Competition

Inspired by Ann Arbor’s own Huron River and the railroad tracks that run along its banks, the Michigan Concrete Canoe Team (MCCT) presents a train-themed canoe, LOCOBOATIVE, as a model for the 100 concrete canoes the Committee on Concrete Canoe Competitions is requesting construction proposals. MCCT prioritized constructability and usability to develop a canoe to service regional transportation needs. The canoe design underwent rigorous research and iteration to arrive at a high-quality, reliable project proposal.

The '70s was the time of disco fever and the MCCT wanted to honor their predecessors who poured the foundation for their canoe fever. This year, the team embodies the unique, colorful, and revolutionary spirit of the '70s through testing and incorporating vibrant colors and an experimental schedule. The 2023 team of about 40 students follows in the Class of 1972's footsteps and brings BOOGIE BOAT, an exceptional and well-designed canoe, to meet the 2023 Concrete Canoe Competition's Request for Proposals (RFP).

MCCT contributes to the experimental culture of the University by enabling students to test new processes, design their own concrete, and have a practical and tactile approach to learning. This year, MCCT embodies the spirit of cowboys exploring the West as new test methods and construction techniques were pioneered to present STALLION, MCCT's 2022 entry into ASCE's Concrete Canoe Competition.

MCCT continues to foster innovation and collaboration at the University of Michigan by offering students a unique, hands-on approach to engineering challenges. In 2021, MCCT embraced the spirit of adaptability and perseverance to present ROWMAINE, their entry into ASCE’s Concrete Canoe Competition. By pioneering new hull designs, sustainable concrete mixes, and creative testing methods, ROWMAINE highlighted the team's commitment to pushing boundaries and overcoming obstacles in a year defined by unprecedented challenges.

This other- worldly presence from MCCT’s canoe brings innovative and advanced techniques, resembling those that could originate from the alien planet of Kepler-186f. By channeling both the scientific efforts of humans on Earth and the imagined creativity of alien life, MCCT emphasizes the importance of innovation through the 2020 canoe, KEPLER.

As a tribute to the land that cultivated such great minds as Vitruvius, Brunelleschi, and Da Vinci, the 2019 canoe, TERRA, emulates the environment that fostered great discoveries and advancements in engineering. Inspired by art and architectural works of the University’s Kelsey Archeological Museum, MCCT hopes to celebrate the rich history and culture of the Italian countryside whose beliefs of innovation and excellence have fostered generations of continued progress in engineering to the benefit of all.

The determined teamwork of honeybees inspires the members of the Michigan Concrete Canoe Team (MCCT) to be socially and environmentally conscious engineers and emulate bees’ qualities of synergy, communication, and persistence. MCCT is constantly pushing to innovate while being mindful of how technical innovations impact their surroundings. Working together in a colony to create a product that is greater than the sum of its parts, the 2018 canoe, MAJESTY, celebrates the contributions and vital importance of bees to an industrialized society, a diverse ecosystem, and recognizes the strategic vision of the University of Michigan “to anticipate the global, technological and educational changes ahead” (Regents of the University of Michigan 2017).

The University of Michigan has been committed to fostering the Leaders and Best since 1817 as an institution with a longstanding presence within academics, arts, the Ann Arbor community, athletics, and research. This year, the University is celebrating its bicentennial. Much like the University, the Michigan Concrete Canoe Team (MCCT) continuously pushes itself to pioneer into new technology, grow as an organization, and engage an expanding network of alumni both in the past, present, and future. The historic determination surrounding the University inspired the team to select the name VALIANT for the 2017 canoe.

The University of Michigan located in Ann Arbor, has been known for its commitment to research since its founding in 1817. As a research institution, the University of Michigan has prided itself on using new methods to study the historic artifacts. This cultivation is evidenced by the 25 diverse, student-run design teams in the College of Engineering. As one of these design teams, the Michigan Concrete Canoe Team (MCCT) operates in the Wilson Student Project Team Center, which provides the necessary resources and opportunities for success. This year, MCCT utilized new techniques to rediscover past methods to create a complete canoe. The name EXTINCTION was selected for the 2016 canoe in hopes that our team continues make historic canoes so that innovation does not disappear.

As a research institution, the University of Michigan has prided itself on promoting unique ideas and challenging old ones much like the founders of jazz. This cultivation is evidenced by the 25 diverse, student-run design teams in the College of Engineering. As one of these design teams, the Michigan Concrete Canoe Team (MCCT) operates in the Wilson Student Project Team Center, which provides the necessary resources and opportunities for success. Every year, MCCT combines old ideas with new innovations to compose a fine-tuned canoe. The name, ALLEGRO, meaning a lively increase in tempo, was selected for the 2015 canoe to embody the team’s upward trajectory and commitment to advancement.

The opening of the College of Engineering in 1854 served to only further the college’s commitment to pursuing the latest, cutting-edge technology. Tackling the final frontier of space, the Apollo 15 mission, with an all-University of Michigan manned crew and NASA’s fourth lunar landing, solidified Michigan as pioneers. Michigan Engineering faculty and students have continued this legacy of research and innovation, through student design teams such as the Michigan Concrete Canoe Team (MCCT). Facilities available through the Wilson Student Project Team Center continue to give students resources and opportunities to bring inventive ideas into reality. The 2014 canoe, LEGACY, is both a tribute to the Apollo 15 mission, and a commitment to future endeavors.

We trace our excellence back to the age of the Vikings, whose blood still runs in our veins. These Norse explorers, warriors, and merchants explored and settled wide areas of Europe, Asia, and the North Atlantic Islands. Similarly, Michigan Engineering promotes the expansion of fundamental engineering knowledge both in the field and classroom. Undergraduate research and student project teams allow students to obtain hands-on engineering experience, helping to establish MCCT as a major competitor in the North Central Regional Competition. To honor the Viking spirit, we have created DREKAR to once again reclaim Viking glory.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a great voice spoke, leaving the world trembling in their seats. Darth Vader’s eponymous voice reverberates in the minds of tens, if not hundreds, of millions people. From “I am your father” to “escape is not his plan,” we at the University of Michigan know all too well the true strength behind these words. As hosts of this year’s North Central Regional Conference, we will not let up against the competition. The Alliance feared the power and cunning of the Dark Side, leading Admiral Ackbar to famously announce, “It’s a Trap! ” It is after this statement that MCCT has named their 2011 canoe

Throughout the year MCCT focused on optimizing design and construction of the 2010 canoe to ensure a competitive performance at the regional conference. New structural members were introduced into the canoe design, higher percentages of recycled and sustainable materials were incorporated into the final concrete mix and innovative research and construction methods were employed to ensure an increase in product quality. MCCT is proud to present its 2010 canoe Wolverine.

Throughout the year MCCT focused on optimizing design and construction of the 2009 canoe to ensure its outstanding performance in the competition. Introduced were more calculations and simulations to optimize the analysis, formwork construction and mix design. Built from the experience of veteran members and the inventive ideas of new members, MCCT is proud to present the 2009 canoe HydroThunder .

As the first engineering department to be created, the University of Michigan’s Civil Engineering education has been refined to a nationally resound caliber. Participation in the A.S.C.E. North Regional Conference is the Michigan Concrete Canoe Team’s (MCCT) opportunity to exhibit this distinguished education. Though small, the team is dedicated and determined, comprised of leading individuals who enjoy the challenge of creating something paradoxical in nature. Presenting MCCT’s 2008 concrete creation, Maizin’ Race , named for our teams’ race- like enthusiasm

Each year, leading individuals combine forces to form a small yet tremendously strong and dedicated team. Inspired by the strength of its members, MCCT 2007 strived to achieve a strong, durable con- crete composite through investigative and innovative means. The result: The Rushin’ Blue, a 260 lbs. canoe measuring 19 feet 6 inches long, 28-1/2 inches wide, and 18 inches in depth. The Rushin’ Blue’s name is a pun on the vessel’s blue-gray coloration, a product of high silica fume cement replacement.

The Michigan Concrete Canoe Team (MCCT) has been an active participant in the North Central Regional Conference throughout the history of the competition with a brief absence in the early 1990’s. With vast improvements in the canoe strength and competition display in 2005 from a cracked canoe and felt covered boxes in 2004, MCCT 2006 strove to continue its improvement through diligent digital design, the moto of project MCCTSX-06.