This event is a chance for engineering students that are presently studying at the Medicine Hat College to get to know the professionals that are currently practicing in Medicine Hat and surrounding area.  Come out for a night of fellowship and help to introduce the students to the exciting opportunities and possibilities that a profession in engineering has to offer. 

New this year we are going to be challenging the first year engineering students to a design competition to build a bridge*  out of 100 plain popsicle sticks.   

*See attached for bridge details

We would like to invite industry to build a bridge to be tested along with the student bridges for bragging rights to the
“Best Design Build Consultant 2009”.

When:        Thursday, March 19, 2009

Where:       Medicine Hat College
                    Courtyard Room
                           
Time:          6:00 p.m. Beer and Pizza
                    7:00 p.m. Bridge Breaking

Cost:           Sponsored by APEGGA Medicine Hat Branch 

Come out and support the future members of our profession!

Please RSVP no later than Monday, March 16, 2009 by contacting: Clayton Bos, P. Eng., 502-8479 or cbos@mhc.ab.ca

POPSICLE STICK BRIDGE CONTEST

SPECIFICATIONS
SCOPE: Design and build a through-truss bridge that is structurally efficient and aesthetically pleasing using popsicle sticks and white glue.

PREQUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS:
1. Contractors shall be individuals or groups of up to four (4) individuals who are enrolled in the UT Engineering program or engineers and technologists from industry.

INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTRACTORS:
1. Bridges shall be through-trusses with clear span, maximum height, width, maximum bearing length, loading platform details and minimum clearance for traffic as shown on the sheet titled "Dimensions - Sheet 1/1".
2. Construction materials shall be only Popsicle sticks and white glue, as provided by Clay Bos (L127 Office, 403-502-8479).  Popsicle sticks shall not be cut or split. A maximum of 100 whole popsicle sticks may be used.

TESTING:
1. Contractors shall arrive at the site before the testing time with completed bridges and a written statement indicating:
a) the names of all members of the design/build team;
b) number of sticks used; and
c) the predicted failure load of the bridge.
2. Test loads will be applied by a hydraulic air ram through a loading block (150mm x 80mm) placed in the centre at the top of the bridge.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:
1. Points will be awarded as follows:
a) Design and artistic appearance: up to 10 points.
b) Highest load/weight ratio (strongest) bridge: 20 points. Second strongest bridge: 15 points. Third strongest: 10 points. Fourth strongest: 5 points. Fifth strongest: 3 points. Sixth strongest: 2 points.
c) A bonus of 10 points will be awarded if the bridge fails within 10% of the predicted failure load.