Civil Engineering students are challenged to an inter-collegiate
competition that includes design, fabrication and construction.
Participating students gain practical experience in structural
design, fabrication processes, construction planning, organization
and teamwork.
Chapter 4 Problem Statement describes challenges encountered
in a representative structural engineering project. The competition
is a scaled simulation of that project.
Standards for strength, durability, constructability, usability,
functionality and safety reflect the volumes of regulations that
govern the design and construction of full-scale bridges. Criteria
for excellence are represented by the award categories of stiffness,
lightness, construction speed, aesthetics, efficiency and economy.
Contest judges and the Rules Committee take the role of the owner
(DOT) and have the authority to accept and reject entries. As
with any full-scale construction project, safety is the primary
concern.
The rules of the competition accommodate a large variety of
designs and allow innovation. Designers must consider carefully
the comparative advantages of various alternatives. For example,
a truss bridge may be stiffer than a girder bridge but slower
to construct.
The Student Steel Bridge Competition provides design and construction
planning experience, an opportunity to learn fabrication procedures,
and the excitement of competing against and networking with students
from other colleges and universities.
Mark Emde is heading the 2007 ASCE steel bridge team this year.
The team is currently working on the overall design of the bridge, as well as individual member calculations, and is well on their.way toward a successful regional competition at the University of Arkansas. Check your email for meeting times. If you wish to join the Steel Bridge, let Mark Emde know.
