A University of Toronto team set a new competition record for ultimate load at the 2026 Troitsky Bridge Building Competition en route to earning a second-place finish overall. With an impressive ultimate load of almost 4,900 kg, eclipsing the previous all-time record of 3,700 kg, the team missed out on a first-place overall finish by a mere single point.

Officially carrying a load of 4,889 kg until it failed, the bridge was designed and expected to perform very well. “We predicted 4,000 kg, and we got 4,900 kg, so we surpassed that — excellent. I did, however, design the bridge for 5,000 kg,” says team captain Saeed Abdi (Year 4 CivE).

The previous record set by McMaster in 2018 was surpassed by almost 1,200 kg — more than a 30% greater load — making this result a substantial refinement. Besides emerging victorious with the ultimate load, the entry won for structural efficiency.

Held annually at Concordia University in Montreal since 1984, this year’s event attracted 31 teams from 10 Canadian universities, with more than 220 student competitors, over the February 27 — March 1 weekend.

U of T fielded four teams, with each constructing a bridge model made of only popsicle sticks, toothpicks, white glue and dental floss. Each entry’s strength was tested using a hydraulic press in front of a lively, cheering audience.

The team’s entry, called The Unbreakable Bridge, was partially prefabricated and transported to Montreal. There, the team held a three-hour assembly period, prior to measurements being taken and a presentation to a judging panel of industry professionals. The ultimate test is the final step, crushing each team’s entry.

Abdi credits Professor Aryan Rezaei Rad (CivMin), who acted as faculty advisor, lending his expertise in timber construction. “I take his course and really enjoy it so far — he’s taught me a lot,” he says.

“I went to him to discuss some design concepts and ideas — I appreciate all his help.”

The seven team members are a mix of engineering, architecture and Arts & Science students.

Explaining the broad appeal to those outside of engineering, Vicky Tan, a fourth-year architecture student says, “I actually got involved in second year. A friend a year above me was involved in the club, then I started participating. And now, I’m actually a design executive in the club. I think it’s a great competition to practice both hands-on building and design skills.”

The team members include:

  • Saeed Abdi — Captain & fourth-year civil engineering student
  • Ian Chen — Fourth-year political science student
  • Jacky Shen — Fourth-year computer science student
  • Hayden Wong — Fourth-year architecture student
  • Evie Xu — First-year civil engineering student
  • David Xu — Fourth-year electrical and computer engineering student
  • Vicky Yan — Fourth-year architecture student

The club is already recruiting for next year and is open to students from all programs and faculties. To join visit the U of T Troitsky website.