The 2023 SSBC challenge was wild…life-friendly, that is.

This year, we asked engineering students across North America to design, fabricate, and construct a conceptual scaled steel bridge to serve as a hypothetical crossing in the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. The bridge would allow users to access trails on both sides of Sweetwater River and also provide better access for park service vehicles. It must be able to support the weight of pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians as well as maintenance and park vehicles. Remember, this is a wildlife refuge, so engineers had to respect the existing habitat--no construction activity can take place within the river.

 Without further ado, the overall winners are:

First Place: University of Florida
Second Place: Youngstown State University 
Third Place: University at Buffalo

 View the full results

 2023 special awards

Team Engagement Award: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Robert E. Shaw Jr. Spirit of the Competition Award: South Dakota School of Mines

Frank J. Hatfield Ingenuity Award: University of Florida

John M. Yadlosky Most Improved Team Award: Harding University

Video awards:
First place: Brigham Young University
Second place: Iowa State University
Third place: University of British Columbia