Physics class curriculum project competition with roughly 55 teams in groups of 2 people with the goal of making a balsa wood bridge weigh 20 grams or under, and no more than 10 inches in length, 2 inches in width, and height, hold at least 200 lbs for 5 seconds and then some more until failure. Every group was given a first prototype test run on the testing rig to learn from design flaws and then two weeks later the final test run was given.

I designed and constructed the bridge using my understanding of trusses in compression and tension with home shop tools. Learned from the first test run on where to reinforce and develop a better manufacturing process for the joints.

The results: Only competitor to have the prototype test run hit the target goal of at least 200 lbs and the final design withheld a limited 1165 lbs because the school ran out of weights. It was a new record for maximum load carried and bridge weight to load ratio. In comparison, second place was at roughly 350 lbs before failure. I got academically awarded for the achivement, picture and bridge remains on display.