Engineering Students Take On Steel Bridge Challenge

September 9, 2026 - The 2027 Student Steel Bridge Competition will challenge engineering students to design and build a scale steel pedestrian bridge based on a hypothetical project in Golden, Colorado.

Organized by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the competition requires students to take their designs from analysis and optimization through fabrication and construction.

The hypothetical project calls for a new steel pedestrian bridge over Clear Creek. Students must design around requirements that include providing clearance for kayaking and other river recreation, working within limited construction zones, building without piers, and remotely staging materials and equipment.

Teams must also consider strength, stability, aesthetics, construction time, and cost as they develop their designs.

After developing their designs, students fabricate 1:10-scale versions in steel that are constructed and tested during the competition. Regional competitions will take place across North America during the spring, followed by the national finals June 4 and 5 at the Colorado School of Mines.

Students will assemble scale steel bridges in a timed setting while following safety rules and construction standards. The bridges will then undergo testing with 2,500 pounds of steel angles.

“The Student Steel Bridge Competition is a flagship program for AISC and a genuine favorite among our team — especially those who competed themselves during college,” said AISC Senior Director of Education Christina Harber, SE, PE. “Year after year, participants tell us that it was the absolute highlight of their degree, and so many move on to build careers as professional bridge engineers!”

The University of Florida currently holds the top position after winning the 2026 National Finals for the sixth consecutive year.