We are passionate about all things structural so why not infuse the holiday spirit with a little engineering creativity? Ascent’s annual Ginger Bread Bridge Competition (GBBC) is approaching. Don’t miss these engineering edible masterpieces!
The GBBC started out in 2006 as a small event at our annual holiday party. That year, four bridges entered and Principal Lee Winkler’s bridge took away both the load and Architectural awards. The next year, we revised the rules to award structural efficiency over pure strength, and we were amazed when Project Engineer Chris Krauss shattered all expectations with a structure that carried approximately 137 lbs., including 50 lbs. of sand, a 12-pack of Mountain Dew, 2 chairs, a pineapple and more. By 2008, we decided we couldn’t keep the fun to ourselves any longer and we began inviting local architects and engineers to participate in the competition.
Today the GBBC is a well-known event where architects and engineers gather to bake and break gingerbread bridges in hopes of taking home the coveted Gingerbread Cup. In 2011, we had more than 10 teams of architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, geotechnical engineers and students showing off some serious talent. And, our friends at the Leffler Group redefined the competition with a bridge that held a staggering 5,000 lbs. and was edible to boot!
So if you are wondering if engineers know how to have fun, the answer is yes! We have lots of it! Come see (or compete) for yourself at one of our upcoming Gingerbread Competitions to be held in Denver on November 16th at Jackson’s and in Portland on November 30th at Old Market Pub. More information can be found at: gingerbreadbridge.com. And remember,
1) The “eat your own bridge” policy will be enforced – meaning reasonable portions of your bridge will be chosen for you to consume!
2) Your structure must consist exclusively of gingerbread and/or graham crackers, and any another type of edible candy – meaning in a structural context that all steel/concrete members can only be gingerbread. Cable/tension members may be candy. Bolts/welds/connections of main members may be icing or candy, etc.
