Concrete canoe

The event challenges the students' knowledge, creativity and stamina, while showcasing the versatility and durability of concrete as a building material.

Some 200 university teams attempt to qualify for the NCCC by placing first in one of the 18 conference competitions held throughout the United States during the spring.

[5] In the more than 45 years since, the students’ efforts to combine engineering excellence and hydrodynamic design to construct water-worthy canoes have culminated in an advanced form of concrete construction and racing technique known as the “America’s Cup of Civil Engineering.” In 1981 as part of the FIP congress in Stockholm, Sweden there was the 1st FIP international concrete canoe race.

[7] inspired by Herbert Krenchel In 1988, ASCE expanded the competition to the national level, when Master Builders, Inc. (now known as BASF) signed-on to become the sole corporate sponsor for the event.

In its first year, 18 teams of enthusiastic civil engineering students from the nation's premier academic programs gathered in East Lansing, Mich., to test the waters of this innovative and educational event.

They also strive to increase awareness among industry leaders, opinion makers and the general public of civil engineering as a dynamic and innovative profession essential to society.

In its history, the National Concrete Canoe Competition has challenged the knowledge, creativity and stamina of more than 400 teams and 5000 students.

Sponsors include BASF, Kiewit Corporation, American Concrete Institute, Holcim, Bentley Systems, Cemex, and Propex.

Typically they create the shape of the hull with a computer design program specifically made for yachts, canoes, and other watercraft.

A special concrete mix is designed over several months, emphasizing among other qualities, an optimal balance between strength and low density.

Teams later spend hundreds of hours sanding and applying exterior graphics to their canoes for a nice finish.