As a first time user of West Point Bridge Design I feel that
it seems very realistic in most aspects. The ideas of problem solving and
design are exemplified well. When given the template to start the bridge design
restrictions are also given, with still enough freedom to come up with your own
design. When building you can only build up to a certain span length; also our
materials were limited, the forces that were able to be supported, and the
limit put on cost all made the design project extremely realistic. The program
also allows you to modify your design within the set restrictions. The
efficiency of building the bridge a certain way was also realistic. If the
depth was reduced, the shorter diagonal bars made the bridge more cost
efficient.
There are
also some nonrealistic parts of West Point Bridge Design. The program does not
take into account effects of weather or fatigue. It does not consider what
could happen if there was torrential downpour or very heavy winds. In the
program you are able to push the bridge to absolute limit.; to the point where
it is barely holding up. In reality this would make a very bad bridge because
the bridge would collapse after a year, if it even lasts that long. Finally, this program only considers if one
type of load were to cross at once. What if there are numerous cars or trucks
with heavier loads? In that case the bridge would not stay up because the
weight would be too much for it to carry.
Even with
these limitations of reality, this program is a good way to start in bridge
design. As an individual who has had little to no experience with bridges prior
to this, I have learned a lot. It has helped me to look at building and the
idea that less is more in better more understandable way.
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