November 2009

MUN Engineering to Redesign Model Bridge Testing Equipment

MUN Engineering students Renee Hodder and Tim Smith have undertaken a project to update the testing system used for the annual Model Bridge Competition during National Engineering and Geoscience Month [NEGM]. 

The project was designed to support and encourage students and schools in Labrador to become more involved in the model bridge competition [in 2008, students from four Labrador communities sent in bridges] and could not have been carried out with the invaluable support of Vale Inco.

The tools involved in the testing the bridges have evolved considerably over the years. Initially, the testing was performed using a test set-up provided by the civil engineering department, Memorial University. These frames were large, heavy and cumbersome and it took a considerable amount of effort to set up the test frames in the testing location. 

The test set-up was completely redesigned about 10 years ago, resulting in a compact, light frame that could easily be moved and installed by one person. The model bridges were pressure-tested by a ram attached to a hydraulic jack and results were monitored and displayed in an easy-to-use software program. 

Darin LeBlanc, P. Eng., of the NEGM Committee, approached Professor Dennis Peters, P. Eng., of the Engineering faculty and asked that some engineering students take on a project to review and redesign the equipment.

This project includes modernizing the test frame system; making it compatible with new Operating Systems and incorporating new technological features. The hardware and software should be fully redesigned using the existing system as a guide.

The equipment has now been evaluated and some recommendations have been made for implementation later in 2009.

© Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador