Introduction

     The mission of the ASCE/AISC Student Steel Bridge Competition (SSBC) is to supplement the education of civil engineering students with a comprehensive, student-driven project experience from conception and design through fabrication, erection and testing, culminating in a steel structure that meets client specifications and optimizes performance and economy. The SSBC increases awareness of real-world issues such as spatial constraints, material properties, strength, serviceability, fabrication and erection processes, safety, esthetics and cost. Success in inter-collegiate competition requires effective team work and project management. Future engineers are stimulated to innovate, practice professionalism and use structural steel efficiently.

Problem Statement

     A century-old bridge that spans a river and adjacent floodway must be replaced. The bridge carries traffic serving the residences, farms, and agricultural processing industries that are the economic base of this rural region. A quick replacement is necessary because no other crossing is available for miles.
   

     The state Department of Transportation (DOT) has requested design/build proposals for replacing the existing bridge. Any appropriate type of bridge will be considered but the DOT has specified steel as the material because of its durability, fast erection, and high level of recycled content. Clearance under the bridge must be provided for passage of floods. The bridge must be able to carry specified patterns of loads without exceeding sway and deflection limits. Based on past experience with performance and maintenance, the DOT prefers bridges that are relatively light and stiff. The new bridge must accommodate modular decking that was salvaged from another structure.

     Due to environmental concerns, construction of permanent piers is permitted only on the existing footings. Temporary piers may be used. Construction barges and other equipment are not permitted in the river. Soil conditions limit the weight of loads that may be moved. Existing revetments protect steep slopes and must not be damaged by construction equipment.

     Your company's design/build proposal is among those that the DOT has deemed responsive, and winning the contract would be a step toward becoming a leader in the bridge replacement market. The DOT has asked each competing firm to submit a 1:10 scale model to demonstrate its concept. Models will be erected under simulated field conditions and then load tested. A panel of DOT personnel will judge the models by multiple criteria including durability, constructability, usability, stiffness, construction speed, efficiency, economy, and display. The contract will be awarded to the company whose model best meets the DOT’s needs and requirements. Any attempt to gain advantage by circumventing the intent of the competition as expressed by the rules, including this Problem Statement, will be grounds for rejection of the model and termination of the company’s eligibility.

Rules

2007 Steel Bridge Rules

Steel Bridge Links

American Institute Of Steel Construction (AISC)

American Society of Civil Engineers

American Iron and Steel Institute

National Steel Bridge Alliance

The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation

Nucor Corporation