USU Engineering Students Design Prize-Winning Steel Bridge
The Utah State University student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers took first place in the steel bridge design contest at the organization’s Rocky Mountain Regional
Completion held in April in South Dakota. The students won $1,000 for their student chapter.
“I think we are most proud of winning because we designed and built this bridge on our own,” said engineering student Dex Winterton.
USU engineering students Brian Crookston, Jacob O’Bryant, Andrew Stromness, Jay Tucker and Winterton took the honor after competing against 14 universities in the region. Civil and environmental engineering professors Paul Barr and Marv Halling advised the students.
“Between all the members on our team we put in something close to 1,800 man-hours on the design and fabrication of the bridge,” said Stromness.
The students are looking forward to competing at the National ASCE and American Institute of Steel Construction’s Steel Bridge competition hosted by the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, May 26-27. The event typically attracts more than 40 steel bridge teams and 700 participants from universities across the nation.
USU’s team spent $500 to design and build its bridge. Some of the competitors spend thousands, said Stromness.
“There will be about 45 schools at nationals and it is hard to predict what our chances will be of winning, but I think we will place in the top ten,” said Crookston.
Tucker said that as far as engineering schools go, USU is one of the best places to attend and that he has learned at lot.
“The teachers are very friendly and are willing to help with any extra assistance,” said O’Bryant.
USU's bridge competed against 14 others at the regional competition.
USU's bridge.
USU's award-winning team (left to right) Dex Winterton, Brian Crookston, Jay Tucker and Andrew Stromness.
USU's team had time for sightseeing during the trip, including a stop at Mount Rushmore where they mirrored the famous pose in the background. (left to right) R Jay Tucker, Brian Crookston, Dex Winterton, Andrew Stromness
TOPICS
Engineering 337stories Innovation 91stories Design 84storiesComments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page.
