EP #152: Concrete Mix Design Isn’t Complicated… Here’s the Proof

EP #152: Concrete Mix Design Isn’t Complicated… Here’s the Proof

From Concrete Logic by Seth Tandett

April 2, 2026 · 49 min · Season 1 · Episode 152

About this episode

Dr. Jon Belkowitz explains the concrete mix design process using the ACI 211 method, demonstrating that it's a series of decisions and calculations rather than a complex mystery.

PRESENTED 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 If 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 LEARN What actually goes into a cubic yard of concrete — and why it matters Why mix design is basically a “choose your own adventure” How slump, aggregate size, and air content drive your entire mix The simple math behind water-cement ratio (and why it controls everything) How to calculate cement, water, rock, and sand — step by step Why yield matters (and how getting it wrong costs real money) The…

People in this episode

Host: Seth Tandett

Guest: Dr. Jon Belkowitz

Topics covered

  • concrete mix design
  • construction safety
  • ground penetrating radar
  • ACI 211 method
  • water-cement ratio

Keywords

  • concrete
  • mix design
  • construction
  • safety
  • ground penetrating radar
  • ACI 211
  • water-cement ratio
  • aggregate size
  • slump

Sponsors

GPRS

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