CANTON -- Students from SUNY Canton designed and built a better bridge than six other colleges in the 2019 American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Upstate New York Regional Competition. The event was held April 18 through 20 at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

The college's Steel Bridge Team was only topped by the University of Buffalo, securing a strong second place win for SUNY Canton and seeding the team to compete at the AISC Student Steel Bridge Competition National Finals beginning May 31 at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

The team finished ahead of Clarkson University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cornell University, RIT, and the United States Military Academy at West Point.

"Our students were presented with a challenging life-like scenario that allowed them to implement what they've learned in their studies," said Paul D. Hitchman, a faculty adviser for the student-run team. "In the initial phases, students must weigh the value of each criteria to design the strongest, most-economical structure."

SUNY Canton scored first place in stiffness, which is calculated by placing 2,500 pounds on the bridge and measuring how much the rigid structure deflects. The team placed second in construction speed, second in economy, second in efficiency, third in lightness and fourth in aesthetics.

In addition to building a bridge, each team is required to explain why they chose their individual design. Presentations are performed before a panel of judges consisting of civil engineers, instructors and an audience of approximately 100 students from competing universities.

St. Lawrence County students on the 2019 Steel Bridge Team are:

Andrew Chapin, a civil and environmental engineering technology major from Norwood.

Daniel C. Gagnon, a mechanical engineering technology major from Rensselaer Falls.

Forest B. Hathaway, a civil and environmental engineering technology major from Newton Falls.

Daniel Olin, a civil and environmental engineering technology major from Canton.

Bromlen E. Steinburg, a civil and environmental engineering technology major from Madrid.

The team received a substantial donation from 1991 alumnus Michael J. Janssen, who is a professional engineer and the Las Vegas director of public works.The Canton College Foundation and the SUNY Canton's President's Office also support the Steel Bridge Team.