Webinar Archives

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This presentation will focus on alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete.  A brief background of the reaction mechanisms and ways to prevent the reaction will be covered.  The reliability of standard test methods, within the context of current standards (ASTM C1778 and AASHTO R80) will be highlighted. In addition, several current research projects and international efforts in the area will be highlighted. 

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Concrete is unique among building materials. Its formulation is highly influenced by its application. Design professionals and contractors have a greater influence on concrete formulation than they do with other building products. Concrete can be made stronger, lighter, more flowable, stiffer, less permeable, and even weaker depending on performance needs. No other building material is that versatile. This presentation will discuss how design and construction teams can implement ten simple strategies to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint today. The recommendations are listed broadly in order of priority, but not in order of impact reduction. All are important and should be implemented. In addition, the strategies are meant to achieve a lower carbon footprint without impacting other desired performance capabilities for the concrete.

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The performance life of asphalt surfaced parking lots can be extended by placing a bonded concrete layer on top of the existing asphalt. This technique has been used for many years for highway, street, and parking lot pavements but still engineers and owners are unfamiliar with the process. This session will cover the publication entitled the Guide to Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots and demonstrate the steps necessary to properly design and construct a concrete overlay.

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We live in a constructed world and our lives and livelihoods are inextricably linked to the proper function of our infrastructure and machinery. For this to be safely possible, we must have confidence in the technologies we rely on. Nondestructive testing provides that confidence.  To make smart choices, it’s important to have a sound understanding of the purpose, applications, requirements, and different methods of nondestructive testing. This presentation is intended to serve as an overview of various nondestructive testing applications as they are used in the field.

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This presentation reviews strength and serviceability problems in concrete parking structures. The effects of environmental exposure, vehicular loading, and deterioration will be discussed with an emphasis on key differences between buildings, parking structures, and bridges. Case histories will be provided to illustrate common problems, failures, and remediation methods. Precast concrete and cast-in-place systems will be discussed, including problems that occurred during construction. The presentation will include examples of changes that have occurred in the industry to enhance safety and long-term performance.

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This presentation will include an overview of the American Society of Concrete Contractors award winning decorative concrete projects across all the major product categories highlighting how concrete can be strong and beautiful. Using the award-winning projects as examples, the presenter will illustrate how various types of concrete materials and finishes can be used across a wide scope of projects. The presenter will explain unique ways in which decorative concrete can be used to enhance projects – providing increased value and aesthetic appeal.

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Using recent data and ongoing surveys by the Minneapolis Fed, Ron Wirtz (Regionial Outreach Director at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis) will discuss the speed and breadth of recovery in the construction sector and broader Minnesota economy, and role of labor force on economic growth going forward. Using an interactive survey, Ron will also gauge sentiment among event attendees regarding recent business activity, hiring demand, labor and wage trends, and the short-term economic outlook.

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Green building is the concept of constructing buildings we need today without depleting resources for future generations. In the new world of sustainable building, information about the strength, durability, and indestructible nature of concrete as a resourceful building material is emerging. Amid the teardown-and-replace mentality still pervasive in the world today, concrete stands out defiantly. Try to replace concrete with an alternative building material, and you'll be hard pressed to find a substitute possessing the same thermal qualities, design flexibility, and permanence. This presentation will discuss where we are at as a green industry and the various ‘green” efforts that have been used in concrete production, such as substituting relatively high percentage of cement by fly ash (up to 100%), the use of other natural pozzolans, and development of concrete with recycled or waste materials. The presenter will also discuss where the industry might be headed in the future. Finally, problems in the realization of and potential barriers to green concrete construction are also discussed.

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Recognizing decorative concrete flatwork requires a higher attention to detail is critical for success.  This program will cover best practices for all facets of decorative concrete flatwork.  We will look at steps including pre planning, installation, sealing and maintenance, and how each impacts the end result.  The primary focus will be key steps installers and designers need to consider to control color and promote longevity.

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Concrete provides structures with strength, rigidity, and resilience from deformation. These characteristics, however, result in concrete structures lacking the flexibility to move in response to environmental or volume changes. Cracking is usually the first sign of distress in concrete. Cracking of concrete flatwork is natural, expected, and accepted. However, cracks may affect appearance, performance, and maintenance costs. This presentation will discuss the various types of concrete cracks and how to best minimize their occurrence.

Learning Objectives:
1.    Understand the different types of cracking in concrete.
2.    Understand what causes concrete to crack.
3.    Understand how to evaluate the difference between structural cracks and cosmetic cracks
4.    At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will know how to minimize concrete cracks.