The Bridge Project
DESIGN, BUILD AND BREAK
Teacher: -
Group Members: -
2. Statement of Challenge
The object of this project is to create a bridge that sustains a high level of pressure (the weight of a hydraulic press) using only 10 pieces of 6" steel. The bridge must span an opening of a minimum of 8 inches and be made using mig welding. After the weight is applied, we will record the pressure at which the bridge starts to break. The task will be completed over the course of roughly three weeks. A report and a minimum of two sketches must also be submitted.
5. Pros & Cons of Each Design
Design #1 (Triangle Design)
Pros
Cons
-Big base
-Less materials
-Includes triangles (strong shape)
-Truss bridge (resembles an actual bridge)
-Worse placements
-Hard to weld
-Requires a lot of detail
Design #2 (Square Design)
Pros
Cons
-Better placements
-Strong
-Simple
-Easy to weld and grind
-Possibly Wobbly/unstable
-More materials
-Does not include triangles
-Does not resemble a bridge
7. List of Materials
10 pieces of 6" steel
Welder
Measuring tape
Copper wire
Metal shear
Angle grinder
Welding jacket
Welding gloves
Welding helmet
Safety goggles
Earmuffs
Pliers
Bench clamp
8. Statement of How The Bridge Will Hold Up
The bridge will consist of an inflexible design to support the bridge when weight is being applied (vertical interior columns that displace weight). The design gives us major advantages such as a big base (which will stabilize the bridge) and gives us many opportunities to weld. The bridge mainly depends on mig welding to keep the structure strong and durable; without this key component the bridge will not be able to sustain and will collapse right away.
