Designing Cranes for "The Big One"
Fall 2025's Engineering Competition spurs critical thinking about natural disasters
Pictured: Student Valeria operates her team's crane while a fellow student loads it with weights.
Clark College engineering students put their skills to the test during the department’s quarterly design competition on Dec. 2. This term’s challenge, “Crane: Earthquake Response Edition,” was inspired by a real scenario facing emergency operations in the region.
In preparation for a major earthquake—often referred to as “The Big One”—Clark County Emergency Response is working with local engineering teams to explore quick-deploy solutions that could help clear debris and reopen transportation routes. After a major quake, blocked roads can prevent emergency services and supply convoys from reaching affected areas. To mirror those real-world constraints, student teams were tasked with designing a compact, portable crane system capable of moving debris and helping reestablish traffic flow.
To complete the challenge, student cranes needed to meet strict standards for safety, reliability, and efficiency. Each team had a $100 budget to build a crane capable of carrying more than 5,000 grams of cylindrical weights. During testing, weights were added incrementally as students operated their crane through a control system, guiding it between two designated zones without touching the tabletop.
Before showcasing their cranes, students presented their designs to classmates, explaining the materials they selected, the challenges they encountered, and the technical decisions behind their builds.
“We learned how to use machinery like wood and laser cutters, and about material resistance—like how durable wood is,” said student Valeria. “But we also learned how to be resourceful, especially when low on budget. There was a lot of trial and error and problem solving. We also learned how to work as a team.”
During the competition, the classroom fell silent as each crane swung its weight-filled basket across the table. When a crane completed its final transition to the last zone, the room erupted into applause. And when one team’s crane suffered a broken part mid-presentation, classmates immediately jumped in to find a replacement so the group could finish.
Teams whose cranes successfully transported the required weight earned bragging rights for the term, along with firsthand experience applying engineering concepts to challenges their future careers may one day demand.
Learn More About Engineering at Clark
Clark’s engineering department has one of the largest and most affordable transfer programs in Washington, allowing students to build a solid foundation in their discipline while taking advantage of small class sizes.
Each term, engineering students take on different hands-on projects, with instructors posing real-life problems for them to solve—experiences that build technical confidence and resilience. See last year's student creations and learn more about Clark's Engineering department.
Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl
Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications & Marketing