The wooden bridge behind Michie stadium was inspired by one of Haupt s truss designs. Thomas Casey, Class of 1852, is credited with correcting and completing the construction of the Washington Monument. The monument is topped with an aluminum pyramid engraved with the words, Chief Engineer and Architect COL Thomas Lincoln Casey, Corp of Engineers. The Bridge Designer software makes use of interesting graphics and allows students to develop a structural model of a highway bridge by drawing joints and structural members on the screen with a computer mouse. Once a student is satisfied with the design, he or she can select the load test to evaluate the structure.
Anticipation builds as a small truck begins to pass over the newly created bridge.
If the structure is sound, the truck will cross safely. If the structure does not meet standards, then the truck falls into the water. This feedback gives students the opportunity to modify the design. LTC Ressler says this process of trial and error helps students learn about authentic engineering techniques. The program gives students a means to create an authentic bridge design even if they don t have a strong background in math and science.