foundation
distributes the weight of the structure to the soil or rock below it
truss
structure composed of members connected together to form a rigid framework
members
load carrying components of a structure
structural engineers
civil engineers with special expertise in structural analysis and design
elevation view
shows the structure (bridge in this case) from the side
isometric view
three dimensional representation of the structure
deck
flat surface between two main trusses
piers
One type of bridge foundation, supports the bridge in the middle of the gap
geotechnical engineers
civil engineers with special expertise in soils and foundation
force
a push or pull applied to an object, al forces have magnitude (amount) and direction
vector
a way to represent force, (arrow) shows both magnitude and direction
load
a force applied to a structure
equilibrium
a structure that is not moving, an upward force equals the downward force
supports
points where the structure is physically in contact with its surroundings
strength
the largest internal force a structural component experiences before failing
faliure
when the internal force in a structural component becomes larger than its strength
design specifications
the functional requirements, asthetic requirements and any constraints that will affect the design or construction
tension
a member that is being stretched, an internal force that makes a member longer
compression
a member that is being squashed, an internal force makes a member shorter
gusset plate connection
a method of joining members together using plates, rivets, bolts or welds
plans
drawings
drawings
highly detailed written descriptions of every aspect of a project
quality control
the process of routinely inspecting and testing materials and workmanship on a project
Design Process (Cycle)
a series of steps that engineering teams use to guide them as they solve problems.
Design Brief
Part 1: Explain the problem. Part 2: Explain how you intend to solve it.
Iteration
Make changes and adjustments to improve the outcome. The act of repeating a process with the aim of approaching a desired goal, target or result