Design Process

Defining the Problem: The problem stated that we had to build a bridge on Bridge Designer 2016 that is as cheap as possible while having a tension force below 0.45 and a compression force below 0.4.

Generating Alternate Concepts: We thought of multiple ideas. At first we followed the outline to create a simple truss bridge. However, we quickly realize that this bridge would not be the most optimal. Based off of prior knowledge and lectures, we knew that the strongest shape is an arch. We changed the shape of the bridge to be as much of an arch as possible using beams. We then used supports to connect the arch to the deck and beams creating cross shapes to strengthen it.

Optimization: In order to optimize the bridge, we selected all members and decreased the size by 1. Then, after we ran the simulation, we looked at which members had too much stress and increased the size of that member. We repeated this process a few times until we could not make any members any smaller, creating the most optimal bridge for our shape.

Research Paper: We first decided to come up with the main sections, which included the introduction, how the basic structural design process works, bridges, buildings, skyscrapers and the conclusion. We then divided these sections up among ourselves to get the work done efficiently.