Construction Geometry
Design Brief
Load Bearing Structures
Design and build a load-bearing structure with the most efficiency using the concepts learned in structure geometry, connections and reinforcements.
Each structure must be 15” high.
No part of any structure should be wider than 7”.
Only materials distributed in class may be used.
Each structure must be able to support at least one pound.
Precisely weigh each structure and record the measurement.
Place the structure to be tested on a hard, flat, level surface.
Begin to apply know weights to the top of the structure in small increments. Carefully notice how some parts of the structure may begin to deform as its capacity approaches.
When the structure fails, record how much weight it supported before the fatal load was applied; this is the structure capacity. Also, carefully note where and how the structure failed.
Calculate the structure’s efficiency as follows:
structure capacity
structure weight = structure efficiency
The group whose structure had the highest efficiency wins the competition.