"Lamar University"
(16th place overall; 22 in paper; 22nd in presentation; 12th in product)

Presentation:

Two male and dressed in business attire gave Lamar's oral presentation.  They specified the critical parameters of their design including performance specifications such as maximum hull speed.

The team used plate tests to select their reinforcement and were careful to point out the material properties of their final selection.  They explained how these quantities were used to obtain required strength.  The team explained how their management scenario and how their boat was constructed.

During the question and answer session, the judges asked how the concrete was mixed and if any steps were taken to insure quality control.  The team was asked how they approached the task of mix proportioning.  The judges asked why large pore spaces helped to increase the bonding?

Then, the team was asked how they integrated their reinforcement into the hull.  The judges mentioned that the finite element analysis was subcontracted and the team was asked if they did any structural analysis.  

"What was the biggest mistake made last year that was corrected this year?"  Finally, the team was asked to specify the ASTM designation for the tests that they employed.   

 Product:

Name: The Lamartian
Length: 20.4'
Weight: 160 lb
Color: red and gray

Vital Stats:

Lamar University is located in Beaumont, Texas. The team made their debut at the national level in 2003 and proudly represented the Texas-Mexico Region.  Their sixteenth place finish is the team's highest to date.

Canoe/Materials/Facts:

Lamar's canoe was made of Portland cement mixed with Extendospheres and reinforced by polyethylene fibers and meshes.