TCNJ ASCE STEEL BRIDGE 2014
UPDATES
The Steel Bridge Team has been working diligently to complete our project. Check below to see our progress and what is new with the team!
MARCH 19-31, 2014
Fabrication
The team has been fabricating the bridge throughout the month of March. Fabrication includes cutting the steel into needed sizes, grinding the steel, milling the steel, welding, and drilling holes. Fabrication will continue into the month of April.
MARCH 19, 2014
First Delivery of Steel
The team received the first shipment of steel today. Fabrication will begin soon!
FEBRUARY 28, 2014
Contact with OTW Welding
The team has also been in contact with OTW Welding, the welder that assisted the steel bridge team last year. George Martin of OTW Welding is willing to assist with the project again, and the team will remain in contact with him during the fabrication process.
FEBRUARY 28, 2014
Competition Paper Completed
The competition requires an essay and presentation regarding a provided question. This year's question is about natural disasters and ethics. The final paper was finished today for the competition.
FEBRUARY 25, 2014
Final Negotiations with Capital Steel
The team began final negotiations with Capital Steel today to begin their order. However, the original contact who was handling the order no longer is with the company. Therefore, the team hit a temporary roadblock and now is discussing the order with a new employee. The order will be placed soon.
FEBRUARY 24, 2014
School Application for New Job
The team had to discuss how the bridge will be transported to the competition. Team member Steph Rindosh looked into utilizing a school vehicle to bring the bridge to Newark, NJ. Team members Steph Rindosh and Aaron Chan applied for the ability to drive a school vehicle.
FEBRUARY 21, 2014
Meeting with Dean Schreiner
Today was the first available date that the team was able to meet with Dean Schreiner after the cancelled meeting. Dean Schreiner approved funding for the project and the team is now able to continue work and order materials.
FEBRUARY 5, 2014
Scheduled Meeting with Dean Schreiner
The group had a meeting scheduled with Dean Schreiner today to discuss project budgeting. However, due to weather and snow constraints, the meeting was cancelled. The group plans on meeting with Dean Schreiner at another time.
FEBRUARY 3, 2014
Scheduled Meeting with Dr. Horst
The group had a meeting scheduled with Dr. Horst today to discuss project budgeting. However, due to weather and snow constraints, the meeting was cancelled. The group plans on meeting with Dr. Horst at another time.
DECEMBER 11, 2013
Final Paper Turned In
The team turned in the final draft of their fall semester paper today to their advisor Professor Al-Omaishi. The paper outlines the work that the team completed over the semester.
DECEMBER 4, 2013
Final Presentation
The team presented today to peers and faculty about the progress of their project thus far. The presentation went well and the group successfully portrayed all of the information.
DECEMBER 2, 2013
Begin Negotiations with Capital Steel
Team member Alyssa Hartigan began final negotiations with Capital Steel who will be providing materials for the project. Capital Steel donated a partial amount of the steel to last year's team and this year's team is hoping for the same generosity based on earlier conversations with the company. Needed quantities of steel were sent via email and the team is waiting to hear back on price and availability.
NOVEMBER 26, 2013
Rough Draft of the Final Paper Turned In
The team turned in the rough draft of their final paper today to their advisor Professor Al-Omaishi. The paper outlines the work that the team completed over the semester.
NOVEMBER 20, 2013
AutoCAD Drawings
The team began utilizing AutoCAD to create drawings of the individual truss pieces. The AutoCAD drawings will be sent to the fabricator after completion to see which pieces can be fabricated at a professional facility.
NOVEMBER 14, 2013
Connection Design
After the final design for the bridge was selected, the connection design was finalized. The team decided to use a combination of two different types of connections in the design. The two connections were analyzed to determine that they would hold the required load.
NOVEMBER 8, 2013
Analysis of Truss Designs
Each of the two optimized truss designs were analyzd in Visual Analysis. The lateral deflections, vertical deflections, and weights were determined. It was determined that the first bridge, the super-structure design, would have a lower deflection and a lower weight. That was selected as the final design.
NOVEMBER 6, 2013
Optimization of Truss Designs
The two truss designs were inputted into Visual Analysis. The member sizes were optimized to meet the load restrictions dictated by the rules and regulations. Final member sizes were determined.
OCTOBER 30, 2013
Senior Design Class Presentations
The team presented to fellow classmates and professors on the preliminary design of the bridge. The two bridge designs are still under consideration.
OCTOBER 21, 2013
Truss Design Progress: Design 2
The team has been working to compare different designs and see which one will be the most feasible and economical. Currently, the second design is under analysis. The new design is more compact and lighter than the first design but may not be as strong.
OCTOBER 17, 2013
Truss Design Progress: Visual Analysis
Truss design, headed by Max Schisler and Mike Soriano, is still under analysis. The team is currently experimenting with the program Visual Analysis as another option for bridge analysis.
OCTOBER 8, 2013
Fundraising Letter Sent Out
Fundraising Chairs Alyssa Hartigan and Steph Rindosh continued to email companies in search of donations for the project. Recommendations of possible donators was given by contacts from previous internships. When responses are received, the updates will be posted!
OCTOBER 7, 2013
Preliminary Connection Design Progress
Preliminary connection design, headed by Alyssa Hartigan and Steph Rindosh, has been developed according to the rules and specifications.. Three connection designs are currently in consideration and being analyzed for practicality in fabrication and construction.
OCTOBER 4, 2013
STV Becomes Sponsor
STV donates monetary assistance to the team. Thanks STV!
OCTOBER 1, 2013
Additional Members!
Welcome new members Jhenifer De Araujo and João Costa to the team. They are exchange students from Brazil and will assist in design and fabrication
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
Preliminary Truss Design Progress
Preliminary truss design, headed by Max Schisler and Mike Soriano, has been developed according to the rules and specifications set forth by ASCE/AISC. Significant research has also been conducted on TCNJ's previous bridges and winning teams of the competition from other schools.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
Website Finished and Published
The Steel Bridge Team finished updating the website and published it for the public to view.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2013
Project Proposal Presentation in ENG
The group presented the first proposal about the competition. Team leader Aaron Chan made the presentation and explained rules, regulations, budgeting, and timeline to entire civil engineering department.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
Parsons Brinckerhoff Becomes Sponsor
Parsons Brinckerhoff donates monetary assistance to the team. Thanks Parsons Brinckerhoff!
AUGUST 5, 2013
Donation Letter Finalized and Distributed
A donation letter was drafted over the summer and sent out to each of the internships that each team member worked at. The Steel Bridge Team is hoping for donations from all five companies. Progress will be added once word is received.
