General Information
The objective of the Newspaper Bridge Contest is to design a bridge using only 1 pound of newspaper and tape. The
bridge must meet the specifications listed below. Diagrams are included below the rules section. Each contestant is
asked to bring their constructed newspaper bridge to E-Day and submit it in Room 226 of the Oliver H. Raymond
(Civil Engineering) Building. You may also build a bridge during E-Day on Saturday, February 25, 2012.
Rules and specifications
- The bridge must be a minimum of 24 inches long and a maximum of 28 inches long (see diagram 1).
- There can only be two piers (see diagram 1).
- The length between piers must be a minimum of 20 inches long (see diagram 1).
- The bridge must have at least 6 inches of vertical clearance (see diagram 1).
- The bridge deck may be no wider than 6 inches (see diagram 2).
- No more than 1 pound of newspaper and tape will be allowed for each bridge.
- No more than one entry per contestant is allowed.
- Each entry submitted must be accompanied by a completed entry form (available at E-Day from an ITE officer) to ensure the winner receives his or her prize. If the entry form is not entirely completed the contestant may run the risk of not receiving their prize.
Diagram 1: Side view of bridge specifications.
Diagram 2. View of bridge deck from above.
Judging and testing
- Engineering students will inspect the entry and measure the dimensions of the bridge. Entries must meet the specifications detailed in this brochure.
- Bridges will be weighted with phonebooks or other uniform weights for judging.
- Bridges will be judged on their ability to support weight (ratio of bridge weight to supported weight) as well as their appearance.
Contact
Tony Fields
tony.fields@uky.edu
Sponsored by
Sponsored by the student section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers