Awards Earned: 2nd Place, 8th Physical Science, PCA Science Fair 3rd Place, 8th Physical Science, ACSI Science Fair

What levee construction holds the most force?

Levees constructed of rock will probably hold the most force because rock is strong.

The variables are levees made of the following materials:
Levee 1 - Dirt
Levee 2 - Dirt and Sand Mix
Levee 3 - Dirt and Rock Mix
Levee 3 - Dirt, Sand and Rock Mix
Mixtures are made of equal parts.
All levees are equal size and shape.

The control group is a the levee made of just dirt.

Fine particle dirt
Play sand
2.5 centimeter rocks
Wood
Nails
Shot-put ball
Ruler

1] Construct a ramp 100 centimeters long out of wood.
2] Position the ramp at a 26 degree angle relative to the floor.
3] Construct a levee out of dirt that is 25.4 centimeters wide at the base, 15.2 centimeters tall and at least 30 centimeters wide. Angle the sides of the levee to meet at the top.
4] Place the levee 30 centimeters from the front of the ramp.
5] Let the shot-put ball roll down the ramp, onto the flat and into the levee.
6] Repeat step 5 until the levee breaks (the shot-put ball rolls over the levee).
7] Record the number of rolls until the levee breaks.
8] Repeat steps 3-7 for each levee material.
9] Repeat test twice for each levee construction.

The levee constructed from dirt, sand and rocks together required the greatest number of shot-put rolls to break.

My hypothesis that the levees with rocks as one of the main materials would be the strongest was correct. I found that levees made of more than one or two materials were stronger than those made of one material alone. Further experimentation could be done by making a ramp for water to go down, then put a levee at the bottom and a hose at the top and turn the water on. Also, other levee materials could be tested.

God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Levees protect us from floods like God protects Christians from Satan's tricks. Also God protects Christians from sins that would hurt us or turn us from Him.

300 Cromwell Street, Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865
Voice: 908-859-6464 Fax: 908-213-0619 E-mail: pcadmin@verizon.net

[ Top of Page | Home Page | Site Map | Contact Us ]