(Edmonton) This weekend's weather forecast for snow and frigid temperatures is fitting, as nearly 500 students from across Canada are in Edmonton to compete in the , hosted by engineering students at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.
You heard right: Concrete toboggans.
Teams from 21 schools (including two from the U.S.) design, build, and race 300-lb. toboggans in a series of events that test their engineering and team-work skills. The sleds can weigh no more than 300-lbs., must have capacity for five team members, concrete runners, steering and braking systems, and a high-strength roll bar to protect occupants in the event of a crash.
Gabriella Peter, a fourth-year civil engineering student and co-captain of the U of A GNCTR team, says students have been working on their sled for months, applying what they've learned in classes to a real-world engineering challenge.
Students design and run finite element analysis on roll bars to ensure their safety, and experiment with different concrete mixes to find a blend that is the perfect match of flexibility for the runners, and strength to withstand high-speed downhill runs.
Teams need to pass technical inspections before racing in events being held this year at the Sunridge Ski Area.
Schedule of events:
Friday, Feb. 1
Technical Exhibition
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Universiade Pavillion (Butterdome)
It's a carnival-like atmosphere with costumed students vying for team spirit points. Judges from industry inspect team toboggans to ensure they meet safety and design specifications in this pre-race event.
Saturday, Feb. 2
Race Day
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
In the main event teams race their toboggans in slalom and drag-race-style events to test performance in speed, steering, and braking.