Modelling a Bridge
applied
What is the length of the cable from which bridge is suspended?
Introduction
Think of this from an engineering perspective. Could you fit a function to a suspension bridge? How long is each vertical piece? Could you sum the vertical lengths? How can you model this on Desmos for different lengths bridges.
Guiding Questions
- Is this a catenary curve or a parabola?
- Could you build this in GeoGebra to be dynamic, where a user chooses the desired height and length of the bridge?
Key Mathematical Concepts
Bridge Engineering
Cable Geometry
Catenary
Structural Design