Pedestrian Bridge for Innovation & Discovery
Jose Diaz
The Pedestrian Bridge for Innovation and Discovery is an impressive senior design capstone project created by a civil engineering team of highly talented students consisting of Dylan Stegman, Jake Porter, and Matt Hale, who were advised by Professor Reynaud Serrette. The project involves a partnership with the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose, which aims to create an innovative bridge and foundation connecting the Guadalupe River to the museum's main entrance. The team's objective is to design a bridge that is not only environmentally sustainable and accessible but also educational, with the aim of inspiring future generations of engineers.
In order to achieve their goal, the group approached their design with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The bridge's design incorporates timber arches, which are known for their strength and durability and are more sustainable than traditional steel or reinforced concrete. In addition, the bridge's deck is made of glass, allowing visitors to see its inner workings and appreciate its intricacies. The bridge is intentionally exposed, enabling people walking across it to view its components, and generating interest in civil engineering.
Through the innovative use of interactive plaques, the bridge is meant to engage the public and to increase interest in the field of engineering. These plaques provide information about the bridge's design, construction, and its environmental impact. Overall, the Pedestrian Bridge for Innovation and Discovery project is an exemplary effort that demonstrates the power of innovation, sustainability, and education in shaping the future of civil engineering. This collaborative effort is intended to provide a valuable learning experience for the team. The team will be producing a partial design, which will be showcased at the Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Session 3 during the Senior Design Conference.