2024 Structural Systems Activity
UPDATED April 10, 2024
Associate Superintendent Contact Information
Dr. Randy S. Lund ‘18
Texas A&M University
2116 TAMU | 600 John Kimbrough Blvd. | Room 242
College Station, TX 77843 – 2116
Telephone (979)485-6650
Email: rlund@tamu.edu
Purpose
The purpose of the structural systems skill activity is to examine students’ abilities to preform skills related to storage, concrete, masonry, plumbing, electrical, fabrication, construction, building materials, ventilation, heating, and air conditioning. In recent years, we have primarily focused on the area of fabrication.
Students should be familiar with measuring tools, know common welding symbols, and be able to interpret shop drawings.
Possible Activities for the 2024 event
Read and interpret a working drawing
Accurately use a measuring tool
Utilize one of several processes to weld, braze, or cut metal
Fabricate, modify, or repair a metal part.
Identify, interpret, and work from industry-standard welding symbols
Complete weldments accurately according to standard welding procedure specifications (WPS)
Competencies
Select arc welding machines and accessories.
Read drawings and welding symbols.
Accurately use a measuring tool
Select, assemble and check welding equipment and supplies.
Operate welding equipment and accessories for metal joining operations.
Specialized Safety Equipment
Necessary equipment such as basic welding helmets or goggles with a minimum of a shade 10 lens, fire-resistant welding jackets/shirt, gauntlet style welding gloves, welding leathers, and hearing protection devices, in good condition (i.e., no frays on pants) must be brought by each team. Hooded shirts do not qualify as a welding jacket. Participants without proper PPE and welding attire will not be allowed to weld.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Content Standards
CS.03.04.03.b. Assess and demonstrate appropriate operation, storage and maintenance techniques for AFNR tools and equipment.
PST.01.03.01.b.Analyze the situation and determine the best welding and cutting process to be used in metal fabrication.
PST.01.03.01.c.Evaluate the quality of metal fabrication procedures (e.g., SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, fuel-oxygen and plasma arc torch, etc.).
PST.01.03.02.b. Assess and select the proper electrode for use in various shielded metal arc welding situations
PST.01.03.02.c. Construct and/or repair metal structures and equipment using metal-fabrication procedures.
PST.04.02. Performance Indicator: Determine structural requirements, specifications and estimate costs for AFNR structures
PST.04.03. Follow architectural and mechanical plans to construct, maintain and/or repair AFNR structures (e.g., material selection, site preparation and/or layout, plumbing, concrete/masonry, etc.).
PST.04.03.01.c.Select materials for a project based upon an analysis of the project and the quality of the materials.
Suggested Resources
General references specified for the Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE
Welding for Modern Agriculture, Morton, C., 2017, The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation, ISBN 978-0-937390-12-2. .
Agricultural Technical Systems and Mechanics by Koel, L. et al, 2013, American Technical Publishers, ISBN 978-0-8269-3663-9.
Modern Welding 11th Edition, Althouse, A., et al, 2012, Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc., ISBN 978-1605257952.
Please review the general references for the CDE. - CDE rules
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