Concrete Logic Podcast

JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY.ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCASTWhat if the product you bought as colloidal silica is actually a cheap silicate?Seth is joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz of Intelligent Concrete to explain why these similarly named materials are not the same.Jon argues that pH is one of the quickest ways to distinguish colloidal silica from a silicate, and that the difference can affect performance, handling, specifications, and cost.The bigger concern is what happens when a product is sold as colloidal silica but is actually a much less expensive silicate. Jon says buyers should verify the chemistry instead of relying only on labels or sales claims.The conversation also connects colloidal silica to current durability concerns in concrete and asks a practical question: Are you actually getting the material you think you are buying?WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • The basic difference between a silicate and colloidal silica • Why Jon compares the difference between silicate and silica to the difference between cement and concrete • How sodium, potassium, and lithium silicates differ • Why pH can be an important first check when evaluating a product sold as colloidal silica • Why higher-pH silicates can require different handling and shipping considerations • Why the cost difference between silicates and colloidal silica matters when evaluating a product • Why Jon believes some products are being represented inaccurately in the marketplace • What DOTs, contractors, and owners should verify instead of relying only on product descriptions • Why Jon connects the renewed interest in colloidal silica to durability concerns with some lower-carbon concrete systems • How colloidal silica may be used as one tool for improving concrete performance • Why a certificate of analysis or independent testing can help confirm what material was actually suppliedCHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction and support for the show (02:13) A quick detour into Leon Foucault and science (02:50) Concrete Logic Academy and today’s topic (03:18) Silica versus silicates (04:59) Using pH to tell the difference (05:59) When does the difference matter in concrete? (07:48) The cost gap between silicates and colloidal silica (09:55) Product labeling, SDS information, and accountability (10:26) Why DOTs specify silica (12:49) What customers expect colloidal silica to do (16:50) Colloidal silica and lower-carbon concrete (18:00) How to verify what you are buyingGUEST INFODr. Jon Belkowitz Intelligent ConcreteGuest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/dr-jon-belkowitz/CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYThe 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 why the chemistry matters 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.coSUPPORT THE PODCASTIf 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/kuiuInterested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?Email Seth: [email protected]: Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic MediaMusic by: Mike Duntonhttps://www.instagram.com/mduntonmusic/ WHERE TO FIND SETHConcrete Logic Podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/Until next time, let’s keep it concrete. 

JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY.ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCASTWhat if the fastest way to get ahead in concrete construction is to stop focusing so much on what you get?Construction is competitive. Margins are tight, schedules matter, and when problems show up, everyone starts protecting their number. Seth is joined by Steve Eanes, a licensed Go-Giver coach, to ask whether putting other people first can actually make you more successful.Using the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success from The Go-Giver, Steve explains why value, trust, authenticity, influence, and receptivity can change the way customers and partners see you.The lesson is not to work for free or ignore profit. It is to create so much value that price becomes only one part of the decision.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN· Why creating value is different from simply lowering your price · What customers may value beyond the product listed on an invoice · Why Steve believes income grows by serving more people without sacrificing quality · How trust and relationships can reduce the importance of being the cheapest option · Why becoming a useful connector can create value outside your normal scope of work · The difference between a go-giver, a go-getter, and a go-taker · Why authenticity becomes most visible when a project is under pressure · How keeping score can turn generosity into a transaction · Why receiving payment, recognition, and help is part of effective giving · What Steve calls the “law of left field” and how referrals can emerge years later · One question you can ask before a meeting, project, or customer conversation to begin practicing these ideasCHAPTERS(00:00) Concrete Logic Academy and introduction (01:05) Can putting other people first work in construction? (04:20) Steve Eanes and the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success (05:55) The story behind The Go-Giver (07:06) Law of Value: creating more than what appears on the invoice (10:38) Law of Compensation: serving more people without losing quality (12:31) Law of Influence: putting other people’s interests first (16:53) Law of Authenticity under pressure (20:04) Law of Receptivity: learning to receive (25:07) The law of left field and unexpected referrals (27:56) How to start practicing the Go-Giver principles (28:31) Steve’s master class, journal, and final takeawayGUEST INFOSteve Eanes Licensed Go-Giver CoachProfile: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/steve-eanes/Website: https://www.steveeanes.comThe Go-Giver Way Free Masterclass: https://www.gogivermasterclass.comWalk in Your Value Journal based on The Go-Giver: https://mybook.to/walkinyourvalueThe Go-Giver Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0168Y6UO6CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYThe people who understand how to create value are often the people others want involved when a project gets difficult.That applies to concrete knowledge too.The person who understands the “why” behind the concrete, asks better questions, and helps the rest of the project team make better decisions can bring value far beyond the material itself.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.coSUPPORT THE PODCASTIf 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/kuiuInterested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?Email Seth: [email protected]: Tony Thomas, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic MediaMusic by: Mike Dunton Instagram: @mduntonmusicWHERE TO FIND SETHConcrete Logic Podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY.ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCASTWhat 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 LEARNWhy 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 producersGUEST INFORobert "Concrete Bob" HigginsGuest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/robert-higgins/CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYConcrete 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.coSUPPORT THE PODCASTIf 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: [email protected] 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/kuiuCREDITSProducers: Joshua Huckeby, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic MediaMusic by: Mike Duntonhttps://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND SETHConcrete Logic Podcast:https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcastLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/Concrete Logic Academy:https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY.ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCASTDoes 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 LEARNWhy 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 informationGUEST INFOMike Schneider, Consultant Guest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/mike-schneider/ Email: [email protected] MENTIONEDCIASP - 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 QuinonesCONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYConcrete 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.coSUPPORT THE PODCASTIf 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: [email protected] Special thanks to Andrew Johnson for supporting the podcast.CREDITSProducers: Andrew Johnson, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic MediaMusic by: Mike Dunton https://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND SETHConcrete 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.

JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY.ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCASTHow 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 yardCHAPTERS(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 KaramGUEST INFONick Karam, PE Business Development Manager XypexGuest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/nick-karam-pe/Email: [email protected] Phone: 216-956-1105CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYWaterproofing 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.coSUPPORT THE PODCASTIf 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/kuiuInterested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media? Email Seth: [email protected]: Ken Tiffany, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media Music by: Mike Dunton https://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND SETHConcrete Logic Podcast: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/Concrete Logic Academy: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.