Cal Poly Steel Bridge

Current Rules and Other Info

Click here to visit the ASCE/AISC Student Steel Bridge Competition webpage.

Design and Analysis

The design and analysis phase of the project generally starts 2-3 weeks prior to the start of school and wraps up in the weeks prior to Thanksgiving break. During this stage captains “design” the bridge in AutoCAD and “analyze” the bridge in Abaqus.

AutoCAD

Basic designs and detailed final drafts

Proper title block (with viewports)

1. Hone in and practice your drafting skills.  Seek guidance in more efficient methods.

2. CE 113 (An advanced level course is offered from time to time)

3. Set up an appointment with Jeff Stallman to learn program basics.

Abaqus

Structural Analysis program for which we have a program that facilitates the modeling process

Courses

CE 504 and CE 505

Other Software

Excel

Inventor

Solidworks

CAMWorks (CNC Machines)

Fabrication

Fabrication of the actual bridge starts within weeks of the completing the final dimensions and cut list.  The bridge should be completed sometime in January.

Mustang ’60 and Hanger Shop

Click here for tour and test info.

Red Tag

A tour and test given by the ME department at the Hanger which allows for the use of basic tools and machines in the Hanger and Mustang ’60. Click here for preparation material for the Red Tag test.

Yellow Tag

A tour and test given by the ME department at the Hanger which allows for the use of advanced tools and machines in the Hanger and Mustang ’60. This test requires 10 hours of shop time prior to test and grants use of CNC machines and welders

Click here for preparation material for the Yellow Tag test.

Helpful Courses:

1. IME 140 : Graphics Communication and Modeling (Solid Modeling)

2. IME 142 : Manufacturing Processes: Materials Joining (Welding)

3. IME 143 : Manufacturing Processes: Material Removal (CNC Machining)

Construction Team

The construction team will be chosen by the captains after tryouts are held during Winter Quarter. At tryouts participants will be asked to race to construct a portion of the previous bridge in accordance with Official NSSB rules. Participants will be allowed to practice on the day of tryouts, prior to timed tryouts, with the previous bridge. If you make the team, you should be prepared to devote weekly or daily practices.

Ways to Prepare:

1. Practice threading nuts onto bolts

2. Get in shape (multiple sprints back-to-back, ie. Suicides: about 7 minutes straight).

3. Show up on Tryout day in appropriate attire.

Captain Interviews

Interviews will be held during Spring quarter and conducted by the previous year’s captains.  Continuing captains will make the final cuts and Dr. Hall and Dr. Kasper approve/deny selected applicants.

1. Fill out an interview form accurately.

2. Sign up for an interview appointment.

Poster and Media

A poster is designed and printed as part of the competition. Adobe programs are used to create the poster and help is welcomed in this task.

Ways to Help

1. If you have skill in Adobe Programs.

2. The desire to produce media to promote the team.

Get Involved in SCE

1. Join SCE and become a national member (SCE membership ~ $35 and required to compete)

2. Attend PSWC (conference)

3. Attend NSSB Nationals

4. Join the Steel Bridge interest list by clicking here!