Conclusion
It is worth nothing, these recommendations are just a starting point and will vary depending on project-specific requirements. It is proper to consult with
a qualified engineer or concrete specialty group to determine the appropriate standards and specifications for each project, and be aware of local building codes and regulations which may impact the course of action. At the same time, materials must adhere to established standards, meet the desired results outlined in building codes, and fulfill owner requirements, all supported by scientific data verification.
An informed concrete crew is a treasure to be protected and coddled, a band of disparate workers poking away at the concrete can lead to expensive rework. There is nothing more expensive to a project than pulling out the concrete (i.e. demolition and start over). It is better to make mistakes on paper than in the final work result.
At the same time, designers need to understand that the many recipes and ideas marketed to them may look good on paper, but they also just might be creating hardships on the job site. Each step (mix design, consolidation, finishing, and curing) must be carried out with care and precision, and all teams on the project must understand the four steps are related and that success (or lack thereof) in one step can affect the others. Brandon Godbey of Tao Group believes individuals throughout the architecture, engineering, and design process are increasingly recognizing that concrete, despite being produced on-site, can adhere to scientific standards and contribute to the meticulous crafting of high-quality concrete in all aspects.
A well-designed mix with proper consolidation, finishing, and curing can create an attractive and robust concrete structure that can withstand various forms of stress and damage, and offset potential budget increases. Data is the only way to protect design intent and collaboration between all team members is paramount to success and increases the likelihood of all four steps concrete working together.
Gloria Barrera, chief officer of operations and facilities, at Waco ISD notes, “Given the increasing complexity of concrete and guaranteeing our curing, and finishing match new mix designs, we must find other ways to ensure that the owner is getting what is specified and paid for. Data is one way to protect design intent.”
References
- Waco ISD concrete innovation, www.kwtx.com/2023/10/11/waco-isd-holds-demonstration-introducing-new-construction-method.
- Waco internally cured concrete (ICC) concrete, www.fox44news.com/news/local-news/mclennan-county/waco-isd-hosts-showcase
-for-innovative-construction-methods. - Renovated Waco ISD elementary schools, wacotrib.com/news/local/education/kendrick-south-waco-new-school-designs/article_bb6d0618-2d8c-11ee-8db8-071220f8948f.html.
- Internally Cured Concrete at 415 Natoma www.constructionspecifier.com/concretes-cobra-effect-unintended-results-of-embodied-carbon-reduction/#:~:text=Concrete’s%20cobra%20effect%3A%20unintended%20results%20of%20embodied%20carbon%20reduction,-January%2013%2C%202023&text=Recent%20efforts%20in%20North%20America,they%20were%20trying%20to%20solve.
- Healthy Concrete Systems: www.constructionspecifier.com/healthy-concrete-systems-defending-design-intent.
Chris Bennett is the founder and CEO of Bennett Build, an industry-recognized leader in concrete consulting. His firm represents owners and assists their project teams in decreasing overall concrete costs and risk, reducing the most embodied carbon possible, and providing the highest quality concrete available. Bennett has led innovation in concrete education and research by facilitating such programs as Concrete North with University of Alberta and Edmonton CSC, the University of Akron NCERCAMP, the International Society for Construction Sciences (iSCS), the National Concrete & Corrosion Symposium (NCCS).
Keith Robinson, RSW, FCSC, FCSI, is a retired architectural technologist and specifier based in Edmonton, Alberta. Robinson instructs courses for the University of Alberta, acts as an advisor to several construction groups, and sits on many standards review committees for ASTM and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Robinson was a key driver in the hands-on research at University of Alberta’s Concrete North with the Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering Excellence (ICE), as well as early field testing of commercial internally cured concrete in North America.
