Show notes
In this episode, Seth Tandett brings back Dr. Jon Belkowitz to unpack a powerful but often misunderstood tool in the concrete world—petrography. From diagnosing floor failures to proactively optimizing mix designs, Dr. Jon explains how petrography gives contractors, suppliers, and engineers a microscopic advantage. Whether you're battling ASR or just curious about those weird white streaks on your concrete, this episode is for you. What’s Inside: ✔️ What petrography actually is—and how it applies to concrete ✔️ How SEM, NMR, and XRD tools help detect durability issues ✔️ Real-world case studies from flooring issues to nano silica research ✔️ Why more contractors should use petrography proactively, not reactively ✔️ What this type of analysis costs—and when it’s worth every penny ✔️ Dr. Jon’s shoutouts to the industry’s best petrographers ✔️ Why it’s getting harder to find great petrographers in the field CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro: Why Petrography Matters 01:30 – Defining Petrography (Latin Roots to FHWA Guidance) 03:00 – Reactive vs Proactive Applications 05:00 – Flooring Failures: Moisture, Salts, & Surface Analysis 07:30 – Microscopes Explained: SEM, Gas Chromatography & More 10:00 – ASR Gel Under the Scope 14:00 – How Data Helps Tell the Failure Story 17:30 – Proactive Use: Aggregates, Cement & Nano Silica 20:00 – Misconceptions About Petrography 23:00 – Dr. Jon’s U.S. Army-Funded Nano Silica Study 30:00 – The High-Tech Tools That Reveal Concrete Behavior 40:00 – Cost Breakdown: Is It Worth It? 43:00 – Top Petrographers You Should Know 45:00 – Final Thoughts: Use Petrography When It Matters Most LISTEN NOW – Every concrete contractor needs to hear this one! Guest: Dr. Jon Belkowitz Company: Intelligent Concrete Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.intelligent-concrete.com ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! Learn More: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! Donate: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Become a producer & get recognized on our next episode! ============================= Recommended Resources: ASTM C856: Guide for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete NIST Petrography Resources: https://www.nist.gov Learn about ASR: https://www.blurb.com/b/8143619-the-abcs-of-asr Top Petrographers Mentioned: Hugh Ho (WJE), Paul Stutzman (NIST), David Rothstein, Brian Wolf (SGS TEC) Producer: Jodi Tandett Music by: Mike Dunton Instagram: @Mike_Dunton Stay Connected & Watch More! Host: Seth Tandett Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast Podcast Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE for more expert concrete insights!
