The Precast Podcast

Portland cement has been the default binder material in concrete for more than 100 years. The environmental impact of manufacturing portland cement is well understood and documented, and regulators impose strict requirements on all cement producers to monitor and report emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the manufacture of portland cement accounts for 1.25% of U.S. C...

Since its emergence in 1990 3D concrete printing capabilities have grown exponentially. Black Buffalo 3D is a leading provider of 3D construction printers and materials offering the only solution in the world to meet ICC-ES AC509 criteria for printing structural walls. Whether you are 3D printing homes, buildings, hardscapes, or other structures with Black Buffalo 3D's assistance you will be accom...

Outside The Box Materials (OTBM) patented continuous production methods make it economically feasible to replace Portland cement in concrete without increasing costs. OTBM is also currently in the final phases in development of new methodologies to sequester both CO2 and hazardous materials into concrete safely and at substantial volume. The worldwide availability of the upcycled raw materials use...

In this episode of The Precast Podcast, we continue the discussion on sustainability and how industry partners are working to make the concrete industry more environmentally friendly. Carbon Upcycling was founded in Alberta, Canada in 2014 with a vision of creating a world where carbon is a sustainable resource to shape the future of humanity. Their patented, low-energy, treatment process produces...

Concrete is grey… If you love concrete that grey color is a beautiful thing, but can anything be done to make your concrete mix more environmentally friendly?  The green technology movement is growing and with it comes advances to make building and construction products "greener" while not sacrificing quality and long-term durability.  Can this be done with concrete?  In this episode, we sit down...

NPCA's Master Precaster program helps position precast concrete professionals for continued career advancement.  Offered as part of NPCA's Precast University, the Master Precaster program includes precast-specific training with comprehensive education courses for production, safety, technical, quality control, and leadership.   Developed in conjunction with industry experts, producers, departments...

During this presentation, we will examine the origins of concrete as a building material, and consider the milestones of development that were made to achieve the advanced concrete technology of today. We will learn about careful material selection and the importance of such concepts as water cement ratio by exploring the historic perspective of those who contributed to the progress of the concret...

In this episode of The Precast Podcast we dive into watertight tanks from the walls to the joints to the access risers! The need for holding liquid in an assembled precast concrete structure is an increasingly necessary task. Infiltration can overload an onsite septic system and exfiltration may cause contamination of surrounding soils and possibly a drinking water well. A lot goes into manufactur...

As we start to wrap up 2021, we reflect on the opportunities and challenges that have come our way. Our goal is always to provide industry-leading product quality and service at a fair price and our team of professionals stepped up to deliver this in a challenging environment.  We are blessed to be having a successful year and cannot thank our employees, partners, and customers enough!  At Shea Co...

As the saying goes … "If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together".  We have come a long way with our partners at Recon Wall Systems and the future is bright! With 2-Million Square Feet of manufactured and installed retaining wall block throughout the New England market we are an industry leader and here to support your project from start to finish.  In this episode of The P...

The National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) and Shea Concrete Products are presenting "Precast Days" 2021 in New England as a unique educational opportunity to provide students, specifiers, engineers and contractors (or anyone else interested in the Precast Concrete Industry) with an up-close & personal experience at a New England-based precast concrete plant. Our NPCA Certified precast concr...

Shea Concrete Products is excited to announce our 6th "Virtual" Technical Engineering Seminar. This "virtual" seminar opportunity allows for participants to obtain three (3) individual professional development credit hours as follows: 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH) 1.0-"NHDES Subsurface Systems Bureau" Credit Hour (NHDES Subsurface Designers & Installers) 1.0-"NEIWPCC" Soil Evaluator (SE)...

Over 70 years later, our family-owned and operated business is continuing to grow so we can continue delivering quality solutions and unmatched product quality and service to the New England construction market. After hosting three recent job fairs we are continuing our search for new teammates to join us as we continue expanding our product line offering and reach throughout New England.  Are you...

From initial handshake through final installation we have you covered with our Precast Concrete Stairs product line.  In this Episode we sit down with our very own Rich Walsh and go through our Precast Concrete Stairs offering step-by-step.  With every project opportunity our goal is to make your entrance the "Talk Of The Town" with multiple stair offerings and industry leading service.  We apprec...

From initial handshake through final installation we have you covered with our Easi-Set Precast Concrete Buildings.  Being an engineered product the only limit to our Easi-Set buildings is making sure we can physically deliver the final product to your site with our trucking fleet!  We work with you the entire way to ensure every detail is exactly to your specification and we are at your construct...

Now almost 1/6th of the way into 2021 and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel through a New England Winter we have our sights set on another exciting year of retaining wall opportunities! We have been manufacturing ReCon retaining wall block since 2003 and have seen consistent growth in product acceptance year over year. We currently manufacture the retaining wall block at our Amesbury, MA a...

Not more than an hour after recording Episode 33 of the podcast our first case of COVID-19 at our headquarters facility was confirmed. What else could 2020 throw at us? Was it another challenge to deal with or another opportunity to learn from? We chose the latter. Along with other opportunities to learn from as the calendar turned to 2021 we again sit down with Greg Stratis (President - Shea Conc...

Where did this year go? I mean… Where did this year come from?  In this episode of The Precast Podcast we sit down with Greg Stratis (President - Shea Concrete Products) to discuss 2020. An interesting year to say the least and one that will be remembered for years to come. We have learned a lot this year and we are excited for what 2021 will bring. We will continue to make adjustments, evolve, an...

Admixtures 101 will explore the basics of concrete admixtures from use, classification, and different types of technologies available in the market today.  We will also look at specifications and guidelines that drive the need for the use of admixtures, to accomplish many things in both plastic and hard properties of concrete.

This presentation provides an in-depth introduction to the underground infrastructure rehabilitation market. This includes inspection and condition assessment all the way through trenchless "no-dig repair solutions for critical storm, sewer, and water infrastructure.    

From joints to walls, the need for holding water in an assembled concrete structure is an increasingly necessary task.  Infiltration can overload the system, and exfiltration may cause contamination of soils. This presentation will explain the differences between watertight (proof) and damp-proof. Joints are often thought of as a concern for water passage; concrete is a porous material and can con...

Concrete is the most used man-made product in the world. With concrete structures still standing dating back to the Roman Empire the goal of making concrete better, more durable, and longer-lasting continues. The basic ingredients of concrete remain the same and advances with Supplemental Cementitious Materials (SCM's) and admixtures continues to pave the way. Join us for a deep dive into the manu...

Engineered to meet your needs … In this episode of The Precast Podcast, we take a deep dive into the internal and external support provided by Easi-Set Buildings and Shea Concrete Products to deliver precast concrete buildings throughout New England and beyond.  Shea Concrete Products manufactures and services Easi-Set Buildings and does its very best to ensure customers' needs are met from the in...

Understanding design objectives and limitations with utilizing steel and synthetic fibers in precast concrete components. We review the role Micro-fibers and Macro-fibers each play in precast concrete as well as some of the design considerations for each.  We also review cost analysis to consider in your bottom line.

There is an old saying that goes like this … "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten" – Benjamin Franklin. In today's construction industry everyone is looking for an edge, an advantage, and the ability to get the most out of every component that makes up a project with a constant push/pull between product quality and price.  Product support and...