TTI 10
Activity 3: West Point Bridge Design
Follow Mr. Charlebois’ directions as he guides you through the 1st bridge design (Howe through truss).
In this activity you will design 6 bridges (see table below) with the aid of WPBD, and you will collect data on the strength of each. Each bridge is to be constructed with a deck elevation of 4 meters; and by using carbon steel/solid bar/120mm as the construction material.
Complete the following table by checking the report for each bridge after completing the load test.
COMPRESSION TENSION
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strength (max) |
strength (min) |
force (max) |
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strength (max) |
strength (min) |
force (max) |
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Cost |
Howe Through |
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Howe Deck |
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Pratt Through |
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Pratt Deck |
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Warren Through |
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Warren Deck |
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Answer the following:
1. Which bridge has the best strength? Explain
2. Base on the above data, explain why some bridges failed the load test.
3. Briefly explain why simulations are useful, and list 3 areas where they would be useful.
4. Simulations illustrate one area why computers are useful, explain at least 3 other areas in which computers are useful.
5. Design your own unique bridge on WPBD, and draw it by hand. Indicate the type of material used, the forces (same as above) and the cost of your bridge.