Tower of Power
Rules and Assorted Information
It is your responsibility to decide how best to utilize your materials.
OBJECTIVE: The
object of this project is to build a tower that has the greatest vertical strength
possible for its scale while maintaining horizontal stability. Prepare by checking
out roofs, trusses, bridges, etc. Look at different construction sites and
especially at the cranes used.
PREPARATION: Prior ro receiving any building materials from the instructor, you must do the following:
| Diagram | Submit a full scale design showing both top view and side view with dimensions in cm. and appropriate angles on all members. Number all members and determine the amount of materials needed to complete the tower. Remember the maximum length of the members cannot exceed 200.0 cm. Make your materials list separate from the diagram. |
| Log | Keep a log of your project. Include your reasons for the design choice made, your logic references, and any changes that you make in the design process. Reference all sources of information and include a chronological time line of the project. |
Rules for your Tower of Power
| a) | You will
be supplied with 200.00 cm. of 1/8" x 1/8" square balsam wood for use as
members, glue, and a razor blade to cut parts. Only material supplied by the
instructor can be used for construction. |
| b) | Your
tower must be constructed in the class during the allotted time. (three class
periods) |
| c) | The tower must be 15.0 cm. high -/+ .5 cm. |
| d) | The
tower must have three sides with 5.0 cm. -/+.5 cm. per side. |
| e) | The
tower must be able to stand flat on a horizontal surface having a base of 5.0 cm.
-/+ .5 cm. per side. |
| f) | The
tower top must be flat to support the bearing load. |
Grading Possibilities
Tower Crush Competition:
Your tower model will receive .10 points/N of force that the structure can sustain
up to a maximum of 30 points. 
EXTRA CREDIT!!!!!
20 Point Bonus
The top five towers from both classes will receive a 10 point bonus and the best tower receives an additional 10 point bonus for coming in first place
****This project grade equals
one (1) lab grade and one (1) exam grade.****
(N.B. - 10% point deduction for every day late)