Competitions
- be in good standing by having submitted your annual report to ASCE,
- participate in the technical paper competition,
- attend the business meeting during conference (Friday evening), and
- qualify at the conference level.
The 2012 ASCE Southeast Student Conference will host the following competitions:
Student competition shall be open to undergraduate ASCE student chapter/club members in good standing as verified by the Faculty Advisors. Each chapter represented at the annual conference shall be limited to one entry in all conference contest competitions.
To advance to the national concrete canoe and steel bridge competitions, your chapter must:
Concrete Canoe
Rules (PDF)The Concrete Canoe Design Paper is due to the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering on or before FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2012 .
Please mail SIX (6) copies of your Design Paper to the following address:
Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering
2012 ASCE Southeast Student Conference
2525 Pottsdamer Street Room A129
Tallahassee, Florida 32310-6046
Note: Concrete Canoe is a national competition, with rules prepared by ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition. Please submit questions about the concrete canoe competition to ASCE directly.
Steel Bridge
RulesNote: Steel Bridge is a national competition, with rules and clarifications prepared by AISC/ASCE National Student Steel Bridge Competition. Please submit questions about the rules to AISC/ASCE directly.
Balsa Tower
Rules (PDF)17 Feb 2012 University of Miami
Q: Rule 6.7 says "Joints are allowed no more than seven (7) connections allowed at one specific column location." Also, in the reference tower 3-D model (T1.1 A) there are seven members at the circled connection. In the table for deductions, however, it says that if the number of members at a joint exceed six (6), 10 points will be deducted per member. Are we allowed to have six or seven members at a joint without having our points reduced?
A: The maximum number of members allowed at any one joint is seven (7), including the column. Rule 6.7 and the 3-D model are correct, the deductions table has an error in regards to that rule. Deductions will only occur if there are greater than 7 members at a joint.
18 Feb 2012 University of Central Florida
Q: After we turn in our electronic copy of our work log, Can we still change our design of the tower before conference?
A: Yes, you can change your tower design after submitting the Work Log. However, in Section 7 (Work Log), note that all aspects of the Work Log directly relate to your tower design. Scoring of the Work Log will take this fact into consideration, so if your analysis, CADD, etc. identified in the Work Log are for a tower design other than your submitted tower, you are obviously at greater risk to receive deductions in your Work Log.
So yes, you may change your tower design after Work Log submission, but it is highly ill-advised and you will assume a significant risk by doing so.
21 Feb 2012 University of Central Florida
Q: Could I put 2 CAD drawings in the work log as 2 alternates and bring 1 of them to conference without being deducted points because the rules say I can bring 2 towers to conference but choose 1 to test.
A: This is not in the project scope. Two CAD drawings representing two different timber towers in the Work Log will not be accepted. The Work Log is the subject of a single chosen design, and only one tower will be tested, hence only one tower work log will be graded. The option of bringing a second tower to conference is intended to serve as an identical backup to the designed tower in case something happens to one of them during transport. Submitting multiple sets of drawings for various alternatives without the judges knowing which one would get tested could potentially put other teams at a disadvantage. Therefore this will not be allowed.
03 Mar 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: Section 5.2 states the balsa plank may be adhere to the top AND/OR bottom. This is a little confusing because in case we add planks in both sides, how is the cube test going to apply? Also, how this will affect the +- 1/8 tolerance, since the vertical elements already have 20 in.?
A: If you attach the plank, then the "cube test" will be administered with internal measurements. Which means you can go ahead attach your plank and we will simply measure the internal open area of the tower to see if the cube would pass through were the top and bottom open. Concerning the vertical limits, the 20" limit applies whether you have the plank or not. This means if you choose to use the plank then your columns will be shorter so that you meet the 20" limit.
03 Mar 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: Section 5.5 states that base dimensions are 5"X5" maximum cross sectional area with a +- 1/8" tolerance. Does this means that we can reduce the cross sectional dimensions to our better judgement? Or does it have to be exactly 5"X5" ?
A: No, you cannot reduce the cross section. Section 5.5 implies that the cross sectional area should 5"x5" +/- 1/8". Therefore your tower should be (at most) between 4-7/8" and 5-1/8" (that's the 1/8" tolerance).
05 Mar 2012 Florida Atlantic University
Q: Could the allowable balsa plank at the top and bottom be smaller than 5"x5"x1/8"? Like something around 5"x3"x1/8"? or even 4"x3"x1/8"?
A: No, you cannot reduce the cross section based on the dimensional constraints stated in Section 5.2. This rule implies that the cross sectional area should 5"x5". This is equivalent to the cross sectional area of the tower. Therefore your tower should be (at most) between 4-7/8" and 5-1/8" (that's the 1/8" tolerance permitted for both the balsa plank and the tower). Therefore, if chosen to use, the plank should match the cross-sectional dimensions of the tower.
07 Mar 2012 Florida Atlantic University
Q: If we had a vertical column angled at less than 10 degrees would that be ok? like a 5 or 8 degree angle? The top plate will still be 5"x5".
A: To answer your question, refer to Section 5.8 which states there are to be (4) vertical columns in the tower. Vertical meaning, 90 degrees subtended from any horizontal reference line and/or perpendicular to all horizontal members. You can have angled "bracing" to help support the tower but those angled members must follow the angle constraints designated in Section 5.11. Failure to abide by these rules will result in deductions based on the violation.
07 Mar 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: Do you know the velocity in which the load will be applied to the tower? For example 0.1lb/min.
A: We have not established the exact rate at which the towers will be loaded, but we are planning for something that causes sudden brittle failure which implies a single member or joint fails completely. Expect a faster rate rather than something very slow. Teams will informed of the rate once it has been established.
07 Mar 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: Will the loading test stop immediately after a member breaks even though the resistance is still increasing? For example if a member brakes at 100 lb and the tower resists a total load of 150 lbs, which resistance will you choose for the final score?
A: The loading will terminate once a member OR joint has failed. Once a member fails, the distribution of the continuing pressure will cause severe instability immdiately after initial failure; hence a full tower collapse should take place. To answer the question, though, the loading test will stop at the time of initial failure and will not continue on.
08 Mar 2012 Florida A&M University - Florida State University
Q: I have a question regarding rule 6.2. What exactly do you mean by "scarfing"?
A: Scarfing simply means excessive gluing around the joint locations. Like taking the glue and "wrapping it" in a scarf like fashion.Excessive gluing is not allowed and will be determined at the discretion of the judges.
12 Mar 2012 University of Florida
Q: I just wanted to verify my assumption that the top of the tower can be narrower than the base; i.e. the base can be 5'x5' while the top can be 3.5'x3.5). Please let me know if this is acceptable.
A: Based on rules 5.8 and 5.11, the tower you are referring to is subject to deductions. Note, you might want to refer to the Deductions Scoring Rubric... I would recommend reviewing this table, as it will greatly influence the scoring of your tower.
15 Mar 2012 University of South Alabama
Q: I know that we have to submit one electronic version of the work log before the conference and a hard copy of the work log during the conference. My question is, can we edit the hard copy version of the work log? If there is going to be a deductions, how much will our points be deducted?
A: To answer your question: No, you cannot edit, revise, or adjust the work log. This would mean that the first log submitted would be preliminary which would defeat the purpose of the first deadline. Your tower should be reflected throughout the first electronic copy of the work log as well as the second hard copy. Any deviations from the original work log that was submitted last Friday will result in a deduction of points from your score. If there is a substantial variance in your actual tower from your submitted work log (allowed but ill-advised), you will be at risk for deductions because your submitted work log does not match your submitted tower, but you may NOT submit a revised work-log the day of the event. The severity of the deductions will be the judges discretion.
16 Mar 2012 University of Miami
Q: Rule 6.4 says "A tolerance of approximately 1/2" glued surface area along any member will be acceptable." Does this refer to excessive glue on the surface of a member or is it saying that the length of any joint (location where one member is glued to another) must be less than approximately 1/2"?
A: Rule 6.4 refers to excessive gluing on and around a joint location (not allowed). It does not refer to the amount of surface area of a member in contact with another member at a joint location.
Concrete Beam
Rules (PDF)Mix Design Form (PDF)
12 Feb 2012 Rules Clarification:
The rules state that the concrete beams will be tested according to ASTM C78, which requires a stress rate of 125 to 175 psi/min. However, schools may bring different cross sections, which would require adjusting the stress rate for every beam test. Instead, we will base the ASTM C78 stress rate of 125 - 175 psi/min on a 6" by 6" cross-section, which will result in using the same stress rate for all tests.
06 Mar 2012
The MIX DESIGN FORM shall be turned in with the beam specimen on the morning of the competition. See schedule for drop-off time."
2 Feb 2012 Tennessee Tech University
Q: Can we use any other type of supplementary cementing materials other than slag and fly ash?
A: Please note, that only 3 cementitious materials are covered by the rules. You can use Portland Cement, Fly ash according to ASM C618, and Slag as specified ASTM C989. No other cementitious materials are allowed.
2 Feb 2012 Tennessee Tech University
Q: Is beam strength determined based on failure due to shear or flexure? Will loading be continued passed cracking to failure in compression?
A: The beams will be failed by a four point bending test according to ASTM C78. In other words, there will be no shear force in the failure zone (with rare exceptions) and the beam will fail in pure bending. The beam will be tested to failure (usually complete separation) until no additional load can be withstood. The maximum recorded load/stress will be part of your ranking.
2 Feb 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: The rules require to have 30% coarse aggregate, that comply with the ASTM C33 No. 57 or 67, by concrete volume. I was wondering, if we have an aggregate that only goes through sieve sizes 1" to 3/8" and another aggregate that is mostly 3/8", can we mix them to form one coarse aggregate? Please let me know as soon as possible.
A: Please note that the designation No. 57 or No. 67 is not just a requirement for the maximum aggregate size but rather defines the gradation. That is, max and min percentage of each aggregate size in your mixture.
5 Feb 2012 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Q: The rules state that "Chopped Fibers" are allowed. Can a more specific explanation of the type of fibers allowed be provided? Example: an ASTM specification to follow or a specific definition of "Chopped Fibers". Are steel fibers allowed?
A: Any type of fibers are allowed for this competition (including steel). An ASTM standard was not specified to guarantee creativity.
5 Feb 2012 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Q: The Rules state that aggregate specified in ASTM C33 are allowed. Lightweight aggregate follow a different ASTM specification (C330 through C332). Does this mean lightweight aggregates are prohibited?
A: Please note, that the rules specify the gradation requirements (according to ASTM 33) only. You can use any type of coarse aggregates, as long as its' particle distribution is within the No.67 or No.57 requirements. In terms of the coarse aggregates, we are looking for the students to be as innovative as possible.
10 Feb 2012 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Q: The rules specify that Type I Portland Cement as specified in ASTM C 150 is allowed. Is Hydraulic Cement as specified in ASTM C 1157 allowed?
A: Only Portland Cement according to ASTM C150 is allowed in this competition. Please noter that all portland (and blended) cements are hydraulic cements. Hydraulic is a broad term that merely refers to the hydration/setting/hardening process. ASTM C1157, Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cements, is a performance based specification that covers (amongst others) portland cement (including type 1). ASTM C1157 has no restrictions o the composition of the cement or its constituents, and therefore, refers to ASTM C150. ASTM C150 prescribes the proper proportion of the compounds.
10 Feb 2012 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Q: The rules state that Fly Ash (ASTM C 618) and Slag (ASTM C 989) are allowed. Are other supplementary cementitious materials allowed? Is Metakaolin allowed? Is Silica Fume allowed?
A: Only fly ash and slag cement according to the specified ASTMs are permitted. Ingredients not mentioned in the rules are not allowed.
27 Feb 2012 University of Central Florida
Q: The rules state that the ASTM C 78-02, Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete, will be used to test the beams in third-point bending. But there was a rule clarification posted under Tennessee Tech that stated "The beams will be failed by a four point bending test". Which method will be used?
A: "Third-point bending" means that the load will be applied in two locations, at the third points on the beam. The "four point bending test" comment means the same thing, in that it refers to four points: two points for loading, and two reactions.
12 Mar 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: Regarding to weight, will it be taken into consideration whether the beam is 6x6 or 4x4?
A: Please note that the rules (section 6) do not address any dimensions regarding the weight of the beam. In other words, only the total beam weight will be of interest.
12 Mar 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: Regarding the strength,when you say strength do you mean load (pounds) or load/area (psi)?
A: According to section 7 of the rules (third paragraph); all beams will be loaded until failure occurs. The maximum load will be taken as the strength.
Environmental
Rules (PDF)"Rules Change (03/14/2012): Due to several schools' inability to find 14x14 mesh, 14x18 mesh may be used instead."
22 Feb 2012 University Unknown
Q: Under section 5, Materials and limitations, of the environmental competition, it states that, "the only material containment mechanism that is allowed will be a single piece of window screen mesh to line the bottom of the filter." Does that mean that the mesh piece can be either inside or outside of the bottom of the filter to line it? Please clarify.
A: Great question. I think it was assumed that window screen mesh would be shoved down into the bottom of your soda bottle. Otherwise, it might be difficult for the judges to measure the holes of your filter if they are covered by mesh.
27 Feb 2012 University of North Florida
Q: The rules state that the maximum screen mesh size is 14x14 per sq inch. Does this mean that the mesh needs to have 14 threads in each direction maximum, or that the maximum for the openings is what would be on a 14x14 screen? For example, I was able find screen with a mesh size of 14x18. Would this be legal for the competition?
A: 14 x 14 is the requisite mesh size for this competition. However, if you use a different mesh size, obviously it would be very difficult for the judges to catch. That being said, a larger mesh size may mean that you have to design your filter differently to avoid aggregate material loss during filtration.
27 Feb 2012 University of North Florida
Q: The rules state that the filter media is to be "granular in nature". I am assuming that this allows the use of any media material that is a granular shape, and no material is unusable as long as it meets these shape requirements?
A: Any granular material, synthetic, processed, or natural earth in origin will be acceptable as filtration media.
28 Feb 2012 University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Q: Are speed and chlorine residual judged equally?
A: Yes, filtration time and chlorine residuals are weighted equally. Please refer to the contest guidelines for a specific explanation of scoring.
04 Mar 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: The rules do not state if a support mechanism (like a stand) will be provided to uphold the filter. Will one be provided, or is it responsibility of the team to bring one?
A: We will provide a support for each filter. Most likely an adequately sized beaker with spout.
08 Mar 2012 University of Central Florida
Q: I was only able to find 14x18 mesh, Home Depot and Lowes do not sell 14x14. I know that an earlier question was answered by saying that it would be difficult for judges to tell the difference, but is 14x18 allowed? I want to make sure this is approved as a material. Also, how and who will apply the water to the filter?
A: 14 x 14 mesh is available at Grainger Industrial Supply. Each team will be expected to apply the water sample to the top of their filters during the filtration step.
12 Mar 2012 University of Florida
Q: I was wondering what qualifies as granular media. Specifically, If clays also qualify as granular media.
A: Sure, all clay or earth materials can be used. However, you will want to avoid material that can be 'mobilized' by the water sample during filtration (adding color), and has a naturally high infiltration rate.
14 Mar 2012 Southern Polytechnic State University
Q: For the environmental competition, can there be more than one mesh screen placed at the bottom? The typical screen is too big and allows media to pass through.
A: As stated in the competition guidelines, only a 'single' piece of mesh is allowed in any given filter. As a helpful hint, careful selection of the materials, by type and size, can help avoid filter media loss during filtration.
14 Mar 2012 University of North Florida
Q: For the environmental competition, it states that "the only material containment mechanism that is allowed will be a single piece of window screen mesh to line the bottom of the filter". Can a material such as scotch tape be used to hold the edges of the screen mesh in place? With out this, the edge of the screen tends to bunch up and let the filter media past the screen and out the bottom of the filter.
A: Use of a small quantity of adhesive to hold the mesh in place is permissible.
19 Mar 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: The rules state that a gradation chart "shall" be included with the filter submission. The materials used are store bought, and we have a grain size range, but not a grading chart. Is it indispensable to provide the chart or will the range suffice?
A: Bring whatever information about the filter media you selected that your team can reasonably acquire.
19 Mar 2012 University of Alabama
Q: Does the granular material have to be free flowing? For instance, a clay pot is granular in nature but the grains are immobile.
A: This filter competition is intended to test packed-bed filters consisting of loose, granular filtration media. If you would like to use a clay pot, it would have to be broken into pieces that could be 'packed' into your soda bottle.
22 Mar 2012 University of Alabama
Q: Are we only allowed to pour the water into our filter using the container that the water will be provided to us in during the competition, or will we be able to bring our own device to transfer the water from this container and into our filter? Also, can cotton be considered granular in any form?
A: Under competition rules, there is no stipulation on how water is introduced to the filter by each team other than that fluid flow shall be from top-to-bottom. To your second question, fibrous material is not granular and is not permissible as filter media.
Geotechnical
Rules (PDF)Note (updated 1/20/2012): A mistake was identified in the moisture content equation listed in the original rules. We've updated page two of the rules, Page 2 (replacement).
20 Feb 2012 Florida Atlantic University
Q: Will the soil be sieved through a #4 sieve and what is the microwave method comprised of ?
A: The event judges etc… will be using ASTM D 4643 to determine the moisture content of the samples. Also, all of the samples provided should already pass a #4 sieve, but we will have one on site in case it is needed.
12 Mar 2012 Florida Atlantic University
Q: I found a document that helped our group get a better grasp of ASTM D 4643 from the North Dakota DOT. It mentions having the microwave power setting at a defrost or higher level. It mentions setting the microwave timer to 3 minutes and when the timer stops carefully mix the soil. Once finished mixing the soil, it mentions to return the soil to the microwave for 1 minute reheat and again mix the soil. Then it mentions to repeat the process until a constant weight is achieved. I am unsure if this method is correct, could you verify this, and if possible would you happen to have real copy of ASTM D 4643 for our team to view. Another question that has come up in our group discussion is whether we are allowed to bring a sheet of formulas to the competition.
A: The main concern with the moisture contents is to get the sample such that constant mass is achieved. Unfortunately do to copyright laws etc. we are unable to provide teams with actual hard copies of the ASTM spec. However, I would not dwell on this at all except for practice, since the moisture determinations will be the responsibilities of the judging staff on the day of the event. In regards to equation sheets, those will not be permitted in the competition area.
Plan Reading
Rules (PDF)08 Mar 2012 University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Q: For preparation purposes, I would like to know what kinds of plans are to be provided in the competition, either structural, transportation, mechanical etc.
A: The competition will be on a set of transportation plans.
Professional Paper
Rules (PDF)12 Mar 2012 University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Q: Will the presenter be allowed to use visual aids (e.g. powerpoint slides) in the professional paper competition?
A: No, the presentation component of the professional paper competition will consist of an oral presentation only, with no visual aids.
Hydraulic Rocket
Rules (PDF)Please see the photos of the base that has been constructed by FAMU-FSU for the competition. Note that metal piping was used to make the stand more durable; however, PVC pipes could be used instead.
02 Feb 2012 University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Q: Will you be providing the launch pad or will each school be responsible for their own launch pad? If you are providing the launch pad can we please get the dimensions of the launch pad for testing purposes?
A: Our school will be providing the launch pad. If you would like to build your own launch pad please watch the video that explains how to build an over head launcher. It is kind of slow in the beginning but about 5 minutes into the video it explains how to make the seal and locking mechanism that the hosting University will be using. The picture of the base of the launcher in the rules is made from 3/4" PVC pipe, is H-shaped and 24" across and tall.
13 Feb 2012 University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Q: I would like to know if foams can be used to build the nose of the rocket in order to help on the direction of the rocket.
A: Yes, you may use foam in the construction of your rocket.
18 Feb 2012 University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Q: We built the rocket launch pad according to the pipe sizing that the website provided. However, the 3/4" pipe is too wide to fit the mouth of a soda bottle. Can you please send us a corrected pipe sizing to fit the mouth of soda bottles?
A: The outer diameter of 1/2" PVC pipe fits perfectly into a 2 liter bottle. The "base" of the original launcher in the rules was made from 3/4" pipe, but the vertical member of the launcher must be made from 1/2" PVC in order for the bottle to fit over the pipe.
20 Feb 2012 University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Q: For design purposes, what is the max possible pressure that the rockets will be subjected to?
A: For safety, the maximum pressure that will be allowed is 50 psi.
14 Mar 2012 University of Central Florida
Q: How far down the bottle loading shaft is the bump located?
A: The shaft is about 11 inches long before the bump on the launch tube.
Mystery
Rules (PDF)Skee-Ball
Rules (PDF)07 Mar 2012 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Q: When we decorate the skee balls, can we use multiple colors? I wasn't sure because of the 1 layer rule. Also, do we have to use a specific kind of paint or stain or can it be any kind? Thanks!
A: Teams are allowed to use whatever colors and how every many colors they want to. We just ask that your paint/stain/sealer etc. is intended for concrete.
The rules in Section 5.3-Aesthetics are intentionally written somewhat vague. This is to allow teams the creative freedom to decorate their skee-balls as they so choose. Therefore, there are no specified limits as to what decorative aids teams use (other than those mentioned in Section 5.3), and there is no submission of MSDS's. We understand that extensive painting schemes may lead to inherent areas of paint overlap.... this is ok. We just ask that you please attempt to limit the multiple coat "overlaps" with your painting.
The only aesthetics rule that will be closely monitored is the use of epoxies and resins; these substances are not allowed. Otherwise, paints/stains/sealers used by teams are assumed to be acceptable by the honor system.
Surveying
Rules (PDF)14 Mar 2012 University of Florida
Q: [The rules state that] we are allowed to bring "Handheld compass with maximum diameter of 4 inches. No digital compasses will be accepted." Does this mean we are only allowed to have one compass or can we bring one for each member of our team?
A: Teams can bring one compass per team member
T-Shirt
Rules (PDF)Visual Display
Rules (PDF)Wind/Balsa Building
The Competition has been cancelled, due to technical difficulties. This competition was originally advertised on the list of events on the first mailer that we sent to schools. Rules for this event were never posted. We apologize for this cancellation.