Concrete Logic

In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth and Robert Higgins discuss the importance of curing concrete properly and the impact it has on the durability and sustainability of concrete. They highlight the historical practices of curing and how they have not evolved to keep up with changes in concrete composition. They also discuss the effects of temperature on curing and the role of alkalinity in...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dan McCoy discuss the maintenance and funding of bridges in the United States. They address questions about the responsibility of bridge maintenance, the allocation of government resources, and the challenges of maintaining bridges over time. They also compare the maintenance requirements of bridges and tunnels, highlighting the environmental...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dr. Belkowitz answer questions from students at Virginia Tech about concrete mix design. They discuss the role of aggregate size in a mix design, its impact on the cost and control of the concrete, and the importance of a well-graded gradation. They also touch on the use of recycled concrete aggregate and its potential effects on the hydratio...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett answers questions from students at Virginia Tech about career advice and the inspiration behind the podcast. He discusses the benefits of staying with one company for a long time and finding a good fit in terms of culture and values. Seth also shares the five laws of stratospheric success from the book 'The Go-Giver' and high...

In this episode, Seth interviews Leo Zhang, a virtual construction manager and chair of ACI 117 subcommittee 117 L, who discusses using laser scanning in concrete construction. He explains that laser scanning is a form of reality capture that uses an optical instrument to collect dimensional information and create a 3D point cloud model. Laser scanning is used in various stages of construction, in...

In this episode, Seth interviews Simon Tippel from Phoenix Concrete Works. Simon specializes in decorative concrete, including countertops, fire bowls, wall claddings, and more. They discuss the advantages of concrete countertops over other materials, such as customization and flexibility. Simon also explains the different reinforcement and technologies used in his work, including glass fiber and...

In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Aaron Fisher discusses the importance of engaging with sustainability in the concrete industry. He highlights the need for concrete professionals to be part of the conversation and influence the rules and regulations being developed. Aaron explains how the focus on CO2 emissions has led to an oversimplification of sustainability and the need to consider othe...

In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth and Dan discuss nuclear power and its connection to the concrete industry. They address public perception of nuclear power, the efficiency of nuclear energy, and the challenges of other energy sources like hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. They also explore the concerns about nuclear power, including waste management and accidents. Dan explains the...

In this Concrete Logic podcast episode, Seth interviews Dan McCoy from R.L. McCoy about the life cycle of bridges and the importance of bridge maintenance. They discuss the process of maintaining bridges over time, including inspections, repairs, and replacements. Dan explains the challenges of designing and maintaining bridges in a changing world, with increasing traffic volumes and evolving tran...

In this episode, Seth interviews Jim Kaylor from Durability Consultants about ASTM F6 and ASTM F710. They discuss the role of ASTM in the construction industry and the slow process of developing standards. They also delve into the issue of moisture in resilient flooring and the limitations of ASTM F710. Jim shares his insights on proposed changes to the standard and emphasizes the importance of co...

In this episode, Seth interviews Neel Khosa from AMSYSCO, a post-tensioning supplier, to introduce post-tensioning and its history. Post-tensioning is a form of concrete reinforcement that uses high-strength steel cables inside concrete. It is about five times stronger than conventional rebar and is used in pre-stressed concrete. Unbonded post-tensioning is the standard for high-rise construction...

Summary In this episode of Concrete Logic, Seth interviews Dr. Aaron Fisher to discuss the use of fiberglass rebar (GFRP) as an alternative to steel rebar in concrete construction. He explains the fabrication process and the sizes available for GFRP. The advantages of GFRP over steel rebar include higher tensile strength, lighter weight, corrosion resistance, and sustainability. However, the adopt...

Summary In this episode, Seth interviews Robert Higgins, a flooring concrete consultant specialist, about the issue of moisture in old concrete. Robert explains that moisture in older concrete is caused by a condition called ionic dew point, where particles migrate to the surface due to diffusion, not moisture migration. He emphasizes the importance of addressing older concrete differently and rec...

Summary In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Kyle Kammer from Concrete Strategies and Seth discuss the challenges and troubleshooting methods related to Type 1L cement. The conversation covers the reasons why Type 1L cement is a popular topic in the concrete industry and the challenges of using it across different locations. Kyle shares insights into the issues of differential set and cr...

Summary In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Dr. Jon Belkowitz discusses the lack of accountability among civil engineers in the concrete industry. He highlights the disconnect between the design and implementation of concrete structures, with civil engineers often not present on job sites and lacking knowledge of concrete mix design. Dr. Belkowitz emphasizes the need for engineers to ta...

In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth interviews Dave Mulcahey from GPRS about concrete sawing and drilling technology and the importance of safety in the industry. They discuss the major technology for scanning concrete: ground penetrating radar (GPR). Dave explains that GPRS uses GPR to locate post-tension cables, electrical conduits, and rebar in or below concrete to ensure safe sawing a...

In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth interviews Darren Baldwin, the president of Pikus 3D, a 3D printing company in the construction industry. They discuss the unique approach of Pikus 3D, which focuses on commercial applications of 3D printing in construction. Darren explains that their stationary, climate-controlled facility allows for larger, more complex prints, such as architectural f...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth talks to Sam Lines from ConSeal about microbial-induced concrete corrosion, particularly in the sewer system. They discuss various ways to mitigate this, including using antimicrobials and the potential consequences for failing to do so. Sam highlights the importance of designing sewer systems well, considering factors such as expected mass...

Summary In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Dean Craft discusses the topic of concrete moisture vapor emissions. He explains that moisture vapor emissions occur when residual moisture in concrete is released and can cause adhesive bond failures and other issues. Dean emphasizes the importance of addressing moisture vapor emissions early in the construction process and suggests proactive approa...

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth interviews Jason Adams from Megaslab, a technology company focused on optimizing concrete design and reducing material usage. They discuss the concept of jointless slabs and how Megaslab has evolved to offer a range of unique features. Jason highlights the industry's commitment to sustainability and reducing embodied carbon in concrete. They...

Get ready for an illuminating episode of Concrete Logic! Our host Seth sits down with Mark Chase from RPX Technologies to delve into the world of maturity meters in construction. Discover the science behind these game-changers, and how they’re revolutionizing concrete construction! Mark shares insider tips on how to use these tools to boost efficiency and hit project deadlines. Calibration and tes...

In this episode, Bill Kulish from Steelike discusses ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and its applications in bridge construction. UHPC is a composite material with a high binder content and a low water-cement ratio. It has superior compressive strength, tensile properties, and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and chloride penetration. UHPC is commonly used for overlays, preservation, restor...

Ever wondered how reclaimed fly ash could revolutionize the concrete industry? Tune into this episode of the Concrete Logic podcast where we’re shaking things up with Pete Paone. We’re diving deep into the world of reclaimed fly ash, a byproduct that’s about to make a big splash in the concrete world. If you’re curious about the future of concrete and reclaimed fly ash, this is one episode you won...

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. Da...

In this riveting episode of the Concrete Logic podcast, we’re thrilled to have Danielle Proctor, the CEO of Advanced Construction Robotics, as our special guest. Danielle, with her 25 years of experience in technology construction, new product development, and leadership, will be sharing her insights on the role of robotics in the construction industry. We’ll be diving deep into the workings of Ty...