Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- Three University of Wisconsin-Platteville students are assisting the Southwest Prairie Enthusiasts by designing two ATV bridges across creeks in Barneveld and Hollandale as part of their senior design project.

C.J. Brooks, Kyle Carr and Dustin Schopen began designing the bridges by evaluating the sites and calculating the minimum span lengths and the vertical distances between the banks. The bridge must be able to safely support the weight of a six wheel ATV. Combining all these factors, the group created a design that follows state code and is cost effective.

Throughout the project, the students applied what they learned in their classes and honed skills like surveying and working with CAD in a real world environment.

"We learned client relations, scheduling, problem solving, and how to work with a group long term; real life things that aren't in textbooks," said Carr.

Added Schopen, "The project gave us a feel for what goes on in the real world of engineering on a small scale. It allowed us to get in that mindset."

The group said they enjoyed working with their client, Richard Henderson of the Southwest Prairie Enthusiasts. "He was very laidback. He was happy we could help out. They're a non-profit organization and it's nice we can do this for free for them," said Brooks.

The group relied on skills and knowledge they gained from previous classes and co-ops as well as the guidance of their advisor, Keith Thompson, assistant professor of civil engineering.

"Dr. Thompson was always willing to sit and help us, but he didn't hold our hand. He gave us guidance and was willing to answer our questions," said Brooks.

Added Schopen, "My classes and co-op experience put me in the mindset of working with people and taught me not to be afraid to ask questions."

The group enjoys the engineering program at UWP because of the one-on-one relationships they develop with professors and the professors' willingness to help them. "The professors seem to care because they help you with real life stuff too, not just classes. I've gotten help with my résumé and job searches," said Carr.

All the students anticipate graduating in May. Carr is majoring in civil engineering with a structural emphasis and is the son of Dave and Karen Carr of Ontario. Brooks is majoring in civil engineering with a construction emphasis and is the son of Curt and Lorraine Brooks of Rapids City, Ill. Schopen is majoring in civil engineering with a structural and geotechnical emphasis. He is the son of Mark and Linda Schopen of Jefferson.

Contact: Keith Thompson, assistant professor of civil engineering, (608) 342-1479, thompsmi@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu