JOIN THE ACADEMY!! FOR A LIMITED TIME, VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO FOR YOUR FREE ACCESS!! CONCRETESCHOOL.CO ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Should we really design concrete infrastructure for 75 to 100 years? In this episode, Seth is joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz to question one of civil engineering’s favorite ideas: the 100-year design life. Using Hoboken, New Jersey as the example, Seth and Jon talk about what happens when old infrastructure has to serve a city that no longer looks,...

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...

Most people believe the chart on the screen — Dr. Jon explains why you shouldn’t. If you’ve ever sat in a conference session staring at a chart and wondering whether you’re seeing real data or a dressed-up story, this episode is for you. Dr. Jon Belkowitz breaks down how data in the concrete industry is often stretched, normalized, cherry-picked, or misleading — and how to spot it before making decisions that affect a structure’s performance. We get into why people present data, what questions...

What if sunlight alone—not heat—was silently destroying your concrete? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett and Bob Higgins uncover a groundbreaking MIT study that reveals evaporation can be driven by light, not just temperature. This discovery doesn’t just change climate models—it could explain why concrete in the field fails in ways labs never predict. From sublimation and surface chemistry to curing practices and accountability, this episode forces the industry to face...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett breaks down the 2010 “State-of-the-Art Report on Use of Limestone in Cements” that helped launch Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) into the U.S. market. You’ll hear what the report got right, what it left out, and why Europe’s cement playbook may not fit American concrete. If you're in the industry, this episode will help you question the assumptions behind the biggest cement shift in decades. Takeaways What happens to concrete stren...

What if you were told there’s better concrete out there with more limestone than what’s used in Type IL cement mixes? Sounds crazy, right? But that’s exactly what we’re exploring today with John Guynn and John Kline. In this episode, we explore ACI 211-7R and its potential to reduce cement content without sacrificing performance. Learn how adjusting particle size distribution, using admixtures, and understanding the water-cement ratio can improve workability and strength. Plus, get insights on ...

💥 The Concrete Logic Podcast 💥 🛠️ Hosted by: Seth Tandett 🔥 EP #116: WHY CONCRETE FAILS – THE HIDDEN TRUTHS ABOUT MOISTURE, SALT & CURING 🔥 ============================= This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. ============================= In this episode, Seth Tandett and "Concrete Bob" Higgins expose the biggest reasons why concrete fails. From moisture infiltration and salt damage to the surprisi...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett is joined by Rich Szecsy and Dr. Jon Belkowitz to discuss the recently released ACI 323 code on low carbon concrete. The trio dig into the significance of the code, the confusion surrounding its implementation, and the challenges it poses for ready-mix producers and construction practices. The hosts explore the implications of the new code on concrete pumping, the role of authorities in code adoption, and the need for future update...

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 of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dan McCoy discuss the maintenance and funding of bridges in the United States. They address questions about the responsibility of bridge maintenance, the allocation of government resources, and the challenges of maintaining bridges over time. They also compare the maintenance requirements of bridges and tunnels, highlighting the environmental factors that affect each structure. Additionally, they explore the process of replacing a bridge...

Summary In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Dr. Jon Belkowitz discusses the lack of accountability among civil engineers in the concrete industry. He highlights the disconnect between the design and implementation of concrete structures, with civil engineers often not present on job sites and lacking knowledge of concrete mix design. Dr. Belkowitz emphasizes the need for engineers to take responsibility for their designs and be held accountable for failures. He suggests that insurance...

In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth interviews Darren Baldwin, the president of Pikus 3D, a 3D printing company in the construction industry. They discuss the unique approach of Pikus 3D, which focuses on commercial applications of 3D printing in construction. Darren explains that their stationary, climate-controlled facility allows for larger, more complex prints, such as architectural facades and themed structures. They also discuss the advantages of 3D printing, including speed, d...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth talks to Sam Lines from ConSeal about microbial-induced concrete corrosion, particularly in the sewer system. They discuss various ways to mitigate this, including using antimicrobials and the potential consequences for failing to do so. Sam highlights the importance of designing sewer systems well, considering factors such as expected mass loss and humidity levels. He also talks about current research and potential future technologies ...

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...

How light can concrete get? On this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, we’re diving into the world of cellular concrete with Kirk Roberts, Vice President of Preconstruction at CJGeo. In this episode, we’ll explore the fascinating world of cellular concrete. What is it? How does it differ from traditional concrete? And why can’t you just call your local ready-mix guy and ask for a truckload? Kirk will guide us through the complexities of this specialty concrete, its unique properties...

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 latest episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast as we delve into the intricacies of cement production with industry veterans Pete Paone and Robert Higgins. We’re pulling back the curtain on cement kiln dust, its types, production methods, and alkali content. With over two decades of experience, Pete offers unique insights, while Bob shares perspectives from the ready mix side. If you’ve ever been curious about the chemistry behind your concrete, this episode is a must-listen. T...

============================= This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we'll receive a small commission. ============================= In this episode, Seth Tandett and Jim Klinger, Executive Director of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), dive into the top 12 essential resources every concrete contractor should have. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned professional, these documents, guides, and tools ar...

Get ready for an exciting and unique episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast! In this episode, Dirk Tharpe from Sakrete joins host Seth to discuss an amazing project he was involved in: the Concrete Combat show! This game show idea became a reality, bringing together contestants from the concrete and masonry industry to compete in thrilling challenges. Dirk shares the behind-the-scenes story, from the initial concept to the grand finale filmed at the World of Concrete. Each episode is packed wit...

Are we detailing the placement of vapor barrier in the typical slab-on-ground design all wrong? When moisture develops on a concrete surface, where is it coming from? Below the surface or above? Bob Higgins, a concrete and waterproofing expert, joins the podcast to help us answer these questions. We discuss extensively the science of how water vapor is created and why today's concrete must be internally cured to perform its best. If you want to learn about another controversial topic in the conc...

Did you know that Division 9 Floor Covering specifications have concrete floor flatness requirements that don't line up with Division 3 Concrete tolerances? Does the concrete contractor on your project even know there is a Division 9 specification??? In this podcast episode of Concrete Logic, Keith Robinson of DIALOG joins the show to make us wiser on another concrete industry conundrum - floor flatness. He suggests a proactive approach to ensure concrete slabs meet or exceed floor inst...

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) was signed into law in August. It's been a catalyst in the latest push for project stakeholders to demand concrete reduce its CO2 use. Do these stakeholders know what they are asking for? In this episode of Concrete Logic, Eric Koehler of Titan America joins the podcast to help us understand who is requesting carbon-reduced concrete in addition to the general government. Also, Eric proposes that we look beyond the concrete to truly appreciate the o...

Over the last couple of years, what decades-old technology did the concrete industry routinely turn to when wire mesh became unavailable and too expensive? Synthetic Fibers. In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, we sat down with Kristin Crawford, Bill Coursen, and Gerry Welch from Forta Concrete Fiber. Forta is a manufacturer of concrete synthetic fibers. Listen to this episode and find out: What is a micro fiber? What is a macro fiber? When should these fibers be specif...