Concrete Logic

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...

What if the problem isn’t your concrete, but how you run your business?   In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett talks with Tamson Omps, Director of Operations at Thomas Concrete, about how ready-mix producers can finally take control of their margins. Tamson lays out the seven areas that make or break profitability in the ready-mix business—from equipment maintenance and...

Have we’ve moved from the “Great Resignation” to the “Great Staying Put” era? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett sits down with Patrick Narron and Parker Jackson to talk about what’s really going on in the construction job market. They cover shifting job-seeker mindsets, geographic mobility, and how to spot real opportunities when the market demands more for the same paych...

Mass timber is often promoted as faster, cheaper, and greener—but does it really hold up against concrete? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, we examine where timber actually competes, where it falls short, and what owners and engineers need to know before choosing it over concrete. From speed and aesthetics to fire ratings, insurance, and durability, this conversation exposes the trad...

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 sublimati...

Back in 2011, the industry said portland-limestone cement (PLC) came with “no significant risks.” By 2024, the updated report admits higher carbonation rates, chloride ingress concerns, admixture sensitivity, and tighter curing demands.   In this solo episode, Seth lays out what actually changed between the 2011 and 2024 reports, what the case studies do—and don’t—prove, and asks the blunt qu...

Is Artificial Intelligence coming for your job in concrete?   That’s the big question in this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast. Seth sits down with Chad Gill , President of VAs for Construction, to unpack how AI is already reshaping the industry. From jobsite communication and safety talks to project management and career paths, this episode tackles the uncomfortable truth: AI isn’t just...

Everyone’s pointing fingers at Type IL cement, but what if your admixtures are the real problem?  In this episode, Dr. Jon Belkowitz returns to the Concrete Logic Podcast to challenge the one-to-one replacement myth and shine a light on the role of admixture compatibility. If your concrete is failing early—or your team is just managing problems instead of solving them—this episode is a must-l...

What if the answer to today’s concrete durability and sustainability challenges isn’t new—but something we left behind decades ago?  In Episode #129 of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett talks with Joseph E. Thomas, Executive Director of the Natural Pozzolan Association, about a material used in the Hoover Dam and Roman aqueducts: natural pozzolans. Joseph explains how these natura...

What’s the one skill that separates talkers from true leaders in the concrete industry? Seth Tandett sits down with James Baty, Executive Director of the Concrete Foundations Association, to talk about why communication, listening, and follow-up might be more important than specs and slump tests for your career. They cover how to navigate alpha-heavy meetings, what to say (or not say) in a room fu...

When concrete fails, who’s really at fault—the material or the people using it? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett is joined by Dr. Jon and Rich to tackle the growing frustrations with Type 1L cement. They ask the hard questions: Is cement the problem? Are the specs off? Or is the industry just cutting corners? The conversation hits on the real-world consequences of p...

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 a...

Most contractors think warm weather helps speed up a pour—but what if that early strength is fooling you? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett is joined again by concrete chemist Bob Higgins to break down the real effects of high temperatures on concrete strength, durability, and long-term performance. They cover new science on curing, the shocking impact of temperature...

Thinking about designing your own concrete slab—or taking on a proprietary system? You better know what you're signing up for. In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett talks with Greg Fricks, CEO of the Fricks Company, about the risks contractors face when they step into the design seat. They cover the legal and financial responsibilities that come with slab design, the fine pri...

A photo that looks like the surface of the moon—but it’s a warehouse slab. In this episode, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and Seth Tandett break down what went wrong, how these concrete disasters spiral into lawsuits, and why bad finishing techniques can cost $200 per square foot in repairs. Contractors, RMX suppliers, engineers, and specifiers—this is your crash course in concrete accountability, moisture fa...

Are concrete cracks draining your profits and ruining your reputation?  In this eye-opening episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett sits down with shrinkage compensating concrete expert Lee Thrasher. They reveal how this innovative material eliminates cracking, significantly improves long-term durability, and boosts your project’s profitability. Discover why industry leaders...

Could your concrete floors be sabotaging your automation systems? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett sits down with Derek Cressman, President of Durable Surfaces, to explore how the rise of automation and robotics is reshaping the way we design concrete floors. They break down the limitations of current FF and FL ratings, why these specs may no longer cut it in industrial...

What if AI could be the key to solving the concrete industry’s biggest problem—labor shortages?  In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast , Seth Tandett sits down with Ramy Sedra, CEO of C60, to discuss how AI is transforming construction. From boosting productivity to making smarter business decisions, they break down how AI can help, but also why it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.&...

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, an...

In this episode, Seth Tandett brings back Dr. Jon Belkowitz to unpack a powerful but often misunderstood tool in the concrete world— petrography . From diagnosing floor failures to proactively optimizing mix designs, Dr. Jon explains how petrography gives contractors, suppliers, and engineers a microscopic advantage. Whether you're battling ASR or just curious about those weird white streaks on yo...

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...

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 infil...

  The Concrete Logic Podcast  ️ Hosted by: Seth Tandett   In this episode, Seth sits down with Patrick Narron, a talent acquisition specialist at Baker Construction, to dive deep into career strategies for young professionals in concrete construction. ️ They discuss:  ✅ Leadership paths & growth strategies  ✅ Why soft skills matter more than ever in construction &nbs...

The Concrete Logic Podcast ️ Hosted by: Seth Tandett In this episode, Seth sits down with Dr. Jon Belkowitz to explore the true cost of low-carbon concrete and its impact on the industry. They discuss:  The balance between sustainability and performance in concrete The hidden costs of low-carbon concrete initiatives  ️ How technology is shaping the future of sustainable materials  T...

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...