Research Questions

Mr. Bhatt was introduced to the engineering student body during week two of the quarter.  He spent an hour informing us of all the great resources there are out there on the web for us to use, especially when we need information regarding engineering.  These seem like very helpful places to go when researching for projects.  I am sure I will use at least one of the resources he discussed when researching about bridges.  

However, I still have a few questions as to how to go about my research.  One thing I would definitely like to know is where exactly to start researching them online.  Are there better websites than others?  How do I know what websites will be the easiest to understand?  Is there somewhere I can go to learn about the general formation of truss bridges?  For someone who knows absolutely nothing about bridges, what’s a good beginner website to start my research at?  These are just a few questions that would be really helpful.  My biggest concern is that I will only find websites that are hard to understand and that will go into very detailed explanations.  First, I need to learn and know the basics about bridges before I will be ready to conquer the harder descriptions. 

On a more detailed note, I would also like specific questions about bridges answered.  I noticed that there are two major ways to design a bridge on WPBD.  What are the pros and cons of building the truss above/below the bridge?  I also would like to know how to make the strongest bridge.  I know that triangles are a must, but should they be big or small? Equilateral or all different shapes? I am hoping that Mr. Bhatt can answer these questions and more in Wednesday’s lab.