JOIN CONCRETE SCHOOL FOR FREE AT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO! ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST What happens when a concrete maturity system is built on the wrong starting temperature? Seth is joined again by Dr. Jon Belkowitz, also known as Concrete Adamus, to explain why datum temperature is one of the most important and commonly overlooked parts of the maturity method. Jon argues that assuming, ignoring, or defaulting the datum temperature can produce the wrong strength relationship. That...

JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY. ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Are we specifying air entrainment in concrete that does not need it? Seth is joined by Dr. Bruno Fong Martinez, Baker Construction’s concrete materials expert, to examine when air entrainment protects concrete and when it creates unnecessary problems. Air entrainment improves durability where concrete experiences repeated freezing, thawing, and moisture saturation. But Bruno argues...

PRESENTED BY: CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Practical education and ongoing development for concrete professionals at every stage of their career. Join here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ EPISODE SUMMARY You get the 28-day report. It’s low. Now what? In this episode, Seth sits down with Josh Agee, Concrete Quality Assurance Manager at F.A. Wilhelm Construction, to walk through what actually happens when a cylinder comes back below strength. Who do you call first? Is it the mix? The placement...

PRESENTED BY: CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Practical education and ongoing development for concrete professionals at every stage of their career. Join here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ EPISODE SUMMARY Concrete cracks are often brushed off as shrinkage, restraint, or “just part of concrete.” That mindset gets structures in trouble. In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett is joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz to break down alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and alkali-aggregate reacti...

In this episode, Seth Tandett talks with Todd Ohlheiser, Executive Director of the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA), about the CTAC Program (Concrete Testing Adherence Collaboration Program). Todd explains how this program helps ensure that concrete cylinders are properly tested and cured, addressing common mistakes that lead to low strength results. They also discuss the role of ACI-certified technicians, the importance of correct testing, and how the program benefits contracto...

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, Seth Tandett interviews Colin Lobo, the Executive Vice President and Division Head of Engineering at NRMCA. They delve into the differences between prescriptive and performance specifications in concrete, discussing the implications of each on responsibility, compliance, and industry practices. Colin explains the evolution from prescriptive to performance specifications, the challenges of hybrid specifications, and the importance of accurate documen...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Bob Higgins discuss the complexities of moisture testing in concrete. They explore the misconceptions surrounding moisture dynamics, the importance of time of installation testing, and the regional variations in moisture standards. Bob emphasizes the need for better moisture data interpretation and environmental factors impact on concrete performance. Takeaways • Moisture testing in concrete is often misinterpreted. • Older concrete can ha...

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, 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 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 Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth and Robert Higgins discuss the importance of curing concrete properly and the impact it has on the durability and sustainability of concrete. They highlight the historical practices of curing and how they have not evolved to keep up with changes in concrete composition. They also discuss the effects of temperature on curing and the role of alkalinity in concrete. The conversation emphasizes the need for improved curing practices to ensure the longe...

In this episode, Seth interviews Jim Kaylor from Durability Consultants about ASTM F6 and ASTM F710. They discuss the role of ASTM in the construction industry and the slow process of developing standards. They also delve into the issue of moisture in resilient flooring and the limitations of ASTM F710. Jim shares his insights on proposed changes to the standard and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination between different stakeholders. They conclude by highlighting the si...

Summary In this episode, Seth interviews Robert Higgins, a flooring concrete consultant specialist, about the issue of moisture in old concrete. Robert explains that moisture in older concrete is caused by a condition called ionic dew point, where particles migrate to the surface due to diffusion, not moisture migration. He emphasizes the importance of addressing older concrete differently and recommends grinding off the surface to remove accumulated salts. Robert also discusses the acclim...

Summary In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Dean Craft discusses the topic of concrete moisture vapor emissions. He explains that moisture vapor emissions occur when residual moisture in concrete is released and can cause adhesive bond failures and other issues. Dean emphasizes the importance of addressing moisture vapor emissions early in the construction process and suggests proactive approaches such as using concrete mixes with admixtures to mitigate moisture. He also highlights the limit...

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 ...

Get ready for a no-holds-barred conversation on the Concrete Logic Podcast! In this episode, we’re bringing back Matt “Mr. Concrete” McCombs, a veteran of the ready-mix industry and a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan. We’re diving deep into the controversial topics that are shaking up the concrete industry. From the push for reducing CO2 emissions to the introduction of Type 1L cement, we’re tackling it all. But that’s not all. We’re also exploring the role of AI in the industry and the promi...

Join us on the Concrete Logic podcast as we dive deep into the fascinating world of water-cement ratio and its crucial impact on the strength and durability of concrete. Special guest Tyler Ley, renowned concrete expert and YouTube sensation, unveils a groundbreaking new water-cement ratio test that will revolutionize the construction industry. Get ready to be captivated by the discussion as we explore this game-changing concrete test technique's origins, importance, and untapped potential. Don...

In this episode of Concrete Logic, we welcome Mark Chase of RPX Technologies to the show. Mark is an expert on concrete sensors. These sensors are used to monitor the strength and temperature of in-place concrete. Traditionally during construction, the strength of concrete placed in a structure is determined by breaking a 6" x 12" (or 4" x 8") concrete cylinder sample taken during the placement. Mark and I discuss the downfalls of this archaic process and how monitoring the temperature of the co...