ADSC Concrete Slam

A Contractor’s Guide to a Great Spec
Ray Fassett, Condon-Johnson
Eric Risberg, P.E., Goettle
Scott Jacobs, P.E., BC.GE, Keller

Most concrete specifications for deep foundations are remnants of outdated documents that were adapted from specifications for above-grade elements like walls and slabs.  There are significant problems with using the same controlling factors to specify flatwork and superstructure elements as deep foundation elements.  Three contractors will highlight the problems they see routinely in specifications that ultimately cause problems in achieving the intended design.

Potions and Spells – The Latest Concrete Chemistry and Technology
Dr. Nathan Tregger, Verifi

Many of the unique aspects of deep foundation construction – long pour times, workability needs, curing below grade, bleed caused by casing, pouring in hazardous environments – can be addressed through the use of specialty techniques and admixtures.  Nathan Tregger will present on the latest and greatest in admixtures, mix designs, and other chemical solutions to specialty concrete needs.  He will combine this with an overview of the most current, real-time batch tracking technology to increase the number of tools that contractors have available to ensure concrete gets in the ground as designed.

The State of the Concrete Address
Christophe Justino, Soletanche Bachy

Christophe Justino lives every day at the cutting edge of deep foundation concrete technology.  He will provide a front-of-the-bus view of what’s coming, what’s going away, and methods for dealing with big changes.

Dispatches from the Front
Justine Lentini Trogani, P.E., ADSC

In this session, results of regional surveys will be given to characterize problems and issues that are occurring regionally throughout North America. Attendees will have the opportunity to comment on their own experiences and suggest research needs and regional initiatives to address consistent issues. 

What Do You Know About How the Sausage is Made?
Michael Whisonant, Martin Marrietta

How well do you understand how a typical concrete batch plant works?  How much variation exists from one plant to another? What should you be asking your batch plant to help you have more effective concrete pours?  A veteran of the concrete production world, Whisenhunt will break it down and offer proactive suggestions for how deep foundation contractors can proactively improve their chances of success.

Is It Mass Concrete, and, By the Way, What Does That Mean?!
Dr. Andrew Boeckmann, P.E., Dan Brown and Associates

Concrete does funny things when you put a large amount of it in the same place.  But how much is enough to create problems?  And does geometry matter?  Andy will walk through a summary of recent research on mass concrete as it applies to deep foundations.  He will address conditions that can cause problems, as well as thresholds for requirements for mitigation measures, such as cooling tubes.

Panel Discussion:
Do We Really Care About Compressive Strength?
Various Presenters

The standard for acceptance of concrete for over 100 years, the quest for compressive strength often leads to severe modifications in other characteristics that can reduce deep foundation performance.  Our panelists will debate the possibility of abandoning the all-consuming quest for f’_c.  (Gasp!)