A2:Miller

The goal for the KNEX bridge structure is to have the best cost/breaking load ratio.  For this design each individual had to create a sketch of a truss design for a bridge 2ft long.  This bridge design is is a square shape with triangle webs connecting in an x shape.  There is then a vertical brace connecting the center of the x to the top cord.  This should help distribute the weight of the load test evenly over the bridge and mostly at the strong points of the bridge.  Inside the bridge are cross members that will keep the bridge from collapsing from side to side.

Elevation View:

Plane View:

Truss Bill of Materials:

The shape of the bridge was not altered during the process of drawing and designing the bridge.  The original idea and design was used.  It is similar to the WPBD bridge that I designed.  Since this bridge was the lowest cost in the class I figured it would be a great starting point.  The hardest part about the KNEX design was getting the pieces to work the way I wanted them to.  The angle increments make it hard to follow a specific design unless it can be turned into all 45degree increment angles.

This assignment demonstrated the importance of visualization and the need to work out ideas on paper before testing them.  This drawing will also give a starting position to work off of once the first load test is ran.  There are unexpected difficulties with the angle increments and the length of the bridge.  It is very hard to create a bridge that is actually 2ft long.