3D Bridge
Watch the two tutorial videos below to build a bridge in the program. Your bridge doesn't need to look like the one in the tutorial videos. Be creative, try something different and see how it works!
West Point Bridge Design:
WPBD 1: Building a Bridge
WPBD 2: Testing the Bridge
For this project, you will need to make a bridge with the LOWEST cost possible. Keep adjusting your bridge by reducing the size of pieces that dont break, and increasing those that do. You should experiment with different bridge styles and settings as well to find the most cost effective design possible. Be sure to save your different bridges with new names so you dont lose them. (Maybe try researching bridges online to get some ideas)
Next you will need to import your bridge into sketchup and start drafting!
SketchUp BRIDGE:
Part 3: Importing Screenshot
Part 4: Drafting in Sketchup
Part 5: Making it 3D
Part 6: Increasing Members
Part 7: Decreasing Members
Part 8: Reducing the Mass
Part 9: Intersecting Faces
This is what the load test machine will look like at the tournament. It will tell us exactly how much weight your bridge held right before it broke.
DESIGN DOCUMENT:
Its time to start working on our Design Documents. Click HERE to see a sample Design Document for the 3D Bridge Project.
RESEARCH:
1) Start by researching "What makes a strong bridge" or "Forces in Bridges" Do a google search. Use the research page to take notes. Make sure to list the websites as sources! Then write a 1-2 paragraph summary. Use this TEMPLATE while you research how to make a strong bridge.
2) List your sources (websites) that you used to get your information. We need to have at least 3. Copy and Paste the address from online.
SPECIFICATIONS:
3) Then we need to take some screenshots and pictures of your bridge (5 total). Start by getting a screenshot of your bridge in West Point Bridge Design Program. Then get a good shot of your bridge in Sketchup. Finally, we'll take a few real pictures of your bridge with a camera. Also get a screenshot of your bridge being tested in West Point and a picture of your actual bridge after breaking it.
Watch these videos to learn how to add screenshots to your Design Document.
4) Then list the measurements of your bridge. Include the length, width, height as well as the actual weight of your bridge.
TESTING:
5) Virtual Testing. Describe how you tested your bridge in the West Point Bridge Design Program. Be specific and describe it as if you were talking to someone who has never seen your bridge. Be sure to describe 3 things you did to make a strong bridge. (remember your research).
6) Physical Testing. Describe how we tested the actual bridge. What modifications and changes did you make after testing it each time. Be specific and list at least 3 changes. Lets show some pictures of your broken bridges.
CONCLUSION:
7) Write a summary of everything you did to make a strong bridge. Include something from your research section and some results from your testing. What did you learn about making bridges?
ALL TIME BEST BRIDGES:
12,267 = 740lbs/27.4g Jesse 2019
11,098 = 669lbs/27.4g Eugene 2016
10,764 = 610lbs/25.7g Nathan 2015
10,082 = 576lbs/26.0g Chris and Jose 2015
2022 BRIDGE RANKINGS:
8,369 = 292lbs/15.9g AngelD
7,002 = 317lbs/20.6g Ubaldo
6,597 = 411lbs/28.3g Angela
5,772 = 311lbs/24.5g Arturo
2020 BRIDGE RANKINGS:
7,193 = 313lbs/19.8g Luis
6,762 = 424lbs/28.5g Angelina
6,187 = 361lbs/26.5g Hannah
2019 BRIDGE RANKINGS:
12,267 = 740lbs/27.4g Jesse P5
9,786 = 597lbs/27.7g Jaime
8,028 = 358lbs/20.27g Ivan P5
7,767 = 475lbs/27.8g Eduardo P5
2018 BRIDGE RANKINGS:
4,974 = 72lbs/6.58g Rodrigo
2017 BRIDGE RANKINGS:
9,572 = 398lbs/18.9g Ani P4
7,365 = 350lbs/21.6g Rodrigo P4
6,503 = 392lbs/27.4g Bryan P1
2016 BRIDGE RANKINGS:
11,098 = 669lbs/27.4g P3 Eugene TOT
4,209 = 338lbs/36.5g P3 Emanuel 1
4,013 = 181lbs/20.5g P3 Juan 1
2015 BRIDGE RANKINGS:
10,764 = 610lbs/25.76g P3 Nathan
10,082 = 576lbs/25.97g P4 Christopher C/Jose G
9,118 = 548lbs/27.32g P5 Christpher N/Ricardo/Prince
8,554 = 462lbs/24.55g P3 Rodolfo C
7,715 = 471lbs/27.75g P6 Victor and Anthony