Week 5: Team update

In week 4, the team applied the knowledge of bridges and their structure to create a model out of Knex. Before building began, components of truss bridges were reviewed and component cost and efficiency was discussed. It was established that the efficiency would be determined by the cost of the materials divided by the weight of sand the bridge can hold. This discussion was followed by information of how to research different bridge information and how information about past and current bridges could help to create better bridges in the future.

Although a distinctive design was not established the team is off to a great start. We were able to build an entire bridge out of Knex in the class time period. The bridge was developed using the idea to include large amounts of triangles. The structure of the sides was created to have the ends angled at 45 degrees followed by a series of right triangles.  The same general idea is carried out throughout the top, bottom and middle level of the bridge. These three layers are composed of a rectangle outline filled with right triangles. The overall price of the bridge is $253,500. This design for the bridge is a great starting point for the team. It allowed us to develop ideas and features that we would like to include in the final design.

Although a design has been created, more research and development is need for the bridge. The first design we come up with does not have to be our last. In the upcoming weeks, the team will be challenged the most on readjusting the bridge. The bridge needs to be altered in order to ensure that it remains or increases strength and stability while maintaining a low price tag. It will also be a challenge to fine a design to reduce the price of the bridge.

Aerial View of Bridge:

Side View of Bridge: