
Laminated Beam Designs and Breaking Strength
Hard
Does the pattern of wood layers inside a beam change how much weight it can hold? Laminated beams (beams made from thin layers glued together) are common in buildings. The arrangement of those layers affects overall strength.
You design seven different five-layer beam patterns on paper. You cut each layer on a scroll saw and glue them together with wood glue. Then you place each beam on a test platform. A lever loads weight onto the beam until it breaks.
The strongest beam resisted 149 kilograms before breaking. The weakest held only 83 kilograms. Small changes in layer design produced large differences in strength.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that Beam A will be the strongest, followed by Beam C, Beam B, Beam D, Beam E, Beam G, and Beam F.
Method & Materials
You will draw designs on paper, cut each layer of the beam, glue them together, and then test them with a machine.
You will need paper, a scroll saw, wood glue, duck tape, C-Clamps, Quick Grips, a lever, a machine, a piece of wood, and a bucket.
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See what’s includedResults
The strongest beam was Beam A, which resisted 149 kilograms. Beam D was the second strongest beam, resisting 136 kilograms. Beam G was the third strongest beam, holding 125 kilograms. Beam B was the fourth strongest beam, holding 96 kilograms. Beam E was the fifth strongest beam, holding 93 kilograms. Beam C was the sixth strongest beam, resisting 90 kilograms. Beam F was the seventh strongest or weakest beam, holding 83 kilograms.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it tests the strength of different laminated beams and determines which one is the strongest.
Also Consider
Experiment variations to consider include testing different types of wood or different types of glue.
Full project details
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