Complex Engineering Problem (CEP)

Machine Design I
Problem Title: Design of a Bridge using Rivet Joint
Attributes involved in CEP: WP2, WP3, WP7
Problem Description:
In the construction of a new bridge, various truss members need to be joined using rivet connections. The
structural integrity of these connections is crucial for the overall safety and stability of the bridge. The
challenge is to design the best rivet joint for a specific truss member, ensuring it can withstand the
anticipated loads and environmental conditions (Taking Length of bridge: 500 + x, where x will be last two
digit of roll number). You have given task to select appropriate materials, determining the rivet pattern, and
simulating the performance of the joint using computer-aided design software.
Key Objectives:
1. Selecting Rivet Material: Choose a suitable material for the rivets and truss member, considering
factors such as tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.
2. Load Analysis: Determine the expected loads on the truss member, including both static and
dynamic loads. Consider the effects of live loads, environmental factors, and fatigue. Assume the
missing data where it is needed.
3. Rivet Pattern Design: Design the layout and spacing of rivets in the joint. Consider pitch, edge
distance, and any specific requirements for the truss member's material and shape.
4. Computer-aided design (CAD): Create a 3D model of the truss member and rivet joint and
simulate its behavior under various loading conditions using software. Analyze stress, deformation,
and potential failure modes.
5. Elevate Safety: Improve the rivet joint design to minimize material usage while ensuring structural
integrity, safety, and durability.
6. Failure Analysis: Perform a failure analysis to identify potential failure modes, such as buckling,
fatigue, or fracture. Propose design modifications to mitigate these risks.
7. Report and Presentation: Present the finest rivet joint design, including detailed engineering
drawings, CAD results, and a comprehensive report (individually) that justifies the design choices
and safety margins.
Additional Considerations:
 Emphasize the importance of considering both static and dynamic loads, as bridges are subject to
various types of traffic and environmental forces.
 Reassure to explore different rivet types, such as high-strength structural rivets, and evaluate their
suitability for the application.
  Highlight the significance of adhering to relevant industry standards and codes when designing
rivet joints for structural components.
 Consider the impact of rivet design on bridge maintenance and inspection.
(This complex engineering problem challenges was given to students to apply their knowledge of
Mechanical engineering, material science, load analysis, and computer-aided design. It also encourages you
to think critically about real-world considerations in bridge construction, including safety, cost-efficiency,
and long-term durability.)

Assessment Criteria

Criterion Presenting of Model CAD Design Timely Report

Rubrics for Assignment

Criterion and Typical level descriptor

1 2 3 4
Presenting of idea Tried to present Tried to present The correct design The correct design
some factors necessary factors procedure is procedure is
partially and Judgement is presented and its presented and its
presented presented judgements made in judgements made in
setting up the model setting up the model
are partially and substantially
presented; argued and presented
Model The hand The reasonable Judgments for Judgments for
Development/ calculations Hand calculations intermediate intermediate
Calculations are presented, are presented, model(s) and the model(s) and the
though very though limited hand calculations hand calculations
limited are less substantially are substantially
presented, but less argued and
argued presented
CAD Modeling Evidence is Evidence is Evidence is less Evidence is
Hardly presented presented, though substantially comprehensively
to demonstrate limited, to presented and presented and
the CAD demonstrate the argued, or b) convincingly argued
model CAD model substantially to demonstrate that
presented but little an efficient CAD
argued to model has been
demonstrate that created that accounts
an efficient CAD for the limitations of
model has been the techniques
 created that may
or may not
accounts for the
limitations of the
techniques
Design Analysis set of results set of valid A set of valid A set of valid results
had been results has results was was presented and
presented been presented and its its correctness and
partially; presented correctness and the accuracy has
the accuracy has been proved;
been partially
proved (2 out of 3)
Timely submission More than 1 week 4 Day late 1 Day late Submitted Timely Submitted
late Submitted Submitted
Report Little Some The report provides The report provides
consideration consideration had in a well- structured in a well-structured
had been given been given to the manner, all the manner, all the
to the selection selection of necessary data to necessary data to
of appropriate appropriate screen demonstrate that a demonstrate that a
screen shots of shots of the CAD valid and efficient valid and efficient
the CAD model model but the analysis has been analysis has been
and the structure structure is weak. carried out for the carried out for the
is weak. The The design design. The design. Clear and
design/analysis /analysis results commentary could insightful comment
results are poorly are poorly demonstrate more on the results leads to
presented. presented. insight into the precise conclusions
results.