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Structural materials lab I

“Material Selection for a Footbridge: A Comparative Analysis and Justification” “Memo Writing Rubric for Technical Engineering Reports”

The materials lab class aims to understand the behavior and properties of different materials used in structural design.  Type a  memo describing the different materials used in designing a footbridge with a discussion of their properties and comparative analysis.
The objective of the memo is to determine which material should be used as a footbridge on the greenway on campus. In your memo be sure to identify the objective, and recommend which material to use on the bridge or different materials for different components of the bridge (Justify your choices).  
The primary aim of this memo is to select construction materials for the design of a footbridge. When comparing materials, students have the flexibility (think as a designer engineer) to choose one or more for your bridge, taking into account the intended load, which is primarily for pedestrians and occasional cycling. 
Requirements:
1- outline the objective and provide recommendations for the selection of materials to be used in the construction of the bridge. 
2- Differentiate between materials designated for specific bridge components and provide thorough justifications for each choice:
A-A comparison of the capacities and the behavior of the different materials (concrete, steel, timber, masonry)  ,Justify the chosen materials with a focus on  compressive and tensile strength.(Preferred to have a table with strength ranges as explained in the lecture)، 
B-It is highly recommended to consider these aspects): You may consider the durability aspects and other properties such as fire resistance, availability of the materials, the cost, and sustainability criteria (recycling).
Regards,
Wala’a
Rubric
Memo Rubric
Memo Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeObjective
1)The objective should be clear.
2) The objective should be specific.
3) The objective should be defined to allow for conclusions to be drawn (eg: To study the effects ….is not an acceptable objective. Tests were performed to determine if the connection can be used in the AISC steel bridge competition, is an acceptable objective)
4) The objective is appropriate for the tests performed.
10 pts
Full Marks
Checks 4/4 of the listed criteria
8 pts
Mostly meets criteria
Checks 3/4 of the listed criteria
6 pts
Somewhat meets criteria
Checks 2/4 of the listed criteria
2 pts
Barely meets criteria
Checks 1/4 of the listed criteria
0 pts
Strongly does not meet criteria
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusions and Recommendations
1) The conclusions should be based on the objective of the memo.
2) The recommendation should be based on the objective of the memo.
3) The conclusions should contain logical and critical analysis.
4) The recommendations should contain logical and critical analysis.
10 pts
Full Marks
Checks 4/4 of the listed criteria
8 pts
Mostly meets criteria
Checks 3/4 of the listed criteria
6 pts
Somewhat meets criteria
Checks 2/4 of the listed criteria
2 pts
Barely meets criteria
Checks 1/4 of the listed criteria
0 pts
Strongly does not meet criteria
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
1) The memo should have a clear and organized though processes.
2) The memo should maintain the same order of topics (A, B, C, D, A, B, C, D… not A, B, A, C, B, D)
3) The memo should be organized per the writing guide.
a) The first paragraph should include the objective, specific key recommendations and a summary of what will follow.
b) The body of the report should support the objective and recommendations of the memo
c) The body should provide supporting material and detailed explanations.
d) The body should tell the reader the purpose and name of the procedures used.
e) The body should summarize and analyze the test results.
f) The final paragraph should include a final pitch for the recommendations and appropriately close the memo.
15 pts
Full Marks
Checks 8/8 of the listed criteria
12 pts
Mostly meets criteria
Checks 7/8 of the listed criteria
9 pts
Somewhat meets criteria
Checks 5/8 of the listed criteria
4 pts
Barely meets criteria
Checks 3/8 of the listed criteria
0 pts
Strongly does not meet criteria
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat
The memo should follow the formatting guidelines from the writing resource guide
1) Single space in the paragraphs
2) Double space between paragraphs
3) Times New Roman and 12 point font
4) Attachments called out at the bottom of the memo as “Attachment: The Name of the Attachment”
5) No salutations or signature
6) Heading per memo example in writing guide.
7) Left and right justified
8) Tables should be labeled (Table 1: Title in the top center) and organized properly (units in the column headings)
9) Figures should be labeled (Figure 1: Title in the bottom left justified) and organized properly
10) Reference sources in the body of the memo with (Name Date) of the source
11) At the end of the memo (in the appendix of memos) References should follow the ASCE format guidelines
ASTM Number, Year, “Title,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, Year, DOI:#####,www.astm.orgLinksLinks to an external site. to an external site.
15 pts
Full Marks
Checks 11/11 of the listed criteria
12 pts
Mostly meets criteria
Checks 9/11 of the listed criteria
9 pts
Somewhat meets criteria
Checks 6/11 of the listed criteria
4 pts
Barely meets criteria
Checks 4/11 of the listed criteria
0 pts
Strongly does not meet criteria
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar
1) The memo should show evidence of editing, spellchecker use, and proofreading
2) The memo should have proper use of grammar
a) Complete sentences
b) Proper use of commas and apostrophes
3) The memo should have a technical tone
a) Avoid imagery and slang
b) Avoid terms like I/we
c) Professional tone
d) Avoid undefinable relationships
e) Sentences should be clear and concise
4) Procedures should be in past tense to describe what was done. Facts and aspects of the memo should be in present tense.
5) Abbreviations should be used only after the author has told the reader what the term means. For example, “Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)…”
6) The memo should be written to meet the needs of the audience
7) The memo should define terms the readers may not understand.
8) All figures and tables should be referenced in the text of the memo.
15 pts
Full Marks
Checks 13/13 of the listed criteria
12 pts
Mostly meets criteria
Checks 10/13 of the listed criteria
9 pts
Somewhat meets criteria
Checks 8/13 of the listed criteria
4 pts
Barely meets criteria
Checks 5/13 of the listed criteria
0 pts
Strongly does not meet criteria
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent
1) The memo should include only necessary information.
2) The memo should reference the ASTM for every test performed.
3) The memo should include ALL appropriate results, analysis and conclusions based on every test performed.
15 pts
Full Marks
Checks 3/3 of the listed criteria
12 pts
Mostly meets criteria
Checks 2/3 of the listed criteria
6 pts
Does not meets criteria
Checks 1/3 of the listed criteria
0 pts
Strongly does not meet criteria
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCorrect Results
All results should be correct
20 pts
Full Marks
100% of the calculations and units are correct
16 pts
Mostly meets criteria
80% of the calculations and units are correct
12 pts
Does not meets criteria
60% of the calculations and units are correct
0 pts
Strongly does not meet criteria
20 pts
Total Points: 100