For a Limited Time: Free PDH Course – Learn Concrete from Real Industry Pros

Beyond the Concrete

Sept. 22, 2024

Will AI Be the Reason for Nuclear Energy Resurgence?

Three Mile Island March 28, 1979 | AFP/Getty Images   As the global debate on AI continues, questions linger: Will it eliminate jobs? Boost productivity? Discover cancer cures? Regardless of the answers, AI's rise is driving a potential revi…

View more
Sept. 15, 2024

Will U.S. Cement Repeat British Steel’s Downfall?

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, the transformation of the British steel industry provides a compelling case study with significant implications for the U.S. cement industry. By understanding the forces driving these changes, indust…

View more
Sept. 8, 2024

New Zealand's Fossil Fuel Fiasco

Welcome to the Land of the Long White Cloud New Zealand, the picturesque land known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has a population of about five million people. This island nation has long been celebrated for its green energy ini…

View more
Sept. 1, 2024

The $800 Million Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program: A Subsidy Leading to Inflation?

(https://www.holcim.us/ecopact)   The Federal Highway Administration recently announced an $800 million initiative through the Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program. This program aims to reimburse road builders for using products that c…

View more
Aug. 25, 2024

Solar Panels in Great Britain: An Inefficient Investment

(image: Swindon Solar Farm - Science Museum Blog) The new Prime Minister of Great Britain is advocating for a multi-billion-pound investment in solar panels. However, considering the country's unique weather patterns and economic landscape, this ma…

View more
Aug. 18, 2024

Canada's Potential in Global LNG Export

(Image: Coastal GasLink) Exploring Global Demand and Canada's Role In recent years, the global demand for liquified natural gas (LNG) has surged, making it a key player in the energy sector's future. Countries worldwide are shifting toward cleaner…

View more
Aug. 11, 2024

Vineyard Wind Project Faces Setback with Broken Blade Incident

The Vineyard Wind project, once hailed as a groundbreaking step towards sustainable energy, has hit a significant snag. On July 13, 2024, one of the blades on a turbine broke, causing debris to spill into the ocean. This incident has led to the inde…

View more
Aug. 4, 2024

9 Interesting Stats from the 2024 Statistical Review of World Energy

The Statistical Review of World Energy is an authoritative source of global energy data, providing an objective and comprehensive overview of the sector's developments over the previous year. It is a critical document for policymakers, industry lead…

View more
July 28, 2024

The Economics of Data Centers: A Deep Dive into Costs and Revenues

In the digital age, data centers stand as the backbone of the internet, housing the servers and other infrastructure that keep our digital world running smoothly. However, the financial viability of operating a data center is not normally disclosed.…

View more
July 21, 2024

The Evolution of Corporate Energy: From Dependency to Self-Sufficiency

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate operations, the shift towards self-sufficiency in energy production is a topic garnering significant attention. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have traditionally relied on public utilities an…

View more
July 14, 2024

The Interplay of Urban Heat Islands and Solar Activity in Global Warming

Global warming, a complex and multifaceted issue, has been traditionally attributed to the increase in greenhouse gases due to anthropogenic activities. However, recent peer-reviewed research suggests that the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and…

View more
July 7, 2024

Preserving Alaska's Wilderness: The Case Against the Ambler Road Project

The Ambler Road Project, a proposed 211-mile private industrial access road in Alaska, has been a subject of intense debate for decades. While some argue for its potential benefits, the fact that it remains unbuilt is a testament to the complexities…

View more
June 30, 2024

How the Overturned Chevron Case Impacts the Concrete Industry

The recent decision by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to overturn the Chevron deference has sent ripples through various industries, including the concrete sector. This landmark ruling, which shifts the power of interpreting ambiguo…

View more
June 23, 2024

Understanding Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models

What is Artificial Intelligence? Imagine you’re playing a game of chess with a computer. You’re thinking hard, planning your next move, but the computer seems to respond almost instantly, countering your moves with precision. This is …

View more
June 16, 2024

The Emissions Rebellion: Virginia's Departure from California's Climate Rules

Virginia's decision to withdraw from the California zero emissions policy is a significant move that underscores the state's shift towards regulatory independence and consumer choice. Governor Glenn Youngkin's announcement that Virginia will adhere …

View more
June 9, 2024

The U.S. Army's 2024 Vision: Micro Nuclear Reactor Power Plants

The U.S. Army is advancing its energy strategy by developing micro nuclear reactor power plants in 2024. This initiative aims to enhance energy independence and resilience at military installations, especially in remote and challenging environments.…

View more
June 2, 2024

Powering Down Data Centers: The Copper Connection

NVIDIA Corporation, an American multinational corporation and technology company, is a global leader in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) hardware and software. Founded in 1993, NVIDIA designs and supplies graphics processing units (GPUs), a…

View more
May 25, 2024

Data Dilemma: The CCP’s Covert Campaign to Commandeer U.S. Colleges and Data Centers

The intricate web of corporate corruption involving Chinese companies investing in U.S. colleges and universities is a tale of strategic manipulation and geopolitical maneuvering. The Wall Street Journal recently exposed the depth of this issu…

View more
May 24, 2024

Temperature and Curing: Understanding the Correlation

Introduction Concrete, a ubiquitous construction material, derives its strength and durability from a controlled curing process that involves hydration reactions between cement and water. Temperature plays a crucial role in this process, affecting …

View more
May 19, 2024

Virginia’s Energy Outlook: The Case for Nuclear and Natural Gas

Assessing Virginia’s Power Strategy As Virginia confronts the challenge of escalating electricity demand, projected to increase by 30 to 38 percent by 2035 and over 78 percent by 2050, the state’s reliance on renewable energy source…

View more
March 28, 2024

The Embodied Carbon Fallacy: Why CO2 Isn't the Only Metric That Matters

Introduction In the pursuit of sustainability, the focus has largely been on reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. While this is undoubtedly crucial, it presents an oversimplification of the issue. Embodied carbon, which refers to the CO2 produc…

View more