"Boise State University"
(19th place overall; 19th in paper; 20th in presentation; 19 in product)

Presentation:

Boise went with a pirate theme and four team members made their presentation.  They began by explaining their strategy.  Then the team outlined their competition history and highlighted their project goals.

The team described the construction process and explained that a shotcrete method was employed.  The curing techniques were also highlighted during this portion of the stint.

Mix design came next and the team explained how sand and micro-spheres were blended to meet the C-33 requirement.  Testing procedures were described and the ASTM standards specified.  After specifying the required tensile strength, the team brought their presentation to conclusion.

Judges Comments/Questions:

Then, the question session began: 

• How did you control your thickness when the specifications reported for the thickness of different layers are so similar?
• You tested compressive strength and accepted the manufactures data regarding shrinkage.  Do you feel that it is wise to rely on this data, since you consider this such a critical parameter?
• What other loading conditions were considered in addition to the loads produced by the paddlers?
• You said that rounding your chines produces instability.  Can you explain this?
• Did you consider any other reinforcement different from fiberglass?
• You have a bow that comes straight down.  In retrospect, would you have tapered it?
• With respect to mix proportioning, did your team determine what the yield of the final mixture was?
• Please explain how a change in the water-to-cementitious material ratio would affect your calculations. 

Commentary:

Product:

Canoe Name: The Black Pearl
Length: 20.5 ft
Weight: 190 lb
Color: Gray and white

Boise reinforced their canoe with two layers of fiberglass.  Concrete was placed using a shotcrete method and the team used pumice and micro-spheres to help meet the C-33 requirement.

Vital Statistics