A Vertical Support System

The Problem
The problem is to create a free-standing vertical structural system that can support the largest amount of weight possbible using only the standard kit of parts provided.

The Objectives
The objective of this exercise is to investigate the implications of the Moment of Inertia on the behavior of a vertical load-bearing system (column).

The Rules
The only materials that can be used for this exercise are included in the kit of parts provided. This consists of thin woodel dowel rods of a specific length and rubber connecting pieces.

A "vertical supporting system" should be created which supports as many 3.5 inch cube wooden blocks as possible in one stack to the greatest height above the surface of the table. Each tower must be able to support a minimum of one block at a height of two feet above the base.

The total score for each group's tower will be calculated as follows:

24 + 1 pt for each inch above 24 + 5 pts for each block supported

The Documentation
In addition to the completion of the "tower" during the lab session, each group must submit one sectional and one axonometric sketch of the group's tower at the end of the period.

The lab report to be submitted must contain:

• digital images of the completed tower
• a written verbal description of the structural system
• a written verbal description of the structural elements
• a written verbal description of the flow of the forces within the structure
• a graphical description of the forces acting within each major element
• the answers to the questions:
  1. Where did your tower fail when the additional blocks were put on the tower?
  2. What kind of failure is this?

The Evaluation
The evaluation will be based upon the clarity and degree of completion of the lab report.