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Elliptical Arch Popsicle Bridge

A first-year constrained structural design project: build a high-performing bridge with a strict 100-stick, no-modification rule.

Elliptical Arch + Howe Truss Concept

Detailed project page

Finished elliptical arch popsicle-stick bridge.

Problem Definition

The design had to maximize stiffness and load capacity under a hard material constraint: exactly 100 popsicle sticks with no cutting or shaping.

Problem Solution

An elliptical arch with Howe-style triangulation was iterated through trace studies and build trials, then finalized around predictable load paths and buildability.

Design to Build Progression

Initial sketch trace of bridge geometry.
Early geometry trace
Refined sketch trace with member updates.
Refined member layout
Prototype bridge build photo.
Prototype validation
Bridge during final construction.
Final construction stage
Final bridge under weight test setup.
Load test setup
Deflection simulation graph for bridge behavior.
Deflection behavior summary

Formal Report

For full methodology, calculations, and final discussion, see the complete report.

Open full PDF report

Tags Structural design Bridge project Constraint challenge
Structural design Bridge project Constraint challenge Iteration Education
Skills Engineering design Modeling Research
Engineering design FEA-informed thinking Modeling Project planning Research