West Point Bridge Construction Contest

Instructions

• Using the 2005 West Point Bridge Construction Program from bridgecontest.usma.edu, design (not 2006 or later), build, and test various bridges both using simulation and by modelling. Participation in the Lewis & Clark Bridge Building competition is also expected.

Specifics

1. 1st Bridge - Complete and Pass the Truck test on a bridge with the following characteristics: 24 foot, standard abutment, no piers, using Warren Deck truss template
   -- 20 points
2. 2nd Bridge - Complete same bridge but minimize the total cost.
   -- 40 points if passes test with less than $250,000 total cost
   -- 30 points if passes test with less than $320,000 total cost
   -- 20 points if passes test with less than $400,000 total cost
   -- 10 points if passes test with less than $500,000 total cost
3. 3rd Bridge - Complete YOUR OWN bridge with the same characteristics but without using any of the templates.
   -- 20 points if passes test with less than $550,000 total cost
4. Draw or define the following Bridge Construction Terms.
   -- 20 points
5. 4th Bridge - Physically build one of the above bridges using paper and glue using the following step-by-step instructions (44 pages 10MB file--high-speed connection needed).
   -- 20 points.

To Turn In

1. Bridge 1 - Demonstrate to Mr. M your bridge and answer any questions regarding your design.
   -- print out the Bridge Design showing the trusses, cost, and designed by name
2. Bridge 2 - Demonstrate to Mr. M your bridge and answer any questions regarding your design.
   -- print out the Bridge Design showing the trusses, cost, and designed by name
3. Bridge 3 - Demonstrate to Mr. M your bridge and answer any questions regarding your design.
   -- print out the Bridge Design showing the trusses, cost, and designed by name
4. Bridge Construction Terminology sheet
5. The physical bridge built out of paper.

Due

• Bridge Software and Definition sheet (i.e. Parts 1 through 4) - 1 week
• Physical Bridge constructed - 2nd week