What Floats These Students’ Boats?
What:
After months of hard work, calculations, and practice, practice, practice, hundreds of civil engineering students are now paddling to Tuscaloosa, Ala. for the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 22nd Annual National Concrete Canoe Competition. The event, now entering its third decade, is being hosted by the University of Alabama. After coming out on top in regional competitions throughout the spring, the best and brightest from 22 top engineering schools will match wits and skills as they find out if they have what it takes to win the “America’s Cup of Civil Engineering.”
Who:
The 2009 National Concrete Canoe Competition finalists are: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; Clemson University; École de technologie supérieure; Fairmont State University; New Mexico State University; Ohio Northern University; Polytechnic Institute of NYU; Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; Université Laval; University at Buffalo, The State University of New York; University of Alabama in Huntsville; University of California, Berkeley; University of Cincinnati; University of Evansville; University of Florida; University of Memphis; University of Nevada, Reno; University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown; University of Texas at Tyler; University of Washington; and University of Wisconsin – Platteville.
When & Where:
• Thursday, June 11, Weigh-in, Floatation Tests and Display Setup, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., The Quad, University of Alabama
• Friday, June 12, Presentations, 8 a.m.-noon, 1:30-5 p.m., Morgan Auditorium, University of Alabama
• Saturday, June 13, Canoe Races, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Lake Nicol, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Why:
More than 250 teams work throughout the year to qualify for the national competition, and in the process gain hands-on experience working with concrete mix designs, as well as important project management skills. These students represent the future of civil engineering. Concrete Canoe helps prepare them for their careers.
For more information on the National Concrete Canoe Competition, including downloadable high-resolution photos, please visit www.concretecanoe.asce.org.
About the National Concrete Canoe Competition
The National Concrete Canoe Competition is organized by the American Society of Civil Engineers and is funded by the generous support of the American Concrete Institute; Baker Concrete Construction; World of Concrete; and Holcim (US) Inc. This year’s event is hosted by the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
About ASCE
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 146,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America’s oldest national engineering society. For more information, visit www.asce.org.