TThe University of Toronto Concrete Toboggan Team is a dedicated design team tasked with designing and fabricating a toboggan that features a superstructure, steering and braking system, and a fully concrete running surface. Each year, we spend countless hours on engineering innovative solutions for the design challenges of the competition while fostering a fun and inclusive learning environment. We focus on safety and sustainability in all of our design choices and we pride ourselves on our innovative design ideas and fabrication techniques. Every year we have the opportunity to compete in the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race, attracting over 20 different universities across North America. The competition is judged not only on the outcome of the races, but also our design, technical application, and spirit.
Our team consists of system leads and general members, totalling over 30 undergraduate engineering students. Our team has two sub-teams: the Design Team and Spirit Team. The Design Team is responsible for the design and fabrication of the toboggan’s superstructure, braking, steering, and concrete mix design and concrete ski design. The Spirit Team develops our theme, costumes and technical exhibition for the competition. They are also responsible for acquiring sponsorship and building team spirit. You can learn more about our team’s systems here.
As a fully student run team, we pride ourselves in encouraging all to join – regardless of experience. The returning team members act as mentors to new members, and pass along skills from year to year. As a member of the team, there are a variety of skills that are learned, including but not limited to: concrete mixing and pours, machining of parts, carbon fiber layups, and basic construction for Tech-Ex. Our goal as a team is to continue to develop the skills of new members while continuing to challenge ourselves to try new things.
