Photos

Some photos have been taken from previous Bridge Model Competitions. You may get some idea at here or improve the design, but do not copy 100%.























Literature

Type of Bridges:

They are many type of bridges available around the world. Basically, they can be categorized as:
  • Girder Bridge


  • Arch Bridge


  • Truss Bridge


  • Cable Stayed Bridge


  • Rigid Frame Bridge


  • Suspension Bridge

Following are some of the links for bridges:

FAQ 1

Frequently Asked Question:

Q1. Which bridge shape shall I choose for the competition?
The strongest structures for a short span of bridge model that won the competition in previous years are rigid frame type of bridge + arch bridge.

Q2. How can I build a model bridge that follow the shape that I want?
The shape follows the drawing. So the best method is to make a full scale drawing of 1 meter span bridge using AutoCad, and start by doing initial glueing on the drawing (on the floor) to form a components/parts. Once the glue set dry, you can start assembling the components/parts by tying using a strong string.

Q3. What materials to be used for bridge model construction? Can I use bamboo?
The lightest non-metal materials is balsa wood. But the balsa plank has to be cut into pieces of 150 mm and in 5 mm thick, then glued together to form a shapes. You may use bamboo, but bamboo stick is heavier than balsa. Since part of the material is sponsored, will you still insist to use bamboo?

Q4. What type of glue can I use to make the model?
Any glue that give strong bonding. Silicon glue, Dunlop glue, UHU glue can be used, but they are too heavy. I would recommend araldite glue, CA glue or Super glue. (Updated!)

Q5. How can I bend the balsa wood?
Balsa wood can be bent easily if it is heated. Try to use hair dryer to heat the balsa wood, bend and pin it using 3-4 pins. Be careful not to over burn your balsa wood. It also can be bent easily by immersed in water, then bend and pin it using 3-4 pins, subsequently let it dry.

Q6. Can I test the model before the competition?
Yes you can. Try 5kg of sand pouch on bridge model deck. You can do pre-testing in our Civil Engineering’s Structure Lab (E4-M09).You may also weight your structures on weighing scale to obtain the best strength over weight. But don't break the models.

Q7. Can I keep the model if I won the competition?
The bridge model from overall winners of the competition will belong to FOEAT, INTI International University. You can keep the photos, moneys and certificates.

Q8. Can I get an advice from anyone for the design and construction of models?
Yes, from anyone, except the judges. You can also seek advice from your senior who had participated in previous National Bridge Model Competition. Call them!!!

Q9. How is if I cheat during the competition by inserting a metal/wires inside the wood?
Your team will be disqualified, our judges has a very sharp eyes in model constructions, particularly Mr. Woon.

Q10. What do you mean by clear span?
Clear span is the free/unobstructed/no-column/no-support span spanning the river, for example. So, instead having model length of 1 meter, you should extend the model to say 1.2 meter, ie. 0.1 meter on the left and right of the model for a support to the testing frame.

Q11. What software shall I use for drawing or to try out the engineering analysis?
For engineering drawing, I recommend you to use AutoCad, either in 2D or 3D. For engineering analysis, you may use Multiframe 4D from formsys, StaadPro or S-Frame. You may download the Multiframe 4D’s demo software at this address.

Q12. How do I make a poster?
You can design your poster using Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop or CorelDraw, and send it to nearest printing shop for printing. If you have an artistic talent, you can hand drawn your poster and colour-it using pastel colour pencil, water colour or oil colour.

Q13. I am a Degree student and my friends are Diploma student, can we form a group?
Yes you can! This competition is open for all FOEAT students, regardless what level and disciplinary you are.

Q14. I built the model with bridge deck using plywood, can I dismantle the deck during the model testing?
Yes you can, but make sure it is detachable, and you must provide some space for us to insert the strings for 5 kg loader.

Q15. Can I paint or varnish my model?
Not encouraged. It is because painting will increase the weight! Let it be looked natural.

Q16. How can I reduce the weight of my model?
You have to select the truss or members of the bridge model carefully and remove any redundant (un-used) members. Or, you may use sand-paper to sand the unnecessary thickness of the model.

Q17. What is equivalent cross section?
Equivalent cross section is size of 5x5, such as: 2.5x7.5; 1x10; 0.5x10mm; 2.5x10; 1x25; 0.5x50; 2x12.5; 3x8.3; 4x6.25 and etc.

Q18. What are the critical successful factors in this competition?
Teamwork, dedication and never give up, man! These are the essential attitude needed whenever you do a thing. Of course, lightness and least deflection of your model also play important role at here.

Q19. What are the best records INTI International University has?
Our best records in previous National Bridge Model Competitions are shown below:

Year 2009
  • 1st Prize: 70 gram with 0.40 mm vertical deflection.
  • 2nd Prize: 80 gram with 0.34 mm vertical deflection

Year 2007:
  • 1st Prize: 89 gram with 0.5 mm vertical deflection.

So, we hope to maintain our best record in next coming National Bridge Model Competition 2011.

Q20. OK, I'm interested on it. Where can I register?
Kindly come to FOEAT office's counter to collect the INTI Bridge Model Competition's Registration Form, fill in all the information and submit back to any officer at there.

The Testing


ASSESSMENT OF MODEL:

All models will be placed on testing rig as shown in Figure 1. Load of 5 kg (or exactly 5100 gram plus string) will be applied using four strings. The string is approximately placed 150 mm from the centre of your bridge span (left & right). The strings are equipped with the hook at the end. The weight of the hook plus string is approximately 100 gram only. Try your model at home with this weight first before the actual event. Your model shall not fail during the test.

Figure 1: Way of testing the bridge model
(click it for bigger picture viewing)


A) Preliminary Testing:

In Preliminary Testing, your model will be assessed based on the category as below during the day of event:

  • Lightness = 50%
  • Least deflection = 50%

The marks will be summed up to shortlist the top 8 in Preliminary Testing. Any bridge model weights more than 400 gram or deflects vertically more than 4 mm is automatically disqualified in this level. No prizes are given in this level.


B) Grand Final:

Those who won the Top 8 in Preliminary Testing will compete again in Grand Final. You can re-make in order to improve your previous model or totally have a new model design for Grand Final (updated!).

In Grand Final, your group will be assessed based on the category as below:


The marks will be summed up to give the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of overall winner in Grand Final. Any bridge model weights more than 250 gram or deflects vertically more than 2 mm is automatically disqualified in this level.


The Top 3’s bridge model designs are belong to FOEAT, INTI International University. You bring home the photos, prizes and certificates.

Rules & Regulations

General
  • This competition is open to FOEAT students only.
  • The number of students in a group must not lesser than two, but not more than five. You can mix with other disciplines.
  • Each group is encouraged to seek advise from academic staff during the model design and construction.
  • INTI sponsors RM 200 for each group (max. 15 group only) to buy the materials. If the registration is overwhelming, screening will be conducted to shortlist the best 20 groups based on their written proposal and poster presentation.
  • Models must be displayed during the exhibition.
  • Entries not complying to the rules and regulations of the competition will be disqualified.
  • Decisions by the judges are final.


Materials
  • The models shall be made from non-metallic materials such as balsa wood, bamboo, paper, thread, straws, glue, masking tape or similar materials.
  • Composite materials such as carbon fibres or plastic materials are not allowed.

Element Dimensions
  • The cross section of each element must not greater than 5 x 5 mm for square section and 6 mm for circular cross section or equivalent area for rectangular section.
  • Each element should not longer than 150 mm. You can connect several elements to form longer members.

Model Specification
  • Clear span between supports should be 1000 mm.
  • The overall length should be 1200 +/- 25 mm.
  • The model must be simply supported.
  • Maximum deck width is 100 mm and can accommodate 2 nos. of carriageway of at least 30 mm wide each.
  • Maximum overall bridge height 300 mm.
  • The undetachable deck slab of the bridge should be horizontal and can accommodate 2 nos. of at least 30 mm wide per vehicle and must be a part of the model of bridge.
  • Base area at both ends must not be greater than 100 × 100 mm.
  • Connection: glue or/and tie (thread).
  • The model must be able to carry a 5 kg loading block for at least 30 seconds during the test.
  • Landscape and multimedia presentation are not required in this competition, only the bridge model is needed.
  • Stopper/small wood block that located at the end of base area and its able to hook the basement are not allowed.

Poster Presentation (Updated!)
  • Each model must be accompanied with a poster presentation (10 minutes presentation + 10 minutes Q&A session) during the Grand Final.
  • Each team will be allocated a booth and a notice board for bridge model and poster display. Poster presentation will be carry out at your respective booth (similar to Diploma/Degree project's presentation at MPH).
  • PowerPoint or Multimedia presentation is not a must. Only poster, presentation content and skills will be assessed.
  • The poster must not be more than two A1 size paper. Computer, projector and screen are not provided.
  • The poster shall has, but not limited of the following information:

- location of your bridge and/or project.
- purpose of your bridge and/or project.
- design concept, idea or theme of your bridge.
- conceptual drawing / illustration view.
- technical analysis / cost estimation.
- group name.

  • Numbers of presenter for each team are unrestricted.
  • A Best Presenter(s) award will be given in this category. The award is RM 200 cash prize and a trophy.

Kindly goto FAQ 2 for further understanding.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)