Cantilever Through Truss Bridge

Macomb Mathematics Science and Technology Center

Dylan Clark, Abigail Girardot, Imran Rashid

The Bridgeridoos
Physics and Statistics
11A
Cybulski-McMillan

Table of Contents
Summary..2

Clark Girardot Rashid 1

Introduction..3
Background Information..4
Scientific Principles for Design.11
Bentley Drawings...12
Design Challenges.....14
Data Tables and Supporting Calculations...17
Test Process and Improvements...............18
Challenges and Solutions During Building & Safety Precautions....21
Conclusion.........................................................................................23
Acknowledgements......4
Bibliography..........25
Appendix A: Schedule....26
Appendix C: Daily Journals...27
Appendix C: Bentley Designs..28
Checklist......

Summary
Having been introduced into this competition, the process of meeting all of the
requirements began. The first task was to create designs of bridges in the hopes of creating one
with the best strength to weight ratio. We constructed designs using the Bentley software to view

Clark Girardot Rashid 2

potential ideas for the bridge. Once the Bentley design was finished, the next step consisted of
using the ModelSmart software in combination with our design. This would aid us in being able
to see a visual of where the tension and compression was taking place. In doing this, some small
changes were made to the preliminary but largely, it was kept true to the original design.
Next, construction of the preliminary bridge began. This gave us a very good experience
and feel for what materials we would be working with and what design techniques we wanted to
change for the final design. Once the preliminary was finished, it was tested in a situation much
like the final competition. This really provided a helpful idea of where the problems of the
preliminary design were. We were able to observe where the bridge looked weak under pressure
and where the collapse took place. Errors made during the construction phase were also observed
and noted. Using all of the preliminary experience, the final design was made.

Introduction
My name is Imran Rashid, and I am a student at both South Lake High School and
MMSTC. My intentions for the future would be to attend The University of Michigan in Ann
Arbor and study medicine. I am not certain on my specific field and occupation, however I know
I want to help and heal for a living. Currently, however, I enjoy playing golf and partaking in
South Lake High Schools marching band. Through this project, my group and I have learned

Clark Girardot Rashid 3

valuable information concerning bridges, structures, and engineering and architecture as a whole.
In our group, The Bridgeridoos, we enjoy learning and persevering through challenges and
obstacles as we take on this project.
My name is Abby Girardot, I am a junior at Center Line High School and MMSTC.
While taking part in this project has taught me to admire the work engineers put in to create
stable and efficient bridges for the public, I do not plan on going into that field. I plan on going
into a field where I spend my days helping those in need and improving living conditions both
physically and emotionally. In addition to my many aspirations, I am an avid reader and can be
found lost in a book in nearly every spare moment I have.
Im Dylan Clark, attendee of MMSTC and Center Line High School. Throughout school
I have been a dedicated member to the various bands available to me, as well as any program
that provides rich experience or opportunity. However, I do not plan on going into music. Jobs
such as bridge building as this project has inspired, and engineering in general, seem to call to
me as a career. I plan to attend the University of Michigan to pursue this, with hopes to combine
this interest with my leadership skills.

Background Information
To explain a cantilever through truss bridge, its components must be described. First, a
cantilever is a structure supported only on one end. Following, a truss consists of two-force
members where the members are organized so that the assembly behaves as a single object. A
"two-force member" is a structural component where force is applied to only two points. With
these components working in cohesion, the two cantilevers support the middle truss, forming a
cantilever through truss bridge. All of these sections can be seen and are properly labeled in
Figure 1 (see below) which also includes where the two forcestension and compressionact

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upon the bridge. The main use of the cantilever through truss bridge is the support system it has;
each cantilever supports the rest of the bridge from one side which allows for it to be efficient in
such a way that even as construction is done, it does not cause obstructions underneath it.
Furthermore, the cantilever through truss bridge does not require falsework during construction,
or temporary framework used for support. The efficiency during construction is the main reason
for building a cantilever through truss bridge. After construction, cantilever bridges are popularly
used for carrying heavy loads over water.

Figure 1.
Cantilever Through Truss Bridge Force Diagram
The figure above is a force diagram showing the forces acting on a cantilever through
truss bridge when a weight is acting on it. The object provides a downward force on the bridge

Clark Girardot Rashid 5

(force of gravity on the object). When this occurs, as shown by the red arrows, tension forms.
When a downward force is applied, stress forms in the beams on top, and tension is created as
they resist the force..Also, as shown by the green arrows, compression occurs. The middle
support beams on the cantilevers compress on themselves to hold the weight and the lower
beams also compress to avoid vertical settling. This combination of tension and compression
distributes the pressure of the weight throughout the bridge.

Figure 2. Beam Bridge Diagram

A beam bridge, also known as a girder bridge, is different from a cantilever through truss
bridge in that the beam bridge is much simpler. The beam bridge is composed solely of the beam
and the supports on both ends. The beam is simply a rigid horizontal structure that directly
supports the downwards force of objects on top of it (see Figure 2 above). Another area in which

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these two bridges differ is the regions of tension and compression. The beam bridge strictly has
compression on the top surface of the beam and within the supports, and tension on the bottom
surface of the beam. The cantilever through truss bridge has has the forces of tension and
compression acting throughout the structures. Compression can be observed on the top portion of
the truss, in the supports, and on the bottom chords of the cantilevers. Tension can be seen in the
surface platform of the truss and the upper chords of the cantilever (see Figure 1 above). These
forces all work to allow the bridge to remain stable over long spans and carry more weight when
compared to the beam bridge. Also, the cantilever through truss bridge causes minimal
obstruction below. This also justifies the complexity of a cantilever through truss bridge.

Figure 3. Arch Bridge Diagram

Another common type of bridge is the arch bridge. They are used instead of the
aforementioned beam bridges primarily because they require less material, despite the more
complicated design. The arch bridge is fairly unique because compression accounts for just about

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all of the forces, as Figure 3 depicts (see above). The foundation of the arch prevents vertical
settling and horizontal sliding when a downward force is applied. The cantilever through truss
bridge differs greatly in this sense. The cantilever through truss bridge uses both tension and
compression throughout the various components and structures. Also, the cantilever through
truss bridge requires more material, but can remain stable over longer spans of distance when
compared to the simple compression based arch bridge.

Figure 4. Suspension Bridge Diagram

Additionally, suspension bridges are a very common bridge as well. The suspension
bridge strictly uses tension in the chords and compression in the tower supports as seen in Figure
4 above. The cantilever bridge differs as it has tension in the upper portions similar to the
suspension bridge, but also has compression in the lower portions as well. Also, the cantilever

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bridge has a truss, as detailed previously, unlike the suspension bridge. Moreover, the
construction period of a cantilever bridge tends to be shorter than that of a suspension bridge
because there is no need for falsework.

Figure 5. Niagara Cantilever Bridge

Figure 5 above depicts an example of a cantilever through truss bridge, the Niagara
Cantilever Bridge, also known as the Michigan Central Railway Cantilever Bridge. This bridge
was constructed and opened in 1883 to connect Niagara Falls, New York, with Niagara Falls,

Clark Girardot Rashid 9

Ontario. After nearly forty years of use, it was closed in 1925 due to the invention of newer and
stronger bridges.

Figure 6. Forth Cantilever Bridge

Another example of a
cantilever bridge would be the
Forth Bridge which spans the Firth of Forth in Scotland as shown in Figure 6. This bridge is
known specifically as a cantilever railway bridge. It is considered to be an iconic symbol of
Scotland, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction on this bridge began in 1882, and
concluded in 1890. It was the earliest great multi span cantilever bridge. Also, with a 2,529
meters span, it remains one of the longest existing today. It was a milestone in industrial bridge
building.
The cantilever through truss bridge is unique in many ways. The various components and
structures that make up the bridge may seem complicated, but the advantages are plentiful. The
construction of a cantilever bridge is not only shorter than most other bridges, but also more
convenient and efficient. This is due to the fact that there are no obstructions beneath during

Clark Girardot Rashid 10

construction and falsework is unnecessary. Furthermore, the cantilever bridge is ideal for
carrying heavy loads of water. The tension and compression created when a downward force is
applied to the cantilever bridge are very efficient for accomplishing this task. Cantilever bridges
have been used, are being used, and will continue to be used for their various advantages and
intriguing aesthetic.

Scientific Principles for Design:

Figure
7. Preliminary Bridge Diagram

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Figure 7 above provides a visual representation of the forces of tension and compression
acting on the bridge when weight is applied. The wood will either resist being stretched apart or
being pushed in on itself. This stress on the wood results in tension and compression
respectively. These forces help the bridge support weight applied on it and remain stable.
For the preliminary design, the tension and compression were heavily utilized. The the
bridge and bottom frame of the truss and cantilevers as seen above. However, design and
compression was largely included in the vertical beams, and tension was mostly used in the top
of construction flaws deteriorated the efficiency of these forces.

Bentley Drawings

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Figure 8. Bentley Diagrams Preliminary Bridge

Figure 8 shows the design of the preliminary bridge in the Bentley software. Top left:
side view, with important lengths and angle measures shown. Bottom left: top view, with
important lengths and angle measures shown. Top right: front view, with important lengths and

Clark Girardot Rashid 13

angle measures shown. Once design ideas were brainstormed, and the basics of Bentley were
learned, the designs were laid out in the program, later to be constructed as the preliminary
bridge.

Figure 9. Bentley Diagrams Final Bridge

Figure 9 shows the Bentley software design of the final bridge. Top left: side view, with
important lengths and angle measures shown. Bottom left: top view, with important lengths and
angle measures shown. Top right: front view, with important lengths and angle measures shown.
Using the preliminary experience to our advantage, a final bridge design was created.
Substituting pointed cantilevers for flat pieces, a larger focus on overlapping support beams, and
a shorter bridge altogether are the main focus points of this final design.
Dimensioned Scaled Bentley Drawings
Attached to this proposal are the aforementioned Bentley Designs in Appendix C.

Clark Girardot Rashid 14

Design Challenges:
When designing this bridge, there were several issues that came about. One of these
issues was figuring out the most overall efficient design of the bridge. We did not follow the
most prominent designs of cantilever through truss bridges and instead experimented in creating
a bridge design on our own. This created issues with the allowance of only joint maximum.
Additionally, a very large flaw was incorporated in the design of the truss. The short, horizontal
pieces connecting across the bridge were glued beneath the truss frame. This resulted in a very
weak truss that lacked help from the tension and compression and relied simply on glue. This
must and will be corrected in the final design. Learning from the design flaws will greatly
increase the strength of the bridge. Furthermore, by removing the unnecessary or inefficient
pieces that provide the least support, we can decrease our weight, therefore increasing the
strength to weight ratio.

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Figure 10. Model

Smart Preliminary Design 1 and 2

Figure 10 above displays 2 examples of potential preliminary designs. However, the latter
of the two was abandoned because it did not meet all parameters. As the different designs were
experimented, they were run through the Model Smart software in order to simulate a downward
force. This revealed which parts of the bridge was under the most stress.

Clark Girardot Rashid 16

Figure 11. Model Smart Final Design

The figure above depicts the final design we created using the ModelSmart. The darker
the color highlighting a piece, the more stress present. Using the stress analyzation feature we
were able to remove inefficient pieces and add support where needed.

Table 1. Collected Model Smart Data

In the above table, the data from the two aforementioned preliminary designs are shown,
as well as the collected data from the final bridge design. All of this data was collected using the
Model Smart program.

Data Tables and Supporting Calculations

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Table 2. Data from Testing of Preliminary Bridge

Table 2 above displays the weight, strength, and ratio of the preliminary test. The purpose
was to create a bridge with the best strength to weight ratio. In order to figure out what that
ratio was, the total mass of the bridge must be observed and noted. After the process of testing
the bridge, which is detailed in the following section, the total weight of what the bridge can hold
is known as the strength of the bridge. The following two figures represent how both the overall
strength of the bridge and the strength to weight ratio were calculated.

Figure 12. Strength of Bridge Calculation

Figure 12 shows the equation used for calculating strength of the bridge accurately. In
this case, the weight of the 14x2x1 block of wood placed within the truss, surmised with the
weight of the bucket and sand that the bridge was able to withstand would equal the strength of
the bridge.

Figure 13. Strength to Weight Ratio Calculations

Figure 13 above depicts the calculations used to find the strength to weight ratio. To
calculate the strength to weight ratio, the total strength of the bridge must be divided by its own

Clark Girardot Rashid 18

weight. This is exactly what was done to come to the conclusion that the preliminary bridge had
a strength to weight ratio of only 88.5, which proved to be a very low value and therefore a very
weak bridge.

Testing Process and Improvements

Figure 14. Before Construction

Figure 14 above shows a picture taken of the materials before the construction of the
bridge. Extended pieces of balsa wood, shears, and the glue provided is shown.

Clark Girardot Rashid 19

Figure 15. Basic Foundation Constructed

Figure 15 above shows a picture taken of the basic foundation construction.

Figure 16. Middle of Construction

Figure 16 above shows a picture taken of the completed truss and early stages of
cantilever construction.

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Figure 17. Finishing Construction

Figure 17 above shows a picture taken of the bridge as it nears completion.

Figure 18. Completed Preliminary Bridge

Figure 18 above shows a picture taken of the completed bridge.

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Testing our bridge involved the use of a support system set up between two tables. This
support system consisted of two rectangular pieces of support wood placed 24 apart. The two
cantilevers of our bridge were placed upon the supports, a 14x2x1 block of wood was placed
within the center of the truss. Attached to the center, was a string that was fed through the bridge
and hooked to a bucket. This bucket was then filled with sand until the moment of collapse. Once
the bridge was collapsed, and in the moments leading up to that point, the major weak spots on
the bridge were easily observed. Based on this preliminary testing, we concluded as a group, that
the design of our bridge as a whole needed to be rethought.
From what was gathered, major improvements were needed. The first improvement to
make was to create more stability and strength throughout the entire bridge. Our thought on how
to accomplish that, was to include more triangles throughout the design, as well as overlapping
the support throughout the cantilever.

Challenges and Solutions During Building & Safety Precautions

The fashion in which we constructed the bridge was severely flawed. The pieces were
often positioned wrong as we attached them to other pieces. This created weak bonds and would
create instances in which nothing more than the glue was holding the bridge together. Neither
tension or compression were efficiently used. Furthermore, the lengths of the pieces did not have
a small enough tolerance to build a straight and stable bridge. When cutting with the shears, the
wood would often split. As we build the final bridge, we will measure twice, and cut once. A
great deal of knowledge was acquired through constructing the preliminary and testing it. The
final bridge will certainly be greatly improved.
Furthermore, in order to productively and safely construct the bridge, proper precautions
were necessary. To begin, adult supervision was always prevalent consistently. Extra care was

Clark Girardot Rashid 22

also taken when dealing with shears or pins during construction. Additionally, while testing the
preliminary bridges strength, anyone near the bridge was wearing goggles. Through these
processes, the procedures were all safe and orderly.

Conclusion
The best way to learn is through experience and making errors. Through the
preliminaries, we learned which designs are most practical and efficient. We learned the best
procedures to follow during construction. And, we learned many helpful nuances of the
processes such as; attaching pieces using different methods (ex. sandwiched or notched), using

Clark Girardot Rashid 23

the softwares effectively, and locating where the most stress would occur on the bridge itself.
Also, we gathered valuable experience in material usage and in working as a team. We have
gauged our strengths and weaknesses, and plan to use all of our knowledge to improve on our
bridge substantially when the final build takes place.
In conclusion, a great deal was learned through the preliminary stages. As was expected,
flaws were made and errors occurred. However, this is the purpose of the initial bridge and each
flaw lead to an equal or greater piece of knowledge. As we enter the final phase, we will put all
of this to good use by correcting our mistakes and building a more efficient bridge. With the
sheer amount of experience gathered in the preliminary stage, as well as the enjoyment of
working towards this set goal as a group, the project was a huge success. Fortunately there is still
more to come, and we hope to take Grand Rapids by storm with the Bridgeridoo final build!

Acknowledgements
Mrs. Cybulski:
We would like to acknowledge Mrs. Cybulski for always keeping project information
ready at hand and helping go over the requirements for the bridge construction as well as this
proposal.

Mr.Mcmillan:

Clark Girardot Rashid 24

We would like to thank Mr. McMillan for his supervision over the construction of the bridge and
helping out when needed.

Bibliography
"bridge". Encyclopdia Britannica. Encyclopdia Britannica Online.
Encyclopdia Britannica Inc., 2016. Web. 27 Jan. 2016
<http://www.britannica.com/technology/bridge-engineering>
Chavan, Akshay. "Advantages and Disadvantages of a Cantilever Bridge."Buzzle.
Buzzle.com, 07 Feb. 2015. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.
<http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-cantileverbridge.html>
"The Forth Bridge." UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Historic Scotland, n.d. Web. 27
Jan. 2016. <http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1485>

Clark Girardot Rashid 25

Griggs, Frank. "The Niagara Cantilever Bridge." STRUCTURE Magazine. NCSEA, Sept.
2015. Web. 27 Jan. 2016. <http://www.structuremag.org/?p=8999>
Woodford, Chris. "Bridges and Tunnels." Bridges and Tunnels. N.p., 9 July 2015. Web.
26 Jan. 2016. <http://www.explainthatstuff.com/bridges.html>

Appendix A: Schedule
Due Date

Assignment

1/28/2016

Basics of Competition
Start Portfolio
Research Cantilever Through Truss Bridge

1/28/2016

Rules for Bridge Construction

Brainstorm Construction Ideas
Sketches from each person

2/2/2016

Bentley Software using Sketches

Model Smart Testing
Select Best Bridge Design

2/4/2016

Build Preliminary Bridge

2/9/2016

Test Bridge

2/10/2016

Finalize Portfolio

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Appendix B: Daily Journal

Date

Abby

Dylan

Imran

1/25/2016

Began researching
Cantilever Through Truss
Bridge.

Began researching
cantilever bridge designs.

Researched effects of
tension and compression.

1/26/2016

Continued research and

began assigned paper.

Began learning to use

Bentley Design Software.

Researched real life

cantilevers, found
examples.

1/27/2016

Final formatting of research

paper.

Aided in conclusive stages Began sketching designs

of research paper.
for preliminary bridge.

1/28/2016

Finished and submitted

research paper.

Used Bentley software to

design prelim.bridge.

1/29/2016

Finished designing
ModelSmart.

Collaborative construction Collaborative construction

of preliminary.
of preliminary.

2/1/2016

Finished designing Bentley.

Construction of bottom
platform of truss.

Construction of bottom
platform of truss.

2/2/2016

Finished construction of the

truss.

Finished construction of
the truss.

Finished construction of
the truss.

2/3/2016

Construction of cantilevers.

Construction of
cantilevers.

Construction of
cantilevers.

ModelSmart
experimentation.

Clark Girardot Rashid 27

2/4/2016

Formatting of final proposal.

Finalized Bentley design

with all three views.

Proposal introduction.

2/5/2016

Finished construction of
preliminary bridge.

Finished construction of
preliminary bridge.

Finished construction of
preliminary bridge.

2/8/2016

Bridge testing, video of

breakdown.

Recorded prelim. testing,

worked on proposal.

Further research based on

prelim. test results.

2/9/2016

Work on final proposal.

Work on final bridge

design.

ModelSmart design of
final bridge design.

2/10/2016

Work on final proposal.

Work on final proposal.

Work on final proposal.

Appendix C: Bentley Drawings