EP #147: Concrete Cracks Don’t Lie - ASR, AAR, and What’s Really Happening Inside Your Concrete

PRESENTED BY: CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY Practical education and ongoing development for concrete professionals at every stage of their career.  Join here: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/EPISODE SUMMARYConcrete cracks are often brushed off as shrinkage, restraint, or “just part of concrete.”That mindset gets structures in trouble.In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett is joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz to break down alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR)—what they are, how they develop, and why they continue to surprise engineers, contractors, and owners decades after first being documented.They walk through the history of ASR, how it shows up in real structures, why it’s often misdiagnosed, and how modern testing and prevention strategies are improving—but still imperfect. The core message is simple: cracks are symptoms, not root causes, and ignoring them is how durability problems turn into long-term failures.This is a practical, field-informed conversation for anyone responsible for designing, specifying, building, or maintaining concrete structures.WHAT YOU’LL LEARNWhy ASR remains one of the most misunderstood concrete durability issuesThe difference between ASR and AAR—and why the distinction mattersHow reaction-driven cracking differs from typical shrinkage or restraint crackingWhen ASR damage can accelerate faster than expectedHow ASR is identified and diagnosed in real structuresWhere current ASR testing methods work—and where they fall shortWhy prevention is still more reliable than remediationHow concrete professionals should think about cracks before they spreadCHAPTERS00:00 – Why concrete cracks should never be ignored02:11 – ASR vs. AAR: definitions and mechanisms04:50 – How ASR damages concrete over time07:47 – Identifying and diagnosing ASR in the field10:08 – Testing methods and prevention strategies13:19 – The future of ASR management in concrete structuresGUEST INFODr. Jon BelkowitzIntelligent [email protected] LOGIC PARTNERSINTELLIGENT CONCRETEConcrete not behaving the way it should?Intelligent Concrete combines lab-level testing with real-world field experience to identify the true root cause of concrete performance issues—not just treat the symptoms.Reach out for help: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/intelligent-concreteCONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMYEarn PDHs in the same straight-talk format as the podcast:Join now: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/academySUPPORT THE PODCASTDid you get value out of the show? Give some value back:https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donateBuy your KUIU work, workout & hunting gear and 10% goes to the show. No added cost to you:https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiuMedia, sponsorship, or content inquiries:  [email protected]: Jodi Tandett, Maya Richardson & Concrete Logic Media Music by Mike Dunton: https://www.mdunton.com/WHERE TO FIND SETHhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/ https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcasthttps://[email protected]