Q&A for How to Build a Spaghetti Bridge

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Would glue or tape be stronger?
    Bess Ruff, MA
    Environmental Scientist
    Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group.
    Environmental Scientist
    Expert Answer
    Although some tapes may be stronger, glue is usually your best option. Not only is it often stronger, glue is easier to work with and fills in all of the gaps between the spaghetti to create a sturdier bridge.
  • Question
    Will tape hinder the bridge compared to epoxy/glue?
    Bess Ruff, MA
    Environmental Scientist
    Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group.
    Environmental Scientist
    Expert Answer
    It's harder to work with tape. It's also really easy to break the spaghetti while you're trying to tape it. Also, tape doesn't fill in the gaps between your pieces of pasta very well, so your bridge won't be as strong.
  • Question
    How could I make it really strong?
    Community Answer
    You could use a triangular-shape, as it is the most effective. Truss bridges can hold the most weight.
  • Question
    How much weight can the spaghetti hold until it breaks?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the bridge. I've seen bridges hold three kilograms, and another struggle to hold five hundred grams. If you follow this method, your bridge should be able to hold at least a kilogram if you do it right.
  • Question
    I can't use epoxy glue in the competition I'm doing. What other glue can I use that is also effective and makes the bridge strong?
    Community Answer
    Hot glue is effective, because it sets just like epoxy.
  • Question
    What is the best brand of pasta and epoxy to use?
    Community Answer
    Some Spaghetti Bridge competitions require specific pasta types and/or limit the glues that can be used. Keep in mind that the thicker the pasta, the more weight it holds. Choose a quick-drying, non-water-based epoxy.
  • Question
    What can I use to stick the noodles together?
    Community Answer
    Tape, glue, or anything lightweight and sticky.
  • Question
    How do I measure the design efficiency of my spaghetti bridge after it is constructed?
    Community Answer
    Visit the JHU truss simulator website. It's free and it measures your tensile and compressive strength.
  • Question
    What kind of bridge is this spaghetti bridge?
    Community Answer
    It is a truss bridge.
  • Question
    Is there any way to use marshmallows?
    Community Answer
    You could potentially use the spaghetti and stick it into the marshmallow, then position it to the angle needed. It'll take some work, but it could potentially function as intended.
  • Question
    I have to make a 24" length spaghetti bridge with a maximum width of 2". Is it better to use three 8" strands, or two 10" strands and one 4" strand for the support beams?
    Community Answer
    Three 8 strands will work best with your situation. However, the optimal choice may vary with the type of pasta used. Do some experimenting––pasta isn't that pricey.
  • Question
    Which is better - tape or glue?
    eryck
    Community Answer
    The tape, as there's no need to wait for it to dry and it doesn't need to be stored in a bottle.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article