Each year, the Rules Committee creates a new mock scenario and set of rules for the Student Steel Bridge Competition (SSBC), keeping the competition challenging and exciting for the student teams.
This year's problem statement involves historic steel railroad bridges in Hawaii that must be rebuilt due to volcanic flows and earthquake activity. But there’s a twist: Each bridge must include a cantilever supported by offset footings on one end.
As in past competitions, the rules include design, construction, equipment and safety requirements. After constructing their bridges, teams will perform vertical and lateral load tests.
Starting in early spring of 2019, 18 regional competitions will be hosted by universities nationwide. AISC will offer funding and assistance in finding sponsors for bridge teams and host schools. Depending on the number of teams at each competition, between one and four teams will move onto the 2019 Student Steel Bridge Competition - National Finals at the University of Texas El Paso, May 24-25.
For the complete problem statement and rules visit www.aisc.org/ssbc.