Author2022 TCNJ Steel Bridge Team |
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Bridge Update2/26/2022 During the second half of February the supports for the stringers were created. The lengths were cut and the angles were added. We found that there was error with the lengths because the 7.5 inch clearance was not being met. The team discussed a solution and we ended up trimming the length of the members to get the clearance instead of making smaller angles; the smaller the angles the harder to manufacture. The connection plates for these supports were cut with the waterjet machine. After all the pieces were to their correct dimensions, the supports and the footings including the stringer pieces were laid out. This made it easier for us to spot weld the plates in the correct position on the supports. All the plates for the supports were spot welded to the footings. The next big task was the lateral bracing. After a long discussion with team members and the machine shop advisor we came to our final design. This included two different types of sections; a 3 inch section for the west end and a 5 inch section for the cantilever end with four diagonals in between the horizontal members. This design had the best results for sway in visual analysis and the angles were manageable. The lateral bracings were all spot welded after a welding set up was made for each type. The lateral bracing was then cut with the band saw in order for us to connect a plate to all ends. This was decided to attach with ease to the vertical members of the stringers. The angles for the lateral bracing were all cut 1/4 inch with the milling machine and the bolt holes were drilled in them. The bridge is so close to assembly. After assembly of the whole bridge the full welds will be done and practice for competition will begin! Attached below is the engineering and fabrication drawings for this years steel bridge.
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