Abstract
One paragraph summary of your project from background to discussion and next steps.
There should be an image near the top.
Background
Problem statement and criteria
Use sortable table.
Description of final project
The final design for the Upcycled Benches consisted of aluminum street signs attached to a metal frame. The main materials used (street signs and plumbing pipe) were chosen to demonstrate the repurposing of materials through “upcycling”. The metal frame for both benches was made from ¾” galvanized plumbing pipe. The pipes were custom cut to fit the length and width of the street signs. The pipes were connected using “T” and “90” connectors and flanges were attached to each leg to enable them to be bolted into their permanent location. Each joint was tightened fully except for the middle bars that made the seat of the benches. In the case of the middle bars, each side was tightened only half way due to the fact that you can not make a closed loop unless special connectors or backwards threading is used. To improve the strength of the bench and the half tightened bars, each joint was then welded on either side as depicted in Figure 5 below. The signs are attached in multiple ways. The attachments can be seen in Figure 4 below The signs that make up the seats are attached using pipe straps for the back 2 bars of the frame and bolted through the pipe on the front bar. The seat signs are recessed to create a smoother edge for the user to hang their legs over. The signs that make up the back of the bench are bolted through the pipe frame in multiple spots instead of using pipe straps.
Prototyping
Figure 1 shows our first prototype. This prototype helped us to figure out the layout of the signs and that the Bike Lane signs needed to be raised to create a more comfortable back support. Figure 2 shows a small scale of the Bike Lane Bench. This prototype helped us to roughly figure out how the frame of the bench would fit with the signs. Figure 3 shows our Autocad of the frames of the benches. This prototype took into account actual lengths of the pipes. Figure 4 shows our last prototype before building. This prototype was originally supposed to be the beginning of the final product but in building we learned that when making a closed loop with piping, a special connector or backwards threads are needed. This lead us to our decision to weld the joints.
Costs
Itemized summary of costs
| Quantity | Material | Cost ($) | Retail Total ($) | Team FMLD Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Custom cut 3/4" galvanized pipe | 166.25 | 166.25 | 166.25 |
| 10 | 3/4"x 1 1/2" galvanized nipple | 1.39 | 13.90 | 13.90 |
| 10 | 3/4"x 6" galvanized nipple | 2.79 | 27.90 | 27.90 |
| 20 | 3/4" Ts | 3.89 | 77.80 | 77.80 |
| 8 | 3/4" 90s | 2.29 | 18.32 | 18.32 |
| 8 | 3/4" Flanges | 6.99 | 55.92 | 55.92 |
| 8 | Street Signs | 38.75 | 38.75 | 38.75 |
| 1 | Cold Galvanizing Compound Spray | 8.47 | 8.47 | 0.00 |
| 3 | Pipe Strap (Packs of 10) | 1.49 | 4.47 | 0.00 |
| 2 | Drill bit | 4.99 | 9.98 | 0.00 |
| 60 | Various screws (stainless) | Varied | 54.94 | 0.00 |
| 65 | Various nuts (stainless) | Varied | 27.64 | 0.00 |
| 130 | Various washers (stainless) | Varied | 7.02 | 0.00 |
| Retail Total (with tax) | $546.56 | |||
| Team FMLD Total | $400.00 | |||
Poster
Below is the final poster that Team FMLD created
Testing Results
The upcycled benches can support a number of individuals and can withstand the punishement of middle schoolers. It is currently placed at Zane Middle School.
How to build
Use Template:How_to
Maintenance
Introduce this maintenance section.
Schedule
- Every 2 years
- Welded joints must be sprayed with Cold Galvanizing Compound Spray to prevent rusting.
Instructions
This is how to maintain. The step by step how to template {{How to}} is most likely best for this part.
Discussion and next steps
Suggestions for future changes
This is where to lay out suggestions for how to make the project function better in the future.
References
See Help:Footnotes for more. Template:Reflist