If anyone ever tells you to “build a bridge and get over it,” you may like to respond “Yes, but what type of bridge… a beam, truss, cantilever, arch, tied arch, suspension or cable-stayed?”

Year 8 students are currently investigating the suitability of each type of structure as they are challenged with constructing a bridge to withstand a significant weight load in proportion to its length.

Engineering principles were applied during the building phase of their initial prototype which had to undergo rigorous testing in front of an audience of their peers. Demonstrations were a great success as all bridges yielded better than expected results.