YSU Steel Bridge team places first, goes to nationals

Youngstown State University students placed first in the steel bridge competition at the American Society of Civil Engineers 2007 Ohio Valley Regional Conference at Ohio State University.

Thirteen universities competed, including Carnegie Mellon, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State University, Ohio State, University of Pittsburgh, University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky. 

The steel bridge is an 18’4” long by 36” wide by 29.5” high bridge designed, fabricated and constructed by students. At the conference, students race to construct the pre—fabricated bridge, which was then load—tested with 2,500 pounds. Each bridge is judged on aesthetics, construction speed, lightness and deflection.

By placing first, the YSU team advances to the national competition on May 25 and 26 at California State University – Northridge. Members of the YSU steel bridge team are Kevin Lynch of Shelby, Ohio, Mike Lyda of North Lima, Bill Pitoscia of Hubbard, Bryan Kopachy of Youngstown, Mike Grumley of Girard and Nick Sanford of Conneaut