(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 Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race, hosted by engineering students at the University of Alberta.
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.
University of Alberta 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.
Sunridge Ski Area (10980-17 Street NW Edmonton)
In the main event teams race their toboggans in slalom and drag-race-style events to test performance in speed, steering, and braking.