In last weeks lab we learned how to
do calculations of bridges by hands. We
first had a group discussion where we learned about Bridge Designer. This program reminded me of Westpoint Bridge
Design in the way that you make the bridge on only side and the program also
calculates compression and tension. We
then went over free body diagrams and other calculations. After we split off into smaller groups we had
the chance to do calculations of a given bridge by hand.
This
analysis would not be sufficient for a real bridge. For a real bridge other forces would have to
be put into the equations also there would have to more known about the members
and joints. These calculations were also
for only one side of the bridge. We
would need to analyze the top, bottom, and the other sides of the bridge. Other things would need to be accounted for
like weather and wear and tare. It would
also be nice to know how much the bridge could hold and an estimate on it life
span.
-John Watson
No comments:
Post a Comment