That fact that glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) in combination with concrete for the construction industry opens up completely new possibilities is nothing new.

The University of Bochum has now demonstrated that concrete can also play a role in boat building: In preparation for the 12th German concrete canoe regatta, Civil Engineering students at the university built three boats of out concrete. SAERTEX glass-fiber fabrics (NCFs) were used to reinforce the concrete. They enabled the maximum amount of tensile strength for the concrete with lower weight.

SAERTEX supports this project through the cost-free provision of the fabric mats and also gave the students valuable tips for the preparation and incorporation of the glass-fiber reinforcement.

The 12th German concrete canoe regatta took place on June 19/20 on Lake Baldeney in Essen.

Universities from all over Germany took part in the regatta in order to test their abilities in "construction” and in “competition.”

The boat from the University of Bochum did not reach the finals, unfortunately; however taking part is everything, of course.

Q