There's an engineering competition called "Concrete Canoe", where we have to build a canoe out of concrete and then race it. And yes, the canoe floats. But anyways, it's not an easy process. We have to assemble the mold, prepare it, and then spray concrete on it. But without further ado, here is proof that joining a team is not as lame as people might imagine it. These pics are from working on it late Friday night, plastering and sanding down the mold to get a smooth shape.

Edit: Update!

Turns out we had to re-assemble the mould, so he it is  in pieces.

Reassembled and wrapped/taped.

Covering the canoe in vasoline so that the concrete doesn't stick to the plastic. Yeah, that's right. Our canoe is covered in lube.

Finally spraying the concrete onto the mould, layer by layer.

Mixing the concrete.

Yours truly helping with the mixing.

I had to separate a handful of hair-like fibres and mix them into the concrete.

Still spraying...

Putting in layers of mesh to increase tensile strength.

Smoothing out the surface by hand to reduce the amount of sanding we'll have to do later.

A semi-smooth surface, and our Course Union shirts.

Trying to smooth it out even more by hand.

Will update again with a finished product.

Post edited at 12:06 am on April 12, 2008 by OLPFan200

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how many people on the "team"

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We have roughly 8 people actively working on it. There's a few others that kinda come and go.

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kinda funny that I am reading this instead of studying for a test in concrete design. my school thought about this but not enough people were interested, though we are entering the steel bridge competition.  
were are u competing with that anyway?

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Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The competition is actually based on the American one.

And I had thought about entering the Troitske Steel Bridge Competition, but between working for the summer with a firm, Concrete Canoe, and a conference I'm in charge of, I just don't have time. Maybe next year though.

And concrete design is fun. I don't take it next year, but I got a crash-course in it for this competition. I actually designed a mix that actually floated on it's own. Sadly, it was only good for like 3MPa.

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Quote: from RPI engiNERD at 1:40 am on April 7, 2008

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kinda funny that I am reading this instead of studying for a test in concrete design. my school thought about this but not enough people were interested, though we are entering the steel bridge competition.
 were are u competing with that anyway?

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Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The competition is actually based on the American one.

And I had thought about entering the Troitske Steel Bridge Competition, but between working for the summer with a firm, Concrete Canoe, and a conference I'm in charge of, I just don't have time. Maybe next year though.

And concrete design is fun. I don't take it next year, but I got a crash-course in it for this competition. I actually designed a mix that actually floated on it's own. Sadly, it was only good for like 3MPa.

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This is just the stinkin coolest thing in my opinion.

How is the rowing coming? Getting buff yet?

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Do not abandon yourselves to despair.
We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.

Pope John Paul II

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Do beer and concrete mix well?  (Pardon the pun.)

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You may have been joking, but I'm actually quite curious what happens. I'll test it next year.

And barnabas: Getting there. =D

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Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

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Quote: from OLPFan200 at 2:46 am on April 7, 2008

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Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

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Wtfff seriously? When? Where?
Something is happening in Hali? I'm impressed.

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I kid you not. I'll be there from May 8 - 11. I believe Dalhousie is hosting it.

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