The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) annually sponsor a steel bridge competition for undergraduate and graduate engineering students across the country. This competition includes the design and fabrication of a bridge to be constructed and tested in regional and national competition. This competition allows students to learn the concepts of steel design, fabrication, and construction while developing skills such as leadership, networking, and teamwork. In order to be successful in the AISC competition, students must use innovative problem solving and efficient project management. These skills, which can be developed while working on projects such as the steel bridge, are essential to being successful in the engineering profession.

This year’s team, which includes freshmen through seniors, has designed and fabricated a steel bridge to participate in the ASCE Great Lakes Regional Conference which will be held April 25-26, 2008 at the University of Evansville. Teams from Purdue, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Illinois, and several other universities will attend the regional competition.