SSBC Definitions

Whether you're new to SSBC or want a refresher on the basics, check out the SSBC Definitions video (above) to review the meaning of several terms you'll encounter.

Connection Safety Examples

This supplemental document includes several annotated photo examples of both prohibited and allowed connections to help you better understand the Connection Safety Rules. Please note that the examples and connections shown do not represent all possible allowed or prohibited connections for the current rules. 

Download (Updated September 16, 2024)

Competitors Guide

The SSBC Competitors Guide is filled with information, general guidelines, and helpful tips for SSBC teams. This resource is a supplement to all other SSBC resources and is to be used as a companion to the Rules. It can be especially helpful to first-time competitors or those brand new to the competition. 

Download (Updated August 27, 2024)

Safety Awareness Guide for Fabrication

While the particular circumstances are specific to each team, this document contains general guidelines to consider when planning for the safety of your team. 

Download

Section 9 Stringer Overview

While this overview does not cover every possible scenario or rule associated with the bridge stringers, it is meant to help you understand the meaning of the rules in section 9. Specific rules are followed by pictures that demonstrate that rule in this document.

Download * New! * (Added on October 15, 2024)

Sustainability Guide

Many of the sustainability principles that apply to real-life buildings and bridges can also apply to the SSBC. While not a part of the official scoring of the 2025 SSBC, this guide contains several suggestions for incorporating sustainability into your bridge. 

Download * New! * (Added on September 19, 2024)

Team Recruitment Video 

Is your team trying to recruit new teammates? Get potential members excited by sharing this SSBC recruitment video!

Video: "SSBC: Bridging the Gap and Getting Started"

Are you new to the Student Steel Bridge Competition? Has it been a few years since your school has been able to participate? Are you wondering how best to get started for this year's competition? In this webinar recording, we go over the basics of the SSBC and chat with three experienced SSBC alumni who share their advice for building a successful team. 

Watch Video

AISC Student Clubs

Collegiate students can now form official clubs directly affiliated with AISC, gaining access to a wide array of resources, benefits, as well as educational and networking opportunities. Please proceed to the AISC Student Clubs page for more details!

Eligible teams will receive limited funding for the competition in the form of a stipend. AISC provides $750 stipends to eligible U.S.-based teams that compete at regional competitions in North America and $1,500 stipends to U.S.-based schools participating in the national finals. ASCE provides stipends to eligible teams that are located outside of the U.S.

To receive the participation stipend, teams must complete the ASCE Student Chapter SSBC Participation Form in the fall preceding the competition. Look for the link in the first mailer from your host school or on your symposium's website. After we receive your information from that form and you fill out the SSBC Participation Contact form, we'll also add your team to the Participating Teams Map.

AISC has continued to provide this funding for the 2025 competition thanks to the generous support of the SSBC Program Sponsors, particularly our Steel-level sponsors:

We recognize the challenges of the SSBC competition and want to support teams in strengthening their skills for future success. To accelerate learning, AISC is offering a special opportunity for up to 10 teams that did not advance to the national finals.

Randomly selected teams will receive up to $1,000 to cover travel expenses for next year’s SSBC team captain (or a designated team member) to attend the 2025 SSBC National Finals as an observer. This experience will provide valuable insights into design, fabrication, and construction techniques that can enhance your team’s performance next year.

Eligibility & Requirements

To qualify for reimbursement, you must:

• Have participated in a 2025 SSBC regional competition (presented for aesthetics judging and staged bridge for construction).
• Attend the SSBC National Finals on May 30-31, 2025.
• Serve as a bridge marshal, assisting with escorting bridges through the construction and loading sequence.
• Submit a one-page summary after the event, detailing what you learned and how your team will apply it next year.
  
  

Application Notes

Deadline: Applications are due by Wednesday, April 30. 

Selection Process: Up to 10 teams will be randomly selected, with results announced by Friday, May 2.

Notes:

• Teams may apply before their regional results are announced. However, if your team advances to the national finals, you will no longer be eligible.
• If a school sends two students, the $1,000 reimbursement will be split equally between them.
• Only one application per team is allowed.
  
  

This is a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience at the national level and bring valuable knowledge back to your team. We encourage you to apply! 

Note that this opportunity is currently only available to U.S.-based teams.

 APPLY HERE

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what previous student observers had to say about the experience:

"My experience as a bridge marshal was incredibly educational, and I am excited to apply what I have learned to our team’s efforts for the next competition."

"I found the many different design choices and building choices that each team made to be very interesting. It showed me how much outside the box thinking can help elevate a steel bridge team and taught me valuable lessons that I hope to implement next year … so that we can make it to the SSBC National Finals…"

We are hosting live webinars throughout the year for you to learn more about the competition, and they should be helpful for both new and seasoned competitors. All recordings will be posted at aisc.org/ssbcwebinars.

Team Mentors through NCSEA

Are you looking for a professional mentor for your team? The National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) is a supporting affiliate of the Student Steel Bridge Competition. Through their network of local Structural Engineers Associations and members throughout the country, NCSEA may be able to find a practicing structural engineer to mentor your team. Visit aisc.org/ssbc-ncsea to learn more!

Opportunity with Iron Workers Training Centers

We have partnered with Iron Worker apprenticeship training centers across the country to educate students about what it’s like to be an ironworker through hands-on demos, tours, and. Some facilities may also be able to provide welding and other fabrication skills training, provide space and access to tools for fabrication, and/or allow the team to practice constructing their bridge. This may be particularly beneficial for teams who may not have access to the necessary resources or facilities on their own campus for fabrication.  Learn more at aisc.org/ssbc-impact.

Fabricator Partnerships

AISC has a strong fabricator membership who are always looking to support students. If your SSBC team would like assistance with securing partnerships with local fabricators, please complete the fabricator partnership request form (below). Once your request is submitted, AISC will provide you with a list of contact information for AISC Member Fabricators in your area, as well as a letter template to assist in your solicitation request.

Fabricators could potentially support you in the following ways:

• Donate materials for the bridge
• Assist in fabrication services for the schools that do not have their own shop facilities (Students are encouraged to maximize their involvement in fabrication!)
• Based upon the Rules, provide guidance on constructability and cost
• Make a monetary contribution to the school that can be used to offset expenses, such as materials, other equipment, shop training, and travel to the regional and national competitions
  
  

Fabricator Partnership Request Form

We share general SSBC updates by email and also send notifications each time a new Rules Clarification is posted.

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Click through our archive of SSBC email updates to make sure you are up-to-date on all the most important information.