Colossus

Event Introduction

Colossus is an event of analysis and design of various structural models. With scores of possible designs for any given structure, colossus presents you with an opportunity to prove your mettle in an intriguing contest among the brightest.

Participants are required to analyse, design and fabricate a deck truss bridge of specified dimensions, using Aluminium L-sections and other specified materials as per an estimate prepared by them that can sustain the design load under permissible deflection for minimum cost incurred.

Team Size:

Maximum 3 members

Bridge Specifications

• The bridge has to have a minimum span of 1000 mm and a deck width of 300 mm.
• The deck truss can have a maximum height of 500 mm.
• The bridge will be loaded by a plank of length 500 mm at the centre.
• The bridge has to take a minimum load of 20 kg. The loading will be continued till 60 kg or failure whichever is earlier.
• Deflection of the truss will be measured at the center. Allowable deflection is 5 mm. Deflection beyond this will be penalized as explained later. Maximum deflection allowed is 15 mm.
• Failure of support or any individual member, deflection beyond permissible limit, collapse of structure and failure of joints will be considered as failure. The load taken by the structure before the failure load would be considered as ultimate load.
• Supports are not to be designed. Supports will be provided by the organizing committee during loading.
• The event would have three stages.

Stage I

Teams are expected to mail a design and tender document in word document, AutoCAD drawings etc. Teams will be shortlisted based on this document. Preference would be given to the team with economical design and higher strength of structure.

Last date for submission of design and tender is 20^th October 2009.

Stage II

Shortlisted teams are required to build the structure according to their design using the materials and tools supplied by the organizers.

Stage III

After completion of construction, a power point presentation explaining their design methodology, analysis, and economics should be presented. The teams should justify why their design is unique and deserves to win. After the presentation the structures will be tested in the presence of the team.

Materials Provided

• Aluminum L-sections of dimensions 1 inch x 1 inch and 0.5 mm thickness and 3.6 m in length (Wastages due to non compatibility of lengths have to be calculated and additional material required to be quoted appropriately).
• Nuts and bolts for the joints.

Hacksaw blades and frame, spanner and power drill will be provided. Any other material as required by the participant will be provided, if felt necessary and appropriate by the organizers.

Details Expected in Tender:

• Analysis and design of the structure in word document.
• Amount of materials required and the total cost of the materials. The tender should also give the total number of man hours required to complete the construction in terms of cost and time in word document. (For material details, see below)
• Plan and elevation of the structure in AutoCAD drawing format or any 2D or 3D rendering.

Cost of materials

• L-sections – 35 units/m
• Nuts and bolts – 2 units each
• Labour – 20 units/ man hour.

Extra materials or extra man hours may be provided upon request if felt necessary and appropriate by the organizers, during the construction stage at double the normal cost.

Judging criterion

Teams will be judged based on their design, presentation and testing.

The points for testing is based on the formula

W=Maximum load sustained by the structure at failure in kg (Minimum=20, Maximum=60 kg)

L=Clear span of the bridge in m

d=Deflection at the centre beyond 5 mm (in mm)

C=Cost of structure in units

Typical Design

Sufficient protrusion on the top member has to be provided for resting on support.

The truss design is for illustrative purpose only. Actual design is up to the teams.

Note : The decision of judges and organizing committee would be final and binding. The organizers reserve the right to modify any of the rules and regulations from time to time in order to maintain a healthy spirit of the competition. Participating teams are requested to check this space for the latest updates.

Contact details:

• Prateek Goyal : +91-9900406065
• You can email your queries to colossus@engineer.org.in