Concrete Knowledge for Success

June 3, 2025 to June 3, 2025

Starting Time:   9:15am 

End Time:   2:30pm 

Sponsor(s): The Masonry Institute of Hawaii and others

Description:
The session begins with a down-to-earth, non-nerdy review of how cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures work together, and why water-control, consolidation, finishing, temperature and curing matter. Then we look at the environmental consequences of using cement and concrete, what we can do to reduce those consequences, what new problems arise, and what to look out for when using new products or processes.

Right after lunch we will look at a simple lab experience that allows teams of students or trainees to mix mortar, lay bricks, and use a jointer to construct a brick wall 2-feet wide and 3-feet tall. At least 7 days later, the trainees’ walls can be tested to failure with air pressure equivalent to hurricane-force winds, using an ordinary shop-vac. The session will close with a reminder that standard specifications give the contractor and concrete producer the option of throwing the challenge flag when the results of on-site tests of fresh concrete appear to be out-of-
spec. This is important because a second test can often produce a different result.

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