2007 ASCE/AISC Pacific Northwest Regional Student Conference
and Student Steel Bridge Competition
April 12-14, 2007

Our objective for hosting this conference was to raise the standards for the conference and competition. We created innovative testing equipment that accurately and quickly tested each steel bridge. To fully prepare the judges, we held a judges training workshop a week before the competition. We had a concrete snowshoe competition as an extra event. With all of our conference planning, we had to sacrifice building a steel bridge for competition. However, this decision enabled us to set the bar for testing equipment that will hopefully influence future competitions.

Concrete Snowshoe Competition

The competition consisted of an oral presentation about the teams mix design and concrete properties; the final product based on aesthetics, durability, bending test, and size; and lastly a relay race. The purpose of this competition is to provide students with hands-on experience by working with concrete mix design and project management, and to build awareness of concrete technology through its versatility and durability as a construction material. However the snow melted before the conference, so the teams had to race in the mud.

Photos by Todd Paris, UAF Marketing & Communications

Hydraulic Vertical Loading System

This innovative design was able to test each bridge using hydraulics and LMTs. The hydraulics allowed us to test the bridges very quickly, consistently, and without human loading or contact. The LMTs produced accurate deflection results. To see the loading system in action, check out the YouTube video.

Weighing Frame

The weighing frame used a three point design and load cells for accurate results.

Lateral Loading Frame

The lateral loading frame was height adjustable and used a LVDT for precise results.

Thank You

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS: Jenni Coon, Margaret Cysewski, Danny Dominick, Tyler Dyer, Don Gillie, Jake Helton, Jake Horazdovsky, Zack Jerla, Brendan Karchere, Wilhelm Meunch, and Larry Mosley
JUDGES: Mike Dean, Yi Derrick, Jim Loftus, Clint Adler, Elmer Marx, Anne Ervice, Scott Pulice, Glen Kravitz, Brad Fristoe, Mike Hendee, Dave Hayden, Billy Brookins, Christopher Grgich, Amythe Strobell, Pete Jacobson, Karin Franzen, and Wendel Lewis
UAF SUPPORT: College of Engineering and Mines, UAF Fire Marshall, UAF Facility Services, UAF Athletic Department, Civil and Environmental Department, Suzette Stachow, Saundra Jefko, Dr. John Zarling, Dr. Dennis Filler, Dr. Ming Lee, Dr. David Barnes, Dr. J. Leroy Hulsey, Dean Doug Goering, Provost Paul Reichardt, Chancellor Steve Jones, and President Mark Hamilton

Thanks to our sponsors and all of our volunteers!