Regional Bridge Building Competition

Math and physics students from local high schools compete for regional awards in bridge building, using standard specifications and lightweight basswood. Each student sets up his or her bridge and attaches a 5-gallon bucket hanging from a cable; they then place metal balls, two or three at a time, into the bucket. When the bridge collapses, the bucket is weighed. The winner is determined through a formula that compares bridge weight to bucket weight. Top winners advance to national competition. The event is sponsored by the Wenatchee chapter of the Professional Society of Engineers and coordinated by Ryan Peterson, rpeterson@RH2.com.