The Carleton Laboratory provides access and support to various student clubs and organizations. Listed below are a few groups that frequent the lab.

ASCE STUDENT CHAPTER

ASCE Logo

The Columbia University Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers is a pre-professional club dedicated to all students interested in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering and Construction Management and Columbia University. While ASCE’s main focus is to aid members in finding scholarships and jobs both for summer and post graduation, the chapter also participates in a variety of activities. The most recognizable activity is the annual steel bridge competition, especially considering Columbia’s national finish in 2003 and 2004. The ASCE chapter also participates in majors informational sessions and job experience sessions for underclassmen and women.

The Columbia student chapter of the American Institute of Civil Engineers maintains offices in the Carleton Laboratory. The lab also provides major support and instruction during the annual construction of the AISC Steel Bridge.

Further information, click here.

AISC STUDENT STEEL BRIDGE COMPETITION

American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Logo

"The mission of the AISC Student Steel Bridge Competition (SSBC) is to supplement the education of civil engineering students with a comprehensive, student-driven project experience from conception and design through fabrication, erection and testing, culminating in a steel structure that meets client specifications and optimizes performance and economy. The SSBC increases awareness of real-world issues such as spatial constraints, material properties, strength, serviceability, fabrication and erection processes, safety, esthetics and cost. Success in inter-collegiate competition requires effective team work and project management. Future engineers are stimulated to innovate, practice professionalism and use structural steel efficiently.” -NSSBC

The Carleton Laboratory provides active support and guidance for students in the design, fabrication, and construction phases of the bridge. The staff supports the students with practical input on the proposed design, training and support in the use of the heavy machine tools available to trained students, to providing space to practice building the bridge in a competition simulation. Carleton Laboratory also frequently hosts the regional NSSBC conference.

For the official NSSBC site, click here.

For a compilation of recent NSSBC rules, click here

FORMULA SAE

Knickerbocker Motorsports at Columbia University (Formula SAE) Logo

The objective of the Formula SAE competition is to conceive, design, fabricate, and compete with small formula style racing cars. The restrictions on the car frame and engine are limited so that the knowledge, creativity, and imagination of the students are challenged. The end result is a great experience for young engineers in a meaningful engineering project as well as the opportunity to work in a dedicated team effort. Columbia’s team competes annually on a national level.

The Carleton Laboratory provides practical help for the group, especially in the areas of heavy ferrous machining and rigging.

Further information, click here.