Abstract
The purpose of this project is to design a safe bridge tester system that is able to measure the strength and endurance of bridges under pressure in pounds per square inch. Through the engineering 215 class at Humboldt state University, students from team Burke der Meister designed a bridge tester machine that will be integrated into the engineering section of the STEAM Program at Zane Middle school for projects and competitions.
Background
Zane Middle School introduced the STEAM program in the fall of 2013 that allowed students to include Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math into their already existing curriculum. The uniqueness of the STEAM program allows students to be exposed to design electives for real world situations. Zane Middle School came to the Humboldt State University Engineering Department in the spring of 2014 with the intent to improve their STEAM program.The objective of the engineering 215 group, Brücke der Meister, is to design a system able to test the strength and endurance of bridges under certain conditions for the client. The focus of the project is to construct a machine that measure the amount of pressure a bridge can withstand before breaking.
Problem statement and criteria
Zane Middle School introduced the STEAM program in the fall of 2013 that allowed students to include Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math into their already existing curriculum. The uniqueness of the STEAM program allows students to be exposed to design electives for real world situations. Zane came to the Humboldt State University Engineering Department in the spring of 2014 with the intent to improve their STEAM program.
Criteria | Weight |
---|---|
Safety | 10 |
Functionality | 10 |
Educational Value | 9 |
Durability | 8 |
Mobility | 8 |
Cost | 6 |
Up-Cycle | 5 |
Aesthetics | 4 |
Description of final project
RIPSAW shown in Figure 1 demonstrates the integration of two alternative solutions crank-it and project ramrod into the final design. The generation of mechanical pressure from the McElroy sidewinder shown in Figure 2 allows for pressures upwards of to 600 psi to be applied to the model bridge decks. The sidewinder dimensions are 21.4”x 12.5”x 10.25” and allow for 18” of travel on the drive screw assembly. The sidewinder comprises of a load cell measurement system and integrated dry pressure gauge to display the desired pressure. The threaded drive screw assembly is controlled by the operator and can be moved up and down to a desired height. Once in position, the drive screw assembly is rotated by the knob clockwise to apply gradual pressure and counter-clockwise to relieve pressure. The McElroy sidewinder is bolted to a fabricated c bracket frame and c-channel platform to ensure stability. The dimensions of the channel platform are 3’x 6”x ½” and is welded to two 12”x 12” x 1/4” iron plate to support the base of the model bridges. The c bracket runs 3” out from the back of the c-channel and up 17.7” and 14” across the top where the sidewinder is mounted. The sidewinder and frame assembly are bolted to moveable cart that comprise caster wheels with dimensions 24”x 18”x 42”. The dimensions of RIPSAW allow for the complete assembly to be easily stored and maneuvered for Zane Middle School teachers.
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Figure 2- McElroy Compact Chain Sidewinder
Cost
The bridge tester items, purchase size, quantity of items, team cost, individual retail cost and total cost of the final design bridge tester are summarized below in Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3.
Bridge Tester Item | Purchase Size | Quantity | Team Cost | Individual Retail Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
McElroy Sidewinder | (10.25inx12.5inx21.4in) | 1 | Donated | $1,583.00 |
Iron Plate | (12inx12in) | 2 | Donated | $145.90 |
Cart with Wheels | (24inx18inx42in) | 1 | Donated | $106.99 |
Square Tubing | (48inx1.5inx1.5) | 4 | Donated | $34.24 |
Rectangle Tubing | (72inx1.5inx0.75in) | 1 | Donated | $20.94 |
C-Channel | (25inx6inx2in) | 1 | Donated | $20.50 |
Black Spray Paint | 12 oz. | 1 | $8.49 | $8.49 |
Matte Clear Coat | 12 oz. | 2 | $4.99 | $4.99 |
Bolts | (3/8inx3in) | 2 | $0.85 | $0.85 |
Nuts | (3/8in) | 2 | $0.23 | $0.23 |
Washers | (3/8in) | 6 | $0.23 | $0.23 |
Total Team Cost of Bridge Tester:$22.01
Total Retail Cost of Bridge Tester:$2,182.50
Bridge Materials | Purchase Size | Quantity | Team Cost | Individual Retail Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Popsicle Sticks | 1000 Pack | 2 | $5.99 | $5.99 |
Popsicle Sticks | 100 Pack | 1 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
Dowels | 8 Pack | 5 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
Wood Glue | 4 oz. | 4 | $2.49 | $2.49 |
Fine Sand Block | (4.8inx2.9inx1in) | 1 | $2.15 | $2.15 |
Bass Wood | (36inx3inx1/16in) | 8 | $1.79 | $1.79 |
Total Team Cost of Bridge Materials:$56.85
Total Retail Cost of Bridge Materials:$56.85
Task | Hours |
---|---|
Dust Equipment | 0.083 |
Lube Wheels | 0.330 |
Clear Coat Protection | 1.000 |
New Black Spray paint coat | 1.500 |
Total Task Hours: 2.913
Testing Results
How to build
Discussion and next steps
References
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