Podcast
Concrete Logic
Hosted by Seth Tandett · EN
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.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP #155: EPDs, Data Centers, and the New Paperwork Hitting Concrete Producers
Apr 3000:33:32Tap to summarizeThis 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/gprsON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCASTReady-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 LEARNWhat 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?CHAPTERS00:00 - 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 - Generic EPDs vs producer-specific EPDs 10:09 - The three major data inputs for a concrete EPD 11:24 - Why utility and grid data matter 12:07 - What owners and hyperscalers compare 13:48 - How far the life cycle assessment goes 15:28 - How cement EPDs are built 16:12 - Does the EPD stop at placement? 17:16 - End-of-life questions and future standards 18:42 - Concrete’s carbon footprint vs material volume 20:29 - Why supplier choices can change the EPD number 21:21 - Why smaller producers need a simpler path 23:42 - Where EPD requirements may be heading 24:04 - Why EPD publishing is expected to grow 25:21 - Future inputs, fuels, SCMs, and supplier options 26:34 - How to contact Leise and PathwaysGUEST INFOLeise Sandeman Guest Profile: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/leise-sandeman/CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYTired of getting your concrete education from a PowerPoint presentation given by some guy who has probably never stepped in mud?Or someone who does not know what diesel smells like next to that first chute of concrete in the predawn darkness?That is why Concrete Logic Academy exists.It is built by people who understand the field, the plant, the jobsite, and the real problems concrete professionals deal with every day.The courses are practical, direct, and built for people who want to apply what they learn right away.Inside the Academy, you get access to PDH courses, quizzes, resources, live Q&A, early access to podcast episodes, and a place to ask concrete questions without throwing them out into the LinkedIn circus.For a limited time, get free access to the Concrete Logic Academy here: https://www.concreteschool.co SUPPORT THE PODCASTThe Concrete Logic Podcast runs on a value-for-value model.If the show gives you something useful, send some value back.Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/Want to support the show another way?Check out KUIU through the Concrete Logic link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiuInterested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media? Email: seth@concretelogicpodcast.comCREDITSHost: Seth Tandett Producers: Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic Media Music: Mike Dunton https://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND SETHConcrete Logic Podcast Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/Like, subscribe, comment, and share the episode if it helped you understand where EPDs are headed in concrete.
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EP #154: Why Concrete Is on the Critical Path for AI Data Centers
Apr 2100:34:09Tap to summarizePRESENTED 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/GPRSSUMMARYData 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 LEARNWhy data centers are growing so fast right nowWhat a data center actually is and how it worksWhy AI is pushing demand far beyond traditional cloud computingWhy more data centers are being built in rural areasHow labor, materials, and logistics get harder as projects move farther outWhy concrete becomes a critical path item even if it is a small part of total project costWhat hyperscale owners want from concrete suppliers and contractorsWhy speed, cost, and lower embodied carbon are all being pushed at the same timeWhy leaner structural designs may be the easiest way to reduce concrete useWhy concrete supply needs to be planned much earlier on gigascale projectsHow power infrastructure is creating even more demand for concreteWhat future energy storage systems could mean for the concrete industryCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro and Doug Mouton’s background01:20 - How to support the podcast03:20 - Why concrete matters so much to data center growth05:26 - What a data center actually is06:30 - Why cloud computing changed everything08:20 - How AI is driving a second wave of data center demand09:41 - Why more data centers are moving into rural areas11:20 - Rural pushback, trucking, roads, and local disruption12:32 - Why rural projects make labor and materials even harder13:15 - What owners and developers actually want from concrete15:05 - Speed, ESG pressure, and embodied carbon goals16:05 - Why concrete procurement is still too fragmented18:00 - Why concrete suppliers need a seat at the table earlier19:02 - How leaner design can cut carbon, cost, and schedule20:13 - Seth’s skepticism on new low-carbon materials at scale21:39 - Why scale and supply chain reality still matter22:05 - Why concrete planning should start at the very beginning23:32 - How power infrastructure creates even more concrete demand24:05 - Massive towers, gravity batteries, and future energy storage ideas25:00 - Using AI to make steel and rebar design more efficient25:35 - Will data centers get smaller, denser, and stiffer?26:20 - Wrap-up and final thoughtsGUEST INFODouglas Mouton Mouton Advisory Serviceshttps://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/douglas-mouton/ CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYNeed PDHs that are actually worth your time? The Concrete Logic Academy is built for engineers, contractors, and concrete professionals who want practical training they can actually use - not another boring seminar that gets forgotten by tomorrow. Use it for PDHs. Use it for lunch and learns. Use it to get smarter on concrete without wasting half your day. Real topics. Real field problems. Real conversations. Start your free trial here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/pro SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf this episode helped you... If you learned something... If it made you think differently...Support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donateThis podcast runs on Value for Value.Give whatever you think the episode was worth.PARTNERSKUIU (performance gear Seth actually uses): https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiuInterested in advertising or working with us? Email: seth@concretelogicpodcast.comCREDITSProducers: Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic MediaMusic by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND CONCRETE LOGICWebsite: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethtandett/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concretelogicpodcast/
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EP #153: Your Concrete Mix Design Still Isn’t Ready… Until You Do This
Apr 1400:37:00Tap to summarizePRESENTED 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 happens next at the plant 21:03 - Why admixtures are mostly water 24:51 - Withholding water and adjusting slump at the plant 26:53 - How admixture dispensing systems work 29:25 - Wrap-up and what to cover next time GUEST INFODr. 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. Share what you’re seeing. Get real answers you can use on the next pour. Simple as that. Free trial for pros here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/pro SUPPORT THE PODCAST If this episode helped you... If you learned something... If it made you think differently... Support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com This podcast runs on Value for Value. Give whatever you think the episode was worth. PARTNERS KUIU (performance gear Seth actually uses): https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Interested in advertising or working with us? Email: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITS Producers: Joseph Swann, Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic Media Music by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND CONCRETE LOGIC Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethtandett/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concretelogicpodcast/
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EP #152: Concrete Mix Design Isn’t Complicated… Here’s the Proof
Apr 200:49:03Tap to summarizePRESENTED 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 SUMMARYIf 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 LEARNWhat actually goes into a cubic yard of concrete — and why it mattersWhy mix design is basically a “choose your own adventure”How slump, aggregate size, and air content drive your entire mixThe simple math behind water-cement ratio (and why it controls everything)How to calculate cement, water, rock, and sand — step by stepWhy yield matters (and how getting it wrong costs real money)The difference between a design mix vs batch mixWhat changes when moisture shows up in your aggregates (this comes up near the end) CHAPTERS00:00 – 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 INFODr. Jon Belkowitz Intelligent Concrete Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligent-concreteCONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYGot a concrete problem no one can explain?Bring it to the Concrete Logic Academy.Ask questions. Share what you’re seeing. Get real answers you can use on the next pour.Simple as that. Free trial for pros here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/pro SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf this episode helped you…If you learned something…If it made you think differently…Support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.comThis podcast runs on Value for Value.Give whatever you think the episode was worth. PARTNERSKUIU (performance gear Seth actually uses): https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiuInterested in advertising or working with us? Email: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITSProducers: Joseph Swann, Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic MediaMusic by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND CONCRETE LOGICWebsite: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethtandett/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concretelogicpodcast/
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EP #151: Most Concrete Durability Problems Start Here (Alkalinity Explained)
Mar 2400:46:53Tap to summarizePRESENTED 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 SUMMARYConcrete 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 cementCHAPTERS00:00 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 GUESTBob HigginsChief Scientisthttps://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/robert-higgins/ CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYIf you like what you’re learning on the podcast, the Concrete Logic Academy Unlimited Pro Membership is where it all comes together.We take the topics you hear on the show and turn them into structured courses—with real explanations, supporting material, and quizzes so you actually retain it.Most people in this industry learn by trial and error.This is how you get ahead without paying for mistakes.Many courses qualify for PDHs and CEUs.Start your free trial here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/pro SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf the Concrete Logic Podcast has helped you learn something new or connect with someone in the industry, consider supporting the show.Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/supportLooking for great hunting or work gear: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiuInterested in advertising or media services? https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/partner-with-concrete-logic-podcast/ CREDITSProducers: Jodi Tandett, Concrete Logic MediaMusic by Mike Dunton https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETHWebsite: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethtandett/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcastUntil next time, let’s keep it concrete!
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EP #150: Most Concrete Floors Aren’t Flat Enough. Here’s Why.
Mar 1200:51:03Tap to summarizePRESENTED 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 futureCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:40 Early methods for measuring floor flatness05:15 How superflat floors started in warehouse logistics08:40 Measuring FF, FL, and F-min floors12:00 The history of the F-number system16:30 How superflat floors were built in the 1980s22:00 Bump cutting and manual finishing methods28:30 Profilographs and corrective grinding31:00 High-tolerance random traffic floors34:00 Laser screeds and float pans change the industry37:00 Modern methods for producing flatter floors39:00 Mix design considerations for superflat slabs42:00 The future of floor flatness measurementGUESTChad White Structural Services Inc. (SSI)https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/chad-white/CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYIf you enjoy the educational side of the podcast, check out the Concrete Logic Academy.The Academy takes topics from the podcast and turns them into structured learning courses with quizzes and supporting material. Many courses qualify for PDHs and CEUs for engineers and industry professionals.Learn more here:https://www.concretelogicacademy.comSUPPORT THE PODCASTIf the Concrete Logic Podcast has helped you learn something new or connect with someone in the industry, consider supporting the show.Donate here:https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/supportLooking for great hunting gear: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiuInterested in advertising or media services? seth@concretelogicpodcast.comCREDITSProducers: Scott Reed, Jodi Tandett, Concrete Logic MediaMusic by Mike Duntonhttps://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND SETHWebsite: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethtandett/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcastUntil next time, let’s keep it concrete!
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EP #149: Got a Low Concrete Break? Here’s What To Do Next
Mar 300:32:27Tap to summarizePRESENTED BY: CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYPractical education and ongoing development for concrete professionals at every stage of their career.Join here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/ EPISODE SUMMARYYou 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 INFOJosh AgeeConcrete Quality Assurance ManagerF.A. Wilhelm ConstructionProfile: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/josh-agee/ CONCRETE LOGIC PARTNERSINTELLIGENT CONCRETEConcrete 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 CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYEarn PDHs in the same straight-talk format as the podcast:Join now: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academy SUPPORT THE PODCAST (VALUE FOR VALUE)Concrete Logic operates on a Value-for-Value model.If you get value from the show — whether that’s education, perspective, or just something that makes you better at your craft — consider giving value back.Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate Producer-level supporters get recognized on the episode. This episode’s Producers: Josh Bong Tom Cummings Thank you for supporting independent concrete education. You can also support the show by purchasing your KUIU work, workout, or hunting gear through our link — 10% goes to the podcast at no additional cost to you: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Media, sponsorship, or content inquiries: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITS Producers: Josh Bong, Tom Cummings, Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic Media Music by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Seth@concretelogicpodcast.com Until next time…Let’s keep it concrete.
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EP #148: If You Think Today’s Concrete Is Better Than 30 Years Ago, Listen to This
Feb 1900:36:44Tap to summarizePRESENTED 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 SUMMARYThirty 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 LEARNWhat 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-inHow high-range water reducers quietly changed everythingWhy performance-based specs (P2P) shifted control back to producersWhat Type IL cement changed in real-world placement and finishingWhy data centers are driving new mix demandsWhat problems the next generation of concrete still hasn’t solvedCHAPTERS00:00 – 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 pressureGUEST INFOJeff Slagle Director of Key Aggregate Accounts Chaney Enterprises Email: JSlagle@chaneyenterprises.com Website: https://www.chaneyenterprises.com CONCRETE LOGIC PARTNERSINTELLIGENT CONCRETEConcrete 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/intelligent-concrete CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYEarn PDHs in the same straight-talk format as the podcast:Join now: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academySUPPORT THE PODCASTDid you get value out of the show? Give some value back:https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donateBuy your KUIU work, workout & hunting gear and 10% goes to the show. No added cost to you:https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiuMedia, sponsorship, or content inquiries:seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITSProducers: Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic MediaMusic by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND SETHhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast https://www.concretelogicpodcast.comSeth@concretelogicpodcast.com
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EP #147: Concrete Cracks Don’t Lie - ASR, AAR, and What’s Really Happening Inside Your Concrete
Feb 1000:39:33Tap to summarizePRESENTED 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 SUMMARYConcrete 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 LEARNWhy ASR remains one of the most misunderstood concrete durability issuesThe difference between ASR and AAR—and why the distinction mattersHow reaction-driven cracking differs from typical shrinkage or restraint crackingWhen ASR damage can accelerate faster than expectedHow ASR is identified and diagnosed in real structuresWhere current ASR testing methods work—and where they fall shortWhy prevention is still more reliable than remediationHow concrete professionals should think about cracks before they spreadCHAPTERS00:00 – Why concrete cracks should never be ignored02:11 – ASR vs. AAR: definitions and mechanisms04:50 – How ASR damages concrete over time07:47 – Identifying and diagnosing ASR in the field10:08 – Testing methods and prevention strategies13:19 – The future of ASR management in concrete structuresGUEST INFODr. Jon BelkowitzIntelligent ConcreteJon@intelligent-concrete.comCONCRETE LOGIC PARTNERSINTELLIGENT CONCRETEConcrete 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/intelligent-concreteCONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYEarn PDHs in the same straight-talk format as the podcast:Join now: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academySUPPORT THE PODCASTDid you get value out of the show? Give some value back:https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donateBuy your KUIU work, workout & hunting gear and 10% goes to the show. No added cost to you:https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiuMedia, sponsorship, or content inquiries: seth@concretelogicpodcast.comCREDITSProducers: Jodi Tandett, Maya Richardson & Concrete Logic Media Music by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND SETHhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcasthttps://www.concretelogicpodcast.comSeth@concretelogicpodcast.com
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EP #146: Patents vs. Trade Secrets — Protect Your Concrete Ideas
Jan 2900:37:07Tap to summarizePRESENTED 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.com/intelligent-concrete CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Earn PDHs in the same straight-talk format as the podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academy SUPPORT THE PODCAST Did you get value out of the show? Give some value back: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate Buy your KUIU work & hunting gear and 10% goes to the show. No added cost to you: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu Media, sponsorship, or content inquiries: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com CREDITS Producer: Karl Watson, Jodi Tandett & Concrete Logic Media Music by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/ WHERE TO FIND SETH https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com
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