Innovation Challenge - 3D Bridge

This project showcases a hand-sized, mechanically operated model inspired by the Francis Scott Key Bridge, bringing structural behavior and engineering design concepts to life through hands-on demonstration.

Problem

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, officially known as the Key Bridge, is an impressive engineering feat that spans the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland. Completed in 1977, it serves as a major transportation link within the region, connecting parts of Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The bridge's construction was a complex project, involving the use of reinforced steel, concrete, and tensioned cables to create a resilient structure capable of withstanding heavy traffic loads and fluctuating weather conditions.

Solution

In our model, we aimed to capture the overall design and architectural style of the Key Bridge, focusing on its iconic truss structure and support system. However, to add our own twist, we integrated a series of arched supports that differ from the original, and we aimed to construct a mechanism allowing us to raise and lower the bridge through a geared system beneath the bridge’s model. Our proposition enhances the stability and allows for a smoother distribution of weight. This adaptation reflects a modern approach to bridge design, incorporating newer materials and engineering techniques to further improve resilience while maintaining aesthetic similarity to the Key Bridge. The inclusion of these additions in our model not only demonstrates an innovative design choice but also showcases an alternative method for distributing load, making the model both visually appealing and structurally informative.