Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2026

Department

Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering

First Advisor

Hisham Said

Abstract

This report documents the design, fabrication, and construction of a 1:10 scale steel truss bridge developed by Santa Clara University’s Steel Bridge Team for the 2026 ASCE/AISC Student Steel Bridge Competition. Marking SCU’s first participation in the competition since 2013, the project was completed over a six and a half (6.5) month period from October 2025 to April 2026, with financial support from McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. The bridge design is a modular truss structure spanning 23 feet six and one quarter inches (6.25) inches, constructed entirely of low carbon steel in compliance with SSBC rulebook requirements. Primary structural members consisted of two (2) inches by two (2) inches by one quarter (¼) inch hollow structural steel sections forming the exterior frame, with three quarter (¾) inch steel hex bars serving as interior diagonal members. Connections between assemblies utilize a double plate, single bolt stringer to stringer configuration selected through a weighted decision matrix prioritizing construction speed, bolt strength, and compactness. Structural analysis was performed using ETABS, and all connection designs were verified against the applicable limit states in the AISC Steel Construction Manual, 16th Edition. The fabrication phase required two design iterations to address constructability challenges encountered during production, ultimately reducing the total number of assemblies and welded connections. Material procurement and fabrication delays stemming from sponsorship timelines and an underestimation of welding labor prevented the team from competing at the official ASCE/AISC Regional Symposium. A mock competition was conducted on campus, yielding a timed construction of 1:25:01 and a total bridge weight of 641 pounds. The team also developed an ideal future schedule and project management recommendations to support SCU’s continued participation in subsequent competition years.

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