A3- Fischer

1) Calculations

2) Results on the Trusses: (Positive is tension, Negative is compression)
Truss AB has -7.07 lb.
Truss AC has 4.99 lb.
Truss BC has 7.07 lb.
Truss BD has -9.99 lb.
Truss CE has 4.99 lb.
Truss DC has 7.07 lb.
Truss DE has -7.07 lb.

3)

4) Using the Bridge Designer is a lot quicker than doing all of the calculations by hand. However, it does have its restrictions such as only being able to add on loads in multiples of 5. An advantage of using the Bridge Designer is that it can scale the values of the length of all of the trusses or loads on a bridge. It keeps everything in proportion so if you want to create a larger bridge, all you would have to do is multiply each value until you get your desired number.

6) Now that I know how to properly use the Bridge designer, I can easily do many test runs to see which kind of pattern can sustain the most amount of load, while staying under the given "pill-out force" values. All that it takes are several guess and checks and see which bridge can survive while still not coming apart. The "Tensile Pull-Out Force" also shows that having three trusses connected to a gusset plate allows more force to build up before breaking. This can help us by making sure we try to add more connections in places that are weak.