Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra Announces the First Innovative Bridge Competition (IBC) in Memory of the Late Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaaban

Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra Announces the First Innovative Bridge Competition (IBC) in Memory of the Late Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaaban

Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Nasser El-Gizawy, President of Benha University, and Prof. Dr. Mohamed Saeed Abdel Ghafar, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, the Faculty announces the launch of the First Innovative Bridge Competition (IBC), held in memory of the late Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaaban.

Are You Ready to Showcase Your Engineering Skills and Creativity?

All students of engineering faculties at Egyptian universities are invited to participate in this exciting challenge to design and construct the best structural bridge model capable of withstanding the effect of a vertical load.

Important Details

• Team Size: Teams must consist of 2 to 5 members.

• Registration Opens: Thursday, May 7, 2026

• Registration Closes: Saturday, May 30, 2026

• Registration Link:
  https://forms.office.com/r/kScBw21kU0

• Submission Period: August 1–9, 2026

Valuable Prizes Await the Winners

• First Place: EGP 25,000

• Second Place: EGP 15,000

• Third Place: EGP 10,000

• Fourth Place: EGP 5,000

• Fifth Place: EGP 5,000

Technical Specifications and Engineering Criteria

All submitted models must comply with the following precise specifications. Any deviation may affect the evaluation of the model.

Geometric Dimensions

• Overall Length: 150 cm, with a tolerance of ±2 cm.

• Maximum Height: Not exceeding 30 cm, with a tolerance of ±2 cm.

• Base Width: 25–35 cm, with a tolerance of ±2 cm.

These restrictions are intended to standardize the basis of comparison among competitors and ensure that all models are compatible with the testing platform.

Permitted Materials

• The use of separate wooden sticks (Mouski or Swedish wood) or ready-made wooden strips (Wooden Sticks) is permitted.

• The cross-sectional dimensions of any individual member must not exceed 0.5 × 0.5 cm.

The selection of these materials is intended to challenge participants to design complex truss systems using simple structural elements, highlighting their design and connection skills.

Testing and Evaluation Methodology

The competition follows precise scientific criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.

1. Testing Procedure

A wooden plate will be placed at the center of the bridge's upper deck. The judging committee will then gradually and uniformly apply loads until the bridge reaches failure. The maximum load carried by the bridge immediately before failure will be recorded.

2. Scoring System

The models will be evaluated based on a total score of 100%, distributed as follows:

• Structural Efficiency – 70%: Calculated based on the Load-to-Weight Ratio. The winning team will be the one that achieves the highest load-carrying capacity with the lowest possible model weight.

• Technical Compliance – 30%: Based on the extent to which the team complies with all competition rules, requirements, and specifications.

Competition