RFI Responses
RFI 01 - Rule 6.4.3.2
Question: The information that we are being requested to submit for Safety Report 2, per Rule 6.4.3.2, is quite extensive and I am unsure if it will be possible to provide a detailed level of information on everything within the limits of 5 pages. Would the OC consider raising the page limit for the 2nd Safety Report? Answer: After review with the organizing committee members, safety report 2 will have no page limit but instead will have a maximum allowable word limit of 2500. Calculations must still be presented in the appendices, while graphs, pictures, and figures are encouraged to be placed within the body of the report. This item will be updated in version 2 of the rules.
RFI 02 - Theme Registration
Question: I am wondering if it is possible for my Team to reserve our theme prior to the pre-registration of September 1st as described in V1 of the Rule Book. This would allow us to start our art related preparation work sooner during the downtime of what is left of Summer. Approval of this request would significantly ease our workload during the Fall semester. Alternatively, I would appreciate it if we could have our short-list of potential themes screened by the OC for their appropriateness or similarity. Answer: The OC has decided to allow teams to pre-register their themes. The start date for theme registration will coincide with the release of this RFI response, and a form will be provided on this website for teams to submit their theme. The OC will evaluate each theme submission and reply to each team whether or not their theme choice is conditionally approved. If two teams submit similar themes, the decision of which team will be allowed to proceed will depend on which team submitted first, as well as if either team is reusing a theme from a past virtual competition. Teams will need to provide sufficient proof to the OC that they have started work on their theme for a previous competition. Once competition registration is open, theme selection will be first come, first serve.
RFI 03 - Rule 6.4.5: Report Dates
Question: Safety Report 2 feedback is to be received by December 5th, per Rule 6.4.5. Our ski casting is planned to be before December 5th but that would cause a problem if feedback showed that our mix and/or profile design had to be changed to further satisfy Rules 6.4.3.2.2 (point 6) along with Rule 6.4.3.2.3 (point 3) respectively. Would it be possible to receive feedback at an earlier date? Even if that means moving the Safety Report 2 Submission date earlier than November 18th? Answer: These dates were chosen as a balance between giving teams enough time to finalize a design before writing reports, having a feasible amount of time for judges to review, and having enough time for feedback and changes to be implemented in the fabrication. For these reasons, we will not be changing the deadlines. Teams should have enough confidence after the first report feedback and execute a majority of fabrication. Safety Report 2 is intended to add details and justifications to the designs rather than creating changes to the design.
RFI 04 - Rule Number: 6.1.1: Clarification of Due Date
Question: Message: In Table 1 under section 6.1 Deliverable Due Dates there are the following deliverables and their corresponding dates: Technical Exhibition Presentation Media due JANUARY 6TH, 2023 @11:59:59pm PST Technical Presentation (digital) due JANUARY 20TH, 2023 @11:59:59pm PST We are just looking for some clarification on the difference between these two deliverables as they have separate submission dates. Answer: The competition rules have been updated to version two and have taken this question into account. Changes have been made to deliverables and deliverable descriptions. Please read version #2. If you are still unclear on the deliverables, please re-submit the RFI for further clarification.
RFI 06 - Rule Number: 6.6.9: Sliding Surface Clarification
Question: Just to clarify when you say "Sliding Surface(s) used in previous GNCTR events" do you mean just the mix or the geometric profile of the ski as well. Just want to know because the rule says "a 50% score Deduction with a maximum of a 4 point deduction on any Event where said Sliding Surface(s) are used in a Run." which is a lot and we don't want to lose those points. Answer: The goal of this rule is to mandate the manufacturing of all new parts for the competition. As such, if a part was used at a previous competition, including the skis (sliding surface), re-using the part would result in a maximum 50% point reduction in events in which these parts were used. One addendum to this rule is that if parts were manufactured for the 2022 competition and your team would like to reuse them, then it must be stated in the initial registration alongside the submission of your 2022 competition technical report. Following this submission, using these parts would not result in deductions. In conclusion, yes you can reuse the design of the geometric profile, just as long as you are manufacturing a new ski.
RFI 05 - Rule Number: 7.5.1 Re-using Previous year mix designs
Question: Looking for clarification if a base concrete mix design be reused from a previous year. If this is allowed, will tests need to be reperformed or can previous data be used? Also, can ski design and reinforcement be reused from the previous 2022 design? since they didn't end up being used in construction. Answer: Mix designs from previous years can inform the teams' 2023 mix design as the team sees fit. The report should reflect why the team chose to use the chosen mix design in a fashion that is not plagiarised from the 2022 report. The cylinders that are brought to the competition for testing must be cast at the same time as the skis and must reflect the data that is reported in the final report.
RFI 07 - Rule Number: 7.4.1.3: Define Clear Line of Site
Question: The rule states "Deployment of brakes must be completed by an individual who has a clear line of sight out of the front or sides of the toboggan." Does a clear line of sight mean completely transparent or if a mesh was used that would be okay? Answer: The person engaging the brakes must be able to clearly see the braking zone to safely deploy the brakes. Any material used in the manufacturing of the superstructure or enclosure of the toboggan must allow for a reasonable view of the safety zone to the operator. A material like mesh would be suitable if it meets the above and all safety requirements.
RFI 08 - JLHA Documentation Requirements
Question: The Job Hazzard Analysis form is due on the 15th of September, but we have not been able to get our year started as the semester just started. Can we have the deadline pushed back? Answer: The deadline for the first Job Hazzard Analysis (JHA) form has been changed to be on the date the team starts manufacturing. This change will be reflected in the rules upon the release of Version 4 and will be considered to overrule Version 3. As an aside, the JHA should not be considered a large submission. It should be around four pages, including team signatures, after being filled out.
RFI 10 - KPI Audit Rubric Question
Question: It says under Project Baseline that an appropriate level of detail would be max 4 weeks duration... Our team starts designing the toboggan in May and builds until January... Could you clarify what is meant by maximum four weeks? Or is it meant to say minimum? Thanks! Answer: The maximum length of a single sub task is 4 weeks, that means that if you are designing for four months you should have at minimum 4 subtasks that describe the different stages of design. The breakdown for example could have the following : Preliminary design, Design phase 1, Preliminary FEA, … and so on. With no one bar extending over 4 weeks.
RFI 09 - Rule Number: 7.5.1.1: Salvaging Suspension
Question: Our team is considering a leaf suspension as one of our design alternatives and were wondering if the leaf suspension taken off a golf cart would be allowed if detailed calculations proved it to suffice in our design? Answer: A purchased suspension system with well-described properties would be appropriate for the competition if adequate justification for use is included in the safety reports and final report. A leaf spring suspension from a golf cart would be acceptable as long as detailed tests were done to determine its material properties (spring constant, young's modulus, max travel, tensile strength, etc.). This includes destructive testing to determine the limitations of the spring. Once the material properties are known and incorporated in the design they can be justified for use in the toboggan.
RFI 11 - Number of Competitors per Team
Question: Hello hello. We were just wondering if there would be an update soon regarding whether or not more than 24 competitors per team would be allowed to come to comp? Looking to book flights soon. Thanks! Answer: Unfortunately, we will not be able to increase the 24-competitor limit. We have tried our best to accommodate more people as we understand the value of having a larger team, but this was not possible due to venue capacities in the city.
RFI 12 - Microsoft Project Licences
Question: Our school does not supply Microsoft Project licence keys. How should we produce our project schedule? Answer: It is expected that teams will use Microsoft Project to produce their project schedule. If licences are not given to students, connect with your faculty advisor, as many schools will have a computer with the software available for use. Otherwise, Microsoft Project can be purchased from the Microsoft Store on a monthly payment plan.
RFI 13 - Tech Ex Space
Question: Can you clarify what we are allowed for dimensions and size of our tech X? Currently our design has 3 walls that also encompass the toboggan. Going off of the registration package, it looks like the toboggan is supposed to be separate/beside the tech x display. Our theme team is pretty new to the team and hasn't been to an in-person competition before so more clarification on what is and isn't allowed would be helpful. Answer: Teams will have a 10’x20’ space at tech ex to display their toboggan and technical materials (as well as any team spirit elements). Teams may use their 20 x 10 ft space how they like. The space can be split into two sections, or the toboggan can be incorporated into the display. Teams may request that the 10' short edge of their display area be the “front” (see layout A) in the final registration package. Layout B is the default layout for the competition. Additional space requests can be made (Power outlets, etc.), and we will do our best. However, we cannot promise anything until after final registration has been submitted.
RFI 14 - Rule 8.4: Tilt Test
Question: The following are requests for information due to concerns with rule 8.4, with regards to the tilt test inspection: How do the safety straps attach? What is the procedure for loading the toboggan at this angle to ensure the toboggans are not impacted? Is execution the responsibility of the OC or the team? Geometry of the skis is required to prevent fish tailing (7.2.4) how will the system intended for the tilt test mitigate excessive load or damage to the geometry, i.e. fins? What is the length of the apparatus? How will tripod geometry designs be handled? How will offset skis be handled? Since no riders are present during the test, does this mean the toboggan has to conform in the case of completely unloaded suspension? Does the steering need to be locked in place during the test? What is the duration of the test? What is the surface of the apparatus made of to ensure damage does not happen to the concrete? As well, the hinge material? Are there any measures to prevent sliding besides the pivot piece, which does not adequately constrain the toboggan? Is there an apparatus available for teams to test with prior to competition instead of going in never having completed this test? Does this apparatus exist and are there video demonstrations available so that teams can better understand the loading procedure? Appendix F states that any lifting up of the uphill ski will result in not participating in dynamic races, does this mean the entire ski must remain in contact or a portion of the ski must remain in contact? In the case of multiple uphill skis in an offset design, do both skis need to remain on the surface? Is the 50 degree angle with respect to the horizontal or to the vertical? Answer: For a reference point, please see the preliminary drawing of the tilt tester in version 5 of the rules. How do the safety straps attach? A safety strap will be attached to the top of the toboggan, wherever a frame member is available, which will anchor to the top bar of the tilt tester to prevent the toboggan from rotating if it lifts off. What is the procedure for loading the toboggan at this angle to ensure the toboggans are not impacted? Is execution the responsibility of the OC or the team? Teams will be required to pick up their toboggans and place it on the tilting surface while it remains flat. Geometry of the skis is required to prevent fishtailing (7.2.4) how will the system intended for the tilt test mitigate excessive load or damage to the geometry, i.e. fins? The tilt board will be cushioned with 2-3" thick polystyrene foam. What is the length of the apparatus? The tilt board is 12ft. How will tripod geometry designs be handled? Teams will be required to bring a 2x4 or other piece of wood to stabilize their toboggan against the tilt edge of the tilting board. How will offset skis be handled? Similar to the tripod, teams will be required to bring a 2x4 or other piece of wood to stabilize their toboggan against the tilt edge. More info to come on this, but it should be as simple as cutting a 2x4 or other piece of wood that is the same length as the offset. Since no riders are present during the test, does this mean the toboggan has to conform in the case of completely unloaded suspension? Yes. Does the steering need to be locked in place during the test? Yes. What is the duration of the test? The toboggan will be tilted to 50deg. Once in position, safety will verify the toboggans skis have not lifted off on their edges, in which case the toboggan will then be lowered via winch. What is the surface of the apparatus made of to ensure damage does not happen to the concrete? As well, the hinge material? Expanded polystyrene foam for the cushion material, the hinge material is stainless steel. Are there any measures to prevent sliding besides the pivot piece, which does not adequately constrain the toboggan? There is very minimal chance of the toboggan sliding horizontally along the surface of the tilt tester, as gravity is acting to "push" the toboggan into the tilt ledge. Is there an apparatus available for teams to test with prior to competition instead of going in never having completed this test? Unless teams are willing to build the apparatus themselves, no there is not. Does this apparatus exist and are there video demonstrations available so that teams can better understand the loading procedure? The apparatus does not exist currently, as it is currently being built. Teams will be briefed on the loading procedure during tech ex, the organizing committee is very confident the loading and usage procedure is straightforward enough to not warrant a demo. Appendix F states that any lifting up of the uphill ski will result in not participating in dynamic races, does this mean the entire ski must remain in contact or a portion of the ski must remain in contact? In the case of multiple uphill skis in an offset design, do both skis need to remain on the surface? Any liftoff of any uphill skills will be subject to review and final decision by the safety committee. As this is the first time a tilt test has been done at competition, there will be leniency in the decision making process. Is the 50 degree angle with respect to the horizontal or to the vertical? With respect to horizontal. As a final note, I'd like to offer a little more information and background to the tilt test and its origins so teams have an understanding of why this is being implemented. At the 2019 competition, the Toronto hill proved to be very challenging, with rollovers and subsequent injuries during race day. Because of this, many sponsors and universities raised very valid concerns about the integrity and safety of the GNCTR competition. Because of this, the organizing committee was required to respond to these concerns with additional safety rules and regulations, and thus, the tilt test was born. This will be the first year the tilt test is being conducted, and with the first of anything, this is a learning experience for all parties involved. Leniency will most likely be provided depending on the overall outcome of the tilt test, the 50° failure is flexible depending on how many teams fail the test, as the organizing committee understands minimal data is available for all parties involved. I would like to stress this is a learning year to collect data on the outcome of the test to better aid in the design and regulations of the test for following years. We thank you for understanding.
RFI 15 - Footwear
Question: Are there any rules or restrictions from you or the hill on what footwear is permitted for pushers? (cleats, crampons, etc) Answer: There are no restrictions on footwear for the pushers.