The University of Iowa’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers proudly hosted the Midwest Regional Concrete Canoe races on April 13th. Seven engineering schools from around the central United States arrived to compete in this annual event in which students design, build and race canoes made of entirely of concrete.
This is no easy feat.
Some canoes crack and break, never making it into the water. Although Iowa’s canoe suffered substantial cracking, strategic use of duct tape provided the boost it needed to compete for the first time in over five years. The canoe, Back in Black, performed well until the last race when the duct tape gave way and it slipped below the surface. Two of the four team members remained with the boat to guide it across (under) the finish line. Iowa’s team is already developing new ideas for next year.
