Hydration is Key!!!

When freshly made the concrete mix developed for the canoe is malleable and has the consistency of a paste. These characteristics are ideal for the construction of the canoe. However, to compete the canoe must be strong. The only way for the mix to harden and gain strength is through a chemical reaction called hydration. In simple words during hydration: small crystals form and bind together the different aggregates incorporated into the mix. For this chemical reaction to occur the concrete mix must be in contact with water.

To cure the canoe, the team soaked burlap and completely covered the canoe. Additionally, to maintain stable temperatures the team sealed the canoe with a plastic layer. The team constantly monitors how moist the burlap is and when necessary this layer gets moistened using a hose.