In teams of three, students designed bridges using balsa wood, string, glue and cardboard which were load tested to determine the strongest bridge.

Aurecon staff and representatives from event sponsors helped the students test their bridges using specially built rigs.

Bridge experts from Aurecon and other organisations in the industry assessed each bridge for workmanship, creativity and visual appeal which determined the overall score.

Prizes were awarded to the schools and students who build the strongest bridges at each location.

James Langley, a teacher at Camden Haven High School which won the New South Wales competition, said: "This competition is high octane learning, from design and craftsmanship to presentation.”

Bill Cox, Aurecon’s General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said: “The aim of the Aurecon Bridge Building Competition is to provide insight into engineering as a career choice for students, and to provide a fun and challenging environment for students to put their skills in teamwork, creative thinking and innovation to use.”

Results

Auckland: Selwyn College, 62.7 kg
Christchurch: Hagley Community College, 72.1 kg
New South Wales: Camden Haven High School, 58 kg
North Queensland: St Catherine’s Catholic College, 32.6 kg
Northern Territory: Sattler Christian College, 19.2 kg
South Australia: Nazareth Catholic College, 63.5 kg
South East Queensland: All Saints Anglican School, 58.2 kg
Victoria: Kaniva College, 169.1 kg
Wellington: Newlands College, 37.2 kg and Solway College, 36.4 kg
Central Queensland: Trinity College, 58.1 kg
Western Australia: Baldivis Secondary College, 60.5 kg

Sponsors and supporters

Engineers Australia
VicRoads
Civil, Mining & Construction
NZ Transport Agency
Fletcher Construction
South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal
Central Queensland University
Plantation Palms Properties Pty Ltd
Rock 'N' Road Bitumen
I Reddacliff & Co, Belmore Estate
DGH Engineering, Monash University
Northern Territory Government
SA Structural
Scienceworks
Scitech
St Lawrence’s College
Dripstone Secondary College

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