"Virginia Polytechnic University"
(19th place overall; 16th in paper; 14th in presentation; 16th in product)

Presentation:

The presentation was given by two women and one man dressed in semi-formal attire.  After introducing the team, they explained how the form was built and highlighted the attributes of the design.  The team explained how innovative techniques were used during form removal.  The structural properties of the mix were given and it was explained how tests were conducted to evaluate strength.

Plate tests were used to select the reinforcement and the construction techniques were described along with the curing procedure.  The team mentioned that they were proud of their accomplishments and explained how their canoe was lost after the regional and how they managed to get a boat to Nationals. 

The judges began the question and answer session by asking the team, "What is medocalin?"  They followed with, "Since the specific gravity of the aggregates were not reported, how were mix proportions determined?"

Describe what happened to your canoe.  "How was the moment of inertia of the cross section calculated?"  "Why were small batches used to improve variability as opposed to using larger batches?"  "How did the critical path that was envisioned differ from what really transpired?"  "How were critical decisions made?"  "Was any consideration given to using admixtures in your concrete?"

Product:

Name: The Pokey Hokie
Length: 19'
Weight: 142 lb
Color: gray (natural concrete)

Vital Stats:

Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, was the representative from the Virginias Conference.  Tech has participated fourteen times at the national level and this was their sixth consecutive appearance.  Their highest finish to date was seventh in 1989.

Canoe/Materials/Facts:

The team had to build a second canoe after the original failed to float capsizing at the regional competition in the Atlantic Ocean.

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