We are challenging the first year university transfer engineering students, the 2nd year CADD students, and members of industry to a design-build-test competition for a bridge made from 100 plain Popsicle sticks and white glue.

See below for bridge details

We invite members of industry to design, build and test a bridge along with the students for bragging rights to the “Best Design Build Consultant 2010” award.

Come out and support the future members of our profession! Please RSVP no later than Monday, November 8, 2010 by contacting the following:

Clayton Bos, P. Eng., 502-8479 email: cbos@mhc.ab.ca

Please note: Building a bridge is not a requirement for attendance at this event.

POPSICLE STICK BRIDGE CONTEST
NOVEMBER 10, 2010 – 6:00pm Crave Lounge, Medicine Hat College

SPECIFICATIONS
SCOPE: Design and build a through-truss bridge that is structurally efficient and aesthetically pleasing using Popsicle sticks and white glue.

PREQUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS:
Contractors shall be individuals or groups of up to four (4) individuals who are enrolled in the UT Engineering program, CADD program or engineers and technologists from industry.

INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTRACTORS:
1. Bridges shall be through-trusses with clear span, maximum height, width, maximum bearing length, loading platform details and minimum clearance for traffic as shown on the sheet titled "Dimensions - Sheet 1/1".
2. Construction materials shall be only 100 Popsicle sticks, as provided by Clay Bos (L127 Office, 403-502-8479). A MAXIMUM of 100 sticks that MAY be cut or split are to be used. Contractor may choose to change the type of glue if they wish.

TESTING:
1. Contractors shall arrive at the site before the testing time with completed bridges and a written statement indicating:
a) the names of all members of the design-build team;
b) number of sticks used; and
c) the predicted failure load of the bridge.
2. Test loads will be applied by a hydraulic air ram through a loading block (150mm x 80mm) placed in the centre at the top of the bridge.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:
1. Points will be awarded as follows:
a) Design and artistic appearance: up to 10 points.
b) Highest load/weight ratio (strongest) bridge: 20 points. Second strongest bridge: 15 points. Third strongest: 10 points. Fourth strongest: 5 points. Fifth strongest: 3 points. Sixth strongest: 2 points.
c) A bonus of 10 points will be awarded if the bridge fails within 10% of the predicted failure load.