Concrete Canoe 25 – Women's Canoe
How can concrete be formulated so that it floats? This question is at the heart of the B7 project supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Huber, in which six 7th-semester Civil Engineering students are designing and building a concrete canoe. The goal is to create a material that, despite its density, is light, stable, and buoyant enough to stay afloat—and thus demonstrate that concrete is capable of more than people give it credit for.
Sustainability plays a central role in the development process. The use of biochar is intended to significantly reduce the concrete’s CO₂ emissions. The project thus combines innovative materials research with practical engineering craftsmanship. The goal is to create a fully functional canoe that will compete in the 2026 Concrete Canoe Regatta in Brandenburg.
The concrete canoe serves as both a laboratory and a testing ground for the students: new materials are tested, ideas are explored, and technology is brought to life. Supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Huber, the project brings together knowledge, creativity, and team spirit—and invites students and faculty alike to put theory into practice on the water.
The result is more than just a boat. It demonstrates that concrete doesn’t have to be cumbersome; instead, it can glide, carry a load, and inspire—lightweight, strong, sustainable, and built by a dedicated team of female students.
Project News – Reports from the Students
Getting Started – Taking Over the Project and the Team
On October 7, we—six Civil Engineering students—took over the project, thereby laying the foundation for a special endeavor. Our goal was clear from the start: to build a NeuTHrAl canoe.
For us, NeuTHrAl is not just a name, but a concept. The canoe is to be manufactured with as little CO₂ as possible—using materials and processes that demonstrate a conscious use of resources. This makes it clear that sustainable construction can start on a small scale.
At the same time, we want NeuTHrAl to send a message of equality. As an all-female team, we take responsibility for planning, construction, and organization—regardless of traditional gender roles. Collaboration, respect, and team spirit shape our approach and are reflected in every step of the project.
The result is NeuTHrAl, a canoe that combines two key aspects: sustainable production and self-directed teamwork.
We have begun the initial steps in the construction of our concrete canoe. We are currently producing test specimens to evaluate different concrete mixes and assess basic properties such as watertightness and buoyancy.
We are placing a special focus on the use of biochar as an innovative additive. We are also considering reinforcing the canoe with textile and basalt fibers and are testing the first prototypes. Step by step, this is laying the foundation for a concrete canoe that combines sustainability with engineering expertise.
On November 20, we built our first concrete canoe. It was the first time any of our team members had built a boat out of concrete—so the day was spent with great focus and care.
Our concrete mix, supplemented with biochar to reduce CO₂ emissions during production, was applied entirely by hand. Layer by layer, the mold took shape through precise manual work that required patience and good teamwork.
Once the final layer had been applied, we were able to see the first visible result of our work—a tangible outcome of our planning and our commitment to sustainability.
The concrete pour was challenging, but it marked an important milestone: it was the first time our project had taken on a concrete form.
After weeks of planning, preparation, and hands-on work, the time had come: #neuTHrAl set out on its maiden voyage. Together, we transported the concrete canoe from the university to Kuhsee, carried it to the shore, and launched it into the water for the first time. Shortly afterward, it became clear: the canoe floated. The first trip went smoothly overall and confirmed that our concept works in practice. At the same time, it became evident that steering requires practice. This first trip therefore provided us with important insights for the further development of the canoe.
Following the successful maiden voyage of our first concrete canoe, the next phase of our project is now beginning.
The NeuTHrAl concept was first developed at our university during the 2025–26 winter semester. The goal was to develop a concrete canoe that was as climate-neutral as possible. Through the targeted use of biochar, we were able to significantly reduce the canoe’s carbon footprint. In Phase 3, NeuTHrAl impressively demonstrated its practical viability: The maiden voyage was a success and confirmed that our innovative approach works.
However, it later became apparent that the high proportion of biochar was not compatible with the regulations of the concrete canoe regatta. To comply with the competition’s requirements, we therefore had to build a second canoe.
Since we had already proven with NeuTHrAl that our climate-friendly concept is technically feasible, we adjusted the biochar content in the new canoe to the maximum permitted level. Although the result is less climate-neutral, it fully meets the requirements of the regulations.
In keeping with this more realistic approach, we named our competition boat ErnsTHAft. We’ll now be competing in the concrete canoe regatta with this canoe and look forward to showcasing our project and our team spirit in the competition.
Following the successful maiden voyage of NeuTHrAl and the completion of our regatta canoe ErnsTHAft, Stage 5 of our concrete canoe project is now underway: the final preparations for participating in the 2026 Concrete Canoe Regatta.
Over the past few weeks, both canoes were securely packed for transport and prepared for the trip. In addition, we designed and fabricated the required mounts and structures for the race number and the buoy, ensuring that our canoes also meet the competition’s organizational requirements.
Another important part of the preparation was training on the water. Together with Kanu Schwaben Augsburg e. V., we received a detailed briefing and a hands-on training session. During this session, we were taught the basic paddling techniques as well as important tips for behavior on the water. This support helped us prepare not only our canoes but also our team optimally for the regatta.
On the weekend of June 18–20, 2026, our canoes will be transported to Brandenburg an der Havel. There, we will finally compete in the Concrete Canoe Regatta in Brandenburg and look forward to presenting our project in the competition and competing against teams from all over Germany.