CVE2322 Gantry Build Prototype Assignment Information: Sustainable Civil Engineering Model Using Recyclable Materials

General Assignment Information

Assignment Requirements

In this exercise, you will work in your team (maximum 5 persons) to design, construct and film a model GANTRY made of reclaimed materials that can be recycled after the project. The GANTRY should be able to support a container filled with 500 ml of water. You will decide on the structural form of the gantry, as well as the details and types of structural members and connections.

Make use of your knowledge of civil engineering materials (Lecture 1 and Lecture 2) and Statics and Structural Mechanics when conceptualising your model. Document your reflections on the conceptualisation, build experience, and group video presentation session in a two-page report to be submitted in Week 10. Students may highlight some key learning points related to civil engineering material properties and showcase sustainable development concepts in their report.

Students may engage in a friendly competition for:

The most recyclable and longest span, i.e. longest horizontal distance between base supports, and;
The most impressive video.

Some Pointers to Note:

• 3R principles must be adhered to.
• Teamwork is important.
• The model gantry should take you no more than 2 hours to construct and film.
• Fastening methods may include glue, strings, tape or other relevant materials.
• The gantry base(s) must fit within a total area of one sheet of A4 paper.
• The tower must be free-standing and not secured to the ground or external supports.
• Video should show the entire gantry and be no more than 60 seconds.
• Note: A Reflection Report is NOT a Project Report.
• Generative AI (gAI) tools are permitted and encouraged if used responsibly and ethically. NOTE: punitive penalties will be applied for abuse of gAI, e.g. if your report is inconsistent with your video submission.