The Challenge Of Building Bridges

By 250 News

Onlookers watch another bridge prepare to test its load limit at Pine Centre Mall

Prince George, B.C. -  Budding engineers were out in force for the 14th Annual 'Ultimate Bridge Building Contest' this afternoon...

The goal was to build a span that was able to support more weight than any other - using a maximum of 100 popsicle sticks and all-purpose white glue, that's it.

Spokesperson, Shiloh Carlson, says a total of 48 competitors registered in the five categories - starting with the primary category and working all the way up to those professionals wanting to 'test their mettle'.

Click on photo at right for a video of a bridge in the primary category, preparing to meet its ultimate collapse...the structure had more of a gradual, sideways collapse than any spectacular snap.

Carlson, herself a geo-technical engineer, says March is National Engineering and Geoscience month and the bridgebuilding competition and geo rock display on at Pine Centre Mall this afternoon is a fun way to promote engineering. 

"It's a way to show kids that engineering is everywhere - the things they do everyday use engineering skills," she says, "And we're just trying to promote engineering as a career."

Carlson says a number of today's entrants are repeat competitors, coming back trying to 'better' their bridge designs over previous efforts.

The Central Interior branch of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C. send out notices to the schools every year in hopes of generating interest in the event.  The contest rules and guidelines are available at www.apeg.bc.ca/ci

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us