2.4.1 Structural Design
Design Brief
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Research Summary
My research consisted of looking at successful bridges, studying the trends in relationship between components given by the West Point Software, and my knowledge of trusses from previous class discussions and projects such as project 2.1.8 Truss Design.
Brainstorming Sketch
Modification Sketches
Final Bridge Design
Final Design Justification
In the end, the bridge design was very similar to my original design. The key aspect in the failure of the original design that led to the bridge failing was the lack of supports on the bottom tier of the bridge. I also ended up paying attention to where the biggest points of failure were and changed those members from being hollow to solid so that they were stronger and more able to support the forces of the truck and the weight of the other members. The final design relied on having a stronger sides and base and a lighter middle and top, therefore leading to it being able to distribute the weight in such a was that it was mostly acting on the sides of the bridge where it was supported by the concrete bases of the bridge on either side of the water.
Resources
None
Conclusion Questions
1. Where the stress is applied is where you want to have the sturdiest support and the best system of distribution of weight so that no point that is not supported by a base or pillar system is bearing more weight than a point that has direct solid support.
2. Compression and tension can balance each other out and therefore supply a bridge with a solid and strong support with actual acting forces instead of a basic rigid stationary support.
2. Compression and tension can balance each other out and therefore supply a bridge with a solid and strong support with actual acting forces instead of a basic rigid stationary support.