Our team approached the regional Popsicle Stick Bridge competition like any real design-build project. After researching historical truss failures, we iterated through Pratt, Warren, and Howe variations, ultimately selecting a modified K-truss that balanced tension/compression members with the limited stick inventory.

We pre-modeled every joint in Fusion 360, exported loads into a spreadsheet, and documented an MEP-style “construction work plan” so anyone on the team could rebuild the bridge identically. Double-shear gussets, staged clamping, and carefully rationed glue ensured consistent bond quality.

The final bridge tipped the scales at just 0.7 lbs yet survived a 174.5 lb load before failure, earning top marks for efficiency and documentation.