Weekly Progress

Week 8:

This week, we began testing how our bridge holds stress using the Load Cell and Amplifier Kit from PASCO. We integrated the Load Cell into our bridge model and measured compression under a load of 5 lbs. We also began work on our final presentation.

Week 7:

This week, we finished our sketchup model of the South Street Bridge. Additionally, we made final touches to the Visual Analysis model to prepare for the comparison of load testing. We calculated the scaled load our bridge should hold as 5 lbs.

Week 6:

This week, we completed construction of our model. We also added wooden abutments to either end of our model (not pictured).

Week 5:

This week, we decided on the final design for our bridge model. It came down between Designs 1 and 2, but we decided to go with Design 2 due to its closer proximity to the scale dimensions of the bridge and its greater adaptability and strength from the cross linked sides. Additionally, group member Marc went to see the bridge in person and take pictures for us.

Week 4:

This week, we continued to construct different options for our bridge model. As a group, we familiarized ourselves with the new PASCO pieces we received. We also continued to draw our models on paper in order to make it easier to transfer into the analysis software.

Figure 1: Updated Design with deck depth

Figure 2: 2-D sketch of tower design 1

Figures 3-5: Tower design 2 with beginnings of deck

Week 3:

This week we began we continued to draw designs of our model, as well as do research, start construction, and calibrate the load cells. We drew a design of

Figure 1: Sketch of our Design with scaled measurements

We considered 3 different designs for the towers:

Figure 2: Design Option 1

Figures 3-5: Design Option 2

Figure 6: Design Option 3

Week 2:

This week, we identified the specific bridge we wanted to model. After some searching of the various bridges in Philadelphia, we decided on the newly redesigned South Street Bridge.

http://www.philadelphiastreets.com/survey-and-design-bureau/bridges

http://cambridgearchitectural.com/sites/default/files/styles/header/public/CA_Phil_SStrBridge_7-12_19.jpg?itok=kiMr57hQ

We plan on making a model of this bridge that is about 1/137 the size, which puts us at a 1 meter long model. 

We spent the remainder of class familiarizing ourselves with the PASCO bridge kit as well as the load amplifiers and determining how to assemble the two together. Outside of class, we worked on making some preliminary sketches of the bridge to use as a basis for our design.

Week 1:

This week, we chose a Beam and Deck Bridge as the type of bridge we would be modeling. We also chose roles for each of the group members. Additionally, we began looking for images of 3-span beam and deck bridges we could model our design after.

https://www.steelconstruction.info/Bridges_-_initial_design

http://www.tallbridgeguy.com/category/abc/page/36/