The Bridge Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Bridge Project - Essay Example The Bridge Project Economics We will ensure that the cost is as low as possible by first, limiting the weight to 254.9 or below then use both glue and sticks in reduced quantity. The truss bridge that we managed to design had its cost greatly reduced. It will therefore, require several joints hence will not be much effective. Load Since the higher the load the more successful the structure will be, we managed to make the normal bridge structure withstand the weights easily. We also managed to lower the tensional and compressional force, which will be adjusted by increasing overlaps to the high beams. Aesthetics The more appealing to the eye a bridge is, the more it will be used. We plan to make our bridge very attractive by even introducing advertisement pictures on it. Ease of construction Since we only have a short time for this project, it must be easy to construct. This will allow us to carry out this project with minimal errors. We managed to design a bridge without many complexities but with seve ral parts. This will also enable to build it without much flaws. There were several alternatives that we could choose from based on the sustainability of engineering materials i.e. strength, recyclability and cost effectiveness. However, we had to choose an alternative, which was very economical, simple and strong. The main factor that we had to consider was that the material had to be readily available and be relatively cheap for us to afford. Moreover, it had to be stronger to sustain the expected load. Selection of the Bridge type We settled for the sticks bridge due to its strong nature, simplicity and cost effectiveness. It is less expensive to construct yet can still hold the weight quite well. All the rest were weaker compared to these two. Thus, these two were more sustainable than the rest. Prototype construction We curved the top and the bottom into their maximum heights, directed the beams towards the center, and had the cross section at the middle. It was constructed to meet the minimum requirements for width and height. The weight was set at 140.4 gm. and had load to weight ratio of 105:7. Estimated load capacity This was established by the breaking point of the design’s beam. In addition, it was determined by comparing the previously tested ones with our bridge. Prototype testing We used two beams to place the bridge 29 inches apart. Then added a wooden block on it and hang a chain from it. We then added a bucket below it to add the weights. Prototype performance It managed to hold 32.72 lbs. and broke at the point where the height begun reducing and at the joint right above it. Results The bridge held on to the weight as required but broke when the weight was increased. For the bridge to support more weight we need to add more support beams and change the materials used to construct the bridge. Discussion Shorter distances between the beams that supported the bridge are needed to make the bridge more strong. This will help in distributing the weight evenly on the bridge the beams will increase the load capacity by twice. The chain that was used before needed a change. A stronger chain that can withstand a higher strain is needed. With the extra beams, the bridge is bound to be heavier. Changes are needed in all materials used. The wooden block that was on the other bridge needed a change.