Design and Analysis is responsible for the design and analysis of the bridge’s truss system, and all the joints and member connections. We go through a complete design process from conceptual and preliminary to a detailed design.

• In the conceptual design phase:

• Thoroughly read the competition rules and study precedent designs.

• Understand the design constraints, loading patterns, load path, and more to create a bridge that our team can fabricate while still performing at the highest level in competition.

• In the preliminary design phase:

• Iterate 2D designs to analyze deflection patterns and develop working models for 3D conceptualization.

• Extract demand loads from S-Frame software and analyze them in MS Excel to determine the governing loads for each joint design.

• In the detailed design phase:

• Develop and finalize a 3D design by optimizing section sizes, and pier design while collaborating with other subteams to aid joint placement and ease of construction.

• Finalize joint dimensions and hand off to the drafting sub-team to create a fabrication package.

• In the post-design phase:

• Aid with poster and video scripting and other competition deliverables.

Truss design is the most tangible element of our work and is the biggest factor in categories of competition evaluation, such as strength, rigidity, and material cost. We design the truss structure following a formal engineering design process and iterating with the help of software such as S-FRAME, to create our competing bridge design every year. Similarly, designing joints requires creative thinking and innovative solutions to unique problems every year: we take the physical constraints of the truss design, the competition rules, and knowledge of construction and fabrication to develop competitive and efficient joint designs.