As a part of the field familiarization program for first-year engineering undergraduate students, the Department of Civil Engineering has organized a ‘Paper Tower’ competition among the students. The challenge was to construct a 1.2 m tall free-standing paper tower with only 200 A4 Sheets and 2 Sellotapes. Students formed into groups and eagerly took part in this exercise which lasted for several weeks. In the end, a total of 33 groups have submitted their paper towers, and among them, 28 towers got selected for the final stage where they were loaded until failure.
The closing ceremony was held on 28th September 2020 at the Auditorium of the Department of Civil Engineering. Dean, Faculty of Engineering Prof. N.K. Wickramarachchi and Head, Department of Civil Engineering Prof. Athula Kulathilaka graced the occasion along with staff members from the Department of Civil Engineering and students who participated in the competition. Prof. Wickramarachchi highlighted the importance of providing students with open-ended problems which enhances their creativity, problem-solving skills and application of engineering knowledge to solve real-world issues.
The panel of judges, which consisted of senior staff members in the Building and Structural Engineering Division evaluated the paper towers. The height and weight of the towers were examined to see whether they have been constructed according to the given guidelines. The winners (First, Second and Third places) were selected based on the maximum load that a tower could withstand at the top, provided that they satisfied the given guidelines. The certificates were awarded to the winners acknowledging their efforts and enthusiasm. Students also had the opportunity to actively engage with staff members of the Department of Civil Engineering to get constructive feedback on their paper-towers and learn about different aspects of structural stability.
On behalf of the Department of Civil Engineering, Prof. Wasantha Mampearachchi coordinated the field familiarization program, and Dr. Hasitha Hidallana-Gamage from the division of Building and Structural Engineering organized the event.