Concrete canoe projects have been a part of the civil engineering student experience since the early 1970s, when Professor Clyde Kesler began assigning his students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Since then, design, build and testing of concrete beams has been in civil engineering curricula at many schools, from the University of Memphis to the United States Coast Guard Academy.
When completing concrete projects, you discover the components and behaviors of concrete using civil engineering design principles. You learn how to apply this knowledge to the design of a beam or canoe using the right tension and compression so it does not break or sink. Additionally, you build leadership skills including effective communication, project management and team building. These projects are opportunities to use real-world skills in a practice environment where risks are minimal.
For over two decades, the American Society of Civil Engineers has hosted an annual national concrete canoe competition, in which civil engineering students compete to win scholarships and recognition, including school bragging rights. Student teams build a concrete canoe according to the competition's rules and regulations, and race it against competing teams in a body of water near the host school. Many civil engineering programs at schools across the country assign concrete beam projects in their curriculum for grades, and even host concrete beam competitions for prizes and recognition.
Participating in concrete projects is especially helpful to civil engineering students who decide to specialize in structural engineering. Structural engineers ensure the design and build of a structure is effective and safe for its purpose. Graduates of this program go on to work on projects for building bridges, amusement park rides, office buildings, stadiums and more. You can pursue several industries as a structural engineer including medicine, utilities, entertainment and consulting.