Engineering 103 this term was definitely a worthwhile experience. The topics we covered and the new things we learned about bridges was fascinating and interesting. Although I am not going to deal with Architectural engineering in the future, i still thought it was a fun and worthwhile class. The least beneficial were some of the blog posts, I feel like sometimes the questions were repeating themselves. I thought the most beneficial part of this course was learning about the different materials and different kinds of bridges throughout the course. In addition it was helpful to integrate the truss analysis as part of this course so we can see how the things we learn in math class are used in the lives of engineerings.
One suggestion I would make to improve this course would be to add another program like West Point Bridge Design to simulate and construct a bridge on a computer. I thought the West Point Bridge Design was an easy to use and helpful tool to simulate, construct and modify a bridge.
Week 9
Last week in class we built a three foot long bridge and
tested it out. During the period we were able to build two different bridges.
Our First Bridge performed very well but was quite expensive. The second, was
very cost effective.
I have listed information about the two bridges below:
Bridge 1:
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Cost: $230,000
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Weight 24.9 pounds
Bridge 2:
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Cost : $143,000
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Weight it held: 13.4 pounds
As a group we were happy with our first bridge design
because it’s cost to strength ratio was much higher than the second. We
realized we removed too much support from Bridge 1 to try to make it more cost
effective but failed to realize that some of the members we removed were
essential and key in the way the bridge performed when tested.
During this term we have analyzed, Built, and used different
computer programs to improve our knowledge of bridges. In terms of computers, I
learned that ‘west point bridge design’ is a easy to use and helpful tool in
building a virtual bridge and testing it out. In addition I learned a lot
through the analysis we performed in the A3 project, especially relating to the
calculations on each load bearing member.
Week 8
Last week in class Nilay, Chris and myself looked at various
videos relating to the calculations we needed to perform. In addition we
discussed the A3 assignment and what needed to be done.
The A3 assignment required us to make our own bridge using
the Bridge design software, and show the different compressions and tensions on
each of the load bearing members. In class we finished this part of the A3
assignment as a group so we each have a copy of the bridge we made on the
Bridge designer software.
This week we planned to finish the A3 assignment and think
about new ideas to improve our own bridge.
Week 7
Last Week in class we tested out the bridge that we made.
The Bridge was very cost effective. The cost of the bridge was $124,000.00.
Unfortunately the bridge was not able to hold a lot of weight. We tested the
bridge’s weight potential by pouring sand into a bucket which was hanging down
from the bridge. The Bridge collapsed at exactly 24.8 pounds.
In the upcoming week we decided that we will try to improve
the bridge by trying to increase the amount of weight it can hold and also try
to keep the bridge cost effective.
As a group we are not happy with the bridge that we built
last week. This week we plan to build a much stronger bridge.
In west point bridge design we were able to get precise measurements
for every load bearing member in the bridges that we built. Unfortunately with
the knex project we are not able to build our bridges based on measurements.
The Knex project is based more on the cost of the bridge. Some numbers which would
be helpful in making our bridges would be the tension measurements for each
piece. It would be easier to build the bridge knowing how much weight each
piece can hold.
Week 5
Last Week the three of us built three different bridges and
tested them out. Chris’s Bridge came out on top and was able to hold the most
weight. We decided in class to take this bridge home and further improve it. As
a group we decided that we will meet up at some point before the next class
period and work on the bridge.
Building bridges with Knex is definitely different from
building a bridge made out of steel bars that are 20’ long. Knex is a much
weaker material then steel so they are more flexible. Knex pieces are much
smaller, and easier to deal with. When dealing with pieces so small, it easy to
attach pieces together and remove them if something doesn’t fit correctly. When
dealing with 20’ long steel bars a plan must be laid out because there is no
room for error. A 20’ steel bar cannot be moved once it is attached to another
piece. The room for error disappears when working on a project like this.
Steel does not have the same flexibility as Knex do. If one
piece does not fit perfectly where it’s supposed to, the pieces can bend a
little bit and fit. With Steel pieces on the other hand, this task would be
impossible. If one piece does not fit where it needs to fit, the bridge may
potentially be a failure.
When constructing a bridge with Steel the plan must be laid
out beforehand. The plan must be looked at by multiple people and tested using
various computer programs before actually building the bridge. With Knex the
room for error is indefinite. Any error can be corrected before the bridge is
completed.
Week 4
Last week in class Jay Bhatt came to our class and discussed some resources we might find useful in our research of different kinds of bridge designs and materials. As a class we had the opportunity to address any questions and concerns we had for Mr. Bhatt.
In addition to Mr. Bhatt's Presentation, Dr. Mitchell introduced us to "KNEX" (Material we will be using to build our bridges). Also, we were shown the difference prices for each of the Knex peices we will be able to use. Each of us individually worked on different Bridges.
This week the three of us decided to model a Bridge design that we plan to make. We will most likely make a sketch using Auto-cad.
West Point Bridge Design was a good introduction to building bridges, it allowed us to get used to the different kinds of materials used, in addition it showed us the difference in price between each material and also how each of the different materials effect on the Bridge as a whole in terms of compressions and tensions. Unfortunately as freshmen our knowledge in Bridge Design is limited and we cannot use real bridge making material.
We are using Knex to build our Bridge. West Point Bridge Design allowed us to use different kinds of material for different load bearing members. Knex pieces are all made up of the same material, so using West Point Bridge Design was a more realistic bridge building experience in a virtual sense. With Knex we will need to worry more about the tension on each of the load bearing members. Designs that we make on West Point Bridge Design can still be used to create a Bridge using Knex, however various materials maybe have been used on WPBD and knex is all made up of one material.
Week 3
In week two of class, Dr. Mitchell gave us a small lecture on bridges, and discussed a little about the bridges that the students in the class made for homework using West Point Bridge Design. After the Lecture/discussion, all the teams in the class had to put together a functional bridge using the least amount of money possible. The team that can successfully build the cheapest bridge will be awarded an extra credit point towards their grade. Chris, Nilay, and I each individually worked on three different bridges simultaneously hoping to create a bridge under $222,000.00 (Cheapest bridge made by a student in our class). By the end of the period we were able to come up with a bridge that was $221,000.00.
Overall we were quite happy with the results and feel like we have a good chance to win the extra credit point towards our grade.
As a group, we are functioning very well, and hope that our strong teamwork will continue for the upcoming weeks.
West Point bridge design is a very powerful tool to model bridges. I personally think that it is quite realistic and helpful when constructing bridge designs. The program not only gives the user an easy interface to work with, but also helps the user identify problems with a bridge that they build. When constructing a real bridge the compression/ tension in each load bearing member is key, and with West Point bridge design the compression and tension numerical values are clearly shown in a chart, which makes it easy for the user to modify their bridge design. Also using the program has different kinds of material that can be used to construct the bridge, in addition to a realistic estimate of how much the bridge is going to cost. Unfortunately, there is a lot more that goes into building bridges then just compression/design and materials being used. Constructing a bridge requires a lot of knowledge with physics and geometry (Knowledge which we know very little about as college freshmen). For example, the angle at which a bar must be made, the angle at which one bar meets with another bar, the efficiency of the bridge, in addition to the various requirements of the bridge must all be looked at when constructing a bridge. For the purpose of creating a Bridge Design for a Freshmen Bridge Design Competition, I feel like West Point Bridge Design serves its purpose, and is a very helpful and educational tool.
Week 2
In week two Dr. Mitchell gave us an overview of different kinds of bridges, and showed us some bridge failures. We saw a video of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse and discussed a few reasons for this unfortunate event. After looking at different kinds of bridges in addition to various bridge failures, and reasons for said failures, Nilay, Chris and I started playing with West Point Bridge Design for the rest of the class time. We each decided to make two bridge designs each for the upcoming week. We had no problem coordinating three different bridge designs between the three of us. So far the three of us look to be a pretty strong group.
My experience with West Point Bridge Design thus far:
So Far I feel like WPBD is a helpful program to create virtual bridges and test them. I like how it shows the tension/compression in all the load bearing members of the bridge.
Mr. Jay Bhatt will be coming to class in week three. Listed Below are a few questions I have for him.
- Are there any other programs such as WPBD that are available for students to use?
- Which one of the many paid search engine's Drexel has to offer do you think will be most useful when researching the different kinds of bridges?
- If we want to further read about different bridge designs, do you recommend any books that we should look at for more ideas when constructing our bridge?
Week 1
During week one of class, the professor gave us a general outline of the expectations of the course, and exactly what it is we will be doing in engineering-103. With the help and guidance of one instructor and two Teacher assistants, a group of three members must construct an efficient and feasible bridge design. After understanding the general components of the course, the class was asked to divide in to teams of two to three people to build the bridge design module. After the groups were formed, we Exchanged contact information and discussed different ways to build a bridge module (ie: shapes/dimensions/type of bridge.)
On Friday April 6th, 2012, our major goal for week one was accomplished. The Blog was created, and is now ready to use for the rest of the project. There are no problems as far as ‘teamwork’ that our group faced thus far, keeping in mind it’s only the first week and the requirements for week one are not difficult. Meeting up with the group should not be too much of a problem for us, as one of my group members is my roommate, and one commutes. Figuring a time which will work for all of us should not be too much of a problem. Teamwork is an integral part for a team to succeed, it is not only important for this course; it’s the case for any work environment. As a team it is important to realize that compromises must be made, not only in ‘ideas’ presented for the bridge design but also for the times the group will meet. Any decision the team makes should be based on facts presented. Because our group consists of only three people, the ‘majority’ may not always win. Finally it is important that each group member understands his role in the group, and what his job is every week. Establishing each member’s duties for the week, every week, will help keep us organized and prevent any procrastination.
Next week we plan to gather information on different kinds of bridges in regard to the strength and efficiency of different bridges, doing this will give us a general model we can use for our own bridge design module. After having a good understanding of bridge design, we will meet up and discuss which design we can use.
All in all, Chris, Nialy, and I are excited to work on our bridge design module.
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