A team of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students matched up against 15 teams from across the United States and Canada during the 2009 National Timber Bridge Competition.
Teams submitted documentation of their results after they designed, constructed and tested their bridges at their home campus. The competition was conducted via the Internet, with each team required to post design drawings, test results, and project highlights. More information about the School of Mines entry can be viewed at http://www.msrcd.org/b-result09.htm.
The School of Mines team took first place in Most Innovative Design for their three-pinned, glu-laminate arch bridge. The bridge also took second place in Most Aesthetic Design and was the lightest of those entered in the competition.
The competition has three major objectives: to promote interest in the use of wood as a competitive bridge construction material, to generate innovative and cost-effective timber bridge design techniques, and to develop an appreciation of the engineering capabilities of wood.
