Concrete Canoe

Detroit Mercy's American Society of Civil Engineers Concrete Canoe Team designs, builds and races a concrete canoe (yes, it actually floats!) annually against other schools. The competition gives Civil Engineering students the opportunity to learn how to design and test concrete, work on a large-scale project within a strict schedule, and work as part of a team. A project of this size needs funding, including the costs of travel and lodging for the competition. With your tax-deductible donation, our team can purchase the materials necessary to construct this year's canoe and compete in this year's event.

Since the early 1970s, ASCE student chapters have been constructing and racing concrete canoes. During that time, concrete mixes and canoe designs have varied, but the long-established tradition of teamwork, camaraderie, and spirited competition has been constant. Teams, their associates, judges and all other participants are expected to maintain and build upon this tradition.

In April, we will compete against other universities in the North Central region in a race as well as a judged contest on the aspects of our canoe design, our presentation and the technical report we provide on the details of our concrete canoe.

The ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition provides students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience while testing their skills with concrete mix designs and project management challenges.

The first ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition was held in 1988, but the history of Concrete Canoe goes back to the 1960s, when a small number of ASCE Student Chapters began holding intramural concrete canoe races.

This elite competition combining engineering excellence, hydrodynamic design, and racing technique is known as the "America's Cup of Civil Engineering."

Your gift today, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to constructing and racing our concrete canoe.

You can make a one time gift or choose to make a larger gift over time by choosing the recurring gift option.

Donations by check can be made out to University of Detroit Mercy with Concrete Canoe in the memo line and sent to:

University Advancement
University of Detroit Mercy
4001 W. McNichols
Detroit, MI 48221