• Question: How do you make a strong paper bridge

    Asked by part021paw to Connor, Canice, Aruna, Olga, Madhumidha, Anthony on 2 Mar 2020. This question was also asked by beep021paw, ring021paw.
    • Photo: Anthony Newell

      Anthony Newell answered on 2 Mar 2020:

      The best way to make a strong paper bridge is to fold it into a “corrugated” or zig-zag shape. If you start at the edge and fold a thin section of the paper one way, then turn it over and fold it the other way back on itself, continuing all the way to the other edge you’ll get a zig-zag shape. This will be very strong because it’s difficult to bend it against all of the folds. You’ll see this corrugated zig-zag design in cardboard boxes which also makes them very strong.

    • Photo: Aruna Chandrasekar

      Aruna Chandrasekar answered on 2 Mar 2020:

      With paper, what makes it stronger are:
      1. Folds
      2. Number of papers

      So folding the paper and staking them in layers will enable you to make a strong bridge. This is the concept used in making cardboard from paper as well.

    • Photo: Connor McGookin

      Connor McGookin answered on 2 Mar 2020:

      The key to a good paper bridge is triangles, check out – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfQYqvC5phk

      Triangles are really strong structures so engineers use them all the time to carry large weights.

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