The 2024 Student Steel Bridge Competition National Finals at Louisiana Tech University

The Student Steel Bridge Competition (SSBC) has been taking place since 1987 when Lawrence Tech, Michigan Tech, and Wayne State competed in a parking lot to determine who had the best bridge. This first competition sparked an interest in competing across the country, thus starting the regional competitions and national finals. The event has grown every year since, and more than 200 schools are expected to compete this year, with the top 40-45 teams across North America advancing to the 2024 SSBC National Finals. This year the SSBC National Finals will be hosted by Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA! The Student Steel Bridge Competition is an annual competition that challenges student teams to develop a scale-model steel bridge. The team must determine how to fabricate their bridge and then plan for an efficient assembly under timed construction at the competition. Bridges are then load tested and weighed. The bridge must span approximately 20 feet, carry 2,500 pounds, and must meet all other specifications of the competition rules. Bridge aesthetics are also judged and considered in the final results of the competition. The mission of the Student Steel Bridge Competition is to challenge students to extend their classroom knowledge to a practical and hands-on steel-design project that grows their interpersonal and professional skills, encourages innovation, and fosters impactful relationships between students and industry professionals. We are currently looking for local sponsors. Email Dr. Matthews at Matthews@latech.edu for more information