Using a structural analysis software like Graphical Rapid Analysis of Structures Program (GRASP ) developed by the Asian Center for Computations and Software (ACECOMS) can help popsicle stick bridge builders in designing their bridges. The behaviour of bridges depends on how and where the loads will be applied. 
For example, if two concentrated loads will be applied to test a bridge with a truss design, applying the load as shown in the figure at the bottom or uppr part of the bridge will make a lot of a difference. The GRASP software was used to compare the maximum deflection at the bottom horizontal elements of the two bridges. The structures were analyzed as a "frame" since the joints may be assumed rigid because of the glued connections. The deflection for Bridge 1 where the loads were applied at the bottom is 20% higher than Bridge 2 where the loads are applied at the top. For Bridge 1, the bottom horizontal elements have large bending moments and axial forces and diagonal truss members carry large axial forces - the top horizontal members had minimal stresses. For Bridge 2, on the otherhand, the top horizontal elements may have large bending moments but the axial forces are not so large compared to bridge 1. The bottom horizontal elements now contributed more in resisting the loads by carrying more axial forces as compared to bridge 1. The diagonal truss elements of bridge 2 carry almost the same magnitude of axial forces. So before designing your bridges, know how and where the loads will be applied. It will make a lot of a difference in the bridge performance!
For example, if two concentrated loads will be applied to test a bridge with a truss design, applying the load as shown in the figure at the bottom or uppr part of the bridge will make a lot of a difference. The GRASP software was used to compare the maximum deflection at the bottom horizontal elements of the two bridges. The structures were analyzed as a "frame" since the joints may be assumed rigid because of the glued connections. The deflection for Bridge 1 where the loads were applied at the bottom is 20% higher than Bridge 2 where the loads are applied at the top. For Bridge 1, the bottom horizontal elements have large bending moments and axial forces and diagonal truss members carry large axial forces - the top horizontal members had minimal stresses. For Bridge 2, on the otherhand, the top horizontal elements may have large bending moments but the axial forces are not so large compared to bridge 1. The bottom horizontal elements now contributed more in resisting the loads by carrying more axial forces as compared to bridge 1. The diagonal truss elements of bridge 2 carry almost the same magnitude of axial forces. So before designing your bridges, know how and where the loads will be applied. It will make a lot of a difference in the bridge performance! 
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