I have seen multiple blog posts recently critical of the slump test. Some have even gone as far to say slump is a useless test. While I agree slump is a very old test method, it is still a powerful and worthwhile tool in the concrete industry. Others within our industry have advocated the slump test should not be conducted when running quality control or quality assurance (QC/QA) testing on a project. However, if we don’t employ the slump test, what other controls could replace it and still give the design team and end user a level of confidence that...
Read MoreTag: Concrete
A Look Inside: Life as a CMT Technician
What is a construction materials testing technician? A construction materials testing (CMT) technician performs a variety of tests and inspections on construction materials such as soils, deep foundations, concrete, asphalt and masonry. They check that the components of each unique structure has been assembled in a manner consistent with its plans and specifications. Design teams communicate their requirements to contractors who build the designs, and CMT technicians help provide the expertise to know it is done right. But what does a normal day look like for these technicians? While CMT technician responsibilities can vary greatly, we'll do our best to...
Read More[OnDemand Webinar] Concrete Petrographic Analysis: A Tool for Solving Construction Issues
View a recorded version of our webinar. Our webinar will demonstrate how concrete petrography can be used to troubleshoot construction issues, determine repairs, and help the performance of a structure....
Read MoreConcrete Performance – An Owner’s Perspective
Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world, and it is one of the most durable. Today’s concrete has high performance expectations that are dependent on your viewpoint as an owner, designer, contractor or concrete producer. Concrete can be engineered, or designed, to provide exact performance and meet your expectations. This is typically completed during the design phase of the project. What is important to you as the owner are likely the aesthetics and longevity. So, will your clients or customers be welcomed to your facility by the beauty of concrete, and will it last forever? The...
Read MoreBraun Intertec Education Series: Concrete Seminar – April 15th in Bismarck, ND
Due to popular demand, we are hosting another concrete seminar! Join us as we host an educational series featuring four great workshops designed to strengthen your knowledge on concrete mixtures, petrography, non-destructive testing, and pavement. In addition to this cornucopia knowledge, attendees will receive CEUs for their participation in this educational session. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. The course will run from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on April 15th at the Bismarck Civic Center in Bismarck, ND. Our workshop includes: Concrete Mixtures - Where Strength and Durability Intersect Petrographic Analysis - A Tool for Solving Construction Issues Non-Destructive Testing - A Tool for...
Read MoreBraun Intertec Education Series: Concrete Seminar – April 8th in Kansas City
Due to popular demand, we are hosting another concrete seminar! Join us as we host a free educational series featuring four great workshops designed to strengthen your knowledge on concrete mixtures, petrography, non-destructive testing, and pavement. In addition to this cornucopia knowledge, attendees will receive CEUs for their participation in this educational session. Breakfast and lunch will be served. The course will run from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on April 8th at the University of Kansas, BEST Building in Overland Park, KS. Our workshop includes: Concrete Mixtures - Where Strength and Durability Intersect Petrographic Analysis - A Tool for Solving Construction Issues Non-Destructive...
Read MoreBraun Intertec Education Series: Concrete Seminar – February 16th, March 1st, and March 2nd
Mark your calendars and join us as we host an educational series featuring three great workshops designed to strengthen your knowledge on concrete mixtures, petrography, and non-destructive testing. In addition to this cornucopia knowledge, attendees will receive CEUs for their participation in this educational session. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Courses will run from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on February 15th in Fargo, ND; March 1st in Duluth, MN, and March 2nd in Grand Rapids, MN. Our workshop includes: Concrete Mixtures - Where Strength and Durability Intersect Petrographic Analysis - A Tool for Solving Construction Issues Non-Destructive Testing - A...
Read MoreWhat to Consider with Concrete Structures
Concrete structures can have a long shelf-life if proper construction techniques are used, it is in an ideal environment and is properly maintained. Exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and deicing chemicals can adversely affect concrete structures. When looking at your existing infrastructure or other properties, ask yourself: Do We Know the Construction Technique Used? In the early 1900’s, the construction industry and engineers developed different concrete construction techniques to gain an advantage over competitors. The industry was still learning the limits of concrete, specifically elevated slab construction, and aimed for the thinnest floor section and greatest spacing of columns. As...
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