Due to increases in natural disasters and the threat of terrorism, FESP Corporation is instituting an enlargement of its Civil Engineering Projects Division. Recent events have brought it to FESP's attention that the aging road systems in the United States are vulnerable to accidents. They fear that the Minneapolis bridge collapse may only be the first in many such incidents.

As a response to this particular type of threat, FESP is forming a dedicated division for bridge construction. They are looking to split the division into two sections: Research and Development, and Building. Research and Development will research, study, and engineer a bridge well ahead of any emergency need. This designed bridge will then be used in a scheduled replacement for a given bridge.

The Building section will essentially be a 'go-team' of engineers who will visit an emergency scene in need of bridge replacement with little or no time to prepare. This is similar to the Army Corps of Engineers, who build bridges in a matter of days. Although those bridges are usually temporary structures, any research conducted would greatly improve the strength of the design. However, FESP is looking for more permanent structures, capable of surviving environmental effects.

Of the two sections, the winning Research and Development team will receive funding for future projects. The winning Building team will not receive funding due to their lack of prior preparation. They will only receive the necessary materials, which will be provided on site.

Both teams are required to present their conducted research in a professional manner on the day of Expo. In addition, Building teams are required to come to Expo 2008 with a bridge made completely out of paper and other designated materials. Requirements have been set and teams must adhere to these standards. Please refer to Mailer2 in the "Expo materials" folder for specific requirements.