T1 parametric : the design process behind the Ball State University submission of the DMTC Titanium Pedestrian Bridge Competition : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

The Defense Metals Technology Center (DMTC) and Akron University devised the Titanium Pedestrian Bridge Competition as an opportunity to develop and present a design solution involving the use of Titanium in a commercial application. The competition, which sought primarily to highlight Titanium's incredible strength and cost-effectiveness over similar steel applications, also involved designing a solution to the logistic issue of providing a pedestrian connection above rail tracks that currently separate the University of Akron. The design solutions entail the planning of the first bridge in the United States, pedestrian or otherwise, constructed exclusively of Titanium.This thesis seeks to detail the design process of the Ball State University Submission to the DMTC Titanium Pedestrian Bridge Competition.