Webinar Archives

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What is mass concrete? ACI 207.1R defines mass concrete as any volume of concrete with dimensions large enough to require that measures be taken to cope with the generation of heat from hydration of the cement and attendant volume change to minimize cracking. But how does one predict whether mass concrete problems will occur and what steps should be taken? This presentation will discuss how to identify mass concrete, ACI 301 requirements pertaining to it, and good construction practices.

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Concrete is the foundation for everything we build. Concrete is an integral part of homes, businesses, schools, offices, churches, roads, and bridges. The concrete industry is in need of people who aren't afraid of hard work. A career in the concrete industry not only pays well but gives individuals the chance to build something that will stand the test of time. Right now, there is a growing need for concrete contractors, equipment operators, ready mix concrete truck drivers and quality control personnel. #ConcreteTough is a Nebraska based workforce recruitment campaign that exposes youth to the concrete construction industry. This message is communicated through participating in various career fairs, concrete 101 programs, and presented to numerous schools on the different careers the concrete Industry offers. Attendees will learn ways that they can incorporate concrete career awareness into their own workforce recruitment efforts.

A short overview of the new Concrete Industry Management degree at South Dakota State University will also be included with this webinar.

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Part of the Sustainable Structures Webinar Series: This one-hour program is intended for professional designers and engineers. The attributes of precast concrete will be presented, demonstrating how these qualities may be applied to the design and construction of safe and efficient storm shelter facilities. The versatility and resiliency of precast concrete will be further highlighted by a video demonstration, and a series of case studies.

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Part of the Sustainable Structures Webinar Series: Look around and you’ll see many five to seven story projects being built today with a one- or two-story concrete pedestal, supporting up to five floors of steel or wood frame. These “pedestal” projects are assumed to be the cheapest way to build while longer term ownership implications of these designs are not well understood. This one-hour presentation dispels the myths that are driving the popularity of pedestal construction and demonstrates the value concrete provides.

The developer/owner’s perspective on building multi-family housing projects with Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) will be presented, and will include design, construction, and energy-efficiency implications, as well as tenant satisfaction. The presenter will overview his use of ICF’s and concrete for the exterior wall system at Kendal Lofts, a 42-unit project in Waukesha, Wisconsin. In addition, the presenter will also discuss his latest all-concrete residential projects in Wisconsin and Florida.

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The concrete pumping equipment available today is more advanced, reliable, and prolific than ever before. So why can’t I find one that can move this perfect mix I just created?

The factors that can affect concrete pumping are numerous, inter-related, and sometimes hidden, making the predicting of pumpability seem elusive. So how is the construction industry, which is becoming ever more cost conscious and filled with complicated and demanding concrete requirements, to deal with it on a more simplified level?

This presentation will discuss some of the over 50 factors that affect concrete pumping, the basics of how concrete pumping works, how mix designs can be adjusted to accommodate the application’s multiple requirements, and what can be done to help eliminate the jobsite problems that result in a finger pointing exercise and costly downtime.

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Part of the Sustainable Structures Webinar Series: This presentation will give a brief basic overview of insulating concrete forms (ICFs) and precast concrete.  The presenters will answer the following questions:  What are ICFs and what is precast concrete? What are the benefits of each system?  How is each installed/erected?  What types of buildings are constructed from precast concrete and ICFs?     

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Lighter, faster and more cost effective than other forms of construction, Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are quickly becoming the construction method of choice for all forms of construction including single and multi-family, hotels, schools, offices. Concrete contractors, masons and framers have an opportunity to learn how their trade can work with ICFs to enhance their competitiveness in today’s construction environment. The presentation will focus on how to communicate basic ICF detailing, design efficiencies, and other necessary information to designers who may not be familiar with ICF construction. Also included in the presentation will be information on how ICF’s can affect other sections of the specification, best construction practices, and tips on how to determine labor costs for an ICF project.

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Making a decision that requires ethical consideration is usually not easy. Rarely are we faced with an ethical question that has a corresponding answer that is clearly black and white. Doing the ethical thing can require effort and determining the correct path may include many variables that cause us to pause and consider what the right decision is. In this presentation, the speaker will discuss some scenarios that illustrate the grey area that can be "ethics." The presenter will work through the scenarios an offer insight on determining the correct and ethical way to proceed through a decision-making process.

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Anyone who has watched a building under construction can appreciate its complexity and sophistication. Occasionally, inspection and testing requirements occur that the local code official may not be qualified or experienced to address, so third-party assistance is needed. The building codes address this need through a specific requirement for structural tests and “special” inspections. A special inspection can be required for materials, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections where special expertise is needed.  This presentation will cover the requirement of special inspections as well as some examples of when construction testing and inspections did not go as planned. 

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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.