In 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 w...
Jul 03, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Most 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on curing, the shocking impact of temperature on cement hydration, and why most current standards are dangerously outdated.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 sla...
Jun 24, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 125
Thinking 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. Gr...
Jun 12, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 124
A 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 ...
Jun 03, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 123
Are 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 w...
May 22, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 122
Could 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 impor...
May 13, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 121
What 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. Do...
May 01, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 120
What 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 t...
Apr 22, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 119
In 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 a...
Apr 10, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 118
In 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 contracto...
Apr 01, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 117
🔥 EP #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 pac...
Mar 20, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 116
🔹 The 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 ...
Mar 11, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 115
💎 The 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 require...
Feb 27, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 114
In 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 was...
Feb 18, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 113
In 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 stand...
Feb 06, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 112
In 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 i...
Jan 28, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 111
In 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 colla...
Jan 16, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 110
In 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 update...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 109
In 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 docum...
Dec 26, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 108
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett and Gary Brown delve into the intricacies of high-rise concrete pumping. They discuss the importance of concrete pumping in urban construction, the challenges faced in high-rise projects, and the role of placing booms in enhancing productivity. The conversation also covers safety considerations, the pros and cons of using placing booms, and the emergence of mobile placing booms. Throughout the discussion, the significance of planning an...
Dec 17, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 107
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Chad White discuss best practices for placing and finishing concrete floors. Chad shares insights on the importance of a solid base, the use of vapor retarders, and the critical role of doweling systems for load transfer. They delve into concrete placement techniques, mix design, and various finishing methods to achieve high-quality surfaces. The conversation also covers curing practices, common issues like blisters and delamination, and th...
Dec 05, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 106
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Bob Higgins discuss the complexities of moisture testing in concrete. They explore the misconceptions surrounding moisture dynamics, the importance of time of installation testing, and the regional variations in moisture standards. Bob emphasizes the need for better moisture data interpretation and environmental factors impact on concrete performance. Takeaways • Moisture testing in concrete is often misinterpreted. • Older concrete can hav...
Nov 26, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Joe Shetterley discuss the innovative technology of liquid fly ash (LFA) and its implications for the concrete industry. Joe explains the differences between traditional fly ash and LFA, highlighting the challenges faced with conventional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and the importance of water management in concrete mixes. The conversation delves into the testing and implementation of LFA, its benefits in stabilizing concret...
Nov 14, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 104
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Tyler Ley delve into the intricacies of Type 1L cement, discussing its significance in the construction industry and the challenges associated with its use. They explore the evolving landscape of blended cements, the importance of consistent performance, and the need for better evaluation tools. Tyler emphasizes the necessity for industry professionals to take control of their materials and establish performance standards to ensure quality ...
Nov 05, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 103
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth and Dr. Jon Belkowitz delve into the complexities of cement testing, particularly focusing on Type 1L cement and the challenges posed by blended cements. They discuss the importance of establishing a proactive quality management system to ensure the integrity of concrete mixes, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and quality control measures. The conversation highlights the financial implications of poor quality control and the potential ...
Oct 24, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 102
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth interviews Abigail Olson, a 24-year-old ready-mix driver and author. Abigail shares her journey into the concrete industry, discussing the challenges she faced in obtaining her commercial driver's license (CDL) and the unique aspects of her job. She describes a typical day as a ready-mix driver, the importance of teamwork on job sites, and the role's physical demands. The conversation also touches on the barriers for young drivers in the i...
Oct 15, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 101
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth interviews Richard Williams, Senior Director of Talent for Baker Construction. They discuss the importance of hands-on experience in concrete careers, the growing demand for professionals in the industry, and the impact of technological innovations. Richard shares insights on career paths available in concrete construction and emphasizes the value of field experience in shaping successful careers. Takeaways Hands-on experience is crucial for su...
Oct 03, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 100
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast , Seth interviews Jarett Gross, founder of Automate Construction, who discusses the evolution of construction automation and 3D printing. Jarett emphasizes the need to differentiate between different types of 3D printing technologies and materials, as they vary significantly. He believes that 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize construction. Still, he acknowledges that it will take time to overcome challenges such as high material costs an...
Sep 24, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 99
In this Concrete Logic Podcast episode, Seth, Rich, and Dr. Jon discuss the potential issues with water-to-cement ratios in concrete production. They highlight the challenges of using new cement and fly ash materials, as well as the variability in water content and cement quantities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of managing risk and the need for accurate calculations to ensure the desired concrete properties. The episode revolves around the need to re-educate construction industry ...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 98
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 w...
Sep 03, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 97
