Nanyang Technological University

Bridge Design Competition 2019

Rules and Regulations

1. SPECIFICATIONS
1.1. CASE STUDY

a. A simplified real-world scenario will be used as the context for the bridge model design. Bridge
models may be required to fulfil additional design requirements as specified by the case.
b. Every team will receive the same case.
c. The bridge model should serve as an effective solution to the problem described by the case.
d. A sample case will be released on 14th February 2019 at NTU Bridge Design Competition 2019
Facebook page for reference.
e. The actual case will be released on Event Day 1, 9th March 2019.

1.2. MATERIALS

a. The bridge must only be constructed from the official materials provided. String, cardboard,
balsa and basswood of different cross-section areas ( 𝟑⁄𝟏𝟔 Square and 𝟑⁄𝟏𝟔 × 𝟏⁄𝟒 ) will be
available for exchange. Cyanoacrylate adhesive (super glue) will be provided. Teams need not
use both types of wood in their model. [Basswood is around 3-4 times stronger than balsa.]
b. Each team will be given 40 tokens to exchange for the materials that they need for model
construction at the Marketplace. Tokens required for each type of material will vary; more
information will be disseminated during Event Day 1.
c. The wood may be notched, cut, sanded or laminated in any manner but must still be identifiable
as the original wood.
d. No other materials other than those provided by the committee can be used in the construction of
the model. The bridge may not be stained, painted or coated in any fashion with any foreign
substance.
e. Teams are to prepare the necessary equipment and tools required for the model construction, as
shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Recommended Equipment List
No. Tools and Equipment Qty
1 Small Hacksaw / Cutter As Required
2 Sandpaper 2
3 Binder Clip / Pegs As Required
4 Notepad 1
5 Stationary As Required

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 Nanyang Technological University
Bridge Design Competition 2019
Rules and Regulations

1.3. BRIDGE MODEL SPECIFICATIONS

a. The maximum bridge mass is capped at 40.00 grams.

b. The bridge model (see Figure 1) must span a gap (S) of 300mm, be no longer (L) than 400mm,
have a maximum width (W) of 80mm, and be no taller (H) than 200mm above the support surfaces.
No part of the bridge may extend below the support surface.
c. The loading plane (P) shall be horizontal and shall not lie below the support surfaces.
d. The bridge must be constructed to provide for the placement of the loading plate (see Figure 1 and
3) at each of the three loading points. Any portion of the structure above or below the loading
plane must provide clearance for the loading rod at the three loading point locations.
e. Teams are to label the loading points on their bridge model as shown in Figure 1.
f. Teams that fail to meet the above-mentioned criteria will only be given 15 minutes to modify their
bridge.

Figure 1: Loading Points Arrangement (Not To Scale)

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 Nanyang Technological University
Bridge Design Competition 2019
Rules and Regulations

1.4. LOADING

a. The load will be applied downwards, through a 50 mm × 80 mm loading plate (see Figure 2)
resting on the loading plane of the bridge. The plate is 6.35 mm (1⁄4 inch) thick and a 12.7 mm
(1⁄2 inch) diameter eyebolt is attached to its centre. Load will be applied to the plate using a
Vernier Structure Tester as shown in Figure 3.
b. The loading plate will be placed on the roof/deck (above the support surface), at one of the three
loading points (see Figure 1). Actual loading point will be determined by drawing lots.

Figure 2. Loading Plate Specifications

Figure 3: Vernier Structure Tester

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 Nanyang Technological University
Bridge Design Competition 2019
Rules and Regulations

2. ASSESSMENT
More information with regards to the assessment criteria will be released closer to the event date, on
NTU Bridge Design Competition 2019’s official Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/NTUBDC2019/

3. SAMPLE CASE
A sample case will be uploaded onto NTU Bridge Design Competition 2019’s official Facebook Page
on 14 Feb 2019. The sample case is only for reference and it will not be the actual case given during
the competition.