University to host student Regional Steel Bridge Competition March 24 at Mariucci Arena
competitors building a steel structure
University student teams construct a model steel bridge in about 12 minutes that can hold more than a ton of weight. Photo courtesy of American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). © Daniela Weaver Photography

Contacts:

Rhonda Zurn, College of Science and Engineering, rzurn@umn.edu, (612) 626-7959

Matt Hodson, University News Service, mjhodson@umn.edu, (612) 625-0552

What: University Regional Steel Bridge Competition
When: Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Practice rounds on Friday, March 23, 1-5 p.m.)
Where: University of Minnesota Mariucci Arena, 1901 4th St. S.E., Minneapolis
Who: Engineering students from five states and Canada

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/21/2012 )—Engineering students from 11 universities spanning five states and Canada will face off in a steel bridge competition 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at the University of Minnesota’s Mariucci Arena, 1901 4th St. S.E., Minneapolis. The competition is free and open to the public.

Student teams will race the clock as they compete to assemble the strongest steel bridge model. The models are about 23 feet long and about 3 to 5 feet tall and must hold up to 2,500 pounds of weight. Most teams build their model in less than 15 minutes creating an exciting and action-packed competition.

In addition to speed of construction, teams also are judged on bridge lightness, stiffness, construction economy and structural efficiency. The winning team and a runner-up will advance to the national steel bridge competition in May.

Civil engineering students from the following universities will be competing: University of Minnesota; Minnesota State University, Mankato; North Dakota State University; University of North Dakota; University of Iowa; Iowa State University; Dordt College (Sioux Center, Iowa); South Dakota State University; University of Wisconsin-Platteville; and Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario).

The event is hosted by the University of Minnesota American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter, the University of Minnesota, and local engineering firms. The national competition is sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and ASCE.

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