| # | Question | Your answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name a bridge you know | |
| 2 | What type do you think it is? | |
| 3 | Where is this bridge? | |
| 4 | What is its shape? (arch, cables, flat, triangles?) |
Standard: Fill in the definition. | Support: Definitions shown in grey — read and copy into your folio. | Extension: Use each term in a sentence.
| Term | Definition | Use in a sentence (Extension) |
|---|---|---|
| Beam | Simplest bridge — horizontal deck on supports |
|
| Arch | Curved structure that transfers load through compression |
|
| Truss | Framework of triangles that distributes load efficiently |
|
| Suspension | Deck hangs from cables draped over towers |
|
| Cable-stayed | Cables run directly from towers to deck |
|
| Cantilever | Extends horizontally, supported/anchored at one end |
|
| Compression | Squeezing force that pushes inward |
|
| Tension | Stretching force that pulls outward |
|
| Shear | Sliding/cutting force — two forces in opposite directions |
|
| Dead load | Permanent weight of the structure itself |
|
| Live load | Temporary/changing loads — traffic, wind, people |
|
| Span | Distance between the supports of a bridge |
Complete the reference table for 6 major bridge types.
| Bridge type | Key feature | Maximum span | Dominant forces | Famous example | Draw a simple sketch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beam | Draw in folio | ||||
| Arch | Draw in folio | ||||
| Truss | Draw in folio | ||||
| Suspension | Draw in folio | ||||
| Cable-stayed | Draw in folio | ||||
| Cantilever | Draw in folio |
Identify the type of each bridge and explain what clue helped you decide.
| # | Bridge | Type | Clue that helped you identify it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sydney Harbour Bridge | ||
| 2 | Golden Gate Bridge | ||
| 3 | ANZAC Bridge | ||
| 4 | Log across a creek | ||
| 5 | Railway truss bridge | ||
| 6 | Forth Bridge (Scotland) |
For each bridge type, identify where compression and tension occur.
| Bridge type | Compression at… | Tension at… |
|---|---|---|
| Beam | ||
| Arch | ||
| Truss | ||
| Suspension |
Triangles are the strongest shape in engineering. Answer these questions to understand why.
| # | Question | Your answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Why can’t a triangle deform (change shape) without breaking a side? | |
| 2 | What is triangulation? | |
| 3 | Push the corners of a square frame. What happens? Now push a triangle frame. What happens? | |
| 4 | Draw a Warren truss pattern in your folio (alternating triangles). How many triangles are in your truss? |
The Brewarrina Fish Traps (Baiame’s Ngunnhu) are over 40,000 years old — among the oldest human-made structures on Earth.
| # | Question | Your answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What forces did the builders need to understand? | |
| 2 | How is this similar to bridge design? | |
| 3 | Why is sustainability built into the design? |
Use these simplified definitions:
Sentence starters:
Local bridges: Research 3 Sydney/NSW bridges and classify them by type.
| Bridge name & location | Type | Key engineering feature |
|---|---|---|
Tacoma Narrows: Research the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse (1940). What force caused it to fail?
Hybrid bridge: Design a bridge that combines 2 different types. Explain why this combination would work.
Compare: How do the Brewarrina Fish Traps compare to a modern dam? What engineering principles do they share?
| Success Criteria | Got it 🟢 | Nearly there 🟠 | Need help 🔴 |
|---|---|---|---|
| I can name and describe at least 4 types of bridges | |||
| I can explain compression, tension and shear | |||
| I can identify forces in a bridge structure | |||
| I can explain why triangulation makes structures stronger |