Manila Folder Bridge Design-Build Challange!

We will conduct our Design-Build challenge in two parts. By iterating on our effort, we will have the opportunity to better reflect on our experience and improve our designs. Please note that the constraints for the activity vary for the first and second effort!


Criteria:
Build a structure that can support as much weight as possible over a 18" gap.
(Note: we will use magazines for "weights" and our "gap" will be positioned between two tables)


Constraints:Part 1

• Materials:
• 2 "letter size" Manilla folders
• 2' of masking tape (may not use any piece longer than 6")
• Weighing:
• Magazines will be used as "weights"
• Your "score" for our competition is determined by how many magazines your structure supports!
• Magazines will be added to your structure one at a time until "failure" is achieved.
• You may place magazines anywhere on your structure as long as:
• All magazines must rest between the two vertical edges of the gap your bridge is spanning (magazines must be over the "gap").
• No magazines may touch the tables (magazines may not be piled up to "self support" themselves).
• Construction Practices:
• Only one end of your design may have a "pinned" connection to the table top (ie. taped). The other end must act as if it were on a "roller" connection (ie. laying on the table top).
• Manila folders may not be layered more than 3 layers thick at any location.
• Parallel structural members may not touch directly (they can be connected via non parallel connection members (ex. a "ladder" style design))
• Part 2
• Same as above but 3 folders and 3' of tape