Design Selection

From the three preliminary designs the team began to move forward with design selection. Visual Analysis software was used to determine the deflection and weight of the bridge under different load cases. From the analysis, the team determined that the aggregate deflection for design #4 was 0.577 in. with an estimated weight of 200 lbs. These values allow the team to rank the bridges and determine which design would perform best at the competition. Design #4 as stated above was selected as the most optimal design. A Gantt chart and budget were created and will be used going forward to monitor progress and expenses. The next step is to start thinking about truss integration with the supports and lateral bracing of the bridge.

Fundraising Update:

Fundraising for the project is well under way! The team did some research and utilized donation contacts from last year’s team to reach out to a variety of companies. Companies were asked for monetary donations to support the TCNJ chapter of The American Society of Civil Engineers and the corresponding projects. Among the many other companies, the ASCE Central Jersey Branch and the American Institute of Steel Construction were also contacted. The sponsorship page will now be active and display the logo of companies who have graciously donated to the project.

Design Update:

The Quarterly Report is complete and will present each of our design alternatives with a breakdown of total weight, number of connections, and maximum deflection as calculated by Visual Analysis (pictured above are two of the finalized design alternatives). From these design alternatives a final design will be selected. The next step will be to complete the footing design and the connection design.

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.