The competition is sponsored by the Defense Metals Technology Center (DMTC) and the university. DMTC's aims include demonstrating the versatility of titanium: government and private funding will be sought to build the bridge.
The five shortlisted teams represent four universities - Kent State, Ball State, Miami and Akron. They will present their entries to the judges on 14 April. DMTC will provide scholarship money to the students and grants to their universities for the study of specialist metals in commercial applications.
"I was impressed with the quality of all the submissions and their varied approach," said one of the judges, Lillian Kuri, who is programme director of architecture, urban design and sustainable development at the Cleveland Foundation. "Moreover, the finalists presented ideas that, if built, would create an iconic image for the region."
