EP #163: How to Fix Air in Concrete
About this episode
The episode discusses the implications of air entrainment in concrete and its necessity based on environmental conditions.
JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY. ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST Are we specifying air entrainment in concrete that does not need it? Seth is joined by Dr. Bruno Fong Martinez, Baker Construction’s concrete materials expert, to examine when air entrainment protects concrete and when it creates unnecessary problems. Air entrainment improves durability where concrete experiences repeated freezing, thawing, and moisture saturation. But Bruno argues that the industry often requires it in climates where that exposure does not exist. That decision can reduce compressive strength, complicate testing, change mix performance, and contribute to rejected trucks and wasted material. The conversation challenges engineers and contractors to move beyond copied specifications and evaluate air requirements based on the actual environment, exposure, and project risk. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN · The difference between entrapped air and entrained air · How air voids help protect saturated concrete during freezing · Why freeze-thaw damage depends on repeated freezing and thawing cycles · Why colder locations do not always experience the most freeze-thaw damage…
More episodes of Concrete Logic
- EP #162: Why This Concrete Expert Wants Air Out of Exterior Slabs
- EP #161: Should We Stop Designing Concrete for 100 Years?
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