EP #162: Why This Concrete Expert Wants Air Out of Exterior Slabs
About this episode
The episode discusses the necessity of entrained air in exterior concrete and explores alternative approaches to concrete design for freeze-thaw conditions.
JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY. ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Does exterior concrete always need entrained air to survive freezing and thawing? Seth is joined by Jason Adams, founder and CEO of Mega Slab, to challenge that long-standing practice. Jason argues that a properly designed, highly dense concrete system may limit water intrusion enough to reduce the need for entrained air. Seth presses on the risks, including mix design, workability, finishing, curing, and specification requirements. Jason makes clear that he is not recommending contractors simply remove air from a standard mix. His approach depends on treating the concrete as a complete system. The episode asks a practical question: Should exterior concrete be designed to give freezing water room to expand, or should the priority be keeping water out in the first place? WHAT YOU’LL LEARN What air entrainment is intended to do during freeze-thaw exposure The difference between entrained air and naturally entrapped air Why Jason believes entrained air can reduce concrete density How dense concrete may limit water and chloride intrusion Why removing air from…
More episodes of Concrete Logic
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Concrete Logic podcast page.