American Concrete Institute Tishk International University (ACI-TIU) student chapter in collaboration of ACI Salahadin University Student Chapter under the supervision of ACI Iraq chapter organize an annual competition called Fiber Reinforced Concrete Bowling Ball. Civil Engineering students from different universities (Salahadin University, Raparin University, Erbil Polytechnic University and Tishk International University) participated in the competition this year. The competition is hosted by TIU Civil Engineering Department.
The rules of the competition are very simple. The contestants should design the mix proportion for two ball samples in size of bowling ball made from lightweight fiber reinforce concrete. One of the balls is used for the bowling game and the other one for drop testing. The aim for the bowling game is to ensure the casting of the sample while the drop test determines the effect of fiber on the crack in concrete. The second ball sample is used to test the compressive strength. Jury members from the participant universitates assess the samples to announce the winners at the end of the competition. At the end of the competition the winner announced by the juries, first place was student from Salahadin University, second place students from Erbil Polytechnic University and third winners were students from TIU and Raparin University. The event sponsored by SMILE LAND Company and Alian Agency.
The objectives of this competition are (1) to demonstrate the behavior of fiber reinforcement within concrete (2) to gain experience in forming and fabricating a fiber-reinforced concrete element, and (3) to encourage creativity with compliance in engineering design and analysis. With such an activity, students get experience in hands-on practices of the theory which they learn in their studies.
