In last week’s lab we were taught how to calculate the forces on a bridge by hand. We were taught about Bridge Designer in the beginning of class and then split up into our groups to do the calculations of the assigned bridges. Westpoint Bridge Design has some definite similarities to the Bridge Designer, both programs calculate compression and tension and both programs only view the bridge design from a 2-D perspective rather than a 3-D perspective. In lab we also went over free body diagrams and the calculations behind them.
For a real bridge we would have to take into account of other forces would have to have other equations to use for the members connected both sides of the bridges. To calculate to forces being dispersed through the top, bottom, and the other sides of the bridge we would need more equations to do so. Weather like wind, snow, rain and wear from cars and ageing would also need to be taken into account. In the end it may never be possible to know exact how long the lifespan of a bridge may be or how the condition will exactly be over extended periods of time, but some programs can get close.
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