CSCE Inter-University Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition Proposal
1.0 Introduction
This document outlines the proposed rules, guidelines, and scheduling for the
Inter-University Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition (to be referred to as The
Competition).
2.0 Rules
2.1 Goal
The goal of the competition is to construct a bridge with the allotted
materials in the allotted time frame, which adheres to the given geometric
restrictions. The bridge with the highest score as described in the scoring section
shall be deemed the winner.
2.2 Materials
All bridges are to be made from standard popsicle sticks (of dimensions
115 mm x 9.5 mm x 1.6 mm), white glue, dental floss (any variety) Wooden
materials are to be uncoloured and untreated.
Materials are to be purchased in bulk by the delegation from Carleton
University. The cost for these materials will be split evenly between the CSCE
chapters from each university. The only material to be brought into the
construction room are paper, and tools.
2.3 Bridge Dimensions
All size restrictions are as per the size guidelines from prior competitions.
Where no data exists from prior competitions, an attempt has been made to
approximate an appropriate dimension.
Bridges must have a clear span of 400 mm, and have a minimum clearance
of 80 mm off the ground.
Maximum width must be no larger than 600 mm and have a maximum
height of 300 mm.
Bridges must have a running surface with a width of 80 mm, which must
have clear access from above for the testing machine, must run the entire length
of the bridge, must be level, and must be located above the 80 mm clearance.
Bridges must weigh between 1 and 3 pounds.
2.4 Scoring
Scoring shall be considered as ultimate capacity of a bridge. No numeric
score is to be assigned and the bridges will be ranked in order of strongest bridge.
3.0 Schedule
The bridge competition shall take place between 9 AM and 4 PM on Friday,
November 7th, 2008. Bridges will be stored for a week in the lab and will be tested the
following Friday from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Teams do not have to stay the total amount of time, and may leave whenever they want
(ie. to go to class).
4.0 Facilities
All delegate teams shall use the same facilities for construction of their bridges
during the allotted time. To ease contention of tools, teams are encouraged to bring their
own power tools (with all pertinent safety equipment) and to share with other teams. (ie
saws, sand paper, electric dermal)
5.0 Teams
Teams are to consist of between 1 and 4 people. Team members MUST be
undergraduate students currently enrolled at either university. The maximum number of
students either school may send is 20. This is to prevent construction facilities from
getting overcrowded.
6.0 Prizes
The winning team will have there name on the plaque and the corresponding
CSCE university chapter will have the privilege of having the trophy displayed in there
office.