Engineering Students Celebrate Rivalry with Steel Beam Crushing Event

The annual steel beam crushing event hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at Lehigh University has become a staple tradition during the Lehigh-Lafayette Rivalry football game week. This event is held in Fritz Laboratory. It sees a “Lafayette” steel beam crushed by a “Lehigh” one using a five-million-pound testing machine.

This machine is notable for its use on large structures such as the Golden Gate Bridge. It symbolizes the strength and dedication of Lehigh’s engineering community. The event is a collaborative effort between ASCE and the Lehigh Valley Technical Associates (LVTA), a local consulting engineering firm that fabricates and welds the beams for the occasion.

Jack Lambert, the current president of ASCE, emphasizes that the event is not just about rivalry but also about fostering connections between students, alumni, and industry professionals. Attendees can enjoy food, listen to speeches, and watch the dramatic beam-crushing, all while celebrating the accomplishments and community spirit of Lehigh’s civil engineering department.

This event also serves as a tribute to the late Peter Bryan, who initiated this tradition, and Kenneth Peoples, a former president of LVTA, whose contributions have been integral to its success.

The Significance of the Beam-Crushing Event

The beam-crushing event is more than just a spectacle; it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Lehigh’s engineering students and alumni. The use of the five-million-pound testing machine highlights the advanced capabilities of Lehigh’s engineering facilities.

These facilities are often underappreciated by those outside the civil and environmental engineering disciplines. Lambert points out that this event brings attention to these facilities and the resources available to students.

Community and Collaboration

The collaboration between ASCE and LVTA is crucial to the event’s success. LVTA not only fabricates the steel beams free of charge but also welds them together. This demonstrates a strong partnership between academia and industry.

This collaboration is a prime example of how industry professionals can support educational institutions and foster the next generation of engineers. Lambert notes that the event wouldn’t be possible without LVTA’s generosity and commitment.

Honoring Tradition and Legacy

This year’s event holds special significance as it is dedicated to Kenneth Peoples, the former longtime president and co-owner of LVTA, who passed away last year. Lambert highlights that the event is a celebration of Peoples’ generosity and the history of the beam-crushing tradition.

This dedication adds a layer of meaning to the event, making it not just a display of engineering prowess but also a tribute to those who have contributed to its legacy.

Fostering Student Involvement

Nick Christy, the associate director for student involvement and student center operations, underscores the importance of student participation in making the beam-crushing event a tradition. He explains that traditions are formed when students actively engage and find a sense of community in these events.

The beam-crushing event does just that by bringing together students, faculty, and alumni in a shared celebration of engineering and school spirit.

The Role of ASCE in Student Development

ASCE’s mission is to support students by fostering connections with industry professionals and the community through social events. The beam-crushing event is one of their biggest annual events.

It provides a platform for students to network and learn from experienced professionals. Lambert and Kevin Guinan, the vice president of ASCE, both emphasize how the event builds a strong sense of community among engineering students and sparks broader interest in the civil and environmental engineering department.

Highlighting Engineering Excellence

The beam-crushing event not only showcases the capabilities of Lehigh’s engineering facilities but also highlights the excellence of its students. The event demonstrates the practical applications of engineering principles and the importance of hands-on experience in education.

By participating in this event, students gain valuable insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities in the field of civil engineering.

Conclusion

The annual beam-crushing event at Lehigh University is a celebration of engineering excellence, community spirit, and tradition. It brings together students, alumni, and industry professionals in a unique and meaningful way.

Through the collaboration between ASCE and LVTA, this event not only honors the legacy of its founders but also inspires future generations of engineers.

As the event continues to grow, it will undoubtedly remain a highlight of the Lehigh-Lafayette Rivalry week and a testament to the strength and dedication of Lehigh’s engineering community.

For more information on the beam-crushing event and the work of the American Society of Civil Engineers, visit the full article on The Brown and White.