Concrete Canoe

Being part of the concrete canoe team has been an incredible journey of innovation and hands-on learning. As a mix design engineer, I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with sustainable materials like steel slag, slag cement, and fibers, pushing the boundaries of what a zero-carbon concrete mix can achieve. The process has been filled with trial and error—sieving, ball milling, refining proportions—all in the pursuit of the perfect blend. Casting day on February 3rd was a true test of our dedication, running from 10 AM to 9 PM, but seeing our canoe take shape made every challenge worth it. Now, we’re preparing to stain it with a W-train-inspired design, a nod to the NYC Subway, as we proudly represent New York at regionals and nationals.

Beyond the physical build, I’ve been diving into structural analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and ANSYS, learning how to model the canoe’s response to real-world conditions, from two-person to four-person loads. It’s fascinating to see how stress distributes across the structure and to pinpoint areas needing reinforcement before we ever hit the water. At the same time, I’ve been developing an eye for aesthetics, experimenting with color-mixing techniques to create a finish that not only reflects our theme but enhances the canoe’s design. This project has been an immersive blend of engineering, creativity, and problem-solving—challenging yet deeply rewarding, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together on competition day.