1. Geodesic Gumdrops
What’s Going On?

2. Some basic principles:
Parts that are being pulled/stretched are in tension.
Parts that are being pushed/squashed are in compression.

3. Compression
Tension

4. Wooden toothpicks are strong under both tension and compression.

5. Discoveries: Squares collapse easily under compression.
Four toothpicks joined in a square tend to collapse be giving way at their joints
Can fold into a diamond

7. The only way to change the angles of the triangle is by shortening one of the sides.
For the triangle to collapse, you would have to push hard enough to break of the toothpicks.

8. Combine triangles and squares
Strong Structures:
Combine triangles and squares
Pattern shown is similar to some used in modern bridge design

10. © 1998 Exploratorium