Build a
better Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge Scale Model contest.
Challenge- Design and construct an improved scale model of the
The current
plan on MassTEC.org functions properly and is representative but can be
improved. Professor of Practice at Tufts University Brian Brenner
facilitated the design and construction of the present model at http://masstec.org/lzbhb.htm.
He has noted
The first segments by the piers are hard for younger students to place, so this
detail should be improved. Also with the first segments, there should be some
type of latch or connection to the piers to force the span into better
position. We've been filling the gap
with folder paper. The cables need some
type of turnbuckle to adjust the length.
I started using clips just to see how it would work.
Professor Brenner has some students currently working to improve the model. Their latest improvements can be viewed at http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/etc/bridge/.
Instructional Model
The goal of the instructional model is to mimic the forces in the
Submissions
for the instructional model must include, but are not limited to,
A report detailing the process, including the steps followed in the Engineering Design Process, this can be found on page 73 of the Massachusetts Science and Technology
Engineering Curriculum Framework(page 73 following the numbers on the bottom of the page in the framework)
Detailed plans
A constructed scale model
The Scale Model must be able to fit through a standard door, assembled or
disassembled, and be no longer than 8
Evaluation for the instructional model will be based on
Ease of construction (completed scale model parts and
building the scale model)
Ability to
assemble and disassemble in an instructional fashion and mimic the forces in
the
Scale
accuracy
Realistic ness
Presentation
Plans
Portability
Participant Divisions
Middle School- Students enrolled in grades 6-8
High School- Students enrolled in grades 9-12
Open Division- Participants who do not fit in the above categories, such as college students or other interested participants.
Prizes in all divisions 1st place- $100, 2nd place $50
Realistic Concrete Simulated Model
The goal of the realistic concrete simulated model is to showcase the use of
concrete and construction methods used in the construction of the
A report detailing the process, including the steps followed in the
Engineering Design Process (pg 73 of the Massachusetts Science and
Technology Engineering Curriculum Framework)
A constructed completed scale model
The Scale Model must be able to fit through a standard door, assembled or disassembled
and be no longer than 8
Evaluation for the for the instructional model will be based on
Ease of construction (completed scale model parts and building/ assembling the
scale model)
Scale accuracy
Presentation
Realistic ness
Plans
Paper copies of the plans must be included as part of the presentation. Non-paper presentation techniques may be utilized
as another part of the submission.
Participant Division- one division for all participants.
Contest Duration
June 2005- September 30th 2006
The winners will be awarded at the fall of 2006 MassTEC conference. The MassTEC
Awards and Publicity Committee reserves the right to add, change, or clarify
rules due to unforeseen circumstances or interpretation out of line with the
intent of the contest.
The Massachusetts Science and Technology Engineering Curriculum Framework can
be downloaded at http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html
Background Information
The idea for this contest was inspired by Professor Brennor's scale model of the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge and his willingness to offer the plans for additional models to be constructed and improved. Professor Brennor's model is constructed out of wood. With a table saw, the plans, a 2x4, a 1x6 and some basic woodworking skills this model can be constructed. Many of these items are common place in the Technology Education/Engineering classroom. The process of improving a piece of technology is one of the cornerstones in the Technology Education/Engineering classroom. Working with tools, following plans, attempting to improve existing technologies, the forces in a structure, the parts of a structure and the choices of materials utilized to construct a structure are concepts that exist through out the technology engineering strand of the Science and Technology Engineering Curriculum Framework. All of this presented itself as a great educational experience for students.
While presenting the idea to colleagues, an engineer pointed out that the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge utilized many innovative construction methods and usage of aggregate materials. This inspired the Realistic Concrete Simulated Model category.
Because the instructional model is easier to research and construct, a few separate divisions have been classified. There will be only one division for the Realistic Concrete Simulated Model.
The models do not have to be constructed of wood or concrete. MassTEC does not advise utilizing any tools, machines or processes individuals or members of the teams are not familiar with or skilled in there use. Participants may use alternate materials as long as the final product is representative of the goal of the model.
It is MassTEC's intention to present the winners of the various categories with a awards. MassTEC is presently in the process of soliciting sponsors to provide funding for prizes. Click here if you are interested in being a sponsor of the contest.
To enter the contest please e-mail your team name, participants, team address and a e-mail address to coertevanv@msn.com. Please note this is not an automated system in any form. Information will be kept only for purposes related to the contest and not shared or sold. E-Mails may be sent out only to update contestants regarding changes, if any additional resources become available, or other contest related information.
Information Professor Brennor has passed on about the Leonard Zakum Bunker Hill Bridge.
Dimensions Main span 227 m
Length of side spans 2 x 84 m
Pylon height 98.40 m
Ddeck width 56.10 m
MassTEC Awards/Publicity Committee
Stephen Van Voorhis
Technology Education/Engineering
Gordon W Mitchell Middle School
435 Central St, East Bridgewater, MA 02333
coertevanv@msn.com