EP #097: The Power of Hyrdogels in Concrete Restoration

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dan McCoy discuss aging concrete and how to responsibly treat and maintain it. They talk about the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure and extending the life of aging concrete structures.

Dan shares his experience working on IDIQ contracts in Indiana, where they focus on addressing specific issues in aging concrete. They also discuss the use of nanosilica as a solution for healing and strengthening aging concrete. Nanosilica works by purging harmful chemicals and promoting the growth of calcium silicate hydroxide, which improves the strength and durability of the concrete.

In this conversation, Dan McCoy discusses a unique project involving a tunnel that was repurposed as a walking trail. He explains the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure and the importance of eliminating cold joints in concrete structures. Dan also shares his experience using hydrogels to repair cracks in concrete and highlights the potential of nanotechnology in the field. He emphasizes the need for sustainable and long-lasting infrastructure solutions.

Takeaways

• Maintaining existing infrastructure is crucial to extend the life of aging concrete structures.
• Nanosilica is a solution for healing and strengthening aging concrete by purging harmful chemicals and promoting the growth of calcium silicate hydroxide.
• Using nano-silica in structural patching can improve the bond strength and longevity of the repaired concrete. 
• Hydrogels offer a promising solution for repairing cracks in concrete and promoting self-healing properties.
• Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry by improving the durability and longevity of concrete.
• Sustainable and long-lasting infrastructure solutions are crucial for reducing future maintenance costs and environmental impact.
  
  

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Support for the Podcast
02:24 Treating and Healing Aging Concrete
07:03 The Role of IDIQ Contracts in Addressing Aging Concrete Issues
09:25 Using Nanosilica to Heal and Strengthen Aging Concrete
19:53 The Benefits of Nanosilica in Aging Concrete
23:18 Case Study: Applying Nanosilica for Concrete Repair
27:19 The Unique Tunnel Project
29:43 Challenges with Aging Infrastructure
32:10 Discovering the Problem with the Tunnel
38:28 The Success of Hydrogels in Concrete Repair
45:19 Comparing Nuclear Engineering and Concrete Science
50:41 The Versatility and Complexity of Concrete
 
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Episode References
Guest: Dan McCoy | R.L. McCoy | ⁠⁠ danmccoy@rlmccoy.net
Guest Website:⁠ ⁠http://www.rlmccoy.net/
 
Producers: Josh Bong, Jodi Tandett
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