The recent South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) 33rd International Bridge Building competition at the Midrand Conference Centre showcased 16 high schools around South Africa and one in Swaziland encouraging learners to apply their knowledge of mathematics and science in practical engineering projects.
Each team received 25 sticks, string and glue to construct a bridge spanning 700mm. This tested each learner’s ability to work in teams and apply school lessons in solving a real-world engineering challenge.
The learners displayed creativity in exploring various approaches to bridge construction – each solution reflected unique problem-solving skills. The completed bridges were tested for strength and design efficiency in a tense but thrilling testing phase evaluating participants’ hard work in real time.
This year’s participants came from diverse backgrounds – each learner earned a place in the finals through regional qualifying events hosted by SAICE branches across South Africa. Including a school from Swaziland added international flair to the event and enriched the experience. The diversity of the chosen schools is a testament to SAICE's commitment to creating an inclusive platform for young learners, regardless of background, to participate in the engineering sector.
The schools included:
Domino Servite School, Hoërskool Ooskus Gimnasium, Pretoria Heights Academy, HTS Kimberley, Hoërskool Sentraal, Durban High School, Aquadene Secondary School, Madibogo Secondary School, Sarel Cilliers High School, Hoërskool Secunda, HTS Tom Naudé, Carlton Jones High School, HTS Daniel Pienaar, HTS John Voster, Parktown Boys High School , St John Bosco High School (Swaziland)
The International Bridge Building competition is supported by sponsors, such as BVi Consulting Engineers, Form-Scaff, WBHO, Richem and Waco Engineering Services, providing resources and connecting the learners with real-world engineering firms for insight into potential careers within the sector.
