It ain’t nothin’ but a dog house, but Sustainable Solutions will challenge bands to apply the principles of sustainable development during the design-build process. Bands will develop a paper addressing the project’s technical aspects, present their work to judges, and construct a full-size version of the dog house.
View the regional Sustainable Solutions rules here.
View the national Sustainable Solutions rules here.
Submissions
Please note that Sustainable Solutions is a national competition, so the conference cannot directly respond to requests for information. The national request for information period ended February 1st, and the Committee for Student Members is no longer responding to requests for information.
The national requests for information and responses are copied from ASCE Collaborate for your convenience.
Rules Section 12 – Q1, Tennessee Technological University
Clarify the minimum height for the doghouse. The specifications state 4.5 feet, which conflicts with the example drawing.
Answer: There is an error on the drawing. The correct range for the height of the structure is minimum of 4.5 feet and a maximum of 5.5 feet. (Reference Section 12.2)
Rules Section 11 – Q1, Tennessee Technological University
Clarify the acceptable uses of panels in the structure.
Answer: A panel can be used as a part of the floor, walls, or roof of the structure. (Reference Section 11.4)
Rules Section 12 – Q2, University of Illinois at Chicago
The height dimension range noted in Section 12.2 do not agree with the minimum and maximum dimensions noted on the drawing.
Answer: The range shown in Section 12.2 is correct. (Reference Section 12.2)
Rules Section 7 – Q1, San Jose State University
The link provided to the official scoring sheet is not working.
Answer: The scoring spreadsheet is still in development and has not been uploaded yet.
General – Q1, Unknown School (China)
Is information from previous competition available for review?
Answer: No, this is the first year of the competition.
Rules Section 14 – Q1, Unknown School (China)
How are the sandbags loaded onto the roof?
Answer: The sandbag load will be centered on the roof. The competition team will place the loads with direction from the judges.
Rules Section 6 – Q1, Unknown School (China)
What are the proportions of the various components of the scoring?
Answer: These will be finalized with the creation of the scoring spreadsheet.
Rules Section 12 – Q3, Unknown School (China)
Can the structure have other openings other than the door?
Answer: No, the structure has a single opening. (Reference Section 12.10)
Rules Section 11 – Q2, Unknown School (China)
What is the difference between a component and a member?
Answer: Components make up the construction of the bridge and may be members, panels, nuts, and bolts. Members are defined in Section 11.4.2.
General – Q2, Unknown School (China)
When should the technical paper be submitted.
Answer: Refer this question to the host school.
Rules Section 14 – Q2 Tongji University
We are curious about the scores of each part (product, technical paper, presentation, and interview) and the rating details, since they are not clearly stated in the rules.
Answer: Refer to Rules Section 7 – Q1, San Jose State University answer.
Rules Section 14 – Q3 Tongji University
The way the sandbags are loaded is not clearly stated in the rules. How to fix the sandbags on the roof? Are the four sandbags placed on the roof at the same time?
Answer: Refer to Rules Section 14, Q1 Unknown School answer.
Rules Section 14 – Q4 Tongji University
About the loading test, how to define whether the test succeeds or fails? If the loading test fails, does it mean that we are disqualified for the competition? And does the loading test have a certain percentage of the total score?
Answer: The load test checks the overall stability of the structure. If the structure is not stable or fails, then it does not pass the load test. A structure which does not pass the load test is disqualified.
General – Q3, Tongji University
About the structural form of the product, are we allowed to use the frame structure with flexible materials as a coverage (for example, use a wooden stick as a support frame and then cover it with cloth) instead of flat structure, like building a doghouse with wooden boards.
Answer: The intent of the competition is to develop a structure which can withstand inclement weather, including heavy rain. Cloth or other porous materials will not meet the intent of the design problem. It is recommended competitors thoroughly read the problem statement and develop a design based on the information provided in the rules.
General – Q4, Tongji University
Whether the outer shape needs to be made the same with the one on the drawing in the rule, or the shape can be freely selected as long as the size does not violate the regulations?
Answer: No, the design can take an alternative shape provided it meets the dimensional criteria of the rules.
Rules Section 12 – Q4, Tongji University
As it is stated in the rules, the structure shall have an eave no greater than six inches, as measured from the wall of the structure. In which way is the 6 inches here measured, 1 or 2?
Answer: This measurement made horizontally from the wall, not along the eave line.
Rules Section 6 – Q2, Tongji University
We are confused that why the cost and the technical paper are mentioned again in the scoring of the presentation and interview in Section 6.5 of the rules.
Answer: The two locations addressed different cost issues. Section 6.3.5 addresses individual items costs. Section 6.5.1.1 Addresses the cost formula for the presentation part of the competition.
General – Q1, Milwaukee School of Engineering
Has the official scoring spreadsheet been published online? If so, where can it be found?
Answer: The scoring spreadsheet is still in development and has not been uploaded yet.
Rules Section 11 – Q4, Milwaukee School of Engineering
In 11.4 (Structure) and 13.6 (Inspection), the subsections are not correctly referenced. Will the rules be updated to incorporate the accurate subsections?
Answer: Section 11.4 refers to itself, Section 11.4. Section 13.6 refers Section 11.2.
Rules Section 12 – Q5, Milwaukee School of Engineering
Please confirm that the opening (at the front of the structure) is required to have maximum dimensions of 15 inches in width and 24 inches in height.
Answer: The opening shall be 15″ wide and 24″ high as shown in the Site and Structure Diagram.
Rules Section 9 – Q1, Milwaukee School of Engineering
Per Section 9 (Technical Paper), the paper will be evaluated on “Project Management”. What are you specifically expecting/evaluating regarding “Project Management”?
Answer: A portion of the evaluation of the technical paper will be project management. This is the team’s overall approach to managing the project, including; team organization (organization chart), project schedule, project budget, and the details of the management process throughout the project.
Rules Section 11 – Q5, Milwaukee School of Engineering
Please supply ASCE’s definition of rigidity.
Answer: The inability to be to bent or be forced out of shape.
Rules Section 6 – Q3, Milwaukee School of Engineering
Is it acceptable to create a secondary poster illustrating both our sponsors and design inspirations?
Answer: Your design inspirations must be on the same poster as the information required in Section 6.3.1. You may not have sponsors on this poster, but they may be on an additional poster which does not include the specified poster requirements.
Rules Section 11 – Q6, Tongji University
Are there any requirements for the connection between the members? Do we have to use bolted connections?
Answer: There are no requirements for the connections other than those referred to in Section 11.
Rules Section 12 – Q6, Tongji University
Does the dog house have to be detachable?
Answer: The panels and members will be installed in timed construction, therefore it must be possible to disassemble and assemble the dog house.
Rules Section 12 – Q7, Tongji University
Do we have to design a plate at the bottom to support the house?
Answer: Refer to Section 12.2, “The structure shall include a floor”.
Rules Section 11 – Q6, Tongji University
Is there a limit to the materials used in the dog house?
Answer: There is no limit to the number of materials used. However, the materials should be sustainable, and the selection of the materials shall be discussed in the technical paper.
General – Q8, Tongji University
Are people involved and intervened during the time when the dog lives in the dog house? (Will people be in the dog house?)
Answer: People will not be in the dog house.
Rules Section 6 – Q4, Tongji University
Is there a limit to the size of the poster?
Answer: Refer to Section 6.3.1, the poster shall be 24″ x 36″.
Rules Section 13 – Q1, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
How many people are allowed to be on the team?
Answer: There is a limit of four builders during construction. However, there is no limit to the amount of people on a team as long as they meet requirements of eligibility.
General – Q1, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Can we use a hydro blue water filter for the dog’s water?
Answer: Yes, you may use a filter for the dog’s water.
Rules Section 11 – Q8, Hohai University
Can we fold the panels?
Answer: No, the panels shall retain shape, dimensions, and rigidity during timed construction and testing. Refer to Rule 11.4.1. The panels may be a maximum size of 3′ wide x 5′ tall x 6″ thick (Section 11.4).
Rules Section 11 – Q9, Hohai University
Can we use hollow panels and put other members inside the panels?
Answer: No, Section 11.4 states a panel shall retain its shape, dimensions, and rigidity during timed construction and testing. The panels must be fabricated prior to the competition.
General – Q3, Hohai University
What is the weight of every aspect like the paper, the pre/interview, the construction?
Answer: This information will be released with the scoring spreadsheet.
General – Q4, Hohai University
We would like to know that the ASCE focus mainly on the sustainability or the weight of the doghouse in this competition? From your personal perspective, what’s the result?
Answer: This information will be released with the scoring spreadsheet.
Rules Section 10 – Q8, Hohai University
How many people are allowed to take part in the part of interview?
Answer: There is no limit to the amount of people to participate in the interview, but limiting the participants to four is encouraged.
Rules Section 12 – Q9, Hohai University
Is there a minimum size of a doghouse?
Answer: Section 12.2 states the requirements for usability. In addition, the problem statement suggests what the intention of the structure. These restrictions suggest a minimum size.
Rules Section 11 – Q10, Hohai University
Is glue allowed to use prior to competition?
Answer: Yes, glue may be used in components of the construction, including but not limited to the panels. Glue is not allowed during timed construction.
Rules Section 12 – Q10, Hohai University
Can we have windows for our doghouse?
Answer: No. Rule 12.2 states the structure shall utilize an opening in one wall.
Rules Section 15 – Q1, University of Maine
Are the four scales required a basic at home bathroom scale that each corner of the dog house would be placed on?
Answer: At home bathroom scales would be acceptable.
Rules Section 12 – Q11, University of Maine
Do penalties that are added to the overall weight of the structure mean we add the weight of the penalty in sandbags to the top of the structure during the load testing or is this a theoretical value being added to what the dog house weighs, which would then affect the Cost and Lightness categories of the competition?
Answer: The penalties discussed in this section are weight added to the weight of the structure in the final calculations of the scoring. This is not weight added for the structural testing of the final product.
Rules Section 6 – Q5, Tongji University
Is the aesthetics score taken during display or timed construction?
Answer: During the display portion of the competition.
Rules Section 13 – Q1, Tongji University
If there are decorations (such as flowers) at the time of display, do these decorations need to be counted as members during the timed construction?
Answer: The structure is shown in display judging as it would appear after timed construction.
Rules Section 11 – Q11, Tongji University
Does the panel have to be flat? Can it be made into a curved surface with a certain curvature? Answer: The panels can be curved, but must be in accordance to Section 11.4.1.
Rules Section 11 – Q12, Tongji University
What is the difference between members and panels? Is the panel made up of member?
Answer: Refer to Section 11.4. A panel is a component which can be prefabricated to be included in the structure during timed construction. The rule regarding their construction is shown in Section 11.4.1. A member is a component which is used during timed construction to complete the assembly. The member can be fabricated prior to timed construction in accordance with Section 11.4.2.
Rules Section 12 – Q12, Tongji University
In addition to one hole of 15″ x 24″, are light-transmissive glass or crevices (in case no wind and rain enters) allowed in other parts of the dog house?
Answer: No. Section 12.2 states the structure shall utilize an opening in one wall.
Rules Section 11 – Q13, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Is this project intended or leaning toward wood, or can we use other materials such as plastic soda bottles? or metal?
Answer: Any sustainable material can be used for the structure (Section 11.1).
Rules Section 11 – Q14, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Can we also have a foldable structure or something like ATAKE’s Structures?
Answer: Refer to Rules Section 11 – Q8
Rules Section 11 – Q15, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Lastly just to clarify we can ONLY use bolts and nuts, no nails, hooks, straps, string?
Answer: Only nuts and bolts can be used during timed construction. However, you may use materials other than bolts and nuts for preconstructed panels in accordance with Section 11.4.
Rules Section 11 – Q16, Zhejiang University
Can we use the flexible member like spring, rope, cloth?
Answer: According to Section 11.4.2, “A member is a rigid component of the finished structure.” Therefore, a flexible member is not allowed.
Rules Section 11 – Q17, Zhejiang University
Whether our panels must be flat, if two separate panels, the dihedral angle of 150 is spliced into an angled whole, but such a large panel still meets the space limit of the panel, and it will not fold or deform in the splicing process.
Answer: Refer to Section 11.4.1, there is no requirement that panels be flat as long as they meet all other specified criteria.
General – Q1, Zhejiang University
What is the weight of every aspect like the paper, the pre / interview, the construction?
Answer: This information will be released with the scoring spreadsheet.
Rules Section 13 – Q2, Penn State University
Can a builder be standing on the dog house floor during assembly?
Answer: A builder must not use the structure, or a constructed segment, to support his or her weight. Per section 8, the constructed segment includes the segment of the structure placed within the footing. Inside the site boundary, a builder may stand in the staging yard, but not on footings.
Rules Section 11 – Q18, Penn State University
What are the constraints on a panel that has a roof on it?
Answer: Panels must be in accordance with section 11.4.1.
Rules Section 12 – Q13, Penn State University
Is there a minimum for square footage for the interior floor plan?
Answer: Must meet the requirements of the site and structure diagram. Per Section 12.2, floor must only rest on the ground within the defined footing. In addition, the problem statement identifying the size of the dog applies.
Rules Section 11 – Q19, Penn State University
Define nuts and bolts. Can wooden dowels be used as friction bolts?
Answer: Refer to 11.4.3 and 11.4.4 for loose bolts and loose nuts specifications, respectively. Loose bolts may be of any material though they must conform to requirements listed in 11.4.3. Nuts and bolts are commonly used terms to address fasteners. Wooden dowels do not conform to this definition. Dowels would qualify as members and must meet that criteria.
Rules Section 11 – Q20, Penn State University
Can the entire dog house be made out of only panels?
Answer: The structure shall consist of panels, members, loose nuts, and loose bolts, or any combination of these items
General – Q2, Unknown University
Can we use timber fasteners as the following pictures (in appendix) show during timed construction？
Answer: We cannot judge or approve configurations of the doghouse in the clarification process.
Rules Section 13 – Q3, Unknown University
Does it mean that a builder can only touch one panel or member at the same time during timed construction according to Section 13.3？
Answer: Yes
General – Q3, Unknown University
We wonder the organization chart means a chart of our team or product？
Answer: This is an organization chart of your team for production and competition. Organization chart samples can be seen on the internet
Rules Section 11 – Q21, Unknown University
Is a panel allowed to have a flexible timber fastener on it？
Answer: According to Section 11.4.2, “A member is a rigid component of the finished structure.” Therefore, a flexible member is not allowed.