ASCE Bridge Contest Held at Eastland
February 14, 2005

Over 20 UE civil engineers participated in the annual Balsa Wood Bridge Building Contest over the weekend at Eastland Mall. During the contest with 45 elementary, middle school and high school children, more than 45 bridges were weighed inspected, loaded with weight and eventually broken. The largest load carried by the 24-inch long bridges made of 1/8 inch balsa wood strands was over 90 pounds. This is one of the largest loads held in recent years. Joshua Culver, ASCE President and Past VP for Bridge Building commented, “The balsa wood bridge competition is an excellent opportunity for UE students to share their time and talents with the community, while possibly developing new interest in engineering for young students in the tri-state area. It provides a fun, interesting day for all involved; participants, spectators, and UE students alike.”

Pictured above are students from Evansville's West Terrace School and their balsa wood bridges.