Starting in November, CLS partnered for the first time with Engineering firm ARCADIS on this prestigious project. Pupils get an insight into the real world of engineering while developing important skills and receiving expert mentorship. CLS pupils this year were partnered with the Civil engineering firm ARCADIS who gave them a brief to design a pedestrian bridge for the isle of dogs.
These pupils took a design brief and went through the entire engineering design and modelling process. The team began by researching bridge types, structural principles and undergoing heavy stakeholder analysis, evaluating the needs of pedestrians, local businesses and transport authorities. To ensure an efficient design, they learnt how to conduct a thorough carbon count analysis, comparing different materials like steel and bamboo, whilst also considering transport costs and the sourcing of machinery and materials to minimise carbon emissions.
They also got to experience university engineering at UCL’s Mech Space where they built a physical model of their bridge and developed a detailed 3D CAD version using Rhino 3D. They applied complex engineering mathematics to optimise the pile calculations, ensuring stability and cost-effectiveness.
A key learning experience was their site visit to the HS2 viaduct in Wendover, where they observed large-scale civil engineering in action whilst meeting head engineers from the HS2 project.
Finally, the team compiled their research, calculations, and design process into a 16,000-word report and presented it to a panel of industry assessors, defending their choices on sustainability, structural integrity, and stakeholder impact, which has led to them being awarded the gold level accreditation by EDT Industrial Cadets. Click here to find out more about the programme.
