OSU Concrete Canoe Mix Design

Performing the Basic Steps of the Concrete Canoe Mix Design Process

Introduction

Swamp test

Scope

Materials and Equipment

Definitions

Safety information

Introduction

Every year college students across the world design, construct, and race concrete canoes.  One of the more successful concrete canoe teams is Oklahoma State University.  To maintain their success, the team must design a quality concrete mix.

The mix design process is fun and requires no previous experience.  The complete design process may require 2-6 months of hard work.  The project manager will provide the team with a deadline.  The results are rewarding, and the effort seems worthwhile at competition.  (top)

Swamp test

At competition, the team will swamp the canoe. The canoe is fully submerged below the water surface and then released. To qualify for final product points and to participate in races, the canoe must float upward and break the water surface. This requires the canoe to be lighter than water.

The underlying concept of making concrete float is simple: replace the heavy sand and gravel aggregates used in industry with lightweight aggregates.  (top)

Scope of mix design

The following instructions serve as a guide and reference for basic mix design procedure.  The intended users include new Concrete Canoe members and returning members.  Experienced team members should assist new members through the process.  The steps demonstrate setting up the matrix, batching the concrete mix, calculating unit weight, and performing compression tests.  The process requires the team members to read and understand the published rules and regulations established by ASCE/MBT.  Access the rules at www.asce.org or www.masterbuilders.com.  To link to 2003 NCCC rules in pdf click here.  (top)

Materials and equipment

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Definitions

The following words are used throughout this document.  Each is defined as the word pertains to these instructions.

Admixture-additive to the concrete batch to achieve specific properties of the mix; anything not categorized as cement, aggregate, or water; ex. superplasticizer, air entrainer.

Binder-the cementing agents; cementitious material; ex.   Portland Cement.

Cement-the primary binding material in concrete; an ingredient of concrete.

Concrete-a combination of cement, aggregates, and water.

Constituent-any of the ingredients used in the concrete mix.

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Safety information

Warnings, cautions, and tips are identified with colored triangles.

►identifies important health concerns

►identifies cautionary information that is not likely to cause injury

►identifies suggestions or hints

Before beginning the mix design process:

►Review the MSDS data sheets for new constituents.  Learn what precautions to take to avoid damage to yourself and others.

►Set goals for workability, weight, and strength.

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Next page:  Setting up the matrix