Scaled Bridge Design Competition The objective of this challenge is to see who can plan, build and test the most efficient bridge within specifications given below. Scaled bridges are anticipated to be simplified versions of real world bridges, which are designed to sustain a load in any position and permit the load to travel across the entire bridge. In order to simplify the model bridge design process, the number of loading positions has been reduced, and to minimize time, only one loading position will be tested. Rules for Scaled Bridge Design Competition 1- Materials a) The bridge can be constructed only from the 1/4 square inch cross section wood which will be provided to you before the contest. b) The wood may be cut or notched in any manner but must still be identifiable as the original wood. c) Glue Guns will be provided to the participants to join wooden pieces. d) No other materials to be used. 2- Construction a) The Bridge mass shall not be greater than 100.00 grams. b) The bridge (see figure 1) must span a gap (S) of 600.00mm, be no longer (L) then 700.00mm and a maximum width (W) of 100.00mm, be no taller than 300.00mm above the support surfaces. c) No part of bridge should be protruding below the support surfaces. d) The loading plane (P) will be horizontal and it will lie on the physical top of the bridge between 100.00mm and 500.00mm above the support surfaces. e) The bridge must be constructed to provide support so that the loading plate without rod attached can be pushed smoothly along the loading plane from one loading point to the other. At each of three loading points, there must be clearance provided for the loading rod to be attached to the plate and hang down vertically through the bridge below the loading point. 3- Loading a) Downward load will be applied from below by means of 50.00 mm2 plate (see figure 2) resting on the loading plane of the bridge. The plate will be 6.35mm (1/4 inch) thick and a diameter of 9.53 mm (3/8 inch) with an eyebolt attached at its bottom center. Masses will be supported on a vertical loading rod suspended from the eyebolt. b) Both edges of the loading plate will be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridge at the time of load application. c) The load will be applied along longitudinal axis of the bridge at one of the following loading points: center and 75.00mm and 150.00mm on either side of the center of the 600.00mm span of bridge. 4- Testing a) After submission of models, adjudicators will decide which loading location is to be used. Selected location will be the same for all the bridges. b) The bridge model will be centered in between the support surfaces. c) The loading plane will be placed on the bridge and then loading plate will be placed at the specified loading location and the load will be applied at the bottom, as described in section 3 shown above. d) Maximum loading that will count in scoring is 100.00 kg. However loading will continue till bridge failure. e) Bridge failure is defined as inability to carry additional load or a load deflection of 25mm under the loading location anything that occurs first. f) The bridge with highest structural efficiency, E, will be declared the winner. Bridge failing above 100.00 kg will be considered to have held 100.00 kg for efficiency calculation. E= (Load Suported in grams(100,000g maximum))/(Mass of Bridge in grams) 5- Qualification a) All construction and material requirements will be checked prior to testing. Bridges failing to meet above requirements will be disqualified. b) If during testing following conditions are identified (i.e. use of ineligible materials, inability to support the loading plate, bridges optimized for single point loading point, etc.) or any kind of violation of rule will result in disqualification. c) Each team will consist of 3 members. d) Participants should focus on the following: Weight-effective model Creativity e) Each Team will be given 3 hours to make the designs. f) Plagiarism is not allowed. g) Project will be submitted at the end of the day. h) No objection can be raised on jurys decision. i) Decision of judges is final Evaluation Criterion Efficiency of bridge Creativity and Design of Bridge
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 17:10:25 +0000
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