Bridge Simulation

Today, I started out by experimenting with the templates and the truss designs within the bridge builder application. The first model I designed was a version of the west-point bridge that we built in class. The price was quite high, around 430,000 dollars. I didn't make any changes from the default settings (carbon steel, solid), other than adjusting some of the internal members from solid to hollow. 

I remodeled the bridge from the previous day, adjusting the design and moving it above the bridge. I made more components hollow this time; however, it was still pricey (approx. 352,000 dollars)

I attempted a new bridge model today, including a 24 ft pier. Instead of doing the rigid triangular shapes (reference Monday + Tuesday), I instead created two arches. After running the initial simulation, I noted the members that were the least saturated (indicating the least amount of load), and I decreased the size gradually until it reached its limit. I repeated this with several members; the final price today was around $237,000.

Keeping the pier from the previous day, I combined the howe truss model with the arch design. Similarly, I ran the simulation, adjusted the dimensions of the members that were not as affected, and repeated the process. In the end, I was only able to decrease the price slightly, achieving $235,000.

I decided to continue working on the arch model of the bridge, as it had the best score. There weren't any major changes I made, other than adjusting the dimensions and testing the price of the different materials. I found that carbon steel is the cheapest material overall; however, the other options were able to handle a thinner members.