Sustaining the commons
We’ve discussed the tragedy of the commons, an economic theory that dates back to Aristotle: “What is common to the greatest number has the least care bestowed upon it.” It […]
We’ve discussed the tragedy of the commons, an economic theory that dates back to Aristotle: “What is common to the greatest number has the least care bestowed upon it.” It […]
“When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.”—Theodore Woodward, University of Maryland School of Medicine Although this advice originated in medicine, it applies equally well to forensic engineering: Look for […]
At the ACI spring convention, the Hot Topic session focused on acceptance testing of concrete. Someone pointed out that we’ve been having the same discussion for the last 40 years. […]
For 19 years I had an orange tabby, known formally as Fridtjof den dristige*, who defended our territory as only an orange tabby can. Orange tabbies have a reputation as […]
Exterior concrete flatwork in a freezing climate experiences the most severe freeze-thaw concrete exposure class, F3. It undergoes cycles of freezing and thawing in the presence of water and deicing […]
A few weeks ago I participated in a webinar about mass concrete and thermal control plans. I was dismayed to hear the presenter cite delayed ettringite formation as the reason […]
Heidi Lukkarila, Beton’s field technician, has many years’ experience troubleshooting concrete on the jobsite. Troubleshooting requires the ability to think on your feet, as time is always of the essence. […]
A few weeks ago I met with a student team to coach them on their final report for their senior design project. The students were discouraged because they’d spent two […]
Concrete acceptance testing refers to the testing of concrete sampled directly from the ready mixed concrete truck. Its purpose is to verify the compressive strength of the material as delivered […]