Unified Engineering Challenge

Inspiration

We were tasked with creating a cantilevered solar carport capable of protecting two cars from poor weather conditions. This carport had to be freestanding with one free end, and be aesthetically desirable in front of ones house or in the parking lot of a retail plaza. For our design, we were inspired by the angular and sleek look embodied by the modern home style, as we believed it best represented our vision for this project — future forward thinking.

Specifications

Materials: Galvanized steel, CFRP, Concrete, Solar Panel
Total Weight: 9004.45 kg (19851.42 lbs)
Total Weight of Steel: 6265.59 kg (13813.27 lbs)
Covered Area: 7.250m x 5.625m (23.79' x 18.45')
Displacement Under Max Stress: 2 cm (0.7875")
Cost:

Features and Considerations

Aesthetically Pleasing Design
Versatile Appearance
Infinitely Scalable in the Width Direction
Anchored into ground with concrete footings
Curb to prevent collision with structure

Challenges

While designing this structure, we encountered problems maintaining our design vision without compromising structural integrity. We experimented with many different materials and design choices and had consistent problems with our overhang bending an unreasonable amount. After hours of physical calculations, design alterations, and trial and error, we solved our problem by implementing extremely lightweight support beams that were enclosed in a galvanized steel shell. This change allowed us to create a structurally sound carport without sacrificing the appearance of our design.