During loading, the edges of the loading plate will be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridge. The bridge will be tested using a testing machine at the University of Virginia. The bridge will be centered on the support surfaces. The loading plate will be lowered from above to the specified loading location. The load will be applied from above.
Bridge failure is defined as the inability of the bridge to carry additional load.
The bridge with the highest structural efficiency, E, will be the winner. The bridge orientation will be determined by the judges at check-in. All construction and material requirements will be checked prior to testing. Bridges failing to meet these requirements at the conclusion of the allowable time for checking will be disqualified. Bridges disqualified prior to the start of the contest will be tested as exhibition bridges at the discretion of the builder and the contest directors.