West Point Bridge Design Contest

[dtengineering]

Although there is a bit of a conflict with build and competition dates, I'd like to point those who are not familiar with the West Point Bridge Design contest to the website: http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/

I've had students use the software and take part in the contest for over a decade now. I've even competed myself, in the "open" category and managed to get in the top ten scores... at least for a while.

The help files are great at explaining a lot of civil/mech/materials terms, and while you don't have to do a lot of math to build your bridge, you certainly need to understand truss design to do well.

Students who are American citizens are even eligible to win scholarships.

Teachers... if you've got a classroom with computer access and you need to keep the kids busy doing something productive for a few days while you fill out travel permission forms, contact sponsors, or do the last minute rush to bag or box your robot... I've used this with grades 8 - 12 and it keeps all of them interested and productive as they each try to best the other. Its also a great lesson plan to leave for your sub when you head off to a competition.

Enjoy,

Jason

P.S. It's free! (Thank you, United States Military Academy)

[Mark McLeod]

I've always liked the bridge building contests.
It expands your horizon so quickly.

I'd never have believed 2 oz of balsa could hold 1000 lbs...

[A_Reed]

Originally Posted by Mark McLeod

I'd never have believed 2 oz of balsa could hold 1000 lbs...

...Or 256 bricks on 3x5 note cards only limited by the professor's concerns for the safety of my group as the stack reached about 8-9ft tall.

[Pjohn1959]

Thanks for this update Jason.

I have been using this program in my classes for the past 4 years, but only have the 2005 version. Now I see the 2010 version will be available after Jan. 28. I can't wait to see the changes.

[scottydoh]

I used this software all the way back in middle school, nearly 8 years ago now, for an in class bridge contest. We had to design in West Point, then actually build it out of basswood. Not a single person in the class failed. The software really makes engineering and forces easy to understand, even at an elementary level.

And now that I know a little more about engineering and structural systems, I might just have to enter this contest.