Dam Model Competition


Dam Model Competition

The Dam Model competition calls for university student groups, student branches of professional organizations, K-12 classes, or other students interested in dam safety to construct a dam model (tabletop size) based on the criteria discussed below and come up with a plan on how to best use the model to educate the public on dam safety.  The Dam Model Competition is organized by the Committee on Education Outreach and funded by the Bruce Tschantz Memorial Fund. 

The Dam Model Competition application window is now open. All submissions must be received by February 1, 2023. 

If you have questions regarding the dam model competition please contact Ross Brown via email or by calling (859) 550-2788.  


Application Requirements

  • Team Member Names and Affiliations
  • Team Leader and Co-Leader (if used)
  • Technical Advisor to Team (if used) *If you are in need of a Technical Advisor, ASDSO can assist in connecting you with members who are interested in assisting. Contact ASDSO to learn more.
  • Sketch(es) of proposed dam model and description of major components
  • Proposed budget to build the dam (not to exceed $500)
  • Schedule for model development 
  • Plans for use of the model after it is built. Special consideration is given to unique uses (e.g., children’s museums, schools, etc.)
  • Applications must be received by February 1, 2023. 

Selection Criteria

  • Completeness of application (based on requirements above)
  • Unique aspects of the proposed model (e.g., dambreak, hydropower, gated spillways, rainfall-runoff, etc.)
  • Technical merit
  • Budget and schedule
  • Plans for the model to promote dam safety in the community 

Winning Prize

Based on the selection criteria above, each winning team will receive the following:

  • Funding to build the model (up to $500)
  • $500 honorarium to team   
  • Invitation to present model at an upcoming ASDSO Conference
  • Complimentary full conference registration for up to 2 team members at an upcoming ASDSO Conference 
  • Travel and accommodations stipend for up to 2 team members to an upcoming ASDSO Conference

 


Past Winners: 

  • 2020 – Utah State University - Kyler Olsen, Braiden Amata, Jack Tousley, Kathryn Margetts, and Professor Brian Crookston, PhD., P.E.
  • 2021 – Franklin Regional Middle School - Grace Copeland, Ella Haritan, Jason Fleming, Vedanth Reddyvari, Zach Sudol, and Teacher Arthur J. Danny. 
  • 2022 - Colorado State University - Joe Bindner, Esther Clement, Charles VanTilburg, Sam Jacob, Garrett Martin, Matthew Bullock, and Technical Advisor: Dr. Christopher Bareither
  • 2022 - Fort Mill High School, Fort Mill, S.C. - Yoshiharu Ono and Technical Advisor: Erwin Supranata. View Yoshiharu's presentation. 
  • 2022 - British Columbia - Sohan Sadeque (New Westminster Secondary School), Sarah Firoz (Burnaby Mountain Secondary School), Alina Sadeque (Skwo:wech Elementary School), Sally Firoz (Burnaby Mountain Secondary School), and Technical Advisor: Dr. Faheem Sadeque, Ph.D., P.Eng. View their presentation.