Most contractors think warm weather helps speed up a pour—but what if that early strength is fooling you? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett is joined again by concrete chemist Bob Higgins to break down the real effects of high temperatures on concrete strength, durability, and long-term performance. They cover new science on curing, the shocking impact of temperature on cement hydration, and why most current standards are dangerously outdated. If you’re pouring slabs in hot weather, this episode could save your project—and your reputation. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Is your summer concrete secretly sabotaging long-term strength? What actually happens to cement hydration when concrete gets too hot? Can high early strength be misleading—and even dangerous? Why is the surface of your slab the weakest link in hot weather pours? What’s the truth about internal curing and how can it save your concrete? How does curing temperature affect concrete performance a year later? Are old curing standards putting your concrete projects at risk? Can insulation blankets and self-curing mixes solve the heat problem? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro – Four Questions Every Contractor Should Ask 02:00 Why Heat Hurts Concrete More Than You Think 06:00 Explaining the Graphic: Temperature vs Long-Term Strength 11:30 Surface Damage: The 1-Inch Problem 14:00 What Curing Really Does—and What It Doesn't 17:30 Internal Curing vs Wet Curing 22:00 Misting, Self-Curing Aggregates, and Propylene Glycol 26:00 The Real Reason Roads Fail After 10 Years 30:00 Final Thoughts: Don’t Pour in the Heat Without a Plan Guest: Robert "Concrete Bob" Higgins | RC Consulting Email:
[email protected] Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/robert-higgins/ ============================= Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! Gain access to expert video lessons, live Q&As, and professional development hours (PDHs). Learn what the textbooks won’t teach you. Start Learning: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! Help us keep the Concrete Logic Podcast going strong. Your donation helps the entire concrete community get better and smarter. Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com Want your company to sponsor the podcast? Learn how: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/p/partner-with-concrete-logic-podcast/ Producer: The Fricks Company (www.fricksco.com), Jodi Tandett Music by: Mike Dunton (Instagram: @Mike_Dunton) Stay Connected & Watch More! Host: Seth Tandett Email:
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