Author2022 TCNJ Steel Bridge Team |
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Connection Designs11/22/2021 The Team met with Professional Services Specialist, Mr. Joseph Zanetti, at the TCNJ machine shop to discuss the ideas and materials for the connections of the bridge. Three types of connections were discussed and designed. The first type of connection will be utilized to connected the stringer members. These connections are attached to the vertical members in the shape of an I. Two bolts are featured on both sides of the flange that connect the vertical member to the stringer members. This connection will have a total of 8 bolts. The second type of connection is for the stringer cross bracing. This will be located at the contact point between the top and bottom parts of the stringer. This connection will have a total of 2 bolts that feed through 2 gusset plates vertically. The third connection type is a simple L bracket used for the lateral bracing. This will have a welded bolt already in place for ease of assembly. The members will be slid on through the top and fastened with a nut. All connections are made of A36 Steel gusset plates and high strength grade 8 bolts.
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Bridge Design Alterations11/18/2021 After meeting multiple times with the faculty advisor, industry advisor, and machine shop foreman, the team made revisions to the original final design to make it easier to assemble, easier to construct, and better performance. The first change that was made was to the stringer members. Originally, it featured 2 foot uniform members throughout the whole stringer. In the new and improved bridge, eight 3 foot members were placed where possible to reduce the number of connections and members. All except two members now feature a 2 inch offset for the cross bars, which was done for ease of connection. The 2 members that connect to the westernmost footings still feature crossbars that are flush with the edge of the member for stability purposes. Lateral supports were also altered to improve the bridge's resistance to sway. Three 32 inch by 3 inch lateral support members are featured between the footings while three 32 inch by 5 inch lateral support members are placed in the cantilevered end. The bridge also features three X shaped lateral supports. The bridge now consists of 69 total members, 85 connections, and weighs around 284 lbs. While this bridge is considerably heavier than the previous design, the team feels that these changes will overall improve the bridge's performance at competition.
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