Bedplate assembly and method

A method of constructing a bedplate assembly for retention of a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine having an engine block, the method comprising:

• forming a bedplate insert in a first pattern tool, wherein the bedplate insert is defined by an insert height, an insert width, and an insert thickness, the bedplate insert has a shape with a variation in the insert width along the insert height, and wherein the first pattern tool defines the variation in the insert width;
• arranging the formed bedplate insert in a second pattern tool;
• and
• forming in the second pattern tool a bedplate frame around the formed bedplate insert to generate the bedplate assembly, wherein during forming of the bedplate frame the variation in the insert width of the bedplate insert generates an internal rib in the bedplate frame that is configured to fix and retain the bedplate insert inside the bedplate frame and decrease deflection of the bedplate frame under crankshaft loads during operation of the engine.