FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers. If you have a question which is not addressed, please email us at bruins.concretecanoe@gmail.com
Q: How does the canoe float if it’s made out of concrete?
A: Concrete is made of three key ingredients: water, cement and an aggregate. Usually this aggregate is rock, sand, or gravel, but for our concrete mix we use glass bubbles. This makes the mix less dense than water, so the canoe floats.
Q: Can anyone join?
A: Absolutely! We need as much help as we can get. If you wish to get involved in one aspect in particular, please be sure to voice that desire and we will try our best to accommodate it.
Q: What if I’m not an engineer?
A: Even non-engineers can join. There is much more than just engineering that is required to make this project happen. There is a need for non-engineers in many aspects of the project including, but not limited to, financial, media design, art, presenting, and general project management.
Q: What if I’m only a first year?
A: First years especially are encouraged to join. When we (current management) first joined, we also knew nothing about the project or the engineering behind it. You’ll be able to learn what you need to know first hand by completing the project. Be sure to ask lots of questions and you’ll learn even more!
Q: How do I get more involved?
A: If you are really dedicated and passionate about the project, your efforts will be noticed. Increased responsibility can and will be given to those who want it and have proven that they can handle it.
Q: What if my schedule conflicts with the workdays? Is there still a way I can help out?
If you cannot make the regularly scheduled workdays, keep an eye on the Concrete Canoe Facebook page for extra workdays. You can also contact the Project Manager(s) to see how else you could help the project (see the contact page of this site).
Q: When does the Concrete Canoe project compete?
A: In the spring we go to the Pacific Southwest Conference (PSWC) with many of ASCE at UCLA's other projects. This year's conference will be held at Arizona State University (co-hosted with Northern Arizona University). If we do well there, we go to nationals in the summer.
Q: Can I paddle if I’m a non-engineer?
A: Unfortunately, according to the 2017 Committee on National Concrete Canoes, non-engineering majors are not allowed to compete in the paddling portion of the concrete canoe competition. However, we are open to having non-engineers come to paddling practice to learn and pass down paddling knowledge for our competitive paddlers.
Q: If I can't paddle, can I still help at the competition?
A: Of course! At PSWC, we'll need help setting up final product displays and transporting the canoe. Most importantly, you can support our team at the presentations and cheer our paddlers on at the races! Even for non-paddlers, PSWC is a great opportunity to bond with other members, meet students from other chapters, and see a ton of cool engineering projects.
Q: What’s the best way to get more information about the project?
A: The best way to get more information is to directly email the current Project Manager(s). (This information can be found on the contact page of this site)
A: Concrete is made of three key ingredients: water, cement and an aggregate. Usually this aggregate is rock, sand, or gravel, but for our concrete mix we use glass bubbles. This makes the mix less dense than water, so the canoe floats.
Q: Can anyone join?
A: Absolutely! We need as much help as we can get. If you wish to get involved in one aspect in particular, please be sure to voice that desire and we will try our best to accommodate it.
Q: What if I’m not an engineer?
A: Even non-engineers can join. There is much more than just engineering that is required to make this project happen. There is a need for non-engineers in many aspects of the project including, but not limited to, financial, media design, art, presenting, and general project management.
Q: What if I’m only a first year?
A: First years especially are encouraged to join. When we (current management) first joined, we also knew nothing about the project or the engineering behind it. You’ll be able to learn what you need to know first hand by completing the project. Be sure to ask lots of questions and you’ll learn even more!
Q: How do I get more involved?
A: If you are really dedicated and passionate about the project, your efforts will be noticed. Increased responsibility can and will be given to those who want it and have proven that they can handle it.
Q: What if my schedule conflicts with the workdays? Is there still a way I can help out?
If you cannot make the regularly scheduled workdays, keep an eye on the Concrete Canoe Facebook page for extra workdays. You can also contact the Project Manager(s) to see how else you could help the project (see the contact page of this site).
Q: When does the Concrete Canoe project compete?
A: In the spring we go to the Pacific Southwest Conference (PSWC) with many of ASCE at UCLA's other projects. This year's conference will be held at Arizona State University (co-hosted with Northern Arizona University). If we do well there, we go to nationals in the summer.
Q: Can I paddle if I’m a non-engineer?
A: Unfortunately, according to the 2017 Committee on National Concrete Canoes, non-engineering majors are not allowed to compete in the paddling portion of the concrete canoe competition. However, we are open to having non-engineers come to paddling practice to learn and pass down paddling knowledge for our competitive paddlers.
Q: If I can't paddle, can I still help at the competition?
A: Of course! At PSWC, we'll need help setting up final product displays and transporting the canoe. Most importantly, you can support our team at the presentations and cheer our paddlers on at the races! Even for non-paddlers, PSWC is a great opportunity to bond with other members, meet students from other chapters, and see a ton of cool engineering projects.
Q: What’s the best way to get more information about the project?
A: The best way to get more information is to directly email the current Project Manager(s). (This information can be found on the contact page of this site)