We design concrete for 75 years. So why are we okay watching it fail in 12 to 24 months? That’s the uncomfortable question Seth Tandett puts on the table with Dr. Jon Belkowitz in this episode. Codes, specifications, and budgets are still written around a 50–75 year design life. But in the field, concrete surfaces are scaling, wearing, and failing in as little as a year or two. Instead of revisiting that original promise, the industry seems stuck reacting to failures instead of asking why they...

In this Concrete Logic podcast episode, Seth interviews Dan McCoy from R.L. McCoy about the life cycle of bridges and the importance of bridge maintenance. They discuss the process of maintaining bridges over time, including inspections, repairs, and replacements. Dan explains the challenges of designing and maintaining bridges in a changing world, with increasing traffic volumes and evolving transportation needs. They also touch on the role of bridges in supporting commerce and the need for ...

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 ...

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...

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...