Concrete Logic

Seth Tandett

What is the most used manmade material on Earth? You guessed it – concrete. In each episode of Concrete Logic, we will explore one concrete-related topic with the help of industry professionals that are shaping the future of the trade. We’ll talk with suppliers, contractors, architects, engineers, specialists, and even some proponents of competing materials about their views of concrete and their vision of its future.

  1. 6 days ago

    EP #168: Are We Mishandling Concrete Admixtures?

    JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY. ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST What happens when an admixture reaches the concrete producer in a different condition than when it left the manufacturer? Seth is joined by Concrete Bob Higgins to discuss how heat, cold, microbial growth, separation, and poor storage or transportation can affect water-based admixtures before they enter the mix. They examine how admixtures may change during shipping or storage, why producers should watch for unusual odors, color changes, solids, scum, or consistency changes, and why manufacturers should provide clear handling requirements. Before blaming the cement, weather, batch plant, or contractor for a concrete problem, should we first ask what happened to the admixtures? WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why Bob believes stacking admixtures can create cascading chemical effects in concreteHow microbial growth may change the condition and performance of water-based admixturesWhy biocides are used in some admixture formulationsHow high storage temperatures may affect microbial protectionWhat odor, color, viscosity, sediment, or surface growth may indicate about an admixtureWhy transportation and warehouse conditions matter before an admixture reaches the batch plantSeth’s concern about admixtures traveling through unconditioned trucks and storage containersWhy adding more of a damaged or altered admixture may create additional problemsHow cold temperatures may contribute to separation, crystallization, or inconsistent dosing in some formulationsWhy Bob recommends getting storage and handling requirements from manufacturers in writingWhat ready-mix producers should inspect before using an admixture that appears different than expectedCHAPTERS (00:00) Why admixture handling matters  (03:00) Concrete Logic Academy and a new learning game  (04:16) Are we mishandling concrete admixtures?  (05:21) Cascading effects when admixtures are combined  (06:10) Biocides, heat, and microbial growth  (08:20) What a spoiled admixture may look and smell like  (10:26) Cold-weather storage and water-based products  (12:17) Why Bob wants better shipping quality control  (15:06) Storage temperature and the condition of the product  (17:12) Seth questions what happens during normal transportation  (18:21) Why simply increasing the dosage may not solve the problem  (20:20) Are admixtures tested under real jobsite conditions?  (21:28) Checking microbial-growth claims with AI  (24:06) Refrigerated shipping and controlled storage  (25:53) Separation, crystallization, and dosing consistency  (28:05) Get the manufacturer’s requirements in writing  (28:51) Smell it, inspect it, and do not ignore warning signs  (29:45) Bob’s practical advice for ready-mix producers GUEST INFO Robert "Concrete Bob" Higgins Guest link:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/robert-higgins/ CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Concrete chemistry gets complicated quickly when one change affects everything else in the mix. Understanding why an admixture works, how it should be handled, and what can interfere with its performance gives you a better foundation for solving concrete problems instead of guessing. Concrete Logic Academy provides practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and real-world lessons connected to the podcast. Join for free: https://concreteschool.co SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back. You can support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/ Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media? Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com Looking for workwear and hunting gear that can keep up with demanding conditions? KUIU delivers premium, purpose-built gear designed for serious performance. Get 15% off your first order: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu CREDITS Producers: Joshua Huckeby, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by: Mike Dunton https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH Concrete Logic Podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

    EP #168: Are We Mishandling Concrete Admixtures?

  2. 25 Aug

    EP #167: Is Concrete’s Tough-Guy Culture Putting Workers at Risk?

    JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY. ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Does concrete’s culture of toughness help people handle difficult work, or does it keep them from asking for help when they need it most?  Seth is joined by Mike Schneider, who spent 45 years with Baker and served as senior vice president and chief people officer. They discuss why construction workers may suffer in silence, how supervisors can recognize behavior changes, and why mental health needs the same attention the industry gives physical safety. Mike argues that changing the culture starts with stronger relationships, leaders willing to show vulnerability, and making resources such as mental-health first aid, EAPs, and 988 easier to access. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why construction’s traditional tough-guy culture can discourage workers from asking for helpWhy Mike prefers framing the issue around “mental strength”How leaders can make vulnerability and asking for help more acceptable on the jobWhy relationships with crew members matter when identifying changes in behaviorWhat supervisors should notice when a normally dependable coworker begins acting differentlyWhy mental-health first-aid training can be valuable for frontline supervisionHow industry groups are addressing mental health and suicide preventionWhy long hours, travel, layoffs, physical pain, family pressure, and substance use can compound stressWhy simply offering an Employee Assistance Program is not enough if workers do not know how to use itWhy contractors should include suicide response and postvention in crisis planning  CHAPTERS (00:00) Construction toughness and the mental-health question  (04:01) Why construction workers suffer in silence  (09:09) Changing safety culture and redefining strength  (11:50) Relationships, behavior changes, and recognizing trouble  (15:46) Mental-health resources for the construction industry  (20:34) Opioids, overdoses, and Narcan on the jobsite  (21:59) Removing stigma and talking openly about mental health  (24:15) Why construction faces a difficult combination of risk factors  (27:51) EAPs, 988, and making help easier to reach  (29:44) Screening tools and starting the conversation  (30:37) Language, crisis planning, and postvention  (33:05) Mike’s closing challenge and contact information GUEST INFO Mike Schneider, Consultant  Guest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/mike-schneider/ Email: schneider@bakersharedservices.com RESOURCES MENTIONED CIASP - Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention - preventconstructionsuicide.com  US - United Suicide Survivors International - unitedsurvivors.com CMHA - Construction Mental Health Alliance - construction wellness.org ANSW - Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace - answ.org AFSP - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - afsp.org    Books:          “The Anxious Generation - How the Great Rewiring of Children is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haldt          “YES, You can Talk about Mental Health at Work” by Melissa Doman          “Empire of Pain - the Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty” by Patrick Radden Keefe          “Dreamland - The True Story of America’s Opiate Epidemic” by Sam Quinones CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Concrete knowledge matters, but leadership also means understanding the people doing the work. Concrete Logic Academy provides practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and real-world lessons connected to the podcast.  Join for free: https://concreteschool.co SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back.  You can support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/ Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media? Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com Special thanks to Andrew Johnson for supporting the podcast. CREDITS Producers: Andrew Johnson, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by: Mike Dunton  https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH Concrete Logic Podcast:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/   Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

    EP #167: Is Concrete’s Tough-Guy Culture Putting Workers at Risk?

  3. 13 Aug

    EP #166: Can Concrete Heal Itself?

    JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY. ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST How can concrete be waterproofed from the inside instead of relying on a membrane attached to the surface? Seth is joined by Nick Karam, PE, Business Development Manager at Xypex, to explain how crystalline waterproofing works, where it is commonly used, and how it compares with traditional membranes and coatings. Nick explains how the chemistry reacts inside concrete, how it can help seal hairline cracks when water is present, and what contractors and engineers should consider when comparing products, testing performance, scheduling leak tests, and weighing upfront cost against long-term maintenance. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Why hardened concrete can still allow water to move through pores and capillaries  • How crystalline waterproofing reacts with water and cement-hydration byproducts  • The difference between an integral crystalline admixture and a surface membrane or liner  • How crystalline products can also be applied as a slurry coating to existing concrete  • Why water exposure can reactivate crystalline chemistry around a new crack  • What Nick says contractors should expect during an initial leak test  • Why a two-to-two-and-a-half-week healing period may need to be considered in the project schedule  • Where crystalline waterproofing is commonly used, including tanks, foundations, elevator pits, tunnels, and wastewater structures  • What permeability and hydrostatic-pressure tests can reveal about product performance  • How loss-on-ignition testing can be used to compare the active material in crystalline products  • Why Nick recommends comparing long-term maintenance and labor costs, not only the admixture cost per cubic yard CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction, podcast support, and Concrete Logic Academy  (04:20) Nick Karam’s background and role at Xypex  (05:43) What crystalline waterproofing actually does  (07:54) How the crystalline reaction works inside concrete  (09:50) Using crystalline coatings on existing concrete  (11:46) How to compare crystalline waterproofing products  (12:05) Permeability and hydrostatic-pressure testing  (15:02) Loss-on-ignition testing and active ingredients  (17:18) Where crystalline waterproofing is commonly used  (18:48) Mix design, dosage, workability, and admixture compatibility  (20:17) When does crystalline waterproofing become active?  (23:09) Leak testing and crack-healing time  (24:58) Scheduling around tank leak tests  (26:09) Cost versus membranes and traditional waterproofing  (26:52) Nick’s final takeaway on long-term performance  (27:49) How to contact Nick Karam GUEST INFO Nick Karam, PE  Business Development Manager  Xypex Guest link:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/nick-karam-pe/ Email: nick.karam@xypex.com Phone: 216-956-1105 CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Waterproofing concrete is not just about choosing a product. It is about understanding how water moves through concrete, how the system performs over time, and what the testing actually tells you. Concrete Logic Academy helps you understand the “why” behind decisions like these so you can make better calls in the field and in the specifications. Start learning here:  https://concreteschool.co SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back. Support the show here:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/ KUIU affiliate link:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?  Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITS Producers: Ken Tiffany, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media  Music by: Mike Dunton  https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH Concrete Logic Podcast:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ Concrete Logic Academy:  https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

    EP #166: Can Concrete Heal Itself?

  4. 4 Aug

    EP #165: Why the Next Generation Should Choose Ready Mix Concrete

    JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY. ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Why would someone choose ready mix after growing up around the early mornings, equipment failures, staffing problems, and constant pressure of the business? Seth talks with Morgan and Scotch Nelson of SB Cox Ready Mix about why Scotch followed his father into the industry instead of running from it. Morgan and Scotch explain how hands-on experience, responsibility, technology, and visible results can make concrete a rewarding career. They also discuss the industry’s larger challenge: showing younger workers that ready mix offers more than hard work. It offers ownership, opportunity, and a chance to point to something real and say, “I helped build that.” WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · How SB Cox Ready Mix grew from one plant and six used trucks · Why relationships and industry mentors were important to Morgan’s career · What convinced Scotch to follow his father into the ready mix business · Why working in multiple positions gave Scotch a stronger understanding of the company · How hands-on responsibility can create interest and confidence in younger workers · Why producers are struggling to recruit CDL drivers and mechanics · How changing expectations around work-life balance affect recruitment · Why social media can help ready mix companies reach younger candidates · How cloud-based batching and remote troubleshooting are changing plant operations · Why visible results can make construction work rewarding · How networking with other young professionals can support a long-term concrete career   CHAPTERS (00:00) Why choose a career in ready mix? (00:54) Supporting the podcast and Concrete Logic Academy (03:50) How SB Cox Ready Mix started (05:38) The mentors and relationships behind the company (07:53) Growing up around the ready mix business (09:24) Introducing the next generation to concrete (11:49) Responsibility, ownership, and hands-on experience (13:23) Learning the business from the ground up (15:43) Can the industry create similar opportunities for young workers? (16:38) CDL requirements, work-life balance, and recruitment challenges (19:10) Technology and social media in ready mix (20:49) Work ethic and finding meaningful work (23:13) AI, automation, and the future of concrete careers (24:55) Awareness, networking, and the next generation   GUEST INFO Morgan Nelson  SB Cox Ready Mix Guest link:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/morgan-nelson/ Scotch Nelson SB Cox Ready Mix Guest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/scotch-nelson/ CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY The people who understand concrete are the people who get listened to. Not the loudest person in the meeting. Not the person repeating what they heard ten years ago. The person who understands the plants, trucks, materials, people, and technology behind ready mix usually has the most valuable voice in the room. That understanding is built through education and hands-on experience. Concrete Logic Academy provides practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and real-world lessons connected to the topics covered on the Concrete Logic Podcast. Start learning here: https://concreteschool.co SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back. You can support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/ You can also support the show through the KUIU affiliate link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media? Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITS Producers: Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by: Mike Dunton https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH Concrete Logic Podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

    EP #165: Why the Next Generation Should Choose Ready Mix Concrete

  5. 23 Jul

    EP #164: Concrete Maturity Gone Wrong

    JOIN CONCRETE SCHOOL FOR FREE AT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO! ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST What happens when a concrete maturity system is built on the wrong starting temperature? Seth is joined again by Dr. Jon Belkowitz, also known as Concrete Adamus, to explain why datum temperature is one of the most important and commonly overlooked parts of the maturity method. Jon argues that assuming, ignoring, or defaulting the datum temperature can produce the wrong strength relationship. That can lead crews to strip forms too early and create a safety risk, or wait too long and hurt the project schedule. The takeaway is simple: maturity is not just a logger, an app, and a few cylinder breaks. The datum temperature must match the actual concrete mix. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · How the maturity method approximates early-age concrete strength · Why “approximate” may be a better word than “predict” · What datum temperature represents in the time-temperature factor · Why a default datum temperature may not match a modern concrete mix · How cement type, cementitious materials, and admixtures affect maturity calculations · Why an incorrect datum temperature can lead to premature form removal · How an overly conservative datum temperature can delay the critical path · Why datum temperature testing is separate from strength-maturity cylinder testing · How mortar cubes and controlled curing temperatures are used to determine datum temperature · Why winter and summer mixes may require different maturity calibrations · Why additional cylinders are inexpensive compared with the consequences of poor data CHAPTERS (00:38) Concrete Logic Podcast Introduction (02:05) What Is the Concrete Maturity Method? (05:03) Why “Approximate” Is Better Than “Predict” (05:51) The Time-Temperature Factor Explained (07:08) The Datum Temperature Most People Ignore (07:45) Datum Temperature vs. Activation Energy (08:56) What ASTM C1074 Actually Says (10:03) Why Cement Type Changes Datum Temperature (11:49) The Wrong Datum Temperature Creates the Wrong Curve (12:24) Using Maturity to Turn Forms Faster (13:26) Why Stripping Forms Too Early Can Be Deadly (14:10) What Happens When the Datum Temperature Is Wrong (16:07) Safety vs. the Critical Path (16:54) How Datum Temperature Is Actually Determined (18:11) Why Proper Testing Can Cost $15,000 to $25,000 (19:11) The Problem With Maturity Software Defaults (20:30) The Jump-Form Mistake That Changed Jon’s Thinking (23:00) Stop Being Cheap With Test Cylinders (23:54) The Old IntelliRock Maturity System (24:53) Using Maturity for Fast-Track Highway Repairs (26:34) Why Leaving the Datum Temperature at Zero Is Wrong (27:39) Who Should Perform the Datum Temperature Testing GUEST INFO Dr. Jon Belkowitz Intelligent Concrete Guest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/dr-jon-belkowitz/ CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY A maturity reading can look precise and still be wrong. Concrete Logic Academy helps you understand what sits behind the number, including datum temperature, mix changes, testing, and the field decisions that affect safety and schedule. Learn how to question the default before the default creates a problem. Start learning here: https://concreteschool.co SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back. You can support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate You can also support the show through the KUIU affiliate link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Want to connect your company with concrete professionals who care about education, field performance, and better decision-making? Become a Concrete Logic Industry Partner: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/sponsor Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media? Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITS Producers: Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by: Mike Dunton https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH Concrete Logic Podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

    EP #164: Concrete Maturity Gone Wrong

  6. 14 Jul

    EP #163: How to Fix Air in Concrete

    JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY. ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Are we specifying air entrainment in concrete that does not need it? Seth is joined by Dr. Bruno Fong Martinez, Baker Construction’s concrete materials expert, to examine when air entrainment protects concrete and when it creates unnecessary problems. Air entrainment improves durability where concrete experiences repeated freezing, thawing, and moisture saturation. But Bruno argues that the industry often requires it in climates where that exposure does not exist. That decision can reduce compressive strength, complicate testing, change mix performance, and contribute to rejected trucks and wasted material. The conversation challenges engineers and contractors to move beyond copied specifications and evaluate air requirements based on the actual environment, exposure, and project risk. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · The difference between entrapped air and entrained air · How air voids help protect saturated concrete during freezing · Why freeze-thaw damage depends on repeated freezing and thawing cycles · Why colder locations do not always experience the most freeze-thaw damage · How air entrainment complicates concrete production and acceptance testing · Why air content can change during transportation, mixing, and pumping · How additional air can reduce compressive strength · Why strength loss may lead to more cement and greater thermal concerns · How freezing and precipitation maps could improve regional specifications · Why copied specifications can require air in environments that do not need it · How early specification reviews and RFIs can reduce waste and concrete problems CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction and support for the show (03:34) Why unnecessary air entrainment matters (05:07) Where air may and may not be necessary (06:27) Entrapped air versus entrained air (09:21) How air protects concrete during freezing (11:40) Why freeze-thaw cycles matter (12:48) Testing, rejected trucks, and concrete waste (14:41) Strength loss and contractor concerns (16:05) What happens to air during pumping (17:22) Mapping freezing and saturation risk (19:24) Why copied specifications create problems (22:15) Building industry agreement around air entrainment (24:25) Guest information and final takeaways GUEST INFO Dr. Bruno Fong Martinez Concrete Materials Expert Baker Construction Guest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/bruno-fong-martinez/ CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY The people who understand concrete are the people who get listened to. Not the loudest person in the meeting. Not the person copying requirements from an old specification. The person who understands why a material or testing requirement belongs in the concrete usually has the most valuable voice in the room. That is what Concrete Logic Academy is built for. You get practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and real-world lessons connected to the same materials, durability, and construction problems discussed on the Concrete Logic Podcast. Start learning here: https://concreteschool.co SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back. You can support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/ You can also support the show through the KUIU affiliate link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media? Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITS Producers: Zac Richardson, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by: Mike Dunton https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH Concrete Logic Podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

    EP #163: How to Fix Air in Concrete

  7. 2 Jul

    EP #162: Why This Concrete Expert Wants Air Out of Exterior Slabs

    JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY.  ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Does exterior concrete always need entrained air to survive freezing and thawing? Seth is joined by Jason Adams, founder and CEO of Mega Slab, to challenge that long-standing practice. Jason argues that a properly designed, highly dense concrete system may limit water intrusion enough to reduce the need for entrained air. Seth presses on the risks, including mix design, workability, finishing, curing, and specification requirements. Jason makes clear that he is not recommending contractors simply remove air from a standard mix. His approach depends on treating the concrete as a complete system. The episode asks a practical question: Should exterior concrete be designed to give freezing water room to expand, or should the priority be keeping water out in the first place? WHAT YOU’LL LEARN  What air entrainment is intended to do during freeze-thaw exposureThe difference between entrained air and naturally entrapped airWhy Jason believes entrained air can reduce concrete densityHow dense concrete may limit water and chloride intrusionWhy removing air from a standard exterior mix is not enoughHow aggregate packing and optimized mix designs affect permeabilityWhy air-entrained concrete should not be hard-trowel finishedHow entrained air can affect workability and finishingWhy specifications and established practices may resist this approachWhat field performance Jason has observed in Midwestern pavementsWhy mix design, placement, finishing, curing, and fibers must work as a system  CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction and support for the show (03:24) Jason Adams and the air-void question (04:56) Freeze-thaw testing and ASTM standards (05:46) What air entrainment is designed to do (07:26) Jason challenges the traditional approach (08:52) Can dense concrete keep water out? (11:37) Designing a mix without entrained air (12:58) Why air-entrained concrete should not be troweled (14:47) A problematic exterior pavement example (16:23) Seth asks about the tradeoffs (17:49) Workability, finishing, and industry pushback (20:06) Protecting the concrete surface (22:01) Why this must be treated as a complete system (23:24) How to connect with Jason Adams GUEST INFO Jason Adams Founder and CEO Mega Slab Guest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/jason-adams/ CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY The people who understand concrete are the people who get listened to. Not the loudest person in the meeting. Not the person saying, “We have always done it this way.” The person who understands why air, water, density, finishing, and curing affect performance usually has the most valuable voice in the room. That is what Concrete Logic Academy is built for. You get practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and real-world lessons connected to the topics covered on the Concrete Logic Podcast. Start learning here: https://concreteschool.co SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back. You can support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/ You can also support the show through the KUIU affiliate link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media? Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITS Producers: Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by: Mike Dunton https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH Concrete Logic Podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/   Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

    EP #162: Why This Concrete Expert Wants Air Out of Exterior Slabs

  8. 23 Jun

    EP #161: Should We Stop Designing Concrete for 100 Years?

    JOIN THE ACADEMY!! FOR A LIMITED TIME, VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO FOR YOUR FREE ACCESS!! CONCRETESCHOOL.CO ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Should we really design concrete infrastructure for 75 to 100 years? In this episode, Seth is joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz to question one of civil engineering’s favorite ideas: the 100-year design life. Using Hoboken, New Jersey as the example, Seth and Jon talk about what happens when old infrastructure has to serve a city that no longer looks, moves, or functions the way it did when that infrastructure was built. The issue is not just whether the concrete lasts. The bigger question is whether the original decision still makes sense. Jon argues that the industry should stop designing only for age and start designing around use, performance, maintenance cycles, and accountability. Maybe a 20-year design life with zero maintenance is harder, and more honest, than a 100-year design life nobody is around to answer for. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · Why Dr. Jon Belkowitz questions the 100-year design life · What Hoboken, New Jersey teaches us about old infrastructure · Why designing for time may not be the same as designing for use · The difference between design life and maintenance life · Why a 20-year, zero-maintenance target may be harder than a 100-year target · How infrastructure decisions made today can trap future generations · Why compressive strength is not enough to define concrete performance · How sensors, inspections, and data could change infrastructure maintenance · What pavement condition index means and why timing matters · Why Roman concrete is not always a fair comparison for modern infrastructure · Why Jon says we should design for decision cycles instead of age CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction and support for the show (4:55) Rethinking 100-year design life (7:39) Why designing for time may be the wrong approach (9:57) Seth pushes back on whether we already design shorter than we admit (11:11) Hoboken as a case study (14:13) The 20-year, zero-maintenance idea (15:00) Performance, sensors, and maintenance systems (16:15) Pavement condition index and the cost of waiting (17:45) Why Roman concrete is not the right comparison (18:08) Bridge inspection and infrastructure careers (22:56) Building on top of old Hoboken infrastructure (26:14) Why predicting 100 years out is almost impossible (28:59) Final takeaways: Design for decisions, not age GUEST INFO Dr. Jon Belkowitz  Intelligent Concrete Guest link:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/jon-belkowitz/ CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY The people who understand concrete are the people who get listened to. Not the loudest person in the meeting. Not the guy repeating what he heard ten years ago. Not the person blaming every problem on the latest material change. The person who understands the “why” behind the concrete usually has the most valuable voice in the room. That is what Concrete Logic Academy is built for. You get practical concrete education, PDH courses, and real-world lessons pulled from the same topics we cover on the Concrete Logic Podcast. Design life changes. Materials change. Specs change. Owners change their minds. Infrastructure ages. Your knowledge needs to keep up. Start learning here:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/concreteschool SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back. You can support the show here:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/ You can also support the show through our KUIU affiliate link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media? Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITS Producers: Tom Cummings, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by: Mike Dunton  https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH Concrete Logic Podcast:  https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

    EP #161: Should We Stop Designing Concrete for 100 Years?
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About

What is the most used manmade material on Earth? You guessed it – concrete. In each episode of Concrete Logic, we will explore one concrete-related topic with the help of industry professionals that are shaping the future of the trade. We’ll talk with suppliers, contractors, architects, engineers, specialists, and even some proponents of competing materials about their views of concrete and their vision of its future.

Information

  • Creator
    Seth Tandett
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    169
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Seth Tandett
  • Show Website
    Concrete Logic

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