Statement and Brief of the Problem

Title:
Understanding and Mitigating Failure in Bridge Components
Problem Statement and Background/Scenario:
Your team has been hired by a civil engineering firm to investigate and address a critical issue
related to the failure of a specific bridge component. The firm has recently encountered a series
of failures in the same type of component across multiple bridge structures, leading to safety
concerns and financial losses. The affected component is a crucial part of the bridge's structural
integrity, and its failure could have catastrophic consequences.
The bridge component in question is a steel truss member used in the construction of various
bridges in your region. The failures have occurred under different loading conditions and
environmental factors, raising questions about the design, material selection, and fabrication
processes. The firm is particularly interested in understanding the theoretical aspects of failure,
including the role of material properties, stress analysis, and fatigue, to develop effective
strategies for preventing future failures.

Conclusions and Outcome

The successful resolution of this complex engineering problem students will gain a deeper
understanding of real-world engineering challenges, improved teamwork and collaboration
skills, enhanced communication abilities, and practical problem-solving experience. These skills
and knowledge will prepare them for success in their future careers, equipping them to tackle
complex issues in the field of mechanical engineering with confidence and proficiency.
Assessment Methodology
CLO-PLO Mapping (CLO3/PLO3)
CEP attributes Mapping (Teacher will attach complexity attributes
map by PEC)
Direct Assessment (Quiz)
Indirect Assessments (through Rubrics) for PLO3.

Various Skills to Be Assessed

Knowledge Skills
Engineering Knowledge

Problem Solving Skill

Performance of various Tasks by Students

Teamwork
Defined roles and responsibilities.
Constructiveness of peer reviews.

Communication
Documentation/Reporting/Presentation/viva
Quality of documentation and reports.
Clarity of communication.
Tasks by Students
Students will present their research findings in report and give a group presentation.
Identify the Root Causes:
Investigate and determine the root causes of the recent failures in the steel truss members. This involves a
comprehensive analysis of the design specifications, material properties, and environmental factors.

Theoretical Understanding:
Develop a solid theoretical foundation on the different theories of failure relevant to steel truss members
in bridge construction. Explore concepts such as stress analysis, fatigue, and material science to explain
the observed failures.

Mitigation Strategies:
Propose practical and cost-effective mitigation strategies to prevent future failures. This may include
design modifications, material improvements, or changes in fabrication processes.

Case Studies:
Analyze historical case studies of bridge failures related to steel truss members globally. Extract key
lessons learned and apply them to the current problem to enhance the robustness of your proposed
solutions.

Documentation and Presentation:

Prepare a comprehensive report documenting your findings, theoretical understanding, and proposed
mitigation strategies. Additionally, create a professional presentation to communicate your results
effectively to the engineering firm's stakeholders.
Key Components and Challenges:
Root Cause Analysis:
Identifying the underlying reasons for bridge component failures through a systematic
investigation of design specifications, material properties, and environmental factors.

Theoretical Understanding:
Developing a comprehensive grasp of theoretical concepts related to stress analysis, fatigue, and
material science to explain the observed failures and inform effective solutions.

Mitigation Strategies:
Formulating practical and cost-effective strategies to prevent future failures, considering design
modifications, material enhancements, and changes in fabrication processes.

Case Study Analysis:

Examining historical case studies of bridge failures globally to extract lessons and best practices,
applying these insights to enhance the robustness of proposed solutions.

Documentation:
Creating a detailed report that documents findings, including the root cause analysis, theoretical
understanding, and proposed mitigation strategies. Emphasis on clear and professional
communication of technical information.

Presentation:
Developing a professional presentation to effectively communicate results to stakeholders,
showcasing the ability to convey complex engineering concepts clearly through visuals and
verbal communication.
Interdisciplinary Nature:
Integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines, including structural engineering, material
science, and design principles, to comprehensively address the issue of bridge component
failures.

Collaboration:
Ensuring effective teamwork and collaboration among students with diverse skills and
perspectives, overcoming potential challenges in communication, coordination, and equitable
contribution.

Practical Application of Theoretical Concepts:

Translating theoretical understanding into practical, feasible, and innovative mitigation
strategies that can be applied to real-world engineering problems.

Time Management:
Balancing the various components of the project, including research, analysis, and presentation
preparation, within a limited timeframe to meet project deadlines.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Gathering accurate and relevant data for root cause analysis and ensuring the robustness of the
analysis process to derive meaningful insights for formulating effective solutions.

Communication Skills:
Effectively conveying complex engineering concepts in both written reports and oral
presentations to diverse stakeholders, including those with non-technical backgrounds.

Successfully addressing these key components and challenges will not only lead to a
comprehensive understanding of bridge component failures but also develop crucial skills in
problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication among the students
Guidelines
How many class lessons/hrs will it take to complete?
2 weeks (1-6hr to solve)

Who will Execute?

Group Exercise

Details of instructional facilitation plan

Mini-lectures, class discussions, and small group work with regular reporting or Combination etc.)

What resources will the students need?

Internet, books, lectures etc.

How will the solution of the problem be structured/performed/assessed?

single

What end product will the students produce at the completion of the problem?
Presentation and report.
 Department of Mechanical Mechatronics and PBL
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanics of materials-II
New Campus, UET Lahore

Purpose: To assess the student’s ability to analyze and mitigate strategies of bridge failure

Component Does not meet Meets Exceeds Marks

(marks) Expectations Expectations Expectations
(1-8) (9-14) (15-20)
Theoretical Poor or basic Strong Exceptional grasp and
Understanding understanding and understanding and application of
(20) application of theoretical application of theoretical concepts.
concepts. Offers limited theoretical concepts. Demonstrates an in-
or adequate explanations. Provides clear depth understanding
explanations and with comprehensive
connections. explanations.

Teamwork Poor or basic teamwork. Adequate teamwork Outstanding

(20) Little to no
communication, support,
or equitable contribution.
with satisfactory collaboration and
communication and synergy among team
support. members.
Contributions are Demonstrates effective
somewhat communication, mutual
distributed among support, and equitable
team members. contribution.

Appearance Poor or basic Adequate Exceptional

and Structure presentation quality.
(20) Lack of professionalism,
clarity, and logical flow.
presentation of the presentation of the
report. Some areas report. Professional
may lack clarity in appearance, clear
appearance or organization, and
structure. logical flow.

PPT Poor or basic Adequate Engaging and highly

Presentation presentation with little to
(20) no engagement. Lacks
effective use of visuals
and transitions.
presentation with effective presentation.
reasonable Utilizes visuals,
engagement. Some transitions, and
use of visuals and delivery to captivate
transitions. the audience.
 Component Score (%) Total Score

Report and Presentation 80

Quiz 20