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Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is the field focused on designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure like roads, bridges, dams, and buildings. It combines knowledge of physics, mathematics, and material science to create safe and efficient structures that improve public health and quality of life. Civil engineers work on projects that are essential for the smooth functioning of society’s foundational systems.
Building Science
Building Science
Building science is the study of the physical behavior of buildings and their components, focusing on how various elements interact with each other and the environment. It encompasses areas such as thermal performance, moisture control, indoor air quality, acoustics, and energy efficiency. Building science aims to improve the durability, safety, and comfort of buildings while minimizing their environmental impact. By applying principles of physics, engineering, and architecture, professionals in this field develop solutions that enhance the overall performance and sustainability of buildings.
Design Process
Design Process
We decided to use the base from Group 2 2023 since their base appeared to be very strong in their video. We also added more reinforcement using diagonal connections between the feet of each base.
we decided on a Pratt truss because of its ability to spread the load evenly across the bridge. We put the truss below the bridge for two main reasons: it allowed the car to travel without bumping into the truss, a problem that other teams faced, and it used tension more than compression, force that balsa wood is stronger against.
for the main beam, we extended the 3ft plank to 4ft, and then we layered it 2 times. We created a triangle shape structure at the bottom using planks extending the entire length of the main beam, which we believe was crucial to prevent flexing. We also added planks acting as tracks so the force will distribute more evenly across the beam.
When assembling the bridge, we had to saw off part of the base to fit the triangle at the bottom of the main beam.
finally, we added railings to prevent the car from rolling over.
during testing, we were very close to holding 15 bricks, but just before reaching the end, the extension part of the main beam broke, bringing down the entire bridge.
F8BAEE09-AC89-4884-9342-15ABB07D47F7.MP4Bridge being tested
Bridge being tested
Here is the bridge being tested with 13,5 bricks.
This is the structural design of the bridge
This is the final bridge
This is the 3D model of the bridge
Simulation
Simulation
As per the requirements of the sim bridge, the bridge must:
Deck 12 meters above ground
No piers
No cables
Cabon steel components
The components mustn't:
Exceed 40% of maximum strengh in compression
Exceed 45% of maximum strengh in tension
At lest 15% of the bridge members composed of hollow tubes
Lowest possible cost
To fufill these requirements, we've bulit two bridges, one composed of a double over and under structure and the other a more coventional structure. Both bridges meet the requirements.
Top: $361,605,90
Low: $372,890.34
The hollow tubes are significantly cheaper compared to solid truss, thus when a member is withstadning low force/strength ratio we could try replacing it with hollow tubes and then test if the strength meets the requirement. The ones under heavy compression, such as the members at the middle of the top supporting structure
Research
Research
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