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137
Oct. 28, 2025

EP #137: Silica Fume vs. Colloidal Silica in Concrete - Which One Really Performs?

What happens when the concrete industry’s “wonder dust” meets its high-tech rival? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett brings back Dan McCoy and Dr. Jon Belkowitz to challenge everything we thought we knew about silica fume. From bridge deck overlays that crack like eggshells to the real CO₂ math no one wants to talk about, the guys separate hype from chemistry and ask the only question that matters: What are we really asking this concrete to do? What You’ll Learn ...
93
July 25, 2024

EP #093: Colloidal Silica: The Nano-Particles Concrete Dreams About

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 ...
64
Oct. 26, 2023

EP #064: Nano Concrete

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...
Guest: Dan McCoy
56
Aug. 10, 2023

EP #056: Concrete's Potential

🎧 Join us on the Concrete Logic Podcast as we explore the fascinating world of concrete alkalinity and its impact on the longevity of concrete structures. Our returning guest, Robert Higgins, sheds light on the changes in cement production over the last century, including the introduction of higher alkaline content due to EPA regulations. Discover how these changes have led to detrimental chemical reactions and increased permeability. If you’re a concrete enthusiast or industry professional, thi...
9
June 9, 2022

EP #009: Concrete Gets Hydrophobic

In this episode of the Concrete Logic podcast, we brought on Brent Rollins and Scott DiLoreto from Spray-Lock to discuss colloidal silica. If you are like most folks, you probably never heard of colloidal silica (CS). It is a product that can be sprayed on concrete during concrete placement or long after the concrete is cured. It can even be used as an additive to ready-mix concrete. Once CS is applied to the concrete, it penetrates and fills up the microscopic (nano) voids it finds in the conc...