This week the first of my books arrived (The strains upon bridge girdersand roof trusses... by T. Cargill). This book is a scanned copy of quite an old book (1873) and some of the pages are damaged due to the wear of time. It does have some relevant sections on uniformly distributed weights, determining strains graphically, the strains upon the web of gidrers, and the lattice girder. I have started to read the relevant sections, and will use them to hepl me formulate my research question and hypothesis.
I also started working with google sketchup. I did the four beginners tutorials to learn the basics of the programm (
http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos/new_to_gsu.html). the program is really interesting for this project as it will allow me to make a virtual 3D model of the bridge before i physically make it. Through the tutorials I made a chair using two different techniques.
Looking good, Billy! Keep up the good work with Google Sketchup. When you click on the image it blows up nice and big as well, so it's really easy to see. :)
RépondreSupprimerFor the books you're ordering, If you find that they have good diagrams and visuals, scan them in and then upload them. Then we can discuss different ideas.
Consider that at the end of each post here in the blog, try to leave your "reader" with a question which will spur discussion. Such as, "Google Sketchup is an interesting example of how 3D technologies are becoming easier to use. I wonder whether or not schools will start to use programs like Google sketchup for 3D architecture assignments? It could be used in Math, Art, Science, and History. Will architecture/engineering design become easier (and more fun!) with the democratization of 3D programs?