Testing Components - Page 4

Testing Bracing for Tension

To compare the strength of different bracing members in tension, try this simple test.

  1. Make up some different bracing members.

  2. Connect one end of the first bracing member to a strong bar so that it can hang straight down.

  3. Hang weights from the other end of the bracing member.

  4. Keep adding weights until the bracing starts stretching or until it breaks.

  5. Make a record of the weights you added and what happened to the bracing.

  6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for the other bracing members.

  7. Compare your results and decide what to use for your model.
Hint ! Try to keep your model as light as possible. Heavier bracing may be stronger, but lighter bracing may be strong enough.

Bracing made from string

Bracing made from paper

page 4 of 4
 
from Bristol University