USF-SE Bridge Building Competition

An annual event, the design competition is hosted by USF's College of Engineering and sponsored by THEA at USF's Engineering Expo. The competition is open to all High School and Middle School students in the Tampa Bay area.

The competition consists of teams of three middle or high school students who have designed and built model bridges from balsa wood. The competition then tests the load capacities of the bridges. The bridges are put under simulated load tests until the balsa wood cracks beneath the weight. Bridges are judged on craftsmanship, originality, design drawing and most importantly, load capacity.

Winning teams receive a traveling trophy for the school and individual trophies for each team member.

By engaging students to think as engineers and work together as a team, their ingenuity, and creativity are sparked to create the sturdiest design. THEA is proud to sponsor this incredible event for our regional students.

Get involved with the competition and learn more on the Bridge Building Competition's website.