Bridge+building

Recent flood waters have washed away a 2 span bridge completely isolating a rural community. Your team has been hired to design and rebuild the bridge to provide disaster relief to the community.
 * __ Disaster Bridge Challenge __**
 * __Instructions:__**


 * __Rules:__**
 * 1) Each team has $10 budget. The $10 can be charged to your account at the hardware store.
 * 2) The hardware store can supply you with the materials and tools to complete your project. The tools are loaned out for free, but the material you must purchase. See the next page for the material catalog and pricing. The hardware store does not accept returns.
 * 3) Once constructed, the bridge must be able to transport two “Relief Pods” simultaneously from one support block to the other. Note: The Relief Pods must start and end on the support blocks.
 * 4) The bridge can bear on the supports/pier, but cannot be attached to the supports.
 * 5) Failure is defined as the Relief Pods or any part of the bridge touching the water.
 * 6) The team that successfully transports the Relief Pods the cheapest wins!
 * 7) In the event of a tie, aesthetics will be the tie breaker.

Available Building Materials:
 * __ETF Hardware Store__**

Wood stick $0.05 each Glue stick $1.00 each Paper card 5 for $0.05 (Sold in multiples of 5) String 2 ft for $0.05 (Sold in multiples of 2) Rubber Bands 5 for $0.05 (Sold in multiples of 5) Paper Clips 5 for $0.05 (Sold in multiples of 5) Pins 5 for $0.05 (Sold in multiples of 5) Brad fasteners 5 for $0.05 (Sold in multiples of 5)

Disclaimer:
 * 1) All prices are valid for quantity in stock.
 * 2) Special order items will require 5 days processing.
 * 3) We reserve the right to refuse service to an individual.
 * ALL SALES ARE FINAL! **

Congratulations! Your team has become very reputable in the engineering community and has been hired for another project. Your team must rehabilitate/retro fit an existing bridge that is on the verge of failure. The bridge is historically significant and demolition is not an option. Your budget for the project is $4.00. The rehabbed bridges will be tested in the same manner as the new bridges. Back to the drawing board! Gather what is left of your bridge and redesign/modify it so it can transport the Relief Pods. You can use up your remaining budget and you will be given an additional $2.00.
 * __ Disaster Bridge Challenge – AFTERSHOCK __**
 * Option A: Initial Bridge Passed**
 * Option B: Initial Bridge Failed**

Engineering Concepts:
 * 1) Budget
 * 2) Project Management
 * 3) Design aspects: strength and serviceability
 * 4) Modeling/simulation
 * 5) Material testing/properties
 * 6) Iterative design process
 * 7) Uncertainty in loads/risk/Factors of Safety
 * 8) Aesthetics