Tommie Civil Steel Bridge Competition Club: Where Engineering Meets Real-World Action!
The Tommie Civil Steel Bridge Competition Club offers students the chance to dive into hands-on learning while developing valuable skills that will set them apart in the world of engineering.
Each year, teams of students compete in the ASCE/AISC Student Steel Bridge Competition, where the goal is to design, build, and test a scale-model steel bridge that meets strict engineering standards. This competition is the ultimate test of creativity, precision, and teamwork, with teams judged on factors like construction speed, weight efficiency, structural strength, and cost-effectiveness.
Behind the Build: What Students Do
Throughout the year, club members collaborate to take their bridge design from concept to reality. Using cutting-edge tools like CAD software and structural analysis programs, students design and analyze their bridges to ensure they can handle weight and stress. Once the design is set, it's time to bring it to life with fabrication.
Students will be involved in cutting, drilling, and welding steel components, learning essential skills that professional engineers use in the field. They also work with high-tech equipment and experience engineering principles firsthand. The excitement reaches its peak when their team races against the clock to construct their bridge using only basic hand tools.Contact
Tommie Civil Club
Building Skills for Lifelong Success
Participating in the Steel Bridge Team is about more than just building bridges. It's about gaining experience and developing skills that will last a lifetime:
- Hands-On Learning: Apply classroom knowledge to solve real engineering challenges.
- Teamwork & Leadership: Work alongside a diverse group of students, strengthen leadership skills, and solve problems as a team.
- Confidence in Engineering: Gain confidence in making technical decisions, working under pressure, and meeting deadlines.
- Career-Ready: Employers value Steel Bridge alumni for their problem-solving, project management, and fabrication experience.
- Have Fun & Make Friends while learning and competing in an exciting, supportive environment!
Team Photos: The Steel Bridge Experience
Thank You 2025 Sponsors!
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Thank you to the sponsors of the Tommie Civil Engineering team as we prepare to participate in the 2025 ASCE Western Great Lakes Student Symposium Steel Bridge Competition!
Our sponsors investment helps to offset team expenses for participating in the competition including: hotel accommodations for a multi-day competition, travel costs and entry fees.
Your support matters. Your contribution will alleviate financial barriers, allowing the team to focus on excellence and innovation.
Contact the Tommie Civil Club at asce@stthomas.edu if you would like to sponsor the team or make an in-kind donation (equipment, supplies, other resources).
More Ways to Make an Impact
Make a Donation
Tommie Link
We encourage you to learn more about the St. Thomas Civil Engineering club members, activities and events on Tommie Link. Questions? Contact a member of Tommie Civil Club at asce@stthomas.edu
Tommie Civil - Steel Bridge Competition Club Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Travis Welt, Associate Professor - Civil Engineering, welt7618@stthomas.edu, 651-962-7743.


