November 20, 2019,

Civil engineering students from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) chapter at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) won first place in a water rocket launch competition held at the American University of Sharjah.

The AURAK team defeated the host team which took the second place in the competition. AURAK won a trophy and AURAK student Essam Ahmed Mohamed received a cash prize.

The idea behind the competition is to design and build a water rocket that can travel the largest range by applying civil engineering concepts to both design and construction.

Participants could only use the following materials in building their entry: standard plastic pop bottles such as Pepsi, Miranda, Coke, water and so on, of any volume; Scotch Tape; any glue including from glue guns; staples; plastic sheets of any thickness; rubber bands; and straws. The total length of the water rocket from the tip of nose to the end of the nozzle must not exceed 40 centimeters.

AURAK’s ASCE team participates in multiple competitions against other universities and hosts and attends events every year.

During the few weeks prior to the day of the competitions, the ASCE students met and worked together on numerous occasions to prepare for the competition and met with their ASCE advisor, Dr. Fayez Moutassem, for ideas and advice. “Winning the 1^st place award in the water rocket launch competition was the result of such dedication,” Dr. Fayez said.

ASCE student chapter and club activities are valuable for the growth and development of undergraduate civil engineers because they help develop teamwork, leadership, creativity, and project management skills. Civil engineering students hold elections yearly to choose their ASCE student president, secretary, treasurer, and executive committee members.