This document provides information about bridges, including their history and different types. It discusses the evolution of bridge construction from simple log bridges made by nature to modern suspension bridges made of steel. Three main types of bridges are outlined: beam, truss, and suspension. Beam bridges are the simplest but can only span short distances, while truss and suspension bridges allow for longer spans through the use of triangles and cables, respectively. The document also provides examples of the Kingston Rhinecliff Bridge and Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, both real-world bridges, to illustrate the different types. It concludes by describing a group's physics project to build a model truss bridge made of toothpicks.

1. Physics Project Writing
Assesment
By : Irvan Torbett, Caroline Tran, Alexander Tran

2. Brief History of Bridges…
• The first bridges were made by nature itself . As simple as a log fallen across a
stream or stones in the river. The first bridges made by humans were probably
spans of cut wooden logs or planks and eventually stones, using a simple
support and crossbeam arrangement
• Soon, early civilizations started to build their own bridges after the discovery
of construction and masonry. Dating to the Greek Bronze Age (13th century
BC), it is one of the oldest arch bridges still in existence and use.
• Simple type of suspension bridge, were used by the Inca civilization in the
Andes mountains of South America, just prior to European colonization in the
16th century.
• With the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, truss systems iron were
developed for larger bridges, but iron did not have the strength to support
large loads. With the advent of steel, which has a high tensile strength, much
larger bridges were built
• * Fun facts : The greatest bridge builders of antiquity were the ancient
Romans. The Romans built arch bridges and aqueducts that could stand in
conditions that would damage or destroy earlier designs. Some stand today.
• the origin of the word bridge to an Old English word brycg

3. 3 Types of Bridges : Pro’s and Cons
• Beam Bridge: Beam bridges are cost
effective and simple to build. Beam bridges
are very basic in design. They feature beams
laid across two supports to form a deck. They
offer the builder affordability and ease of
construction, thanks to their simplicity. This
simplicity comes with a price, as beam bridges
don't work well for long spans.
Simple Beam bridge. Eagle country,Colorado
• Truss bridges: Truss Bridges make use
of triangles in their design. Occasionally piers
are used in the middle, depending upon the
span. A truss bridge is constructed of
interconnected beams that form repeated
triangle patterns. This allows for even weight
distribution. The disadvantages of the truss
style are its lack of aesthetic appeal,
heaviness and cost.
• Suspension Bridges : Due to their Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, New York. Continuous
innovative design, suspension bridges are under-deck truss bridge
uniquely suited to span longer distances. It is
made up of a deck that is hung from steel
wire cables that run between tall towers.
Suspension bridges are very strong, thanks to
the cables. Their design is pleasing to the
eye, and because of the suspension feature,
these bridges are suited for use across longer
spans. Suspension bridges are more
complicated in design than most other
common bridge types and are more expensive
to build.
The Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge in Japan,
the world's longest suspension span.

4. Different bridge examples and history
• Name : Kingston Rhinecliff Bridge
• HISTORY :The Kingston Rhinecliff Bridge is
a continuous under-deck truss bridge that
carries NY 199 across the Hudson River in
New York State north of the City of
Kingston and the hamlet of Rhinecliff. It
was opened to traffic on February 2, 1957
as a two-lane bridge.
• Type of bridge : Truss Bridge
• Type of Commute served : Traffic (Cars,
Motorcycles, Automated Transport)
• The Kingston Rhinecliff Bridge serves
approximately 17,000 Automobiles per day
• **Fun Facts : although it was not actually
complete. Formal opening was May 11,
1957.
• When the site was relocated about 3 miles
northward, there was no stable bedrock for
anchorages, so the design was changed to
a continuous under-deck truss.
• Is the second northernmost, and second
newest, of the 5 bridges that NYSBA owns
and operates.

5. • Name : Akashi Kaikyō Bridge
• History : Before the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge was
built, ferries carried passengers across the Akashi
Strait in Japan. This dangerous waterway often
experiences severe storms and, in 1955, two
ferries sank in the strait during a storm, killing 168
people. The ensuing shock and public outrage
convinced the Japanese government to develop
plans for a suspension bridge to cross the strait.
But when construction on the bridge began in
April 1988, the construction was restricted to road
only, with six lanes. Actual construction did not
begin until May 1988, and the bridge was opened
for traffic on April 5, 1998
• Type of Bridge : Suspension Bridge
• Type of commute : Traffic (Cars, Motorcycles,
Automated Transport)
• the bridge is used by approximately 23,000 cars
per day.
• **Fun Facts : Also known as Pear Bridge
• Has the longest central span of any suspension
bridge
• It was built by the government due to pressure
from the citizens.

6. Base Plan(6 of these
The PLAN. Make a cube)
Warren Without vertical supports for the sides
Bottom and top
Of bridge
• We decided to do a truss bridge, with a Warren without vertical support truss. The reason
I did a truss bridge instead of other bridge designs is because truss bridges are known to
be a good equilibrium between the amount of strength I want to have in a bridge, and
the amount of effort that I will need to make it. Bridges such as a beam bridge are too
simple and it does not have a very good weight distribution. (It would also look like I
didn’t put any effort into it). The Suspension bridge on the other hand is almost
impossible to build with the materials (mainly the glue) that was handed to us in this
project. It is also time consuming and too precise to be a reliable bridge. The truss design
that I chose on the other hand is sturdy enough to withstand a good amount of force ,
and also very simple to build. Although it required much effort, it was worth it since this
design has been known for it’s reliability. I also chose this type of bridge because this
project did not require looks, and I also needed to use the minimum amount of
toothpicks. The Warren without vertical support trusses helped me achieve my goal to
build a toothpick bridge without using a lot of toothpicks.

7. Work Responsibilities for each
Member
• Irvan : Design, Overall Assembly, Blueprint, Ideas,
Writing work, Research , Special “items” supplier,
Team Reference, Management
• Caroline : Base assembly, Motivator (?), Design
supporter, The only one with a worksheet, Wax
paper… management…
• Alex : Mass production, Parts, Entertainment,