Bridges under pressure (8 photos)

Balsa wood bridges, built by Sault elementary and secondary school students, were tested for how well they were constructed by their ability to withstand applied weight at the annual bridge building competition at Sault College’s gymnasium Saturday, in a joint venture between the college and the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO).

This marks the 30th year for the competition, said Marc Pilon of Tulloch Engineering and PEO Algoma Chapter vice chair.

“This year we did about 20 in-class presentations. We offer it to the schools and talk about engineering principles, basically how to design the bridges and build them, how to draw the designs, how to properly cut the balsa wood and glue them together,” Pilon said.

“The idea is, if you use the materials well, your bridge could be lighter and hold weight better than a bridge that is heavier. We’re showing them how to build a bridge as efficiently as possible,” Pilon said.

The annual competition is taught with the Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) school curriculum in mind, with a view to encourage students to get involved in engineering.

“You can definitely spot the keen students, those with a passion for it, and what I really like to see is the younger students take their bridges home with them and figure out what they did wrong or how they can improve by the time they’re at the high school level,” Pilon said.  

The balsa wood kits were supplied by various sponsors in the community.

Six awards (two each in engineering, architecture and construction categories) were already given to students late last week before Saturday’s event.

Cash awards were available to the top 10 bridge builders, Pilon said.

Approximately 180 students took part in this year’s contest.