Saint Louis University Students Compete in a Battle of the Bridges

11/15/2024

School of Science and Engineering Innovation Challenge Featured 15 Teams of Students 

Saint Louis University students in the School of Science and Engineering tested their engineering skills in a timed innovation challenge building bridges out of cardboard tubes and duct tape. 

Fifteen teams of students competed in the event on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The challenge was won by a team comprised of Jaisri Akaram, Bharath Bandlamudi, Jahnavi Uppugandla and Abhilash Kurapati. 

Each team of three or more students was given eight cardboard tubes, a roll of duct tape and one hour to complete their bridge. The completed structures were judged on design, use of tape and the ability to bear weight. Each bridge was lifted onto Lego stands, taped down to keep it in place and loaded down with 203 pounds of sand.

SLU’s School for Science and Engineering holds a monthly innovation challenge for students. November’s challenge was sponsored by TWM Inc., an engineering firm providing civil and structural engineering and geospatial services to both public and private sector clients in the Midwest and Southeast. TWM provided the challenge materials and led the judging.