Design a Footbridge
Overview
This project guides students through the process of designing a new footbridge across the River Thames at Nine Elms in London. Students will find out about many of the things that engineers have to take into account when planning a construction project: sourcing materials; construction methods, construction equipment and temporary structures – all in the context of one of the most prestigious structural design competitions to be announced in recent years. At the end of this project they will be able to present a construction sequence to a group of engineers from your company, explaining to them the choices that you have made.
Activities
Day 1
Bridge Research
Students will investigate different types of footbridge and locate the area of the redevelopment.
Day 2
Choosing a route
Students will research the three possible routes for the bridge, and choose one of these three routes as their final alignment.
Day 3
Initial Concept
Students will start to sketch designs for their bridge. They will choose one design to take forward to the next stage.
Day 4
Calculations and Construction
Students will carry-out calculations on their proposed design, and work-out how the bridge could be built.
Day 5
Organise and present
In this final stage students will present their design to a group of colleagues.More Information
Curriculum
This project is aimed at 14 to 19-year-old students working at or equivalent to KS4/5.
Skills Development
Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills
Through independent enquiry – students can explore issues from different perspectives; analyse and evaluate information, judge its relevance and value; and support conclusions, using reasoned arguments and evidence.
Through self-management – students are required to show flexibility when priorities change; work towards goals, showing initiative and perseverance; organize their time; and manage their emotions.
Through reflective learning –by reviewing progress; inviting feedback; evaluating their experiences; and communicating their learning in relevant ways for different audiences.
Communication Skills
Through role play, interviews, written and verbal communication.
Information, Advice and Guidance
This project is designed to help students explore the workplace, giving them the chance to build their confidence, skills and understanding of what is needed to be a civil engineer in a design office. As part of this project, students are specifically asked to interview a member of staff about what path they took to get the job they have now.
Delivery Requirements
It would be beneficial if the student is able to access information on similar real projects within your organisation, and the people who have worked on them, but if this is not possible then there are ranges of supporting resources that students will be able to access from their workbooks.
Supervision
Supervisors will need an hour to prepare any supporting resources prior to the student starting and then approximately 1-1.5 hours a day for 1:1 supervision and arranging access to other members of staff.
Resources
Organisations are encouraged to provide supporting resources such as drawings from a real project, examples of a real desk study or construction sequences which will enable the student to contextualise the project.
Equipment
All you need is a computer with internet access!
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Recommended For:
- Engineering Consultancies
- Construction Companies