Concrete Archives - Braun Intertec

Is Your Concrete Agricultural Facility Structurally Sound?

By Richard McGuire | July 11, 2019

A Phased Approach to Conditions Assessments, Testing and Repairs Consulting Many concrete grain storage silos, load-out structures and storage bins in operation at agricultural storage and processing facilities across the Midwest are aging. As a facility owner, you might look at your critical structures and wonder, “How long has it been since these concrete structures were assessed by an engineer?” Looks alone can be deceiving. In fact, minor distress on the exterior of concrete structures may appear superficial, but real damage could be occurring below the surface. If left unattended, this damage may lead to more costly repairs. Braun Intertec...

Concrete Slump Testing: Why Bother?

By Alf Gardiner | March 21, 2019

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...

A Look Inside: Life as a CMT Technician

February 14, 2019

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...

[OnDemand Webinar] Concrete Petrographic Analysis: A Tool for Solving Construction Issues

September 5, 2017

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....

Concrete Performance – An Owner’s Perspective

By Justin Lashley | April 6, 2016

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...

Braun Intertec Education Series: Concrete Seminar – April 15th in Bismarck, ND

March 22, 2016

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...

Braun Intertec Education Series: Concrete Seminar – April 8th in Kansas City

March 17, 2016

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...

Braun Intertec Education Series: Concrete Seminar – February 16th, March 1st, and March 2nd

January 26, 2016

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...

What to Consider with Concrete Structures

By Jason Hanlon, PE, MLSE | November 30, 2015

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...