Cal Poly Steel Bridge

Fabrication continues to progress as we wait for the steel to be delivered. Thanks to all the hard work to get the cage organized last Saturday!

TEAM MEETING

Because Friday is a school holiday, the team meeting will be cancelled this Friday, November 11th. They will resume as usual next week.

LAST WEEK

While waiting on steel, we got preliminary cuts outlined on the bridge, as well as built a steel rack and additional workspace in the cage. Dan completed a jig to machine connections, which will enable us to start making prototypes.

THIS WEEK

This Saturday we will finish cleaning and organizing the hanger. For design, we will work on bridge laterals, and lateral restraints for competition. Dan will continue will machining connections. This is a great opportunity for all captains to get machine shop hours, and hopefully get yellow tags soon. Next Monday we will be attending the CENG Dean’s Advisory Council Poster Session. All senior captains should be there, and junior captains are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity to network with industry professionals as show off what we’ve been doing with the project.

IMPORTANT DATES

Nov. 12th – Steel Bridge Workday – 9am – 5pm

Nov. 14th – CENG Dean’s Advisory Council Poster Session – 12:30pm

Big news this week… steel has been ordered! With fabrication starting things have really gained momentum. Definitely make sure to keep involved so you can stay up to date with the project.

TEAM MEETING

Our team meetings will resume this week in building 192-208 at 3pm Friday. This week is important as we will be outlining the fabrication process. Again if you know anyone interested in the bridge team (especially those eligible for a senior captain spot next year) please bring them along.

LAST WEEK

Over the last week we ordered steel, did some machine prototyping, and started organizing the cage.

THIS WEEK

This week and especially Saturday we will have tons of work to do. The list includes finishing the steel racks, organizing the cage, and jig/connection prototyping. In the lab we will be deciding on bridge cuts for exact member dimensions, as well as, looking at where laterals will connect.

IMPORTANT DATES

Nov. 4th

IAB Presentation – 12pm (Senior Captains)

Team Meeting – 3pm (Bldg 192-208)

Nov. 5th

Steel Bridge Workday – 9am – 5pm

Nov. 14th

CENG Dean’s Advisory Council Poster Session – 12:30pm

TEAM MEETING

Our team meetings will resume this week in building 192-208 at 3pm Friday. This week is important as we will be outlining the fabrication process. Again if you know anyone interested in the bridge team (especially those eligible for a senior captain spot next year) please bring them along.

IMPORTANT DATES

Nov. 4th

IAB Presentation – 12pm (Senior Captains)

Team Meeting – 3pm (Bldg 192-208)

Nov. 5th

Steel Bridge Workday – 9am – 5pm

Nov. 14th

CENG Dean’s Advisory Council Poster Session – 12:30pm

Rules are out for the 2012 Season so lets all start reading them cover to cover.

The team is back from nationals in Texas and almost caught up on sleep.


The National Breakdown– Lakehead took first by placing in most all of the categories. We took a close 6th place; finishing 5th in Construction Speed, 4th in Lightness, 8th in Display, 16th in Stiffness, 7th in Economy, 5th in Efficiency and only $610,650 out of 1st.


Check back in the coming weeks for photos of the bridge and nationals


The team would like to thank everyone that has supported us in efforts this year.

The team is all ready for nationals. The bridge left on a truck today on its way to Texas and the team will follow Wednesday by plane. Everyone on the team is looking forward to our 4am drive to LA to catch our flight to Texas.

With the competition less than a week away, we have completed the bridge and printed the poster. The construction team has been decided and practice is going well with only minor scrapes.

The bridge is nearly complete with only a few pieces left in the jigs awaiting welding.  The fabrication progress was delayed a few days as multiple connections had to be cut out, re-milled and welded back into place.  Next week will be filled with long days of adjusting member connections and completing the laterals.  We have also ordered dial gauges and holders in preparation for load testing in the coming weeks.


On the graphic side of things, we have our T-shirt design and will printing next week.  Also, our poster is almost complete with only minor tweaks remaining.

When: Saturday February 12th at 11am
Where: In front of the Aero Hanger
Clothing: Comfortable clothing and running shoes
Lunch: Provided for those trying out

Come out and learn more about the bridge and everything that goes in to making it. It is also an opportunity to get more information about joining next year’s bridge team and possibly doing Steel Bridge as your Senior Project.

Related Information:

After regionals in March, we will be holding captain interviews for next year’s team. We will announce when and where they will be held in the near future. We highly encourage you to come to construction tryouts if you are interested in becoming a captain.

Come to the SCE meeting on Wednesday, January 26th for a Steel Bridge Update!

Please check out the pictures page to see pictures from the 2010 team, which placed 12th overall at the national competition.