Design Process
Bridge Project
1. Investigation: Objectives and Research
What are the CRITERIA that your Bridge Project needs to achieve? How is the success of your project going to be evaluated?
What VARIABLES do you have to decide on - what CONSTANTS are imposed?
What is the most likely "mode of failure"? Will the bridge break from Bending, or will it break because of torsion (twisting)? Will it fail at the end supports or in the middle? Will the glue joint break or will the wood "beams" or "members" break?
What relevant FORCES will affect the success of your project?
2. Planning & Design
Consider using SKETCHUP to help design your bridge if available.
Create 1:1 scale plans on grid paper for your Bridge that can be used as a template.
3. Procedure
Explain the steps taken to build your project. Include Photos of the different stages of your production.
Use Proper Terminology from the theory and research to demonstrate your UNDERSTANDING and APPLICATION of the appropriate concepts
4. Conclusion
Reflect on your overall project
Particular Challenges or Problems you had, and how you overcame them
What you would do differently if your were to start the project over
How did your project do compared to others, and what likely made the difference
What you liked and did not like about the challenge
What tips or recommendations you'd offer to the next student that takes on this project
