WPI Journal - The Magazine for WPI Alumni

SPRING 2014

The Alumni Magazine for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (WPI)

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Spring 2014 11 W π A n MQP by a WPI project team will leave a lasting mark on the City of Worcester. Under the direction of faculty advi- sor Tahar El-Korchi, seven students are designing a re- placement for the historic footbridge in Elm Park, one of the most recognizable structures in the city. The bridge was removed last fall and taken to Worcester Technical High School, where students will follow WPI's blueprint and build a replica. The original bridge was built at the turn of the 20th century and has been replaced three times, most recently in the 1970s. Before being moved to the high school, it had been closed because sup- ports on its underside had rotted. The fourth reincarnation will copy its predecessor as faithfully as possible, while using a design and sustainable materials that will enable it to last longer. The tar- get date for completion is spring 2015. WPI students will submit three designs for the replica, one of which will be chosen by the city. Goals and challenges include handicapped accessibility, steepness, size, and cost, as well as re- maining faithful in appearance. The MQP also involves developing materials lists, load calculations, and other specifcations before turning the project over to the high school for construction. WPI students will continue as managers and assist with further plan- ning and troubleshooting. Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty lauded the city's partnership with the two schools, saying the collabora- tion will save about $250,000 and perhaps two to three years, had the project gone through the usual public bidding process. projects Elm Park Gets a Makeover WPI students aid Worcester in rebuilding iconic footbridge Create new music, flms, and other personal projects—including a documentary on black male teachers in education. The Future... Becomes creative consultant offering services in video, photography, audio production, and web design. Is currently working on growing House of Lords LLC. 2014 WPI_spring14_FOB.indd 11 3/9/14 11:55 AM

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