Designing Bridges
Students learn about the types of possible loads, how to calculate ultimate load combinations, and investigate the different sizes for the beams (girders) and columns (piers) of simple bridge design. They learn the steps that engineers use to design bridges by conducting their own hands on associated activity to prototype their own structure. Students will begin to understand the problem, and learn how to determine the potential bridge loads, calculate the highest possible load, and calculate the amount of material needed to resist the loads.
A concrete bridge in Dallas, TX.Copyright Texas Department of Transportation http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/03nov/02.htm.
Engineers who design structures must completely understand the problem to be solved, which includes the complexities of the site and the customer needs. To design for safety and longevity, engineers consider the different types of loads, how they are applied and where. Engineers often aim for a design that is strongest and lightest possible—one with the highest strength-to-weight ratio.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- List several examples of loads that could affect a bridge.
- Explain why knowledge about various loads or forces is important in bridge design.
- Describe the process that an engineer uses to design a bridge, including determining loads, calculating the highest load, and calculating the amount of material to resist the loads.