GeoWall
The objective of the GeoWall competition is to design and build a small-scale mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall in order to sustain a predetermined load. The wall is typically built using poster board and craft paper reinforcements, the goal of the competition being to support both the retained soil and applied load with the least amount of reinforcement possible.
The objective of the GeoWall competition is to design and build a small-scale mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall in order to sustain a predetermined load. The wall is typically built using poster board and craft paper reinforcements, the goal of the competition being to support both the retained soil and applied load with the least amount of reinforcement possible.
Teams of up to five students (undergraduate and graduate) work together to create and test their design prior to competition. On the day of the competition, teams are required to construct their wall design, fill their box with back fill, and load test their wall all within given time restrictions. Each year, the location and size of the applied load changes, keeping the competition fierce and forcing teams continuously come up with new innovative designs. Practicing engineers in the local geotechnical community normally come out to judge the competition.
Teams of up to five students (undergraduate and graduate) work together to create and test their design prior to competition. On the day of the competition, teams are required to construct their wall design, fill their box with back fill, and load test their wall all within given time restrictions. Each year, the location and size of the applied load changes, keeping the competition fierce and forcing teams continuously come up with new innovative designs. Practicing engineers in the local geotechnical community normally come out to judge the competition.
The GeoWall competition is a fun and challenging introduction to the geotechnical engineering field, allowing the attendees to learn about difficult theories in a friendly environment that promotes interaction with their peers. The competition also encourages teams to build on their critical thinking and communication skills.
The GeoWall competition is a fun and challenging introduction to the geotechnical engineering field, allowing the attendees to learn about difficult theories in a friendly environment that promotes interaction with their peers. The competition also encourages teams to build on their critical thinking and communication skills.
2024 CIVL 4230 GeoWall Competition
2024 CIVL 4230 GeoWall Competition
In April 2024, five teams comprised of students in the CIVL 4230 technical elective course at the University of Manitoba competed against each other for 2 cash prizes. Sponsors for the event included the Department of Civil Engineering, The CGS Manitoba Section, Trek Geotechnical, Hatch, and Stantec. The CGS MB Student Chapter provided pizza for this event. Congratulations to the winners!
In April 2024, five teams comprised of students in the CIVL 4230 technical elective course at the University of Manitoba competed against each other for 2 cash prizes. Sponsors for the event included the Department of Civil Engineering, The CGS Manitoba Section, Trek Geotechnical, Hatch, and Stantec. The CGS MB Student Chapter provided pizza for this event. Congratulations to the winners!
2023 Canadian Geotechnical Student Competition
2023 Canadian Geotechnical Student Competition
In October 2023, two teams from the University of Manitoba competed at the 1st Canadian Geotechnical Student Competition held at the Geo Saskatoon 2023 Conference. Members of the two teams were sponsored by TREK Geotechnical and the CGS MB Student Chapter. There was a total of 8 teams who participated from across the country with the University of Manitoba taking 3rd and 4th place by the end of the competition.
In October 2023, two teams from the University of Manitoba competed at the 1st Canadian Geotechnical Student Competition held at the Geo Saskatoon 2023 Conference. Members of the two teams were sponsored by TREK Geotechnical and the CGS MB Student Chapter. There was a total of 8 teams who participated from across the country with the University of Manitoba taking 3rd and 4th place by the end of the competition.
2020 Midwest Regional GeoWall Competition
2020 Midwest Regional GeoWall Competition
In February 2020, our Student Chapter sent three teams from the University of Manitoba to the University of Minnesota Duluth to compete in the Midwest Regional GeoWall competition. They competed against six other teams from across the Midwest. All three teams' designs performed well at competition, all sustaining loads greater than the prescribed surcharge.
In February 2020, our Student Chapter sent three teams from the University of Manitoba to the University of Minnesota Duluth to compete in the Midwest Regional GeoWall competition. They competed against six other teams from across the Midwest. All three teams' designs performed well at competition, all sustaining loads greater than the prescribed surcharge.
Our top ranked team, placing third overall at competition, created a video from their trip. Highlighting their process from start to finish on competition day.
Our top ranked team, placing third overall at competition, created a video from their trip. Highlighting their process from start to finish on competition day.
IMG_4582.mov2023 Canadian Geotechnical Student Competition
2023 Canadian Geotechnical Student Competition