a big handle and offer it to the ES beforehand to let all teams use it. As long as it was available to everyone it was fair, and often the ES would allow it. This helped avoid situations where the loading cup provided was more of a hindrance. It does seem that there are more and more autoloaders these days so maybe it is less of an issue. I do think that shortening the time will be in everyone's benefit as long as they realize how quickly they need to load the sand. I was always a fan of loading as quickly as possible.

[dholdgreve]

I was wondering how will the bridge be stable while its at an angle. Won't loading block favor one side and then it will all collapse.

That is exactly the intent of the competition this year... Every year, they try to throw something a little different into the mix... We have seen 3 separate loading points (the one being used was not announced until the start of competition), we have seen where they tier down for not carrying the full load, and if you go way back, we have even seen where a road bed was required to transport a matchbox or hot wheels car from one end of the bridge to the other, while one end was bearing on the loading block. (You got 3 tries to get it across the bridge.)

This keeps the event fresh and new for all, and continues to challenge even the teams that were able to master last year's challenges.

[The_Engineer]

I need help. I just got the rule sheet for bridge building and i'm really confused. Could someone maybe draw a diagram of the testing apparatus?

[Unome]

I need help. I just got the rule sheet for bridge building and i'm really confused. Could someone maybe draw a diagram of the testing apparatus?

I believe there's a diagram somewhere on either this thread or one of the others from this year (although I understand your confusion; when I first read the rules, I had no idea what they were saying for the testing setup).

[The_Engineer]

I need help. I just got the rule sheet for bridge building and i'm really confused. Could someone maybe draw a diagram of the testing apparatus?

I believe there's a diagram somewhere on either this thread or one of the others from this year (although I understand your confusion; when I first read the rules, I had no idea what they were saying for the testing setup).

I know. It was a lot different from last year. I made a rough sketch as well and i think that im getting but i'm not so sure.

[reed303]

I need help. I just got the rule sheet for bridge building and i'm really confused. Could someone maybe draw a diagram of the testing apparatus?

Try this post from last year at http://scioly.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=6167

Scroll down to the post of Dec 24 2014 for a drawing of the typical Test Stand. Some dimensions may be slightly different for this year, and the Test Supports shown will not be used. A block the same as the Loading Block will be used as the 1 Test Support for the angled bridge.

Some events just place 2 table tops spaced apart to create the same setup.

[embokim]

anyone know a good place to get or make the test support. thanks

[reed303]

anyone know a good place to get or make the test support. thanks

if you mean the whole table, look here

http://www.pitsco.com/Structure_Testing_Device

[bernard]

anyone know a good place to get or make the test support. thanks

if you mean the whole table, look here

http://www.pitsco.com/Structure_Testing_Device

Just to be sure, since sometimes students/parents/coaches think this: as a competitor/parent/coach, you do not need to buy or make a test setup that meets the specifications in the rules. As a competitor, if you want to test your bridge at home/school, you can pull two tables of same height together so they have a gap that allows your bridge to span the span allowed by the rules. On one side you'll want a 2.0 cm x 5.0 cm x 5.0 cm block for the Test Support (3.a. and 4.b.). If you don't have one already or don't want to make one, buying one might be easier, and the website the previous user listed sells them: http://www.pitsco.com/Precision_Test_Block_Boomilever. You'll also want another 2.0 cm x 5.0 cm x 5.0 cm block for the Loading Block (4.c.), an eyebolt for that Loading Block, a bucket, some chains to attach the bucket to the eyebolt, and lots of sand/rice/grain.

[NamG]

To add to what Bernard said, you can make a nice loading block from 1" plywood without buying one from Pitsco if you know someone with scrap wood.

The one from Pitsco is nice, I have it. But you don't need to buy one.