Structural Design - Design a bridge

Principles of Engineering: Problem 2.4.1

Submit your structural design bridge project to receive feedback from industry experts at MassDOT and a chance to win MassDot sponsored prizes!

Sponsored by

Important Dates

January 7 - Challenge opens

Rolling submissions - submit your work as you complete it!

February 27 - Submission deadline

April 1 - Winners announced


Classwork to submit:

  • Bridge design report, containing:
    • Design Brief: Include a description of the problem and constraints.
    • Research Summary: Summarize your research related to material selection and bridge truss design. The research summary should be less than one page.
    • Brainstorming Sketches/CAD Designs: Include copies or originals of your team’s brainstorming sketches and CAD designs.
    • Modification Sketches: Include copies or originals of all major modifications.
    • Final Bridge Design: Include copies or originals of the final design, including the following reports: load test results report, member property reports for all member styles used, and cost calculations report.
    • Final Design Justification: Include justification for material selection and truss configuration.

All complete project submissions will receive industry expert feedback!

    • Challenge Winner | Awarded to the team with the best overall bridge design, as demonstrated by the creation of a low cost bridge meeting all design constraints, thoroughly and clearly documented in the bridge design report.
    • Innovation Award | Awarded to the team with the most creative project. The winning project demonstrates an innovative approach to bridge design.
    • Presentation Award | Awarded to the team with the best project presentation. The winning project had materials that were clearly labeled, easily understandable and demonstrated the team’s outstanding knowledge and design process.