The Bridge Project - Essay Example

? Number: Affiliation: The Bridge Project 0 Introduction This final project report attempts to describe how to construct truss bridge made from sticks. In this project, we shall learn how to design projects for engineering and attempting to construct them. The purpose for learning the construction of this type of bridge is to practice and learn design and construction skills In addition, we are carrying out this project to gain documentation and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, we shall take a look at all the factors to consider before constructing a bridge, which are discussed in chapter 2.0. 2.0 Factors to consider. 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 several parts. This will also enable to build it without much flaws. 3.0 Methodology Consideration of Alternatives 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. A stronger but lighter wooden block had to be used. This would also reduce the weight and strain on the chain that suspended the bridge. The curves on the bridge needed to be reduced. The bridge broke at two points. One was on the curve. A curve creates a week point in the bridge. This makes it impossible to support more weight on the bridge. More beams on the bridge will reduce the amount of curves on the bridge. In addition, the inclination angles of curves will be reduced. Instead of using sticks, we could have used iron bars, which are stronger than sticks. We could have replaced the chain with copper and steel cables, which are more flexible and can carry a lot of weight. The wooden block could have been perfect with the materials mentioned (Sandras, 15). Conclusion Constructing a flat wooden bridge can be great Bridges constructed above ridges and rivers have a complex suspension. They have an arch suspension and different cables are used to suspend the bridge. The mode of building the bridge depends with the type of bridge that is going to be used on the particular river. However, the construction is the same. It only differs on the method that is used to build the bridge and the depth of the valley or river (Elizabeth 2). Nowadays bridges are built with molded materials. This makes the construction easier. Beams are constructed horizontally from two large pillars erected on both sides of the bridge. Then the molded materials are added to complete the bridge. Suspension bridges take long to be completed. This is because of their high cables and inclining angles. Pillars are built on all sides of the river to help in suspending the bridge. These bridges support a lot of weight because roads are built on them (Aje 4). When I was constructing a bridge over a little stream, I thought we would make three substantial beams as supports for your walkway. I select six, two " by twelve ", by fourteen feet, pressure treated planks for your support beam products. Each of these planks may be heavy for an individual to handle and so i moved them 1 by 1 to the place where they will ultimately end up with the stream. Next, We dug two trenches, one on each side with the stream, to construct footings to support the three wood beams. Using the largest, flattest, stones I could find, I created a designated rock ledge throughout each trench. The rocks being typically three inches dense would support the beams without having problem. As each end with the bridge needed to be buried for a smooth transition towards ground on each side with the stream, the pressure treated lumber would permit me to just bury the particular rock footing plus the end of the particular beams with soil holding it set up. Dragging the 3 x 12 planks throughout the water was no fun because the September weather had already cooled each of our mountain stream but I got it done. Once all 6-8 planks were placed spanning throughout the stream, I was able to start to put together them using both construction adhesive and also galvanized three-inch terrace screws. If you were going to just make use of the bridge for feet traffic, two beams would be sufficient on a twelve-foot period. I wanted so that you can take my lawn tractor and trailer throughout the bridge to the particular lake. With the additional center beam, the particular bridge easily handles the tractor, me personally, the trailer packed with camping or sport fishing supplies, chain saws and whatever else, we needed that day. My bridge is actually six foot wide clear inside so there is certainly plenty of room for everyone to cross. Next, I added a 2 x 12 cedar plank vertically at each end with the beams to connect all those meals together and also hold them apart within the six-foot, four inch width I always needed. Handrail posts created from four by fours will slow up the width to a fair six foot wide when installed. Works Cited Aje, Isaac. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. Web 1994 http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=0969-9988&volume=19&issue=2&articleid=17019413&show=html Elizabeth, Clarke. Factors in the Selection of Contractors for Engineering Works. Web Nov 2007 http://eprints.usq.edu.au/3984/1/Clarke_2007.pdf Thomas, Sandras. construction and engineering management. Web 2013 http://www.civil.hku.hk/contents/content_v1c_ngtst.htm Read More