A1-JACOB

Design Image

Truck in Bridge Middle Image

Load Test Results Image

My initial objective was to design a simple truss bridge that guarantees a safe passage for the standard 225kN truck. Therefore, my initial design was a simple and straight bridge, constructed with carbon steel bars with a size of 140mm. Next, I constructed an arc that expanded 36mm and connected the arc to the straight bridge with carbon steel beams crossing each other. The estimated cost of the bridge ranged over $450,000.00. Thus, my new objective was to lower the cost of the bridge while ensuring a safe passage for the truck. Therefore, I identified the redundant beams and removed them from the design. Then I lowered the cost even more by replacing the solid bars with hollow tubes for the interior design of the bridge and only outlining the design with solid bars. After several trial and errors, I identified the beams that didn’t require 140mm in size and replaced it with less thicker beams. After all this process, my new estimated cost of the bridge came out to be $234,466.08. I strongly doubt the cost of the bridge could be lowered with further time and knowledge. Even if it is possible, it will only be lowered by couple hundred dollars. This was a great way for me to experience few of the challenges I can expect to encounter in my prospective job. Through this entire process, I learned several designing techniques and understood the factors that impact the construction of a truss bridge.