Bustin’ Trusses and Takin’ Names… A Look into this year’s Truss Bustin’ Competition.

Truss Bustin’ is an annual event sponsored by the Nebraska Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the UNO Student Chapter that challenges Omaha-area high school students to design and construct a balsa wood bridge, simulating the engineering design process from concept through construction. Students designed their own truss following standard specifications, draw construction plans, and put their designs to the test at the competition where the trusses were loaded to failure. The competition introduces students to engineering professions, and provides teachers a hands-on approach to teaching their students about structural mechanics and the design process.

This year’s competition was Saturday, February 27th, 2016 in the atrium of the Peter Kiewit Institute (PKI) on the University of Nebraska – Omaha campus. The competition came at the conclusion of Engineer’s Week, an annual celebration of engineers making a difference in our communities and around the world. Trusses were scored based on their strength, weight, and aesthetics, and prizes are awarded to the top 3 finishers. The top trusses received $300, $200, and $100 awards, respectively, and winners will be recognized at their school, and at a Nebraska Section ASCE meeting with their parents and teacher.

PVS had the pleasure of fabricating the testing frame and had a blast watching the students test their trusses.  Check out the pictures below!!