How do you calculate the efficiency of a balsa bridge?

Maximize the Design Efficiency – The design efficiency can be calculated as Efficiency = Total Load Supported (lbs) / Truss Model Self-Weight (lbs) (Note: that the Total Load Supported in calculating the Efficiency is capped at the required load level of 30 lbs.)

How much weight can balsa hold?

Since the “End Post” cross section is 1/2 x 1/2 or 1/4 inches squared, then if it was made of light balsa wood, it could tolerate at most a 170 pound load passing through it. Or, 170 x 2.56 = 435 pounds on top.

What is an efficiency rating in bridge building?

Bridge Efficiency (E) is a ratio of how much load the bridge can handle to the mass of the bridge. The load will be measured in kilograms, while the mass of the bridge will be measured in grams. One additional award will be given in each Category for Bridge Design based on aesthetics and functionality.

How do you make the strongest balsa wood tower?

Choose glue that’s low in weight, quick drying and strong. A good choice for balsa towers is yellow wood glue that you’ve thinned slightly with water. The formula is 70% glue to 30% water. Mixing the glue will lower the weight of the glue and help it to seep into the wood’s surface, strengthening the joint.

What is a good efficiency score?

What is a good Bessemer Efficiency Score benchmark? According to Bessemer Venture Partners, the best Bessemer Efficiency Score is greater than 1.5x, with “better” companies falling in the range of 0.5-1.5.

How do you determine the efficiency of a bridge?

To help clear up any confusion when I talk about the “efficiency” or “efficiency score” of the bridges I build. This is a mathematical equation to determine how well a bridge performed. Simply take the mass that the bridge held, and divide that by the mass of the bridge.

What is good structural efficiency?

High structural efficiency is a sign of strong, relatively light design. Low efficiency structures like beaver dams can sometimes be strong, but their strength comes from extra mass. 1. Saraj used 200g of materials to build a model bridge that supported an 8.0 kg load.

What makes a good balsa wood tower?

A good choice for balsa towers is yellow wood glue that you’ve thinned slightly with water. The formula is 70% glue to 30% water. Mixing the glue will lower the weight of the glue and help it to seep into the wood’s surface, strengthening the joint.