How Much Steel?
applied
What if you varied the angle? - Explore the mathematical principles and create your own unique investigation.
Introduction
Modelling the amount of steel required (the number of trusses, etc.) as a sequence is easier for the bridge on the bottom left. How about applying this to the Forth Bridge? Is it possible to generate a sequence, and represent it as a function, etc? How about developing a cost function for the volume of steel?
Guiding Questions
- What mathematical models apply to this situation?
- What data do you need to collect and how will you analyze it?
- What assumptions are you making in your mathematical model?
- How can you validate your mathematical conclusions?
- What are the limitations of your approach?
Key Mathematical Concepts
Applied Calculus
Bridge Engineering
Catenary Curves
Structural Design