Ask A Scientist© Engineering Archive

Index Key:   ENG022
Author:      joseph m layne
Subject:     Floating bridges.
I need any information on floating bridges.

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      david r munoz
I believe that I have seen these type things on TV, when the Army is
recruiting with "Be all you can be".  I am sure that the army has some sort
of floating bridge that can support a division of men and be erected in 5
minutes (or something like that).  Why, give your local Army recruiter a
call.  He would probably jump at the chance to help out a prospective appli-
cant.  Another option is to design your own.  Use something called Archime-
des Principle, which says that the buoyant force is equal to the weight of 
displaced fluid.  Draw a picture of your floating bridge.  Estimate the
bridge weight.  This weight will be offset by the buoyancy force, so you
could predict the amount of bridge you will need underwater.  You will also
want to account for the weight of the passenger crossing the bridge, so
include it with the bridge weight.