💥 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 speaks with Patrick Narron, a talent acquisition specialist at Baker Construction. They discuss strategic career decisions for young professionals aiming for executive roles in concrete construction, the importance of soft skills, and the nuances of navigating career moves. Patrick shares insights on the common paths to leadership positions, the significance of accountability and dependability, and the realities of working in C-sui...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and host Seth Tandett discuss the excessive costs and challenges associated with low carbon concrete, particularly Type 1L cement. They delve into the implications for the cement industry, the struggles faced by Departments of Transportation (DOTs) with new cement standards, and misconceptions surrounding blended cements. The conversation covers the shift towards performance-based design, the implications of ACI 323 on concrete pra...

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, 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 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 Tandett and Gary Brown delve into the intricacies of high-rise concrete pumping. They discuss the importance of concrete pumping in urban construction, the challenges faced in high-rise projects, and the role of placing booms in enhancing productivity. The conversation also covers safety considerations, the pros and cons of using placing booms, and the emergence of mobile placing booms. Throughout the discussion, the significance of planning an...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Chad White discuss best practices for placing and finishing concrete floors. Chad shares insights on the importance of a solid base, the use of vapor retarders, and the critical role of doweling systems for load transfer. They delve into concrete placement techniques, mix design, and various finishing methods to achieve high-quality surfaces. The conversation also covers curing practices, common issues like blisters and delamination, and th...

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 episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Joe Shetterley discuss the innovative technology of liquid fly ash (LFA) and its implications for the concrete industry. Joe explains the differences between traditional fly ash and LFA, highlighting the challenges faced with conventional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and the importance of water management in concrete mixes. The conversation delves into the testing and implementation of LFA, its benefits in stabilizing concret...

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 episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth interviews Richard Williams, Senior Director of Talent for Baker Construction. They discuss the importance of hands-on experience in concrete careers, the growing demand for professionals in the industry, and the impact of technological innovations. Richard shares insights on career paths available in concrete construction and emphasizes the value of field experience in shaping successful careers. Takeaways Hands-on experience is crucial for ...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth interviews Jarett Gross, founder of Automate Construction, who discusses the evolution of construction automation and 3D printing. Jarett emphasizes the need to differentiate between different types of 3D printing technologies and materials, as they vary significantly. He believes that 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize construction. Still, he acknowledges that it will take time to overcome challenges such as high material costs and...

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 Dan McCoy discuss aging concrete and how to responsibly treat and maintain it. They talk about the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure and extending the life of aging concrete structures. Dan shares his experience working on IDIQ contracts in Indiana, where they focus on addressing specific issues in aging concrete. They also discuss the use of nanosilica as a solution for healing and strengthening aging concrete. Nanosilica ...

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 ...