2013 East Tennessee Regional Model Bridge Building Contest

Objective:

To build a model bridge, according to prescribed size and weight specifications, that is capable of supporting the greatest load per unit of mass.

Location:

American Museum of Science & Energy
300 South Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
AMSE Contact – Corwin Witt (865-241-2148) cwitt@amse.org Fax (865) 576-6024

Eligibility:

Students in grades 7-12

Schedule

March 1, 2013
March 9, 2013
8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
March 16, 2013

Send pre-registration forms to AMSE
Contest Date
Registration
Aesthetics judging
Testing begins
Testing continues followed by award presentations
Snow Date

Construction:

In accordance with the Model Bridge Building Specifications (pdf) Updated 1/8/13

1/8/13 update: P value updated to between 10. mm and 50. mm under Bridge Specifications 2e & on Figure 1.

Sponsors:

American Museum of Science & Energy, American Society of Civil Engineers, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, & AMSE Foundation

Prizes:

Prizes will be awarded in each division for first, second, and third place for the bridges with the highest structural efficiency (E= maximum load/model mass)

Senior High Division (grades 9*-12)
1st place – Trophy & $150.00 to student & $150 to school
2nd place – Trophy & $100.00 to student & $100 to school
3rd place – Trophy & $50.00 to student & $50 to schoolJunior High Division (grades 7-9*)
1st Place – Trophy
2nd Place – Trophy
3rd Place – Trophy

Most Aesthetic Bridge will receive a trophy**

Bridge Contest Rules:

The contest is open to high school and junior high school students grades 7-12
.Bridges must meet all specifications of the Model Bridge Building Contest. Those bridges not meeting specifications may be tested, but results will not count.
**A bridge must also meet specifications to qualify for the Aesthetics award. Bridges in Aesthetic category should be registered and qualified for testing before the 10:00 a.m. Aesthetic competition. Bridges submitted by 5:00 p.m. Friday evening (March 8, 2013) to the AMSE by mail to be pre-judged can qualify for the Aesthetic competition.
Bridges may be entered in person on the day of the contest. All bridges must be entered between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Models will be tested in the museum auditorium on the contest day. Students and parents are encouraged to attend.
Bridges not claimed in one week will become property of the museum and will be used for display.
Judges will be provided by the contest sponsors. All decisions of the judges will be final.
Please check with website periodically for any corrections to rules and regulations and frequently asked questions. www.amse.org
*Ninth grade students may compete in either division; however, cash prizes are awarded only in the senior high division.