The team has been using Visual Analysis to model possible truss designs for the bridge. Above are pictured a few of the variations based on the cantilever (AB footing) design. In addition to these designs, various symmetrical bridge (AC footing) designs have been developed and will be modeled and tested. Adjusting materials and geometry, and then testing for deflection and stresses in the members will allow the team to select the best possible design. Once a main truss design is tested and selected, lateral bracing and footing design will be follow.

The 2017 Steel Bridge Team is getting things started for the semester! We reassembled the bridge from 2016 and have been analyzing the trusses, connections, and lateral support system. We have some really solid design ideas to build from, and lots of room to improve and redesign the less successful aspects of the bridge. Our next goal is to create several design alternatives and test them using finite element analysis software.