HTHMA Spring 2014 Bridge Competition Rules

Goal: Build a 3 Bridge that is an excellent example of your bridge type and that score maximally considering the scoring
algorithm.
Scoring:
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AP: Aesthetic Properties, the overall beauty of your bridge, or if you choose to pick a particular architectural style, how
excellent an example of that style your bridge is. This will be scored out of 50, and will be judged solely by our
professional board.
BP: Bonus Points, based on optional difficulty of design points, scored out of 50 Maximum points.
Rules:
These rules are subject to the interpretation of the competition Judges. Attempting to circumvent these rules via
unaccounted for loophole will be dealt with in a case by case basis.
1.

Your materials may be provided by Brendan and the Engineering class ONLY. Outside materials must be individually
inspected and approved by Brendan. This will mostly be the method which cables will be attached to your Balsa
2. Pre-approved Materials: 36 by 1/8 by 1/8 balsa wood sticks ($0.30). 36 by 3 by 1/16 Balsa wood planks ($1.25)
3. You must use only wood glue provided if you choose to use glue (strongly suggested). You will be charged for glue, and glue
does have weight.
4. You may use the laser cutter at a cost of $0.10 per second of use. Also, those who are intending to cut their supports with
the lasercutter, keep in mind that the grain direction of your planks significantly affect its strength.
5. You may modify the rig on brown surfaces in order to attach your bridge
6. Bridges may not touch the blue or black surfaces.
7. Bridges will be loaded by a 2x3 metal plate or a 1 steel tube centered on your bridge. You must allow access for that
plate or tube to be inserted into your bridges road deck. You will choose a starting weight, and will only be increased by 50
lbs only.
8. Your bridge must have a road deck that 2 imaginary cars 1 high by 1 wide may cross on in two directions from one raised
brown surface to the other.
9. Max bridge heights
a. Truss: 3 above road deck.
b. Cantilever:2 above road deck
c. Cable Stayed: Towers may not be higher than 16
d. Suspension: Towers may not be higher than 12
10. Bonus Point Possibilities:
a. Truss & Cantilever: you may build a curved bridge, this curve will be represented by a curved rig, which will
0
represent a 45 arc of a circle 4 in radius. 50pts
b. Cable Stay & Suspension : You may build a bridge with a single tower on only one of the central support pads.
25pts.
c. Cable Stay: You may build a bridge with a single tower on only one of the raised support pads. 50pts.
11. As stated initially, rules and regulations may be interpreted at the discretion of your judges.