At the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race, engineering students across Canada participate in a unique challenge: building a toboggan out of concrete that can safely make it down a hill. The teams, which consist of students from various universities, are required to construct a toboggan that weighs less than 350 pounds, can hold five riders, has a working steering and braking system, and is capable of navigating a ski hill. This year, the 19-member team from NAIT, representing Alberta alongside the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, spent over 200 hours building their toboggan, which they named the ‘Bogwarts Express.’
The competition, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, was established in 1974 in Red Deer by Dr. S. H. Simmonds, president of the Alberta chapter of the American Concrete Institute. For the NAIT team, made up of first-year students, the biggest challenge was getting started as they had no prior experience in such projects. Working with a limited budget of $4,000, which only covered the registration fee, the team had to be creative in designing their toboggan. Despite the constraints, they managed to win awards for Best Looking Toboggan, Best New Team, and third place in Braking Performance, ultimately raising about $50,000 that they hope to pass on to future teams.
The competition took place in St. John’s Nfld in February, where teams showcased their innovative designs and engineering skills in constructing concrete toboggans. The event has grown over the years, attracting participants from various universities and challenging them to push the boundaries of engineering creativity. The NAIT team’s dedication and hard work paid off as they received recognition for their efforts and contributions to the competition. The University of British Columbia Okanagan was awarded the top honours, setting the bar high for future competitors to strive for excellence in their designs.
Despite the initial uncertainties and lack of experience, the NAIT team successfully completed their toboggan, showcasing their determination and teamwork in overcoming obstacles. The event not only tests the students’ engineering skills but also fosters collaboration and innovation among the participants. The legacy of the competition, established by Dr. S. H. Simmonds, continues to inspire young engineers to engage in creative projects and push their limits to achieve success. As the NAIT team looks forward to passing on their knowledge and experience to future teams, the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race remains a platform for students to showcase their talents and passion for engineering.
The NAIT team’s journey in the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race reflects the essence of the competition: ingenuity, perseverance, and teamwork. Despite facing challenges and uncertainties, the team managed to build a successful toboggan that not only met the competition’s requirements but also earned them recognition and awards. The event serves as a testament to the creativity and innovation of engineering students, encouraging them to think outside the box and explore new possibilities in their field. As the competition celebrates its 50th anniversary, the spirit of camaraderie and competition lives on, inspiring future generations of engineers to push boundaries and create unique and innovative designs.
