Objective: Design and construct a 4-story tower that will withstand a high-magnitude earthquake.

Phase IV - Install foundation & build in steel load plates from bottom to top and complete construction.

  • Place the two completed sides on their edge sitting opposite each other
  • Insert the bottom load plate. Use binder clips to hold it in place until the weight of it is supported by the tower. If your design doesn't allow enough room for the clips, use tape - keeping in mind it will need to be removed later.
  • At this point you only need one building board. You may clean off and return the other board.
  • Next, get a foundation block and insert it into the bottom of the tower to see how it fits.
  • The tower may either fit over the top of the block or along the side of it.
  • Notice where the block comes in contact with the tower, and run a bead of glue along those contact points.
  • Insert the foundation block
  • CRUCIAL STEP!! Make sure the block is put in straight and does not slip out of place before the glue dries.
  • Use pieces of tape around the corners to hold the foundation in place while the glue dries.
  • Add the supports that go above and below the load plate on the other 2 sides.
  • Once the load plate and foundation are sufficiently secure, VERY CAREFULLY​ stand the tower up.
  • Use binder clips as needed to hold things in place while the glue dries.
  • If your design does not allow room for a binder clip, use tape instead.
  • Remember, the clips and tape will need to be removed later, so be careful not to build around them so they are difficult to access.
  • Be careful not to get a lot of glue on the load plates as it is difficult to clean off. You are not attaching the load plates to the tower with glue - you are building a structure with supports that hold the load plates in place.
  • Complete your design of the entire 1st floor.
  • Continue to the 2nd floor following the same process:
  • CAREFULLY insert a load plate; clip it in place; build completely around and under it following your design.
  • ***Important! - Once you start adding load plates in your tower, it becomes very fragile. Be careful how you handle it and move it.
  • ***DO NOT add another load plate until the weight of the others is completely supported.
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Continue to the 3rd Floor
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and then the 4th Floor
Do one final check that all joints and supports are connected and secure
Be careful moving your tower at this point. It is fragile with all the weight built in to it! When picking it up to move it, support the weight in your hands - don't try to pick it from the bottom:

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Congratulations on completing your tower!
Be proud of your accomplishment!
You may now wish to say your final goodbyes before your tower gets hit with what may be the strongest earthquake ever recorded...
Good Luck!