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Bridge Design (and Destruction)

Bridge Design (and Destruction)

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In this two-part series on bridges, an MIT engineering student discusses the different types of bridges including beam, arch, suspension, and truss bridges. Also discussed is the evolution of bridge design due to the expansion of available materials. Technical concepts covered include tension, compression, bending, span, force balances, material selection and beam/cable design.

ASL
A board with figures and a heavy object in the center bends downward in the center. Caption: You see that as the load increases, the bridge bends,
Bridge Design (and Destruction)
Episode 1
5 minutes 8 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
ASL
A board with interlocking triangular cutout supports running parallel to the board has figures on it and a heavy object in the center. The outermost edges of the triangular supports have buckled. Caption: The outer segments of the truss are the first to break.
Bridge Design (and Destruction)
Episode 2
4 minutes 29 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12