The construction and testing of model bridges promotes the study and
application of fundamental principles physics and also helps high
school students develop "hands on" skills through bridge construction.
By participating in the Bridge Building Competition students get a
flavor of what it is to be an Engineer, designing structures to a
set of specifications and then seeing them perform their function.
They are also provided with an academically-oriented extracurricular
activity which is recognized school-wide.
About the Contest
The 2026 contest dates have been set. The Chicago Regional
contest will be held on the Illinois Tech campus on
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 and the International Contest will be held in
Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The specifications are now
available, please follow the links below.
Announcements and bridge specifications for the 2026 International
Bridge Building Contest to be held in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Previous International Bridge Building Contest videos
2020,
2023,
2025
Announcements and bridge specifications for the 2026 Chicago Regional
Bridge Building Contest which was held at Illinois Institute of Technology in
Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
This year's contest will be held in the Hermann Hall
Auditorium with check-in starting at 4:00pm.