Construction Build

Master the art of wooden builds optimized for power and strength

Explore Events

Skills & Knowledge Required

Structural Engineering

Understanding of load distribution, stress analysis, and structural optimization principles

Woodworking & Craftsmanship

Precision cutting, joining techniques, and wood selection for optimal performance

Mathematical Analysis

Calculations for weight distribution, force analysis, and efficiency optimization

Design Optimization

Iterative testing and refinement to achieve maximum structural efficiency

Construction Build Events

Helicopter

Description: Prior to the tournament, teams design, construct, and test free flight rubber-powered helicopters to achieve maximum time aloft.

Goal: Maximum flight time
Power: Rubber band propulsion
Team Size: 2 members

Key Skills:

  • Airfoil/propeller tuning, torque/turns management
  • Trim and stability: CG placement, pitch and wash-in/out
  • Lightweight structure building and mass optimization
  • Flight logging and iterative test design

Core Topics:

  • Lift/drag, prop pitch vs diameter tradeoffs
  • Rubber energy curves, torque-meter usage
  • Environmental effects: air currents, room size

Practice Plan:

  • Maintain flight logs (winds/torque/time/observations)
  • Run controlled experiments on rubber sizing and prop pitch
  • Balance and align blades; calibrate for venue

Recommended Tools:

  • Torque meter, winder with counter, calipers, 0.01 g scale
Event Manager: TBD

Boomilever

Description: Teams will design and build a Boomilever meeting requirements specified in these rules to achieve the highest structural efficiency (load/build weight).

Goal: Maximum structural efficiency
Test: Load bearing capacity
Team Size: 2 members

Key Skills:

  • Structural analysis: tension vs compression members
  • Member sizing, gusseting, and joint reinforcement
  • Precision jig building and wood selection
  • Failure analysis and efficiency optimization

Core Topics:

  • Euler buckling, truss geometry, load paths
  • Density/stiffness tradeoffs, adhesive techniques

Practice Plan:

  • Test-to-failure cycles with post-mortem notes
  • Design-of-experiments on cross-sections and bracing
  • Track mass vs strength; iterate to maximize efficiency

Recommended Tools:

  • Calipers, sanding blocks, precision saw, 0.01 g scale, assembly jig
Event Manager: TBD

Team Leadership

Subject Directors

Build directors have already been chosen and will act as Subject Directors across the build subjects.

Responsibilities:

  • Teaching event content and techniques
  • Developing build strategies and methodologies
  • Mentoring team members
  • Coordinating practice sessions

Event Managers

Each event has exactly 1 Event Manager responsible for organizational and communicative tasks.

Responsibilities:

  • Getting to know members on a personal level
  • Creating meeting activities and competitions
  • Facilitating learning and practice
  • Organizing team logistics

Preparation Timeline

Summer/Early Fall

Learn fundamental engineering principles and begin initial design concepts

Fall

Build prototypes, test designs, and iterate for improvements

Winter

Finalize designs and participate in invitational competitions

Spring

Perfect builds for regional, state, and national competitions