What this event is about
Build a boomilever (cantilever) that mounts to a testing wall and holds a load at a required distance with high structural efficiency.
Study plan
Setup (team of up to 2, ~10 min testing, Eye Protection B / Z87+; no impound; wood + adhesive only)
- Lock dimensions before cutting: load chain centerline 40–45 cm from wall and within 2.5 cm of the wall centerline; contact only inside vertical Contact Width Lines (±4 cm of bolt); Loading Block bottom starts above the Mounting Bolt horizontal plane.
- Choose Base Option (≥20 cm above bolt horizontal contact) vs Load Scored Bonus path (≥15 cm contact + hold 15 kg for +5,000 g Load Scored Bonus). Bonus structures that miss 15 kg still score Load Supported without the bonus (no construction violation for missing 15 kg alone).
- Materials: wood bonded by allowed adhesives only; single structure, no loose parts; mounts by resting on the Mounting Bolt Assembly; supports only the Loading Block of the Loading Assembly.
- Sketch tension vs compression members for a light cantilever; target efficiency Score = Load Scored / Structure Mass (Load Scored = Load Supported + bonus if earned). Max Load Supported 15,000 g; min is Loading Assembly mass.
- Build light prototypes; test to failure; log mass (0.01 g), failure mode, contact-line clearance, and estimated load (tiebreaker).
- Competition loop: check-in (no alterations after start) → mass → ≤6 min setup/test → load sand with bucket stabilizing sticks only (tips; no lift/push) → stop on failure/support/time → review scoresheet.
- Tier awareness: Tier 1 = all rules met; Tier 2 = any construction/competition miss (including touching below 20 cm line on Base Option); participation-only if can’t hold Loading Assembly, no eye protection, won’t fit, or unsafe.
- Practice answering design/construction/operation questions; photograph iterations; bring estimated Load Supported ready at check-in.
Tips
Joints and alignment matter as much as wood choice. Photograph each iteration.