Concrete Logic

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 use...

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...

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 produc...

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 ne...

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 perfo...

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, a...

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....

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 per...

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...

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 pro...

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 measure...

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 t...

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 valu...

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....

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 de...

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 di...

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 e...

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 configur...

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...

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 touc...

In this episode, Seth interviews Mike Hernandez, the Technical Director of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), about a survey they conducted on Portland Limestone Cement (PLC). The survey aimed to understand the challenges and differences contractors were experiencing when using PLC compared to traditional cement mixes. Mike discusses the survey results, which showed increased wat...

In this episode, Seth interviews Rich Szecsy, an executive in the concrete supply industry. They discuss the recent change in the batch time for concrete from 90 minutes to 120 minutes. Rich explains the history behind the 90-minute time limit and the lack of scientific justification for it. He emphasizes the importance of considering the practicality and sustainability of construction methods. Th...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast Seth welcomes back to the show Bill Kulish with Steelike, Inc. Bill explains the unique properties of UHPC, its durability, and its resistance to temperature variations. The conversation also covers the cost and quality control of UHPC compared to traditional concrete. The conversation delves into the differences between traditional concrete and ultra-...

In this episode, Seth interviews Alex Hall, CEO of Concrete AI, to discuss the impact of AI on the concrete industry. They explore the use of AI in concrete design, material optimization, and the challenges of carbon reduction. Alex shares insights on the future of concrete technology and its global impact. Takeaways AI is revolutionizing the concrete industry by enabling material optimization and...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth interviews Gary Brown, a business development professional with 47 years of experience in the concrete pumping industry. They discuss the introduction to concrete pumping, its various types, operation, impact on concrete mix design, and safety considerations. Gary also shares insights on the American Concrete Pumping Association's safety init...