The Steel Bridge Competition is an annual event that challenges engineering students to design and fabricate the most structurally and functionally efficient bridge.  The competition began in 1988 with the first National Student Steel Bridge Competition officially taking place in the spring of 1992.  Each year the rules are modified to keep the competition fresh and competitive. The bridges are designed to be erected at the competition.  In 2010, a bridge member must fit in a box measuring 42"x6"x6". The overall length of their bridge must be able to span an 19'-6" floodway with a 13'-6" river running down the middle.  During the competition, a construction team will be timed to assemble their bridge over the span.  After the bridge is built, it will be weighed and load-tested with 2500 lbs while recording the deflections.  All these numbers will be entered into formulas to determine the overall winner.  We know this brief description is vague at best, so if you would like to download the rules for the 2010 competition, click this link:

2010 Steel Bridge Rules

To visit the official Steel Bridge page, click below:

Steel Bridge Competition