Which would be strongest (popsicle stick bridges)?

[Sean1218]

In a popsicle stick bridge, would it be stronger to have the sides be in the form of a triangle, or a sort of uneven arch. I can cut the popsicle sticks to help make an arch (or use full ones), but it'll be difficult, and probably won't be done so well. It might just be better to stick with a triangle. What about filling inside it? What sort of truss would be best?

Also, could use white glue or hot glue. The problem is that white glue takes so long to dry. It's just me building it, and I can't hold different parts at once and use clamps and everything. I don't have weeks to work on it, doing small bits at a time either. I feel like white glue isn't possible for me, even though it may be stronger (is it?). Any suggestions to make it easier to use white glue, if you think that's necessary? What about applying a small amount of white glue at joints on both of the two connecting popsicle stick, and applying hot glue in between? That'd probably give it immediate hold, no? Plus, it'd only get stronger as the white glue dries (as far as I know).

I know the very basics in that triangles are important etc., but I'm having trouble putting it all together to think of what could hold the heaviest load. There's just so many possible designs.

Specs for bridge are as follows:

• materials are hot glue/white glue, popsicle sticks and plyers (to cut sticks if needed)
• at least 55cm in length (gap beneath the bridge will be 55cm so it needs to have room to balance on the two desks)
• min width is 4cm
• max 200g
• popsicle sticks can be cut
• have to use white glue, hot glue, or both
• aim of the project is to have the bridge hold the largest possible mass (rope hanging from the top, attached to a load hanging below; it's all concentrated in the middle of the bridge)

Anyone have some tips for me? Thanks!

edit: Probably going to just use white glue since it'll be stronger overall. How should I go about building it with white glue? Maybe build separate smaller pieces, then put them all together at the end?

 

[Borg]

This might be of some help. http://www.instructables.com/id/Popsicle-Stick-Bridge/".

 

[Sean1218]

Well, I was thinking of doing that, but that's the design that most people in my class are doing. I'd like to do something different at least.