In this episode, Seth Tandett interviews Traves Ogilvie, a founding member of the Synthetic Aggregate Association, discussing the importance and potential of synthetic aggregates in the construction industry. They explore the mission of the association, the types of synthetic aggregates, challenges in recycling materials, and the need for standardization and guidelines. The conversation highlights the opportunities for sustainable construction and the role of synthetic aggregates in reducing was...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett and Bill Kulish delve into the world of Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC). They discuss its unique properties, applications in infrastructure, and the value it brings despite its higher initial cost. The conversation also covers recent testing of UHPC against various projectiles, showcasing its impressive resistance and potential uses in safety applications. Additionally, they address the challenges faced in implementing UHPC stand...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic podcast, host Seth Tandett speaks with Larry Sutter, principal engineer at Sutter Engineering, about the development of standards and specifications for supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash and slag. They discuss the differences between standards and specifications, the role of fly ash in improving concrete durability, and the challenges of variability in materials. Larry also highlights emerging test methods for evaluating SCMs and the i...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett interviews Adam Dietrich from Dama Bioplastics to discuss the innovative use of biocarbon in various industries, particularly in concrete. Adam explains the production process of biocarbon, its applications, and how it can enhance concrete hydration. The conversation also covers the challenges and opportunities in scaling biocarbon production, its role as a carbon black replacement in the automotive industry, and the potential for coll...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Tyler Ley delve into the intricacies of Type 1L cement, discussing its significance in the construction industry and the challenges associated with its use. They explore the evolving landscape of blended cements, the importance of consistent performance, and the need for better evaluation tools. Tyler emphasizes the necessity for industry professionals to take control of their materials and establish performance standards to ensure quality ...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dr. Jon Belkowitz delve into the complexities of cement testing, particularly focusing on Type 1L cement and the challenges posed by blended cements. They discuss the importance of establishing a proactive quality management system to ensure the integrity of concrete mixes, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and quality control measures. The conversation highlights the financial implications of poor quality control and the potential ...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth interviews Abigail Olson, a 24-year-old ready-mix driver and author. Abigail shares her journey into the concrete industry, discussing the challenges she faced in obtaining her commercial driver's license (CDL) and the unique aspects of her job. She describes a typical day as a ready-mix driver, the importance of teamwork on job sites, and the role's physical demands. The conversation also touches on the barriers for young drivers in the i...

In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth, Rich, and Dr. Jon discuss the potential issues with water-to-cement ratios in concrete production. They highlight the challenges of using new cement and fly ash materials, as well as the variability in water content and cement quantities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of managing risk and the need for accurate calculations to ensure the desired concrete properties. The episode revolves around the need to re-educate construction industry...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dr. Jon Belkowitz discuss the concrete construction maturity method. The maturity method is an estimation technique that predicts in-place concrete strength based on temperature and time. It involves determining the datum temperature and activation energy, developing maturity curves in the laboratory, and placing maturity meters in concrete elements in the field. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and understan...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth interviews Shaun Lane, founder and president of NanoCrete, about the use of graphene in concrete. They discuss the potential of graphene as a wonder material and its ability to improve the performance of concrete. Shaun explains that graphene is a carbon nanomaterial made up of carbon atoms linked together atomically in a two-dimensional configuration. He highlights the benefits of graphene in concrete applications, such as increased adhesion, ...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic podcast, Seth interviews Kevin Cavanaugh from Arcosa Lightweight Aggregates about lightweight concrete. They discuss the history and types of lightweight aggregates, the advantages of using lightweight concrete, and the special considerations for handling and finishing lightweight concrete. They also touch on the use of lightweight concrete in response to the challenges of Type 1L cement. Overall, the conversation highlights the benefits and misconceptions s...

In this episode, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and Seth discuss colloidal silica and its various applications in the concrete industry. Dr. Jon highlights the differences between colloidal silica and silicates, emphasizing the benefits of using colloidal silica as a densifier and for surface treatments. He also mentions the ongoing efforts to create an ASTM standard for colloidal silica. The conversation touches on the importance of performance testing and the potential long-term impact of using colloidal ...

In this episode, Seth interviews Mike Hernandez, the Technical Director of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), about a survey they conducted on Portland Limestone Cement (PLC). The survey aimed to understand the challenges and differences contractors were experiencing when using PLC compared to traditional cement mixes. Mike discusses the survey results, which showed increased water demand and set times, as well as changes in plastic and hardened properties. He explains that th...

In this episode, Seth interviews Rich Szecsy, an executive in the concrete supply industry. They discuss the recent change in the batch time for concrete from 90 minutes to 120 minutes. Rich explains the history behind the 90-minute time limit and the lack of scientific justification for it. He emphasizes the importance of considering the practicality and sustainability of construction methods. They also touch on the topic of temperature specifications for concrete and the need for a more nua...

In this episode, Seth interviews Alex Hall, CEO of Concrete AI, to discuss the impact of AI on the concrete industry. They explore the use of AI in concrete design, material optimization, and the challenges of carbon reduction. Alex shares insights on the future of concrete technology and its global impact. Takeaways AI is revolutionizing the concrete industry by enabling material optimization and carbon reduction. The use of AI in concrete design allows for predictive modeling of concret...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dr. Belkowitz answer questions from students at Virginia Tech about concrete mix design. They discuss the role of aggregate size in a mix design, its impact on the cost and control of the concrete, and the importance of a well-graded gradation. They also touch on the use of recycled concrete aggregate and its potential effects on the hydration process. The conversation highlights the economic and technical considerations involved in sele...

Summary In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Kyle Kammer from Concrete Strategies and Seth discuss the challenges and troubleshooting methods related to Type 1L cement. The conversation covers the reasons why Type 1L cement is a popular topic in the concrete industry and the challenges of using it across different locations. Kyle shares insights into the issues of differential set and cracking, as well as the importance of communication and material variability. The discussion al...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth interviews Jason Adams from Megaslab, a technology company focused on optimizing concrete design and reducing material usage. They discuss the concept of jointless slabs and how Megaslab has evolved to offer a range of unique features. Jason highlights the industry's commitment to sustainability and reducing embodied carbon in concrete. They also explore the challenges and misconceptions in the industry and the need for innovation in concret...

Get ready for an illuminating episode of Concrete Logic! Our host Seth sits down with Mark Chase from RPX Technologies to delve into the world of maturity meters in construction. Discover the science behind these game-changers, and how they’re revolutionizing concrete construction! Mark shares insider tips on how to use these tools to boost efficiency and hit project deadlines. Calibration and testing? We’ve got you covered. From post-tensioning to formwork removal, learn how maturity meters ...

In this episode, Bill Kulish from Steelike discusses ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and its applications in bridge construction. UHPC is a composite material with a high binder content and a low water-cement ratio. It has superior compressive strength, tensile properties, and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and chloride penetration. UHPC is commonly used for overlays, preservation, restoration, and repair of bridges. Bill also explains the process of shotcreting UHPC and its poten...

Ever wondered how reclaimed fly ash could revolutionize the concrete industry? Tune into this episode of the Concrete Logic podcast where we’re shaking things up with Pete Paone. We’re diving deep into the world of reclaimed fly ash, a byproduct that’s about to make a big splash in the concrete world. If you’re curious about the future of concrete and reclaimed fly ash, this is one episode you won’t want to miss! *** Did you learn something from this episode? If so, please consider dona...

Usually in concrete construction, we think about the big things we can see - formwork, rebar, ready-mix concrete, tower cranes, trucks, excavation equipment, and laser screeds. In this episode, we will explore the benefits of thinking about concrete at a one-billionth nanoscale. Dan McCoy joins the podcast and shares his experience introducing nano-silica technology to his contracting business. Dan designs, pumps, and builds bridges with concrete. If you want to hear from a contractor t...

What existing concrete technology is making the biggest impact in the industry? Join us for this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast as Dr. Jon Belkowitz of Intelligent Concrete returns to the show to share his top 5 concrete technologies that are currently making a difference in the concrete industry. Dr. Jon always keeps Seth on his toes when he visits the podcast; this episode is no different! Seth thought he was going to sit back and listen to Dr. Jon rave about his favorite concrete...

What is carbon capture? Why is CO2, the gas that we all exhale, considered a pollutant when it comes to producing concrete? This Concrete Logic Podcast episode features a special guest, John Kline, a seasoned chemical engineer with a rich 50-year career in the cement industry. John has worn many hats, from research to project management, plant operations to optimization, and most recently, he has been focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of concrete by different means including carbon ca...