Concrete Logic

Episodes

• EP #157: Low-Carbon Concrete - Does the Math Actually Work?May 14, 2026 · 39 minTHIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: GPRS Before you cut, core, drill, or excavate, make sure you know what is inside the concrete. GPRS helps contractors locate rebar, conduit, post-tension cables, utilities, and other hidden hazards before they become expensive problems. Their scans help reduce hits, downtime, expenses, and keep your people safe. Learn more here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/gprs ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Low-carbon cement sounds good on paper. But can it actually compete in the real concrete market without subsidies, mandates, or customers paying a “green premium”? That is the question Seth gets into with Ryan Gilliam, CEO of Fortera. Ryan explains how Fortera’s approach differs from many other low-carbon cement companies by bolting onto existing cement plants, using limestone as the feedstock, and turning CO₂ back into a reactive cementitious product. This conversation gets into the hard part of low-carbon cement: economics, field performance, scaling, ready-mix adoption, policy risk, and whether these products can survive when the market stops caring about the carbon story. Ryan makes the case that the future of low-carbon cement will not be built on guilt, regulation, or good intentions. It has to perform. It has to be cost competitive. And it has to work in the field. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Why “green cement” usually makes contractors and producers assume there is a compromise • How Fortera’s technology bolts onto existing cement plants instead of replacing them • Why limestone loses roughly 44% of its weight as CO₂ during traditional cement production • How Fortera claims to turn that CO₂ back into cementitious material • Whether Fortera’s product should be thought of as an SCM, a cement replacement, or a new cement • Why ready-mix producers are skeptical of alternative cements • What field feedback Fortera has received on finishing, flow, pumping, set time, and cracking • Why Ryan does not believe customers will pay large green premiums • How policy changes could impact demand for low-carbon cement • Why carbon capture usually struggles economically • How Fortera’s approach differs from traditional carbon capture and storage • What has to be true for low-carbon cement companies to scale • Why first commercial plants are such a hard step for new cement technologies • Why Ryan believes performance, not carbon marketing, will decide which technologies survive CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Gilliam and Fortera 03:25 Ryan’s background in materials engineering and cement research 05:20 Fortera’s approach to low-carbon cement 08:28 Is FoPlayPlay EP #157: Low-Carbon Concrete - Does the Math Actually Work?
• EP #156: Is Rebar Killing Your Concrete Schedule?May 7, 2026 · 39 minTHIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: GPRS Before you cut, core, drill, or trench through concrete, know what is inside it. GPRS helps contractors locate rebar, conduit, post-tension cables, voids, and other hidden hazards before they become expensive problems. Their ground-penetrating radar scanning helps reduce hits, downtime, expenses, and keeps your people safe. Learn more here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/gprs ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Everyone wants concrete work done faster. But what if one of the biggest schedule killers is not the pour, the weather, or the labor shortage? What if it starts with the reinforcement choice? In this episode, Seth talks with TJ Lambert of Forta about how reinforcement decisions affect labor, sequencing, inspections, procurement, finishing, mix design, carbon reporting, and overall project speed. They discuss where fiber-reinforced concrete fits, where it does not, and why engineers, producers, and contractors need to think beyond “replace the bar and move on.” WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why reinforcement choices can slow a concrete project down before the first truck shows up How fibers can reduce labor, congestion, inspection steps, and field coordination The difference between microfibers, macro synthetic fibers, and steel fibers Where fiber reinforcement makes sense, and where traditional rebar still belongs How concrete producers handle fiber dosing at the plant or into the truck Why fiber-reinforced concrete can help contractors place more mud faster How EPDs, LCAs, GWP targets, and Buy America requirements are showing up in reinforcement decisions Why finishing fiber-reinforced slabs still depends on timing, mix design, vibration, and field conditions How Type IL cement may affect finishing timing, saw cutting, paste, and surface performance What engineers need to know about ACI 544, ACI 360, ACI 330, and ACI 318 when considering fiber designs CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Can reinforcement choices kill your schedule? 04:02 What Forta does and how fiber-reinforced concrete fits 05:01 Why reinforcement choices affect schedule more than people realize 08:42 What fibers look like in the field 11:57 Matching fiber type to the right concrete application 13:26 What fiber use means for concrete producers 16:45 Fiber loading, truck mixing, and added time at the plant 17:17 How much time can contractors save by eliminating bar placement? 19:47 EPDs, GWP, and carbon reduction with fiber reinforcement 22:13 Why finishers struggle with some fiber-reinforced slabs 26:43 Type IL cement, paste, timing,PlayPlay EP #156: Is Rebar Killing Your Concrete Schedule?
• EP #155: EPDs, Data Centers, and the New Paperwork Hitting Concrete ProducersApr 30, 2026 · 33 minThis episode is brought to you by GPRS . GPRS helps keep your projects moving by locating what is hidden before you cut, core, drill, or trench. From ground-penetrating radar and utility locating to concrete scanning and 3D laser scanning, GPRS gives contractors better information before work starts. Learn more or request a quote here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/gprs ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Ready-mix producers are being asked for EPDs more often, especially on data center and large infrastructure projects. But what are EPDs? Who is asking for them? And why should a small producer care? In this episode, Seth talks with Leise Sandeman , co-founder of Pathways , about Environmental Product Declarations, life cycle assessments, carbon reporting, and how these requirements are starting to affect concrete bids. Leise explains EPDs in plain language: what data goes into them, how cement, aggregate, admixtures, water, fuel, electricity, and transportation all get measured, and why producers should not assume this is only a “green building” paperwork exercise. The big point? EPDs are becoming part of how some owners, GCs, and hyperscale data center companies compare concrete producers. And for smaller ready-mix companies, the risk is not just the carbon number. It is being left out of the bid entirely because they do not have the documentation ready. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN What is an EPD? Why are data center owners asking concrete producers for EPDs? How does a life cycle assessment connect to a concrete mix? What data does a ready-mix producer need to create an EPD? Why can two plants from the same producer have different EPD numbers? How much of a concrete EPD is driven by cement? Are owners comparing concrete producers against each other? Why might simply having an EPD help a producer win work in some markets? How could EPDs affect smaller 2-to-10-plant ready-mix operations? Why does Leise think EPDs are becoming more about business than climate messaging? CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro and Concrete Logic Podcast support 03:15 - Who Leise Sandeman is and what Pathways does 03:52 - What is an EPD? 04:35 - Who is asking for EPDs? 05:54 - Where EPDs came from and how LCAs fit in 06:48 - Comparing concrete to other materials and other producers 07:36 - How cement and material supplier data affect EPDs 08:33 - Why EPDs involve a lot of math and manual work 09:07 - GenerPlayPlay EP #155: EPDs, Data Centers, and the New Paperwork Hitting Concrete Producers
• EP #154: Why Concrete Is on the Critical Path for AI Data CentersApr 21, 2026 · 34 minPRESENTED BY: GPRS Construction professionals know that utilities and concrete reinforcements can cause big problems when you’re on the job. GPRS helps you avoid them. We use ground penetrating radar to detect rebar, conduit, and post tension cables before you cut, core, or drill. And our concrete scans are 99.8% accurate - we guarantee it - helping you reduce hits, downtime, expenses, and keep your people safe. To keep your jobsite safer, visit: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/GPRS SUMMARY Data centers may look like simple boxes, but the race to build them is changing everything for concrete. In this episode, Doug Mouton explains why concrete is still one of the most important materials in the data center boom, even if it is only a small slice of the total cost. He breaks down what is driving the explosion in hyperscale and AI data centers, why projects are moving into rural areas, and why concrete supply, logistics, and mix design need to be thought through much earlier than most teams are used to. This is a big-picture episode, but it gets practical fast. If you work in concrete and want to understand where the data center market is headed and what owners actually want, this one will help. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why data centers are growing so fast right now What a data center actually is and how it works Why AI is pushing demand far beyond traditional cloud computing Why more data centers are being built in rural areas How labor, materials, and logistics get harder as projects move farther out Why concrete becomes a critical path item even if it is a small part of total project cost What hyperscale owners want from concrete suppliers and contractors Why speed, cost, and lower embodied carbon are all being pushed at the same time Why leaner structural designs may be the easiest way to reduce concrete use Why concrete supply needs to be planned much earlier on gigascale projects How power infrastructure is creating even more demand for concrete What future energy storage systems could mean for the concrete industry CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro and Doug Mouton’s background 01:20 - How to support the podcast 03:20 - Why concrete matters so much to data center growth 05:26 - What a data center actually is 06:30 - Why cloud computing changed everything 08:20 - How AI is driving a second wave of data center demand 09PlayPlay EP #154: Why Concrete Is on the Critical Path for AI Data Centers
• EP #153: Your Concrete Mix Design Still Isn’t Ready… Until You Do ThisApr 14, 2026 · 37 minPRESENTED BY: GPRS Construction professionals know that utilities and concrete reinforcements can cause big problems when you’re on the job. GPRS helps you avoid them. We use ground penetrating radar to detect rebar, conduit, and post tension cables before you cut, core, or drill. And our concrete scans are 99.8% accurate - we guarantee it - helping you reduce hits, downtime, expenses, and keep your people safe. To keep your jobsite safer, visit: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/GPRS SUMMARY Last episode, Dr. Jon Belkowitz walked through how to build a concrete mix design on paper. This episode picks up where that left off. Because a design mix is not the same thing as a batch mix. Dr. Jon breaks down the final adjustments that have to happen before that mix can actually be used in production, including moisture corrections, free water, and admixture dosages. If you have ever wondered how a mix goes from a neat set of numbers on paper to something a plant can actually batch, this episode clears it up. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why a design mix is not the same as a batch mix How aggregate moisture changes your sand and rock weights What “free water” really means and why it matters How moisture in the aggregates affects water-cement ratio How to calculate the water coming from sand and stone How admixture dosage is calculated from cement content Why admixtures also add water to the mix How to calculate final batch water What the final adjusted batch mix looks like Why contractors and engineers should understand this math even if the plant computer does it for them CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro and how to support the show 02:15 - Why people are actually using the podcast on the job 02:36 - Concrete Logic Academy and PDHs 03:36 - Picking up where the last mix design episode ended 04:22 - What has to change to move from design mix to batch mix 05:44 - The project assumptions for this slab mix 06:28 - Where moisture content and absorption values come from 08:13 - Adjusting sand weight for moisture 10:54 - Adjusting rock weight for moisture 12:05 - What free water is and why it affects your mix 13:24 - Calculating free water from the sand 14:33 - Calculating free water from the rock 15:24 - Admixture dosage explained 16:16 - Calculating admixture ounces per cubic yard 17:28 - Calculating how much water the admixture brings 18:47 - Final batch water calculation 19:34 - Final adjusted batch mix 20:38 - What happePlayPlay EP #153: Your Concrete Mix Design Still Isn’t Ready… Until You Do This
• EP #152: Concrete Mix Design Isn’t Complicated… Here’s the ProofApr 2, 2026 · 49 minPRESENTED BY: GPRS Construction professionals know that utilities and concrete reinforcements can cause big problems when you’re on the job. GPRS helps you avoid them. We use ground penetrating radar to detect rebar, conduit, and post tension cables before you cut, core, or drill. And our concrete scans are 99.8% accurate… we guarantee it—helping you reduce hits, downtime, expenses, and keep your people safe. To keep your jobsite safer, visit https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/GPRS SUMMARY If you’ve never built your own concrete mix design… this episode fixes that. Dr. Jon Belkowitz walks through the ACI 211 method step-by-step , showing exactly how a mix is built from scratch. By the end, you’ll see that mix design isn’t magic. It’s just decisions… and a little math. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN What actually goes into a cubic yard of concrete — and why it matters Why mix design is basically a “choose your own adventure” How slump, aggregate size, and air content drive your entire mix The simple math behind water-cement ratio (and why it controls everything) How to calculate cement, water, rock, and sand — step by step Why yield matters (and how getting it wrong costs real money) The difference between a design mix vs batch mix What changes when moisture shows up in your aggregates (this comes up near the end) CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro and how to support the show 02:20 – Shoutout to this episode’s Producer 03:00 – Why PDHs should actually be useful 05:20 – What is a cubic yard of concrete? 06:30 – Absolute volume method explained 09:50 – ACI 211 and “choose your own adventure” 13:30 – Selecting slump, water, and air content 17:00 – Adjusting water for admixtures 19:00 – Water-cement ratio and strength 21:00 – Aggregate proportions and why they matter 25:30 – Start of the actual math 31:30 – Calculating coarse aggregate 34:00 – Converting weights to volumes 36:30 – Solving for sand (the missing piece) 39:30 – Final mix design breakdown 40:10 – Design mix vs batch mix (what’s next) GUEST INFO Dr. Jon Belkowitz Intelligent Concrete Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligent-concrete CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Got a concrete problem no one can explain? Bring it to the Concrete Logic Academy. Ask questions. SharePlayPlay EP #152: Concrete Mix Design Isn’t Complicated… Here’s the Proof
• EP #151: Most Concrete Durability Problems Start Here (Alkalinity Explained)Mar 24, 2026 · 46 minPRESENTED BY: GPRS Construction professionals know that utilities and concrete reinforcements can cause big problems when you’re on the job. GPRS helps you avoid them. We use ground penetrating radar to detect rebar, conduit, and post tension cables before you cut, core, or drill. And our concrete scans are 99.8% accurate… we guarantee it—helping you reduce hits, downtime, expenses, and keep your people safe. To keep your jobsite safer, visit https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/GPRS SUMMARY Concrete strength gets all the attention. But what if the real driver of concrete performance isn’t strength at all? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Bob Higgins returns to talk about alkalinity — the chemical environment inside concrete that may control moisture behavior, curing, permeability, and long-term durability. Bob explains why alkalinity is often confused with pH, why salts inside concrete can trap moisture that testing methods never see, and why modern cement chemistry may be quietly changing how concrete cures and performs. If you’ve ever wondered why concrete behaves differently today than it did decades ago, this conversation will make you think. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · What alkalinity actually means in concrete chemistry · Why pH and alkalinity are not the same thing · The two alkaline salts that control moisture behavior in concrete · Why salts can trap moisture that RH tests can’t detect · How high alkalinity can lead to permeable, weaker surface concrete · The difference between porosity and permeability · Why precast heat curing can change long-term durability · Why compressive strength often fails as a durability indicator · How cement kiln dust may have increased alkalinity in modern cement CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:20 What alkalinity means in concrete 03:10 Why salts control moisture behavior 07:40 Why RH probes can miss trapped moisture 10:20 Calcium hydroxide vs sodium hydroxide 14:00 Self-desiccation and modern cement chemistry 18:00 Where alkalinity in concrete comes from 23:30 Signs of high alkalinity in concrete 24:00 Why precast surfaces can be more permeable 26:00 Porosity vs permeability explained 29:00 Why compressive strength can mislead durability 31:20 Why sealers often fail long term 33:00 Alkali-silica reaction explained 35:00 Why alkalinity isn’t being studied enough 38:00 Why RH specifications often don’t make sense 39:00 Preview: additional forms of moisture in concrete <brPlayPlay EP #151: Most Concrete Durability Problems Start Here (Alkalinity Explained)
• EP #150: Most Concrete Floors Aren’t Flat Enough. Here’s Why.Mar 12, 2026 · 51 minPRESENTED BY: CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Practical education and ongoing development for concrete professionals at every stage of their career. Join here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ Superflat concrete floors didn’t just appear overnight. They evolved through decades of trial, error, and innovation. In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Chad White from Structural Services Inc. (SSI) returns to explain how the industry went from checking floors with a 10-foot straightedge to producing high-tolerance floors for robotics, automated warehouses, and high-bay storage systems . Chad has more than 40 years of experience in concrete construction , starting as a cement mason apprentice before running his own company and later becoming a senior concrete consultant with SSI. He has worked on defined-traffic superflat floors, random-traffic high-tolerance slabs, suspended slabs, and industrial floor systems across the country . We talk about how the means and methods have changed, what actually defines a “superflat” floor, and why today’s demands for automation and robotics are pushing tolerances tighter than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how contractors actually hit FF, FL, and F-min numbers , this episode explains the real-world process behind it. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · What actually qualifies as a superflat concrete floor · How floors were measured before the F-number system · Why laser screeds and float pans changed everything · The difference between defined-traffic (F-min) and random-traffic floors · Why robotics and automated warehouses are demanding flatter floors · Where most grinding corrections occur on high-tolerance slabs · Why slump consistency and placement rate matter more than exotic mix designs · How laser scanning and real-time data could change floor flatness control in the future CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:40 Early methods for measuring floor flatness 05:15 How superflat floors started in warehouse logistics 08:40 Measuring FF, FL, and F-min floors 12:00 The history of the F-number system 16:30 How superflat floors were built in the 1980s 22:00 Bump cutting and manual finishing methods 28:30 Profilographs and corrective grinding 31:00 High-tolerance random traffic floors 34:00 Laser screeds and float pans change the industry 37:00 Modern methods for producing flatter floors 39:00 Mix design considerations foPlayPlay EP #150: Most Concrete Floors Aren’t Flat Enough. Here’s Why.
• EP #149: Got a Low Concrete Break? Here’s What To Do NextMar 3, 2026 · 32 minPRESENTED BY: CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Practical education and ongoing development for concrete professionals at every stage of their career. Join here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ EPISODE SUMMARY You get the 28-day report. It’s low. Now what? In this episode, Seth sits down with Josh Agee, Concrete Quality Assurance Manager at F.A. Wilhelm Construction, to walk through what actually happens when a cylinder comes back below strength. Who do you call first? Is it the mix? The placement? The testing company? When do you use a Swiss hammer? When do you core? And what really matters — the cylinder… or the in-place concrete? This is a practical, field-level conversation about investigating low breaks, managing risk, and protecting your project before things spiral. If you work in structural concrete, this isn’t hypothetical. It’s coming. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Why reviewing batch tickets is the first move • Why the middle third of the truck matters when sampling • How poor field curing can destroy cylinder results • What most people misunderstand about testing tech responsibility • When to use Swiss hammers and Windsor probes • Why coring is often the final answer • What the rolling average actually tells you • When concrete must be removed — and when it doesn’t • How better pre-pour meetings reduce risk CHAPTERS 00:00 – The low break email no one wants 03:29 – Investigating batch tickets and water additions 05:26 – Why pre-pour meetings matter more than you think 08:07 – Cure box mistakes that happen all the time 13:03 – Non-destructive testing and managing risk 15:11 – Coring and what break patterns tell you 18:26 – Rolling averages and statistical outliers 21:16 – Proper sampling: the middle third rule 23:26 – How cylinders get mishandled 25:02 – Labeling errors that create chaos 26:22 – Lessons learned moving forward GUEST INFO Josh Agee Concrete Quality Assurance Manager F.A. Wilhelm Construction Profile: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/josh-agee/ CONCRETE LOGIC PARTNERS INTELLIGENT CONCRETE Concrete not behaving the way it should? Intelligent Concrete combines lab-level testing with real-world field experience to identify the true root cause of performance issues — not just treat the symptoms. Reach out for help: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligent-concrete <bPlayPlay EP #149: Got a Low Concrete Break? Here’s What To Do Next
• EP #148: If You Think Today’s Concrete Is Better Than 30 Years Ago, Listen to ThisFeb 19, 2026 · 36 minPRESENTED BY: CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Practical education and ongoing development for concrete professionals at every stage of their career. Join here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ EPISODE SUMMARY Thirty years ago, concrete mix designs were simpler, more prescriptive, and easier to predict. Today, they’re optimized, blended, engineered, and heavily influenced by admixtures, SCMs, and cement chemistry. In this episode, Seth talks with Jeff Slagle from Chaney Enterprises about how ready-mix designs actually evolved over the last three decades—what changed, why it changed, and what that means for producers, engineers, and finishers working with today’s concrete. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN What ready-mix designs actually looked like in the 1990s (and why they were so prescriptive) Why SCMs like slag and fly ash were initially resisted—and how producers got buy-in How high-range water reducers quietly changed everything Why performance-based specs (P2P) shifted control back to producers What Type IL cement changed in real-world placement and finishing Why data centers are driving new mix demands What problems the next generation of concrete still hasn’t solved CHAPTERS 00:00 – Why this episode matters 03:20 – Jeff Slagle’s path through the ready-mix business 06:10 – What mix designs looked like 30 years ago 09:50 – When SCMs actually entered the Mid-Atlantic market 11:30 – Slag vs fly ash: field realities, not theory 14:45 – Prescriptive specs vs performance-based design (P2P) 17:00 – High-range water reducers and the air-entrainment nightmare 19:30 – Aggregate blending and plant complexity 20:30 – Type IL cement and the end of “cheap” SCMs 23:40 – Finishing challenges and jobsite adaptation 26:30 – What the future might look like for concrete mixes 29:00 – Cement supply, imports, and market pressure GUEST INFO Jeff Slagle Director of Key Aggregate Accounts Chaney Enterprises Email: JSlagle@chaneyenterprises.com Website: https://www.chaneyenterprises.com CONCRETE LOGIC PARTNERS INTELLIGENT CONCRETE Concrete not behaving the way it should? IntellPlayPlay EP #148: If You Think Today’s Concrete Is Better Than 30 Years Ago, Listen to This
• EP #147: Concrete Cracks Don’t Lie - ASR, AAR, and What’s Really Happening Inside Your ConcreteFeb 10, 2026 · 39 minPRESENTED BY: CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Practical education and ongoing development for concrete professionals at every stage of their career. Join here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ EPISODE SUMMARY Concrete cracks are often brushed off as shrinkage, restraint, or “just part of concrete.” That mindset gets structures in trouble. In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett is joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz to break down alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR)—what they are, how they develop, and why they continue to surprise engineers, contractors, and owners decades after first being documented. They walk through the history of ASR, how it shows up in real structures, why it’s often misdiagnosed, and how modern testing and prevention strategies are improving—but still imperfect. The core message is simple: cracks are symptoms, not root causes, and ignoring them is how durability problems turn into long-term failures. This is a practical, field-informed conversation for anyone responsible for designing, specifying, building, or maintaining concrete structures. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why ASR remains one of the most misunderstood concrete durability issues The difference between ASR and AAR—and why the distinction matters How reaction-driven cracking differs from typical shrinkage or restraint cracking When ASR damage can accelerate faster than expected How ASR is identified and diagnosed in real structures Where current ASR testing methods work—and where they fall short Why prevention is still more reliable than remediation How concrete professionals should think about cracks before they spread CHAPTERS 00:00 – Why concrete cracks should never be ignored 02:11 – ASR vs. AAR: definitions and mechanisms 04:50 – How ASR damages concrete over time 07:47 – Identifying and diagnosing ASR in the field 10:08 – Testing methods and prevention strategies 13:19 – The future of ASR management in concrete structures GUEST INFO Dr. Jon Belkowitz Intelligent Concrete Jon@intelligent-concrete.com CONCRETE LOGIC PARTNERS INTELLIGENT CONCRETE Concrete not behaving the way it should? Intelligent Concrete combines lab-level testing with real-world field experience to identify the true root cause of concrete performance issues—not just treat the symptoms. Reach out for help: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligePlayPlay EP #147: Concrete Cracks Don’t Lie - ASR, AAR, and What’s Really Happening Inside Your Concrete
• EP #146: Patents vs. Trade Secrets — Protect Your Concrete IdeasJan 29, 2026 · 37 minPRESENTED BY: CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Practical education and ongoing development for concrete professionals at every stage of their career. Join here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ EPISODE SUMMARY If you’re building something new in this industry—mix designs, equipment, software, processes—there’s a good chance you’re creating intellectual property… without realizing it. In this episode, Seth Tandett sits down with Chen Wang, CEO of Steelike, to talk patents, trade secrets, NDAs, and the real-world decisions that decide whether you protect your advantage—or hand it to someone else. This isn’t legal theory. It’s how innovation actually gets copied in construction, why “we’ll just patent it” is usually oversimplified, and what a smart IP strategy looks like when you’re trying to build a business. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · The difference between patents, trade secrets, and copyrights (and why it matters) · When a patent makes sense—and when it can create new headaches · How trade secrets can last forever (but only if you treat them like secrets) · What you should protect: formulations, processes, tooling, or workflow · Why NDAs are common—and why they don’t magically solve everything · How enforcement really works when someone copies your idea · The biggest misconceptions about IP in construction and engineering · How to build an IP strategy that matches your business model CHAPTERS 00:00 – Understanding intellectual property in construction 05:00 – The basics of intellectual property 08:34 – When to patent vs. keep a trade secret 10:32 – Deciding what to protect: formulations and processes 13:52 – Enforcing patents and trade secrets 15:58 – The risks and rewards of patents 18:47 – Identifying valuable trade secrets 20:05 – Protecting your ideas before sharing 23:33 – Navigating NDAs in the construction industry 25:24 – Developing an IP strategy 27:37 – Misconceptions about IP in construction GUEST INFO Chen Wang, CEO Steelike Chen@steelike.com https://steelike.com/ CONCRETE LOGIC PARTNERS INTELLIGENT CONCRETE Concrete not behaving the way it should? Dr. Jon Belkowitz and the Intelligent Concrete team combine lab-level testing with real-world field experience to get to the root cause of performance issues—not just treat the symptoms. https://www.concretelogicpodcast.coPlayPlay EP #146: Patents vs. Trade Secrets — Protect Your Concrete Ideas
• EP #145: The 75-Year Concrete Design Life We’ve Stopped Talking AboutJan 20, 2026 · 38 minWe design concrete for 75 years. So why are we okay watching it fail in 12 to 24 months? That’s the uncomfortable question Seth Tandett puts on the table with Dr. Jon Belkowitz in this episode. Codes, specifications, and budgets are still written around a 50–75 year design life. But in the field, concrete surfaces are scaling, wearing, and failing in as little as a year or two. Instead of revisiting that original promise, the industry seems stuck reacting to failures instead of asking why they’re happening. This conversation challenges some long‑held assumptions about specifications, durability, performance testing, and why compressive strength tells us almost nothing about whether concrete will actually last. This isn’t about theory. It’s about what’s showing up on real projects—and why no one seems willing to talk about the gap between what we design for and what we’re getting. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · Why the 75‑year design life quietly disappeared from industry conversations · How concrete surfaces went from 20–30 year service expectations to failing in 12–24 months · Why compressive strength is one of the most forgiving—and misleading—tests we rely on · What durability indicators actually matter if service life is the goal · How prescriptive specs box everyone in and protect no one · Why performance‑based specifications are the only real path forward · What Peter Taylor’s work gets right about protecting the concrete surface · How warranty language misses durability altogether · Why practical field intelligence keeps getting ignored CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro and how to support the Concrete Logic Podcast 03:42 – Why we stopped talking about 75‑year design life 06:30 – The disconnect between specs and field performance 08:59 – Why compressive strength doesn’t equal durability 12:07 – The industry’s reliance on paper over field reality 14:34 – Why specifications need to change 15:22 – Prescription vs performance‑based specs 19:12 – What should actually be specified for durability 21:28 – Using performance tests to enforce accountability 25:22 – Warranty periods and real‑world consequences 28:07 – The concrete surface as the first line of defense 31:30 – What the industry really lost—and how to get it back GUEST INFO Dr. Jon Belkowitz Intelligent Concrete https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/jon-belkowitz/ CONCRETE LOGIC PARTNERS INTELLIGENT CONCRETE Concrete not behaving the way it should? Dr. Jon Belkowitz and the Intelligent Concrete team combine lab‑level testing with real‑world field experiPlayPlay EP #145: The 75-Year Concrete Design Life We’ve Stopped Talking About
• EP #144: Concrete Isn’t Too Expensive — The System Around It IsJan 8, 2026 · 30 minConcrete Is Losing on Cost. Here’s How to Take It Back. Concrete keeps getting priced out of jobs, not because it can’t compete, but because we keep doing the same things the same way. In this episode, Seth Tandett sits down with Rich Szecsy to talk about where concrete costs actually come from and why material price increases are only part of the story. They walk through how specs, local codes, labor assumptions, and risk avoidance quietly stack the deck against concrete, even when it’s the better material. This isn’t a theoretical discussion. It’s a practical look at what contractors, engineers, and producers can question, change, and push back on if they actually want concrete to stay competitive. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · Why concrete keeps losing bids to steel and other materials · How self-compacting concrete can cut labor without cutting performance · Where specifications quietly drive cost more than material prices · How local codes create massive cost disparities for the same building · Why fear of sharing ideas slows innovation across the industry · How small, incremental changes can unlock real savings · Why understanding the full contractual chain matters more than mix price · What questions teams should be asking earlier to avoid cost traps CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro and how to support the Concrete Logic Podcast 02:36 – Why concrete is struggling to compete on cost 05:32 – Self-compacting concrete and labor reduction 08:18 – How specifications quietly drive cost 10:55 – Engineering challenges baked into specs 13:44 – Local codes and why the same building costs more in different cities 16:31 – The industry’s fear of sharing ideas 18:58 – Incremental changes that actually move the needle 21:32 – Local regulations and hidden cost multipliers 23:56 – Asking better questions earlier GUEST INFO Rich Szecsy Bio: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/rich-szecsy/ CONCRETE LOGIC PARTNERS INTELLIGENT CONCRETE Concrete not behaving the way it should? At Intelligent Concrete, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and his team combine lab-level testing with real-world field experience to get to the root of performance issues, not just the symptoms. https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligent-concrete CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Earn PDHs in the same straight-talk format as the podcast: <a href="PlayPlay EP #144: Concrete Isn’t Too Expensive — The System Around It Is
• EP #143: Analog vs. DIGITAL Concrete FormworkDec 30, 2025 · 26 minMost concrete looks the way it does for one simple reason. We keep designing around the forms we know how to build. In this episode, Seth sits down with Darren Baldwin, President of PIKUS, to break down the real difference between analog formwork and digital formwork—and why that distinction quietly limits what architects, engineers, and contractors think is even possible with concrete. This is not a hype-filled “3D printing is the future” conversation. It’s a practical discussion about where digital formwork actually works, where it absolutely doesn’t, and why architectural concrete—not structure—is where this technology earns its keep. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • What “analog vs. digital formwork” really means in construction terms • When digital formwork beats precast on cost, logistics, and constructability • How curves, grade changes, and non-repeatable geometry break traditional forms • Why lack of data (and testing) still blocks structural adoption • Why architects keep designing square stuff when they don’t have to CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro and how to support the Concrete Logic Podcast 02:30 – Analog vs. digital formwork explained 04:10 – Is this just 3D concrete printing? 05:40 – When digital formwork makes economic sense 07:10 – Grade changes, curves, and non-repeatable geometry 09:20 – Testing, engineering, and the structural data gap 14:40 – Remodels, access constraints, and why lightweight matters 16:05 – Leave-in-place printed formwork (and why it’s not the focus) 19:30 – Digital concrete + millwork integration 21:20 – How to reach Darren / PIKUS GUEST INFO Darren Baldwin PIKUS https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/darren-baldwin/ INTELLIGENT CONCRETE Concrete not behaving the way it should? At Intelligent Concrete, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and his team combine lab-level testing with real-world field experience to get to the root of performance issues, not just the symptoms. If you want data you can trust and answers you can use, learn more at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligent-concrete CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Earn PDHs in the same straight-talk format as the podcast: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com SUPPORT THE PODCAST Support the show directly: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate KUIU helps sPlayPlay EP #143: Analog vs. DIGITAL Concrete Formwork
• EP #142 Concrete Moisture Myths BustedDec 18, 2025 · 44 minMost people think moisture problems in concrete come from below the slab. Concrete Bob Higgins explains why that assumption keeps blowing up floors. In this episode, Bob Higgins breaks down how moisture actually moves through concrete, why liquid water and water vapor are not the same thing, and how alkalinity quietly does more damage than most people realize. We also get into why common moisture testing methods are misused, why surface damage matters more than deep readings, and how outdated standards keep throwing contractors under the bus. If you’ve ever wondered why floors fail even when the numbers “look fine,” this one connects the dots. What You’ll Learn · Why moisture in concrete is not just “moisture” · The difference between liquid water, water vapor, and chemically bound moisture · Why relative humidity testing is often misunderstood — and misapplied · How alkalinity concentrates at the surface and drives real damage · Why many moisture problems come from the top , not the soil · What self-desiccation is and why you can’t fix it once it happens · How material changes in cement quietly broke old assumptions · Why contractors keep getting blamed for problems they didn’t cause Chapters 00:00 – Why Moisture in Concrete Is Misunderstood 01:15 – The Different Forms of Moisture That Matter 03:30 – Why the Center of Concrete Often Doesn’t Dry 06:40 – The Problem With RH Probes and Surface Damage 10:30 – Why Cement Chemistry Changed the Rules 12:30 – What Alkalinity Really Is (and Why pH Misses the Point) 15:45 – Why New Cements Can Self-Desiccate 18:45 – Irreversible Damage From Heat and Chemistry 21:45 – Vapor Barriers, Curling, and Old Assumptions 24:30 – Why Most Moisture Comes From the Surface 28:45 – The Stack Effect Explained 31:30 – Why RH Numbers Don’t Match Real Failures 35:45 – What Needs to Change Going Forward 39:20 – Final Thoughts Guest Info Name: Bob Higgins Email: rcconsulting.higgins@gmail.com Webpage: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/robert-higgins/ Intelligent Concrete Concrete not behaving the way it should? At Intelligent Concrete, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and his team combine lab-level testing with real-world field experience to get to the root of performance issues, not just the symptoms. If you want data you can trust and answers you can use, learn more at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligentPlayPlay EP #142 Concrete Moisture Myths Busted
• EP #141: Concrete Data - How to Spot the BSDec 9, 2025 · 42 minMost people believe the chart on the screen — Dr. Jon explains why you shouldn’t. If you’ve ever sat in a conference session staring at a chart and wondering whether you’re seeing real data or a dressed-up story, this episode is for you. Dr. Jon Belkowitz breaks down how data in the concrete industry is often stretched, normalized, cherry-picked, or misleading — and how to spot it before making decisions that affect a structure’s performance. We get into why people present data, what questions you should ask before trusting it, what error bars mean, and when it’s time to ask tougher questions. This conversation also touches on motivations, funding sources, normalized datasets, Purdue-Pharma-style chart tricks, and why peer review still matters. What You’ll Learn Why is data really presented in this industry — truth, persuasion, or something in between? How charts can hide peaks or exaggerate trends What error bars actually mean and why they matter When to question normalized or percentage-based data Signs that a dataset should be tossed out completely How to read peer-reviewed papers quickly without wasting time Why checking funding sources matters Why asking questions doesn’t make you “anti” anything Chapters 00:00 – Why We’re Talking About Data 01:00 – What Motivates People to Present Data 04:00 – The Role of Data in Confidence and Decision-Making 07:30 – Normalized Data and How It Can Mislead 12:00 – Purdue-Pharma-Style Chart Tricks 15:30 – What Error Bars Actually Tell You 21:00 – When to Question What You’re Being Shown 25:30 – Reading Research Papers Without Wasting Time 30:00 – Motivation, Funding, and Hidden Bias 34:00 – Final Thoughts Guest Info Name: Dr. Jon Belkowitz Company: Intelligent Concrete Email: jon@intelligent-concrete.com Website: www.intelligent-concrete.com Concrete Logic Academy Earn PDHs in the same straight-talk format as the podcast: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast Support the show: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate KUIU helps support the podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Media, sponsorship, or content inquiries: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com Credits Producer: Douglas H. Clarke, Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic Media Music by Mike Dunton: <aPlayPlay EP #141: Concrete Data - How to Spot the BS
• EP #140: Building the #1 Concrete Contractor in America: Grit, Growth & 50+ Years of LessonsNov 27, 2025 · 1 hr 2 minEveryone in the concrete world knows the Baker name, but very few know the real story. This episode finally gets it on record. Dan Baker walks through how the company started with three brothers, $500, and a truck that needed a hill to start — and how it grew into ENR’s #1 concrete contractor in America. Dan lays out the moves, the mistakes, the risks, and the mindset shifts required to grow from residential slabs to major industrial, stadiums, and billion-dollar work. If you're trying to scale a concrete company, this episode is a roadmap. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN What allowed Baker to jump from residential flatwork to commercial and industrial work The key moment that changed the company’s trajectory forever Why the first stadium project lost seven figures — and what Dan did next When to hire someone smarter than you (and why you may have to pay them more than yourself) Why Dan says contractors must “either know or should have known” when things go wrong How to build a reputation that actually carries you into bigger work CHAPTERS 00:00 – Why this is the most requested interview in show history 01:24 – The real origins of Baker Concrete in 1968 09:59 – Learning concrete the hard way (and the right way) 17:40 – The A-frame job that changed everything 23:27 – Turner hands Baker the total-package blueprint 26:50 – What it truly takes to “cross over” in this industry 37:25 – Losing a million dollars on a stadium — and still going after the Bengals 42:50 – Becoming (and staying) #1 48:11 – Dan explains the “Amish Marines” mindset 50:17 – People. Honor. Grit. Baker’s core in one sentence. GUEST INFO Dan Baker Founder, Baker Concrete Construction Bio: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/daniel-l-baker/ Company: Baker Construction Enterprises Website: https://www.bakerconstruction.com SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you learned something from this conversation — consider donating. It keeps the show independent and education-first: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/ PODCAST PARTNERS INTELLIGENT CONCRETE Want advanced concrete training, petrography education, mix-design science, and materials research? Visit Intelligent Concrete at: www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligent-concrete CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY EarlyPlayPlay EP #140: Building the #1 Concrete Contractor in America: Grit, Growth & 50+ Years of Lessons
• EP #139: Concrete Reality Check - INDOT Calls Out the Cement IndustryNov 18, 2025 · 39 minIndiana just told the cement industry it won’t accept any blended cement with more than 10% limestone. That’s a first - and it’s not sitting well with the people who pushed Type IL cement in the first place. For the first time, a state DOT pushed back on Type IL cement—and the industry fired back. Indiana’s Department of Transportation says it’s protecting performance after bridge decks started scaling. The American Cement Association says the DOT’s new limits are unnecessary, confusing, and unscientific. So, who’s right—and what does it mean for the rest of the country’s concrete? What You’ll Learn • Why INDOT limited Type IL limestone content to 10% • The ACA’s objections — and what’s left unsaid • How PCA’s 2021 carbon-neutrality roadmap and the federal Buy Clean program accelerated the switch to Type IL • Why the “one-to-one replacement” claim may have been oversold • How variable limestone content (≈7.6–12.4%) affects consistency and performance • Why admixtures and curing aren’t substitutes for good practice • What INDOT’s maintenance and inspection programs get right • Why other DOTs may follow Indiana’s lead next Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & ACA Briefing Overview 01:00 – INDOT’s 10% Limit and Industry Response 04:00 – How Type IL Cement Took Over the Market 07:30 – PCA Roadmap & Federal Buy Clean Pressure 10:30 – Complacency and the One-to-One Myth 14:00 – What Really Drove the 2021–2023 Flip 18:00 – Cement Chemistry and QC in the Field 22:00 – The Variability Problem: 7.6% vs 12.4% Limestone 26:30 – Are Admixtures and Curing the Real Culprits? 30:00 – INDOT’s Data-Driven Maintenance Approach 32:00 – Why Other States Are Watching Closely Guest Info Dr. Jon Belkowitz – Chief Technical Officer, Intelligent Concrete Email: jon@intelligent-concrete.com Website: https://www.intelligent-concrete.com Concrete Logic Academy Earn your PDHs the logical way. Explore practical courses made for contractors, engineers, and producers. Free trial: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast Support the show and be listed as a Producer for life on the episode page: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support Media & Sponsorship Inquiries: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com Podcast Partners Intelligent Concrete At Intelligent Concrete, we combine lab precision with fiPlayPlay EP #139: Concrete Reality Check - INDOT Calls Out the Cement Industry
• EP #138: Is Low Rho Concrete the Hidden Key to Cooler, More Efficient Data Centers?Nov 6, 2025 · 35 minWhat if your concrete mix could cut a data center’s power bill by 15%? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett talks with Frank Stankunas Sr., Frank Stankunas Jr., and James Cordeiro from Silverback Concrete about a concept most engineers haven’t thought about—thermal resistivity in concrete. They explain how low rho concrete helps data centers shed heat faster, take pressure off the grid, and extend the life of buried electrical infrastructure. You’ll hear how they’re testing mixes that hit rho values in the 20s, why quality control is everything, and why engineers need to stop “copying and pasting” specs from old jobs. By the end, you’ll see why thermal resistivity may be the next big efficiency play in the world’s fastest-growing utility - data. What You’ll Learn • What thermal resistivity (rho) actually measures in concrete. • How low rho concrete reduces power bills and protects the grid. • Why inconsistent mixes can cause “thermal runaway” in cables. • How soil type and aggregate selection affect heat dissipation. • What testing and verification look like for low rho concrete. • Why some engineers are still unaware of rho’s importance. • How Silverback’s “Game Changer” mix is redefining performance. • What collaboration between engineers and contractors could unlock next. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Thermal Resistivity in Concrete 01:48 – Understanding Thermal Resistivity and Its Importance 05:21 – Comparing Standard Concrete Mixes to Low Rho Concrete 09:08 – Testing and Verifying Thermal Resistivity 12:37 – Quality Control and Consistency in Concrete Mixes 16:22 – The Role of Engineers in Specifying Rho Values 20:05 – Innovative Approaches to Reducing Heat in Data Centers 23:37 – Conclusion and Future Directions for Concrete Technology Guest Info Frank Stankunas Sr. – President, Silverback Concrete fstankunas@silverbackconcrete.co Frank Stankunas Jr. – Vice President, Silverback Concrete fstankunasjr@silverbackconcrete.co James Cordeiro – Director of Strategic Development, Silverback Concrete jcordeiro@silverbackconcrete.co https://www.silverbackconcrete.co Concrete Logic Academy Earn your PDHs the logical way. Explore practical courses made for contractors, engineers, and producers. Free trial: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast Support the show and be listed as a Producer for life on the episode page: <a href="https://www.concretelogicPlayPlay EP #138: Is Low Rho Concrete the Hidden Key to Cooler, More Efficient Data Centers?
• EP #137: Silica Fume vs. Colloidal Silica in Concrete - Which One Really Performs?Oct 28, 2025 · 53 minWhat 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 the only question that matters: What are we really asking this concrete to do? What You’ll Learn • What is silica fume really — and how did it end up in our concrete? • How does colloidal silica change the way concrete performs in the field? • Why bridge deck overlays using silica fume often fail before their time. • How mix design mistakes turn silica fume into a “volatile” material. • Why colloidal silica can actually cost less than silica fume. • What’s the environmental truth behind “green” cement substitutes? • Why performance specifications—not recipes—should drive concrete design. • The one ASTM document every purchaser should actually read. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 01:36 Understanding Silica Fume 05:11 Colloidal Silica vs. Silica Fume 13:38 Practical Applications and Challenges 18:34 Cost Analysis and Environmental Impact 32:52 Exploring Concrete Associations and Data Sources 33:07 Understanding CO₂ Emissions in Concrete Materials 34:34 Debating Environmental Impact of Fly Ash 36:03 The Role of Coal in Concrete Production 38:23 Analyzing Silica Fume vs. Colloidal Silica 40:10 Cost and Benefits of Silica in Concrete 41:23 Challenges in Using Silica Fume 43:03 Evaluating Cost Structures of Concrete Materials 45:22 Understanding Concrete Specifications and Purchaser Requirements 46:56 Concluding Thoughts on Concrete Practices Guest Info Dan McCoy, P.E. — R.L. McCoy, Inc. Email: danmccoy@rlmccoy.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-mccoy-48507730/ Website: https://www.rlmccoy.com Dr. Jon Belkowitz, Ph.D., P.E. — Director of Research, Intelligent Concrete Email: jon.belkowitz@intelligent-concrete.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-belkowitz-phd-pe-53494719/ Website: https://intelligent-concrete.com Concrete Logic Academy Earn PDHs for courses built from real podcast episodes. Start learning at <a href="https://www.concretelogicacademy.com" target="_blaPlayPlay EP #137: Silica Fume vs. Colloidal Silica in Concrete - Which One Really Performs?
• EP #136: Concrete Profit — 7 Ways Ready-Mix Producers Can Stop Losing MoneyOct 16, 2025 · 34 minWhat 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 driver retention to scheduling and waste management. Whether you manage a single plant or oversee a regional operation, this episode gives you a practical, no-nonsense look at what’s actually driving your profits (and losses) today. What You’ll Learn • Why does Tamson say “we don’t sell concrete—we sell truck space”? • What simple maintenance strategy can save thousands in downtime? • How can ready-mix companies cut driver turnover by focusing on the right incentives? • What’s the real cost of a truck sitting on the jobsite? • How does batching setup and admixture sequencing impact load times and profit? • What can schedulers do to eliminate wasted hours in the yard? • How can waste and return concrete be turned into an extra revenue stream? Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: The Profitability Puzzle in Ready-Mix 01:19 – Shifting Perspective: Concrete as a Service, Not a Product 03:25 – Low Hanging Fruit: Equipment Maintenance 04:36 – People Matter: Keeping Delivery Pros on the Team 08:20 – Truck Turnaround: The Real KPI That Matters 11:02 – Load Times and Plant Flow: Admixtures, Sequencing, and Efficiency 18:16 – Scheduling for Success: Managing Peak Demand 22:54 – Waste Management: Turning Returns into Revenue Guest Info Tamson Omps Director of Operations, Thomas Concrete Email: tamson.omps@thomasconcrete.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamson-omps-mba/ Company: Thomas Concrete – https://www.thomasconcrete.com Concrete Logic Academy Earn PDHs the easy way. Listen to podcast episodes, complete a short quiz, and get professional development hours with proper documentation. Start your free trial: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast This show runs on a Value-for-Value model. If you got value from this episode, consider supporting us: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate Support the show while gearing up with KUIU premium outdoor gear —what Seth wears both on the hunt and on the job. Shop throughPlayPlay EP #136: Concrete Profit — 7 Ways Ready-Mix Producers Can Stop Losing Money
• EP #135: Concrete Job Market - 2025 RealityOct 7, 2025 · 37 minHave 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 paycheck. From recruiter strategies to personal career sacrifices, this conversation helps job seekers and companies get clear on today’s landscape. What You'll Learn Why are workers staying longer instead of chasing new jobs? Is relocating still worth it in today’s construction market? What red flags should candidates look for when evaluating opportunities? How can recruiters use advanced communication to stand out? What do market cycles reveal about job security and loyalty in construction? Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to the Current Job Market 01:32 – Shifts in Job Seekers' Mindsets 05:26 – Personal Experiences in Career Moves 07:19 – Market Trends and Job Tenure 09:12 – Cyclical Nature of the Construction Industry 16:26 – Evaluating Job Opportunities and Red Flags 21:27 – The Importance of Advanced Communication 25:42 – Regional Market Insights and Trends Guest Info Patrick Narron Email: narronp@bakerconstruction.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickpnarron/ Company: Baker Construction – www.bakerconstruction.com Parker Jackson Email: jacksonp@bakerconstruction.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-jackson-tamu/ Company: Baker Construction – www.bakerconstruction.com Concrete Logic Academy Earn PDHs the easy way. Listen to podcast episodes, complete a short quiz, and get professional development hours with proper documentation. Start your free trial: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academy Support the Podcast This show runs on a Value-for-Value model. If you got value from this episode, consider supporting us: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate Support the show while gearing up with KUIU premium outdoor gear—what Seth wears both on the hunt and on the job. Shop through this link at no extra cost: <a href="https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/KUIU" target="_blaPlayPlay EP #135: Concrete Job Market - 2025 Reality
• EP #134: Concrete vs. Mass Timber – Sorting Fact from HypeSep 25, 2025 · 32 minMass 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 tradeoffs that get lost in the marketing. What You'll Learn - What exactly qualifies as mass timber, and why is CLT the dominant product? - Can timber’s speed of construction outweigh prefabrication challenges? - Why do acoustics and fire safety force timber to rely on concrete toppings? - How do insurance and durability concerns stack up against concrete? - Are sustainability claims for timber real—or just another sales pitch? - Where does concrete still deliver advantages timber can’t match? Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Mass Timber and Concrete 04:38 – Understanding Mass Timber Products 09:00 – Advantages of Mass Timber in Construction 13:40 – Design Considerations and Aesthetics 18:22 – Durability, Maintenance, and Sustainability 22:48 – Cost, Insurance, and Market Trends Guest Info Name: Garrett Braun Email: gbraun@blueneststructural.com Website: https://www.blueneststructural.com/ Company: Blue Nest Structural Concrete Logic Academy Earn PDHs the easy way. Listen to podcast episodes, complete a short quiz, and get professional development hours with proper documentation. Start your free trial: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academy Support the Podcast This show runs on a Value-for-Value model. If you got value from this episode, consider supporting us: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate Support the show while gearing up with KUIU premium outdoor gear —what Seth wears both on the hunt and on the job. Shop through this link at no extra cost: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/KUIU Want help with media services like podcasting or YouTube for your concrete company? Reach out to Seth at seth@concretelogicpodcast.com. Credits Producers: Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/ Connectivity Host: Seth Tandett, Concrete VisionaPlayPlay EP #134: Concrete vs. Mass Timber – Sorting Fact from Hype
• EP #133: Concrete, Climate, and the Missing Science of EvaporationSep 16, 2025 · 32 minWhat 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 sublimation and surface chemistry to curing practices and accountability, this episode forces the industry to face a missing piece of science hiding in plain sight. What You'll Learn - Can light alone drive evaporation—and what does that mean for concrete curing? - Why does cold-weather curing produce more durable concrete? - Is sublimation the hidden culprit behind freeze–thaw damage? - How does surface relative humidity affect cement formation efficiency? - Why do laboratory tests keep producing results that don’t match the field? - Could pigmented curing compounds or internal curing be the next solution? - Are installers being unfairly blamed for failures tied to ignored science? Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Concrete Climate and Missing Science 01:44 – MIT’s Light-Driven Evaporation Discovery 05:41 – Why This Matters for Concrete Durability 11:35 – Relative Humidity and Cement Formation 17:24 – Sunlight, Chemistry, and Curing Practices 23:13 – Future Directions and Industry Accountability Guest Info Name: Bob Higgins Email: rcconsulting.higgins@gmail.com Webpage: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/robert-higgins/ Company: Independent Concrete Consultant Concrete Logic Academy Looking for practical, real-world education in concrete? Get your first PDH course FREE at the Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academy Support the Podcast This show runs on a Value-for-Value model. If you got value from this episode, consider supporting us: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate Support the show while gearing up with KUIU premium outdoor gear—what Seth wears both on the hunt and on the job. Shop through this link at no extra cost to you: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/KUIU Want help with media services like podcasting or YouTube for your concrete company? Reach out to Seth at seth@concretelogicpodcast.com. Credits Producers: Jodi TandettPlayPlay EP #133: Concrete, Climate, and the Missing Science of Evaporation
• EP #132: Concrete Truth - What the 2024 PLC Report Admits That 2011 Didn’tSep 4, 2025 · 23 minBack 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 question: would PLC be this widespread without the CO₂ storyline? What You’ll Learn - What the 2011 report promised vs. what the 2024 report now admits. - How carbonation, chloride ingress, admixture control, and curing show up in the latest findings. - What the project examples (PCA exposure site, Utah DOT bridges, Texas pavements, European jobs) really say. - Claimed upsides beyond CO₂: energy savings, workability, and mass concrete heat benefits. - Why PLC is less forgiving than Type I/II—and what that means on real jobs. - The big question: is PLC an innovation or a policy-driven shift? Chapters 00:00 – Welcome, solo setup, and callback to EP #126 00:30 – Why revisit PLC? ACA’s comment and the 2024 report 02:00 – Blended cement usage spike: under 10% to ~65% in a few years 03:00 – 2011 → 2024: from “no risk” to “manageable issues” 05:00 – Admixtures/air, SCMs, and curing: where sensitivity shows up 07:00 – Positives claimed beyond CO₂: energy, workability, mass concrete 08:30 – What case studies actually show (PCA prisms, Utah bridges, Texas pavements, Europe) 12:00 – PLC is less forgiving: tighter margins than Type I/II 13:30 – What’s still missing: long-term (50–100 yr) performance proof 15:30 – Would PLC exist without the CO₂ narrative? 16:30 – Support the show + open invite for guests 17:30 – Outro Concrete Logic Academy Want to go further? Courses and PDHs for concrete pros: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast If this helped you think differently about concrete, consider supporting the show: - Donate: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate - Kuiu gear (affiliate link): https://kuiu.sjv.io/Z6D1XW - Looking for media help—podcasting, YouTube, or storytelling for your concrete company? Reach out to Seth at seth@concretelogicpodcast.com to learn more. Credits Produced by Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic Media Music by Mike Dunton ( https://www.mdunton.com/) Stay Connected Host: Seth Tandett, Concrete Visionary & Industry Expert <brPlayPlay EP #132: Concrete Truth - What the 2024 PLC Report Admits That 2011 Didn’t
• EP #131: AI in Concrete Construction: Threat or Opportunity?Aug 26, 2025 · 41 minIs 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 a tool—it’s a disruptor. The opportunities are real, but so are the threats. If you’re in concrete and construction, you can’t afford to ignore what’s coming. What You’ll Learn What exactly is AI and a large language model (and why should concrete pros care)? How can field leaders use AI to turn jobsite chaos into clear, professional communication? What practical AI tools exist today for handling manuals, SDS sheets, specs, and safety talks? Why are “gray collar” trades positioned uniquely in the AI shift? How will AI impact the traditional career ladder for project engineers and assistant PMs? Is AI really taking jobs—or just changing how we use people on jobsites? How can companies re-skill and re-align their workforce to get ahead of this shift? Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and intro to Chad Gill 01:00 – AI in construction: hype vs reality 02:15 – Defining AI and large language models 07:00 – Why AI adoption feels like a “tectonic shift” 09:05 – Concrete industry use cases for AI 11:00 – AI for manuals, specs, and safety talks 14:00 – The importance of good prompts (“prompt jockeys”) 17:30 – Voice-to-text and better field reporting 20:00 – AI for project management and estimating 22:00 – Avoiding hallucinations and bad data 25:00 – Coaching, feedback, and leadership with AI 27:00 – Pre-pour meetings and training applications 29:00 – Will project engineer jobs disappear? 33:00 – Realigning roles for efficiency and safety 35:00 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Chad Guest Info Chad Gill – President, VAs for Construction Website: https://vas4construction.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-gill Concrete Logic Academy Want to go further? Visit Concrete Logic Academy for free and premium courses built for industry pros: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast If you value conversations like this, please consider supporting the show: - Donate: httPlayPlay EP #131: AI in Concrete Construction: Threat or Opportunity?
• EP #130: Concrete Failing with Type IL? It Might Be the Admixtures, Not the CementAug 14, 2025 · 38 minEveryone’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-listen. What You’ll Learn: Why do so many people still believe Type IL is a one-to-one replacement? What’s the real impact of outdated admixtures on today’s cement? How do compatibility tests help prevent concrete failures? Why are some producers thriving with Type IL while others are falling behind? What questions should ready-mix suppliers be asking their admixture reps? Are outdated specifications setting projects up to fail before they start? How is complacency contributing to early-age concrete failures? Chapters: 00:00 – Dr. Jon Returns from a New Lab 01:28 – Is Type IL Really Here to Stay? 02:52 – “Type IL Is Here… Unless You’re Willing to Pay” 03:41 – It’s Not the Enemy—but It’s Also Not One-to-One 05:36 – We’ve Been Here Before: Lessons from Cement History 08:00 – Admixtures and Compatibility: What’s Changed? 09:49 – Why Some Ready-Mix Producers Are Struggling 11:40 – The Industry’s Selective Memory 14:33 – What We Used to Do (and Should Again) 16:20 – “The Cracks Just Go Away” – Really? 17:45 – Were the Specs Set Up to Fail? 20:27 – Complacency Is Killing Concrete 22:21 – Selling the 1:1 Myth 24:31 – Systemic Failure, Not Isolated Issues 25:48 – Admixture Air Issues, Surface Failures, and Octopus Talk 26:36 – Time to Rethink Our Admixture Strategies 28:41 – All Admixture Companies Can Help—So Why Aren’t We Asking? 30:09 – You Might Have a Problem… 30:30 – Are We the Third Generation Screwing It All Up? 31:58 – Final Message: Start With the Admixtures Guest Info: Dr. Jon Belkowitz Director of Research, Intelligent Concrete Email: jon@intelligent-concrete.com Website: https://www.intelligent-concrete.com Learn with Concrete Logic Academy NEW PDH Course Available! Civil Engineering Business Ethics — 1-hour credit. Take your first class FREE at: www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academy Support the Podcast Want to drive innovation and uncomfortable (but important) conversations in the concrete industry? Become a Producer by Donating Here: www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate Your name will be listed in the episode credits! Credits:PlayPlay EP #130: Concrete Failing with Type IL? It Might Be the Admixtures, Not the Cement
• EP #129: What Hoover Dam Concrete Can Teach Us TodayAug 5, 2025 · 34 minWhat 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 natural pozzolans are making a quiet comeback and why they may deserve another look. What You'll Learn: - What exactly are natural pozzolans, and how do they compare to fly ash? - Can natural pozzolans genuinely enhance concrete durability? - Why have iconic structures like the Pantheon and Hoover Dam relied on natural pozzolans? - What are the realistic limitations, such as water demand and regional availability? - How natural pozzolans stack up against traditional cement and fly ash. - Emerging trends and the growing role of activated pozzolans in construction. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:15 - Understanding Natural Pozzolans 07:30 - Historical Examples & Real-World Performance 14:05 - Benefits vs. Limitations in Today's Market 20:20 - Challenges: Water Demand & Availability 27:50 - Where Natural Pozzolans Fit in Future Projects 33:15 - Summary & Closing Thoughts ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain access to expert video lessons, live Q&As, and professional development hours (PDHs). Learn what textbooks won’t teach you. Start Learning: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! Help us keep the Concrete Logic Podcast going strong. Your donation helps the entire concrete community get better and smarter. Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate Want your company to sponsor the podcast? Learn how: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/p/partner-with-concrete-logic-podcast/ Guest Information: Joseph E. Thomas Executive Director, Natural Pozzolan Association Website: https://www.naturalpozzolan.org Email: info@pozzolan.org Producer: Jodi Tandett Music by: Mike Dunton (Instagram: @Mike_Dunton) Stay Connected & Watch More! Host: Seth Tandett Email: seth@concretelogicpodcast.comPlayPlay EP #129: What Hoover Dam Concrete Can Teach Us Today
• EP #128: Why Soft Skills Still Matter in ConcreteJul 24, 2025 · 31 minWhat’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 full of experts, and how asking the right question might make you the smartest person in the room. If you want to grow in this industry without being that guy , don’t skip this one. What You'll Learn What makes a great networker in the concrete industry? How do you break into a tight-knit group at a networking event? Why listening might be the most underrated leadership skill. How to navigate meetings full of loud voices and strong egos. What kind of follow-up makes you memorable. How to bring value back to your company after an event. Chapters 00:00 Intro: Concrete Chemistry… of People 02:35 The Art of “Making Friends” in Construction 05:10 Why Listening Comes Before Leading 08:55 Type 1L Cement: A Lesson in Communication 10:30 How to Spot Real Networking Opportunities 13:15 What to Do in a Room Full of Strangers 17:00 Why Asking Questions is a Power Move 22:00 Follow-Up That Builds Real Relationships 24:45 Final Advice from James ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain access to expert video lessons, live Q&As, and professional development hours (PDHs). Learn what textbooks won’t teach you. Start Learning: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! Help us keep the Concrete Logic Podcast going strong. Your donation helps the entire concrete community get better and smarter. Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Want your company to sponsor the podcast? Learn how: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/p/partner-with-concrete-logic-podcast/ Guest: James Baty, Concrete Foundations Association Guest Website: https://cfawalls.org Producer: Jodi Tandett Music by: Mike Dunton (Instagram: @Mike _Dunton) Stay Connected & Watch More! Host: Seth Tandett Email: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com <br /PlayPlay EP #128: Why Soft Skills Still Matter in Concrete
• EP #127: Why Type 1L Cement Is Causing Concrete HeadachesJul 15, 2025 · 36 minWhen 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 poorly defined problems, regional quirks, and the disconnect between American and European concrete practices. If you’re trying to figure out why your mix isn’t performing the way it used to, this one’s for you. What You'll Learn Is Type 1L cement actually the problem—or is it how we're using it? How do regional differences change concrete performance? What lessons can we learn from European construction practices? Why might specs that look good on paper still cause problems in the field? How can you prevent the cumulative effects of small material changes from derailing a project? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Type 1L Cement Challenges 01:51 Defining the Problem: Material, Practitioner, or Other Factors 04:12 The Importance of Explicit Problem Definition 06:18 Regional Variations and Their Impact on Concrete Performance 08:39 The Role of Specifications and Methods in Concrete Quality 11:29 Comparing European and American Concrete Practices 13:53 The Need for Systematic Changes in Concrete Methods 16:48 Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Concrete Issues ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain access to expert video lessons, live Q&As, and professional development hours (PDHs). Learn what textbooks won’t teach you. Start Learning: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! Help us keep the Concrete Logic Podcast going strong. Your donation helps the entire concrete community get better and smarter. Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Want your company to sponsor the podcast? Learn how: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/p/partner-with-concrete-logic-podcast/ Guest: Rich Szecsy, Big Town Concrete Guest Website: https://www.bigtownconcrete.com/ Producer:</stronPlayPlay EP #127: Why Type 1L Cement Is Causing Concrete Headaches
• EP #126: What the “State-of-the-Art” PLC Report Quietly Admitted About Concrete PerformanceJul 3, 2025 · 27 minIn 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 assumptions behind the biggest cement shift in decades. Takeaways What happens to concrete strength when limestone content isn't properly optimized? Could higher limestone levels reduce your mix's sulfate resistance? How does increased limestone affect carbonation depth and long-term durability? Is PLC more likely to cause long-term shrinkage or expansion issues? Why are curing practices in Europe so different—and does it matter? How critical is mix design when using PLC instead of traditional cement? Are we relying on research we haven’t actually read or fully understood? Chapters 01:57 Exploring the 2011 State of the Art Report 04:25 Positive Aspects of Portland Limestone Cement 05:49 Cautions and Concerns with PLC 13:25 Comparative Analysis: Europe vs. US Practices 19:20 Conclusion and Importance of Research ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain access to expert video lessons, live Q&As, and professional development hours (PDHs). Learn what textbooks won’t teach you. Start Learning: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! Help us keep the Concrete Logic Podcast going strong. Your donation helps the entire concrete community get better and smarter. Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Want your company to sponsor the podcast? Learn how: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/p/partner-with-concrete-logic-podcast/ Producer: Jodi Tandett Music by: Mike Dunton (Instagram: @Mike_Dunton) Stay Connected & Watch More! Host: Seth Tandett Email: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcasPlayPlay EP #126: What the “State-of-the-Art” PLC Report Quietly Admitted About Concrete Performance
• EP #125: Hot Weather, Hot Mess — The Hidden Dangers of Pouring Concrete in High TemperaturesJun 24, 2025 · 36 minMost 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 on cement hydration, and why most current standards are dangerously outdated. If you’re pouring slabs in hot weather, this episode could save your project—and your reputation. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Is your summer concrete secretly sabotaging long-term strength? What actually happens to cement hydration when concrete gets too hot? Can high early strength be misleading—and even dangerous? Why is the surface of your slab the weakest link in hot weather pours? What’s the truth about internal curing and how can it save your concrete? How does curing temperature affect concrete performance a year later? Are old curing standards putting your concrete projects at risk? Can insulation blankets and self-curing mixes solve the heat problem? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro – Four Questions Every Contractor Should Ask 02:00 Why Heat Hurts Concrete More Than You Think 06:00 Explaining the Graphic: Temperature vs Long-Term Strength 11:30 Surface Damage: The 1-Inch Problem 14:00 What Curing Really Does—and What It Doesn't 17:30 Internal Curing vs Wet Curing 22:00 Misting, Self-Curing Aggregates, and Propylene Glycol 26:00 The Real Reason Roads Fail After 10 Years 30:00 Final Thoughts: Don’t Pour in the Heat Without a Plan Guest: Robert "Concrete Bob" Higgins | RC Consulting Email: rcconsulting.higgins@gmail.com Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/robert-higgins/ ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain access to expert video lessons, live Q&As, and professional development hours (PDHs). Learn what the textbooks won’t teach you. Start Learning: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! Help us keep the Concrete Logic Podcast going strong. Your donation helps the entire concrete community get better and smarter. Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com <brPlayPlay EP #125: Hot Weather, Hot Mess — The Hidden Dangers of Pouring Concrete in High Temperatures
• EP #124: Concrete Design Disasters: What Every Contractor Must KnowJun 12, 2025 · 31 minThinking 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 print in contracts and warranties, and why relying on proprietary systems can come back to bite you. Greg shares lessons learned from decades in the field and lays out what it really takes to build a concrete floor that performs—and protects your business. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Are you unknowingly risking your entire concrete business with every slab design? Why does simply following specs protect your concrete company from lawsuits? Is your subcontractor agreement secretly stacked against you? Could misunderstanding engineering methods be quietly sabotaging your concrete floors? Are proprietary concrete systems really worth the hidden dangers they bring? Is your concrete warranty setting you up for costly surprises? How can skipping simple test pours cost you thousands in repairs? What happens when last-minute design changes threaten the integrity of your concrete projects? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to High Performance Slabs 02:33 Understanding Risks in Concrete Design 08:52 The Role of Contracts and Warranties 15:42 Proprietary Systems and Their Implications 22:38 Navigating Changes in Design and Load Requirements 28:31 Best Practices for Concrete Contractors LISTEN NOW – Every concrete contractor, architect, engineer, and ready-mix concrete producer needs to hear this one! Guest: Greg Fricks Email: gkf@fricksco.com Company: The Fricks Company Website: https://fricksco.com/ ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! Learn More: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! Donate: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Become a producer & get recognized on our next episode! ============================= Producer: Jodi Tandett <brPlayPlay EP #124: Concrete Design Disasters: What Every Contractor Must Know
• EP #123: WTF Happened to This Slab? Concrete Fail Costs That’ll Make You SickJun 3, 2025 · 37 minA 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 failures, and job site reality. What You'll Learn in this episode: What can a flashlight reveal about a slab finish that traditional testing can’t? How can a $5/sqft floor repair balloon into a $200/sqft lawsuit? Why are skilled finishers vanishing—and what’s replacing them? What happens when the wrong concrete is used under vinyl tile? Who usually gets blamed (and pays) when slab issues surface after the pour? What role do insurance companies play when concrete jobs go sideways? Is petrography necessary before deciding to grind or rip out a slab? Why is concrete such a bad substrate for resilient flooring? When does grinding a floor become worse than ripping it out? What legal landmines are hidden in the flooring section of your specs? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Exploring the Lunar Surface: A Unique Perspective 02:51 Concrete Insights: Understanding Surface Finishing Techniques 06:04 The Labor Crisis in Construction: A Growing Concern 08:59 Accountability in Construction: Who's Responsible? 12:01 Built-in Obsolescence: The Cycle of Repairs 14:57 Insurance Claims and Legal Implications in Construction 17:58 Cost Considerations: The Price of Remedial Work 19:44 Understanding Liquidated Damages 20:38 Quality Control in Construction 23:08 Communication Between Contractors and GCs 25:51 Addressing Concrete Issues Promptly 27:41 Evaluating Repair Options 30:34 Long-Term Implications of Concrete Repairs 32:58 Image Analysis in Construction Discussions LISTEN NOW – Every concrete contractor, architect, engineer and ready-mix concrete producer needs to hear this one! Guest: Dr. Jon Belkowitz Email: jon@intelligent-concrete.com Company: Intelligent Concrete Website: intelligent-concrete.com ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! Learn More: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the PodPlayPlay EP #123: WTF Happened to This Slab? Concrete Fail Costs That’ll Make You Sick
• EP #122: How to Eliminate Concrete Cracks —Is Shrinkage Compensating Concrete Worth the Money?May 22, 2025 · 37 minAre 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 are switching to shrinkage compensating concrete, how it compares with traditional mixes, and why proper water curing is critical for success. Plus, find out how new blended cements are transforming the industry’s future. What You'll Learn in this episode: How could shrinkage compensating concrete save you thousands in maintenance costs? Why does shrinkage compensating concrete virtually eliminate cracking compared to traditional concrete? What's the critical secret behind water curing shrinkage compensating concrete? Can shrinkage compensating concrete be effectively used in structures beyond slabs? How can investing in shrinkage compensating concrete lower your long-term project expenses? Why are blended cements becoming the go-to solution for the concrete industry's sustainability goals? What essential testing and quality checks ensure your concrete performance stays consistent despite changing materials? How does shrinkage compensating concrete truly work to offset drying shrinkage? Could adopting shrinkage compensating concrete streamline your construction schedule and reduce delays? What new developments in shrinkage compensating concrete will shape the future of your concrete projects? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Shrinkage Compensating Concrete 01:37 Understanding Shrinkage Compensating Concrete 10:07 Challenges Addressed by Shrinkage Compensating Concrete 13:51 Water Curing and Its Importance 16:46 Impact on Construction Schedule and Costs 21:24 Cost Considerations of Shrinkage Compensating Concrete 25:45 Replacement Percentages and Material Testing 31:00 Future of Blended Cements and Sustainability 35:17 Embracing Change in the Concrete Industry LISTEN NOW – Every concrete contractor, architect, engineer and ready-mix concrete producer needs to hear this one! Guest: Lee Thrasher Email: lthrasher@ctscement.com Company: CTS Cement Website: ctscement.com ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! Learn More: <PlayPlay EP #122: How to Eliminate Concrete Cracks —Is Shrinkage Compensating Concrete Worth the Money?
• EP #121: Robotics’ Impact on Concrete Floors: Are Your Specs Ready?May 13, 2025 · 30 minCould 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 settings, and the crucial role floor conditions play in automation success. Derek stresses the importance of setting clear expectations and maintaining communication between project teams to prevent costly mistakes due to poor floor specifications. If you're in construction or planning for automated systems, this episode is a must-listen. What You'll Learn in this episode: Why are FF and FL ratings no longer enough for modern robotics? What exactly are "free movement" floors, and how do they benefit robotics? How do "defined traffic" floors impact robotic movement in industrial settings? Why is measuring floor flatness more complex than just using a dipstick? What specific environmental specs do robotics manufacturers require for floors? How can poor floor conditions lead to costly automation failures? Why is setting clear expectations in concrete contracts critical for automation success? How can better communication between project teams prevent automation issues? What can we learn from European practices that might improve our floor specifications? Can repairing floors actually boost the efficiency of automated systems? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Concrete Floor Specifications 03:07 Understanding FF and FL Ratings 05:59 Free Movement vs. Defined Traffic Floors 09:04 Measuring Floor Flatness and Levelness 12:03 The Role of Robotics in Floor Specifications 14:57 Challenges with Current Specifications 18:02 Setting Expectations in Concrete Contracts 21:03 The Importance of Communication 23:53 Learning from European Practices 26:55 Automation Failures and Floor Conditions 29:58 Conclusion and Contact Information LISTEN NOW – Every concrete contractor, architect, engineer and spec writer needs to hear this one! Guest: Derek Cressman Company: Durable Surfaces Website: durablesurfaces.com Email: derek@durablesurfaces.com ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! Learn More: <a href="https://www.concretelogicacademy.com" target="_blPlayPlay EP #121: Robotics’ Impact on Concrete Floors: Are Your Specs Ready?
• EP #120: Will AI Save the Future of Concrete Construction?May 1, 2025 · 37 minWhat 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. Tune in to find out how data, technology, and strategy come together to reshape the future of concrete. Don’t miss this essential conversation for anyone looking to stay ahead in the industry! What You'll Discover in This Episode: Could AI be the key to solving some of the concrete industry's biggest challenges, but not the magic fix we thought? ️ What other tools, beyond AI, are actually necessary to boost productivity in the concrete world? How can conversational AI change the way we interact with data—and why does it matter for your business? ‍♂️ Can AI help with mix designs, or is there still a critical role for engineers that no machine can replace? Why is data quality the make-or-break factor in AI’s ability to work effectively in the concrete industry? What’s the real power of understanding the context behind the data when applying AI in construction? How can AI actually predict your business outcomes, and why does it matter for decision-making? What hidden costs could AI reveal when measuring ROI, and why should you care about lost margins? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to the Concrete Industry's Challenges 03:06 The Role of AI in Addressing Labor Shortages 05:59 AI as a Tool for Productivity Improvement 08:49 Transforming Data into Actionable Insights 11:56 Understanding AI's Error Rates and Limitations 15:11 Learning and Adapting AI to Business Needs 18:13 Common Misunderstandings About AI 20:48 Data Quality and Its Importance 24:12 The Case for AI Adoption in Concrete Production 27:01 Quantifying the ROI of AI in the Industry LISTEN NOW – Every concrete contractor & engineer needs to hear this one! Guest: Ramy Sedra Company: C60 Email: ramy.sedra@c60.ai Website: https://www.c60.ai ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! Learn More: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast –PlayPlay EP #120: Will AI Save the Future of Concrete Construction?
• EP #119: Is More Limestone the Key to Stronger, Cheaper Concrete? Find Out!Apr 22, 2025 · 53 minWhat 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, and understanding the water-cement ratio can improve workability and strength. Plus, get insights on the challenges and benefits of low carbon concrete, real-world applications, and the regulatory hurdles that must be overcome to make these innovations standard in construction. Don’t miss it! What’s Inside: Limestone reduces cement content in concrete mixes. ACI 211-7R provides guidelines for using mineral fillers. Particle size distribution and admixtures optimize performance. Real-world applications demonstrate the benefits of reduced cement mixes. Low carbon concrete excels in strength, workability, and durability. Regulatory challenges exist around water-cement ratios and limestone classification. Smarter material use can reduce costs and improve sustainability. Ongoing research is key to advancing concrete technology. CHAPTERS : 00:00 Introduction to Concrete Innovations 02:56 Understanding ACI 211-7R and Its Implications 06:06 The Role of Limestone in Concrete Performance 08:56 Balancing Performance and Cost in Concrete Mixes 11:58 Water Demand and Its Impact on Concrete Quality 15:00 Particle Size Distribution and Its Importance 17:59 Admixtures and Their Role in Modern Concrete 21:06 Real-World Applications and Case Studies 23:54 Feedback from Finishers and Practical Considerations 29:27 Performance of Low Carbon Concrete 32:13 Regulatory Challenges and Water-Cement Ratio 35:02 Innovations in Cement and SCMs 38:47 Field Testing and Real-World Applications 46:04 Durability Testing and Future Prospects LISTEN NOW – Every concrete contractor & engineer needs to hear this one! Guest: John Guynn Company: Roman Cement Email: john.guynn@roman-cement.com Website: www.roman-cement.com ‍Guest: John Kline Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kline-18003010/ ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! Learn More: <a href="https://www.concretelogicacademy.com" taPlayPlay EP #119: Is More Limestone the Key to Stronger, Cheaper Concrete? Find Out!
• EP #118: Concrete Petrography ExplainedApr 10, 2025 · 51 minIn 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 your concrete, this episode is for you. What’s Inside: ✔️ What petrography actually is—and how it applies to concrete ✔️ How SEM, NMR, and XRD tools help detect durability issues ✔️ Real-world case studies from flooring issues to nano silica research ✔️ Why more contractors should use petrography proactively, not reactively ✔️ What this type of analysis costs—and when it’s worth every penny ✔️ Dr. Jon’s shoutouts to the industry’s best petrographers ✔️ Why it’s getting harder to find great petrographers in the field CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro: Why Petrography Matters 01:30 – Defining Petrography (Latin Roots to FHWA Guidance) 03:00 – Reactive vs Proactive Applications 05:00 – Flooring Failures: Moisture, Salts, & Surface Analysis 07:30 – Microscopes Explained: SEM, Gas Chromatography & More 10:00 – ASR Gel Under the Scope 14:00 – How Data Helps Tell the Failure Story 17:30 – Proactive Use: Aggregates, Cement & Nano Silica 20:00 – Misconceptions About Petrography 23:00 – Dr. Jon’s U.S. Army-Funded Nano Silica Study 30:00 – The High-Tech Tools That Reveal Concrete Behavior 40:00 – Cost Breakdown: Is It Worth It? 43:00 – Top Petrographers You Should Know 45:00 – Final Thoughts: Use Petrography When It Matters Most LISTEN NOW – Every concrete contractor needs to hear this one! ‍ Guest: Dr. Jon Belkowitz Company: Intelligent Concrete Email: jon@intelligent-concrete.com Website: https://www.intelligent-concrete.com ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! Learn More: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! Donate: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Become a producer & get recognized on our next episoPlayPlay EP #118: Concrete Petrography Explained
• EP #117: Boosting Concrete Testing Accuracy with the CTAC ProgramApr 1, 2025 · 31 minIn 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 ACI-certified technicians, the importance of correct testing, and how the program benefits contractors and suppliers by improving the accuracy of concrete testing. What’s Inside: ✔️ The importance of proper cylinder curing and testing ✔️ Why the CTAC Program is essential for concrete contractors and suppliers ✔️ How improper testing can lead to over-design and unnecessary cement usage ✔️ A breakdown of the CTAC program's 4 critical observations ✔️ The role of ACI-certified technicians in ensuring accurate tests ✔️ The future of the CTAC program and its plans for broader adoption CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction to Todd Ohlheiser and the CTAC Program 02:00 – The Role of Testing Cylinders in Concrete Quality 04:00 – The Impact of Improper Curing on Concrete Strength 05:00 – How the CTAC Program Works: 4 Simple Observations 08:00 – The Problem of Low Strength Results and How CTAC Helps 11:00 – Real-World Applications of the CTAC Program in Concrete Projects 14:00 – The Future of Concrete Testing and Lowering Carbon Emissions 17:30 – How the Program Has Improved Training for Field Technicians 20:00 – Key Benefits for Contractors Using the CTAC Program 23:00 – How to Get Involved and Implement the Program in Your Area 25:00 – Closing Thoughts: Improving the Industry Together LISTEN NOW – A MUST for anyone in the concrete industry! ‍‍ Guest: Todd Ohlheiser | Executive Director, CRMCA & CSSGA Email: todd@crmca.org Guest Website: https://www.crmca.org ============================= This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we'll receive a small commission. ============================= Recommended Resources: CTAC Program : Learn more about the program here: https://www.concretetac.com ACI Field 1 Certification : Understanding concrete testing standards: https://shorturl.at/EBP5S Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusivePlayPlay EP #117: Boosting Concrete Testing Accuracy with the CTAC Program
• EP #116: Why Concrete Fails – The Hidden Truths About Moisture, Salt & CuringMar 20, 2025 · 50 minEP #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 surprising science of self-curing concrete, this episode is packed with critical insights that every builder, engineer, and contractor needs to know. What’s Inside: ✔️ The real reasons older concrete is crumbling faster than expected ✔️ How moisture and salts silently destroy structures from the inside out ✔️ Self-curing concrete – the future or just another industry myth? ✔️ Why the 28-day strength test might be misleading you ✔️ The shocking truth about concrete chemistry (and why it matters!) ✔️ How a lack of transparency in concrete production is hurting the industry CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Concrete’s Biggest Challenges 03:29 – Why Older Concrete Is Crumbling 08:40 – The Science Behind Moisture & Salts 15:13 – Game-Changing Curing Innovations 21:14 – The Real Impact of Environmental Factors 24:20 – What Happens When Concrete Meets Water 25:21 – The Hidden Effect of Salts 27:00 – Cement Composition Secrets 29:48 – Self-Desiccation & Strength 32:15 – The Future of Concrete Hardening 34:44 – Modern Concrete’s Biggest Pitfalls 37:49 – The Truth About Transparency in Cement LISTEN NOW – This is a MUST for anyone in the concrete industry! ‍‍ Guest: Robert "Concrete Bob" Higgins | RC Consulting Email: rcconsulting.higgins@gmail.com Guest Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/robert-higgins/ ============================= Recommended Book: Curing Concrete – https://amzn.to/41UMJ0u Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! The easiest way to earn PDHs is by listening to the Concrete Logic Podcast and taking our courses on the Concrete Logic Academy! This episode's course can be found here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/landing/plans/1537488 More courses here: </stPlayPlay EP #116: Why Concrete Fails – The Hidden Truths About Moisture, Salt & Curing
• EP #115: How to Get to the Top in Concrete Construction (C-Suite Insights)Mar 11, 2025 · 43 minThe 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 ✅ The realities of C-suite roles – is it for you? ✅ The power of accountability & dependability in leadership TOP TAKEAWAYS: Climbing to executive roles requires strategic career planning. Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise. Accountability & dependability define great leaders. Communicate your career goals to your employer. Build a strong network—it’s essential in the construction industry. Every career move should be about learning & growth, not just salary. Personal development opens doors to greater opportunities. CHAPTERS: ⏳ 00:00 – Introduction to Career Advancement 02:36 – The Role of a Talent Acquisition Specialist 05:45 – Pathways to Executive Leadership ️ 08:40 – Why Soft Skills Matter 11:56 – Strategic Career Moves & Communication ️ 14:46 – Navigating the C-Suite Landscape ✔️ 17:39 – The Value of Accountability & Dependability 20:49 – Understanding C-Suite Realities 23:47 – Developing Future Leaders 26:39 – Final Takeaways LISTEN NOW! Guest: Patrick Narron | Baker Construction Connect with Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickpnarron/ Resources & Leadership Books: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – https://amzn.to/4byR9yU The Wisdom of the Bullfrog – https://amzn.to/3DJ79Sg The Mission, The Men, and Me – https://amzn.to/3DHpCyB The Go-Giver – https://amzn.to/4bMKmlj Concrete Logic Academy – https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Why Join the Concrete Logic Academy? Hands-On Video Courses ️ Live Q&A Sessions ️ Collaborative Projects Exclusive Podcast Recordings Concrete Library Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) Music by: Mike Dunton Website: https://wwwPlayPlay EP #115: How to Get to the Top in Concrete Construction (C-Suite Insights)
• EP #114: The True Cost of Low Carbon ConcreteFeb 27, 2025 · 56 minThe 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 The role of proper curing in maximizing durability TOP TAKEAWAYS: Sustainability requires a holistic approach—it's not just about reducing carbon but ensuring durability. Understanding the full life cycle of materials helps in making cost-effective choices. The right curing process significantly impacts concrete strength and longevity. Innovations in concrete technology will shape the next generation of sustainable infrastructure. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction to Low-Carbon Concrete 03:14 – The Science Behind Low-Carbon Materials 07:36 – Breaking Down the True Costs ️ 12:10 – The Role of Proper Curing 16:45 – Long-Term Performance Considerations 20:52 – Future Innovations in Sustainable Concrete 25:31 – Final Thoughts & Industry Impact LISTEN NOW! Guest: Dr. Jon Belkowitz Connect with Jon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-belkowitz/ Resources & Recommended Book: Curing Concrete – https://amzn.to/41UMJ0u Concrete Logic Academy – https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Why Join the Concrete Logic Academy? ️ Hands-On Video Courses Live Q&A Sessions Collaborative Projects Exclusive Podcast Recordings Concrete Library Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) Music by: Mike Dunton Website: https://www.mikeduntonmusic.com Host: Seth Tandett Email: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ Podcast Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Support the Podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/ Don’t forget to LIKE , SUBSCRIBE , and SHARE ⤴️ for more expert insights on concrete construction and sustainability! #ConcreteLogic #SustainableConcrete #LowCarbonConcrete #ConstructionInnovationPlayPlay EP #114: The True Cost of Low Carbon Concrete
• EP #113: Transforming Waste: Synthetic Aggregates and Sustainable ConcreteFeb 18, 2025 · 46 minIn 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 waste and meeting environmental goals. Takeaways Synthetic aggregates are made from recycled materials to create functional aggregates for construction. The Synthetic Aggregate Association aims to promote the use of innovative and sustainable aggregates. There are various types of synthetic aggregates, including glass, plastics, and industrial byproducts. Synthetic aggregates can help minimize waste streams and reduce reliance on natural resources. Applications of synthetic aggregates include lightweight concrete, fireproof panels, and soil additives. Awareness and acceptance of synthetic aggregates are essential for their widespread adoption. The construction industry can align with global sustainability goals by adopting synthetic aggregates. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Synthetic Aggregates 02:28 The Mission of the Synthetic Aggregate Association 06:34 Types of Synthetic Aggregates 10:42 Challenges and Innovations in Synthetic Aggregates 18:47 The Future of Sustainable Construction Materials 25:27 The Impact of Synthetic Aggregates on Sustainability 26:48 Challenges in Adoption of Synthetic Aggregates 27:44 Applications of Synthetic Aggregates in Concrete 30:31 Innovative Uses of Synthetic Aggregates 32:27 Standards and Acceptance of Synthetic Aggregates 35:26 Volume Additives and Their Role 38:01 Addressing Alkaline Silica Reaction (ASR) 40:15 The Future of Plastics in Concrete 42:08 Recycling Practices and Their Impact 43:30 Joining the Synthetic Aggregate Association *** Did you learn something from this episode? Would you like to support the concrete industry's favorite podcast? If so, donate at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . When YOU donate to the show, you will be listed as a producer of the next episode that is released! Join the Concrete Logic Academy! Enhance your learning from our podcast with engaging quizzes that test your knowledge and help you earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Support Concrete Logic and take your education to the next level! FIND OUT MORE HERE: <a href="https://www.concretelogicaPlayPlay EP #113: Transforming Waste: Synthetic Aggregates and Sustainable Concrete
• EP #112: Ultra High-Performance Concrete - Beyond BridgesFeb 6, 2025 · 51 minIn 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 standards and the need for ongoing discussions in the industry. Takeaways UHPC is not traditional concrete; it has unique properties. The initial cost of UHPC is higher, but it offers long-term savings. Healthy discussions about standards and practices are essential. UHPC can significantly reduce the carbon footprint over time. The material is waterproof and salt-proof, enhancing durability. Testing against projectiles shows UHPC's impressive resistance. Value should be emphasized over cost when discussing UHPC. Real-world applications of UHPC can save time and resources. Collaboration and communication in the industry are crucial for progress. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ultra High-Performance Concrete 02:50 Understanding UHPC: Composition and Properties 06:00 The Value Proposition of UHPC 08:55 Real-World Applications of UHPC 11:59 Testing and Validation of UHPC 15:06 Ballistic Testing and Performance of UHPC 26:00 Understanding NIJ Standards and Testing Protocols 28:58 Performance Metrics of UHPC in Ballistic Testing 33:58 Exploring Potential Applications of UHPC 37:56 Challenges in Concrete Testing and Standards *** Did you learn something from this episode? Would you like to support the concrete industry's favorite podcast? If so, donate at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . When YOU donate to the show, you will be listed as a producer of the next episode that is released! Join the Concrete Logic Academy! Enhance your learning from our podcast with engaging quizzes that test your knowledge and help you earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Support Concrete Logic and take your education to the next level! FIND OUT MORE HERE: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ *** Episode References Guest: Bill Kulish | Steelike, Inc. | bill@steelike.com Guest Website:⁠ https://steelike.com/ Producers: Zac Richardson, Maya Richardson, Tom Cummings, Jodi Tandett Donate & Become a Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://PlayPlay EP #112: Ultra High-Performance Concrete - Beyond Bridges
• EP #111: How Do Standards and SCMs Shape Concrete Durability?Jan 28, 2025 · 47 minIn 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 importance of performance-based specifications in the industry. Takeaways Standards are documents developed through a consensus process. Specifications serve as contracts between buyers and sellers. Fly ash is the most used SCM in concrete. SCMs improve concrete durability by reducing permeability. Variability in materials is a constant challenge in concrete engineering. Performance-based specifications are preferred over prescriptive ones. Emerging materials require new performance-based specifications. Understanding the reactivity of SCMs is crucial for concrete performance. The industry must adapt to evolving standards and specifications. Future specifications aim to encompass a wider range of SCMs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Standards and Specifications 03:09 Understanding Standards vs Specifications 10:17 The Role of Fly Ash in Concrete 18:03 Mechanisms of Durability Improvement 22:52 Emerging Test Methods for SCMs 30:21 Challenges in SEM Usage and Specifications 35:37 Performance-Based Specifications for SCMs 39:43 Future Directions in SCM Standards *** Did you learn something from this episode? Would you like to support the concrete industry's favorite podcast? If so, donate at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . When YOU donate to the show, you will be listed as a producer of the next episode that is released! Join the Concrete Logic Academy! Enhance your learning from our podcast with engaging quizzes that test your knowledge and help you earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Support Concrete Logic and take your education to the next level! FIND OUT MORE HERE: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ *** Episode References Guest: Larry Sutter | Sutter Engineering | sutter.engineering@gmail.com Guest Website:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-sutter-217b358/ Producers: Jodi Tandett Donate & Become aPlayPlay EP #111: How Do Standards and SCMs Shape Concrete Durability?
• EP #110: Revolutionizing Concrete with BiocarbonJan 16, 2025 · 38 minIn 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 collaboration within the concrete sector. Takeaways • Biocarbon can potentially enhance the hydration process in concrete; possible internal curing attribute. • The production of biocarbon is carbon negative, contributing to sustainability efforts. • The material can be used as a fine sand replacement in concrete mixes. • Testing has shown that biocarbon can perform comparably to traditional materials in concrete applications. • Scalability is a focus, with plans to relocate production to areas with suitable feedstocks. • Collaboration with other industries, such as automotive, is key to expanding biocarbon's applications. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Biocarbon and Dama Bioplastics 12:00 Biocarbon in Concrete: Testing and Results 21:59 Scalability and Future Directions for Biocarbon 30:04 Collaboration Opportunities and Industry Challenges *** Did you learn something from this episode? Would you like to support the concrete industry's favorite podcast? If so, donate at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . When YOU donate to the show, you will be listed as a producer of the next episode that is released! Join the Concrete Logic Academy! Enhance your learning from our podcast with engaging quizzes that test your knowledge and help you earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) . Support Concrete Logic and take your education to the next level! FIND OUT MORE HERE: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ *** Episode References Guest: Adam Dietrich | Dama Bioplastics | adam@damabioplastics.com Guest Website:⁠ https://www.damabioplastics.com/ Producers: Jodi Tandett Donate & Become a Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music: Mike Dunton | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.mikeduntPlayPlay EP #110: Revolutionizing Concrete with Biocarbon
• EP #109: ACI 323, The Fast-Approaching Code and Its Impact on ConcreteJan 7, 2025 · 1 hrIn 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 updates to adapt to evolving industry standards. The episode concludes with reflections on the potential impact of the code and the importance of ongoing dialogue in the concrete industry. Takeaways ACI 323 represents a significant shift in concrete standards. The code's implementation may create confusion for industry professionals. Ready-mix producers face challenges in meeting new low carbon requirements. There is a need for clarity on the authority of jurisdiction in code adoption. Frequent updates to the code will be necessary as more data becomes available. The relationship between contractors and ready-mix suppliers is crucial for compliance. Concrete pumping practices may be adversely affected by the new standards. Policymakers will likely default to adopting ACI 323 without fully understanding its implications. Ongoing discussions are essential to navigate the complexities of low carbon concrete. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Concrete Logic Podcast 03:17 Overview of ACI 323 and Its Significance 06:47 Confusion Surrounding Low Carbon Concrete Standards 09:21 Challenges in the Concrete Supply Chain 12:51 The Role of Authorities in Code Adoption 20:42 Impact of Low Carbon Concrete on Local Regulations 28:35 Future Updates and Adaptations of ACI 323 30:01 The Need for Frequent Updates in Concrete Codes 32:02 The Evolution of Low Carbon Concrete Standards 33:50 Challenges in Concrete Production and Compliance 38:55 Confusion Surrounding Concrete Codes and Specifications 48:59 The Impact of Policy on Concrete Standards 51:58 Looking Ahead: Future of Concrete Codes and Practices *** Did you learn something from this episode? Would you like to support the concrete industry's favorite podcast? If so, donate at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . When YOU donate to the show, you will be listed as a producer of the next episode that is released! Join the Concrete Logic Academy! Enhance your learning from our podcast with engaging quizzes that test your knowledge and help you earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs). <bPlayPlay EP #109: ACI 323, The Fast-Approaching Code and Its Impact on Concrete
• EP #108: Concrete Performance vs. Prescriptive SpecificationsDec 26, 2024 · 45 minIn 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 documentation in concrete mixing. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in job site testing, the importance of density measurement, and the need for improved testing standards to ensure safety and sustainability. The discussion also touches on the shift towards performance-based specifications and the confidentiality issues surrounding mix designs. Takeaways • Prescriptive specifications dictate how to mix concrete. • Performance specifications focus on the desired outcomes. • Responsibility shifts to the concrete producer with performance specs. • Hybrid specifications can create contradictions in requirements. • Water quality is a significant concern in concrete mixing. • Testing specimens often get compromised, affecting strength measurements. • Current testing standards are inadequate and need improvement. • Sustainability efforts could be increasing the carbon footprint of concrete. • Industry standards must evolve to reflect practical realities. • Collaboration is needed to improve testing and standards. • Engagement in standards committees is vital for industry progress. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Concrete Specifications 03:25 Understanding Prescriptive vs Performance Specifications 07:30 The Shift in Responsibility 09:50 Hybrid Specifications and Their Challenges 11:46 The Role of Legal in Specification Acceptance 13:24 Concrete Producer's Perspective on Specifications 15:09 Documenting Compliance in Concrete Mixing 16:40 Typical Prescriptive Requirements 19:24 Evolution from Prescriptive to Performance Specifications 21:20 Challenges in Concrete Testing 24:29 Mix Design and Performance Expectations 27:27 The Importance of Density Measurement 29:52 Addressing Testing Standards and Sustainability 32:19 Evolving Towards Performance-Based Specifications 35:18 Confidentiality and Industry Standards *** Did you learn something from this episode? Would you like to support the concrete industry's favorite podcast? If so, donate at https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . When YOU donate to the show, you will be listed as a producer oPlayPlay EP #108: Concrete Performance vs. Prescriptive Specifications