Paper bridge load test

What you need

• Five sheets of the same paper
• Two mugs or tins as supports
• A pile of coins
• Paper to record results

How to do it

1. 1

   Set the two mugs a hand span apart.

2. 2

   Lay a flat sheet across them and add coins until it sags.

3. 3

   Fold the next sheet into a concertina and test it the same way.

4. 4

   Try a rolled tube, a folded arch and a doubled sheet.

5. 5

   Record each score and decide which shape a real bridge should use.

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