This is a very simple yet elegant looking bridge that I built over Christmas break. This bridge spanned 16 inches and was made from 48 popsicle sticks. It held 75 pounds, which was right at what I was expecting.
Here is a video:
The idea behind this bridge was to create an aesthetically pleasing bridge, while still keeping it simple to build. I wanted a really basic arch bridge design in order to compare it to a simple beam bridge that I also built. You can purchase plans for this bridge in my store.
You can see from the video that this bridge collapsed from the middle. I think that if the ends of the bridge had been braced like a real life arch bridge, this bridge would have held considerable more weight before it broke. But as a free standing arch bridge made from popsicle sticks, I think it was pretty good.
Elegant design. I really like this website Garret, very interesting and helpful.
Me too 🙂
this is cool
theres no video. it says but there is no link or anuthing under
Video should now be working.
I need to know more information on this bridge design
Do u have a blueprint available for this?
Yes, please see this link for the blueprints:
https://garrettsbridges.com/store/#!/17-Arch-Popsicle-Bridge/p/73782344/category=0
Is this really a arch bridge or is it a truss bridge?
My science teacher told me the concept is more like a truss bridge’s rather than an arch’s?
Interestingly, an arch bridge can also have a truss. This is seen in a lot of the models on this website, including this one. And just because it has a truss, doesn’t make it not an arch bridge. This actually gives it some of the advantages of both types of bridges.
Thanks a lot
I’ll tell my science teacher about this
How do I clamp the joints together on the bridge
You can use a couple different methods for clamping the joints. If you have small clamps like clothes pins or binder clips, those work well. You can also simply put weight on top of the joints if they are on a flat surface.
Thanks again so much.???
Are there other ways to join the popsicle sticks together? Will glue work? Or maybe sticky tape?
Thanks for this! I did this for a project in math class and I won!
yeah but is it resistant???🤔
Cool really like it cool good job
Loved this great to look at in class for project
Is there some type of video that can show me step by step how to build it???
Arch bridge blueprint link not available. Planning a 12ft wide 14ft long arched popsicle design. Using laminated 2×8 or 4x6s. So I can drive large tractor over it
Thanks for the heads up, I updated the link. Sounds like a fun project and I’d love to see photos when you get your bridge completed.
This is great! Just wondering if you have a step-by-step instruction for a popsicle stick beam bridge.
How to build? I need for my science fair project.