In 1987, President Ronald Reagan imposed a significant 100% tariff on selected Japanese electronics. At the time, this move was widely seen as bold and controversial. Understanding the rationale behind this action provides insight into the c…
The Metro Center - Caroline M. Proctor The debate surrounding Brutalist architecture in Washington, D.C. (paywall warning) has ignited strong opinions, and after reading this article, I can’t help but feel frustrated with the inconsistency in…
If you’ve ever worked with concrete, you know that things don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s cracks appearing out of nowhere or floors that won’t stay level, concrete can be a tricky material. But what if I told you tha…
The 28-day compressive strength test has long been considered the gold standard for evaluating concrete performance. It's been the go-to method for everything from design decisions to regulatory compliance. But, as we dug into in our latest episode,…
Introduction: Why Soft Skills Matter More Than You Think in Concrete Construction Alright, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough love in the concrete construction world—soft skills. Now, I know what you’re think…
As the U.S. once again debates the use of tariffs to protect domestic industries, history offers a valuable case study in how such policies play out over time. President William McKinley, one of the staunchest advocates for protectionism in U.S. his…
Federal Incentives and Policy Drivers for Type IL Cement During 2019–2024, multiple federal actions incentivized the cement industry’s shift to Type IL (Portland-Limestone Cement). Congressional legislation explicitly promoted lower-car…
So you think CO2 is the big bad wolf? Let me tell you about something even worse: garbage. We talk a lot about carbon emissions, but what about the literal mountains of waste we throw away every single day? Glass, plastic, construction debris&mdash…
The rapid growth of AI and cloud services is fueling an unprecedented surge in data center energy consumption. As power grids strain under this demand, natural gas is emerging as the go-to solution. Recent reports reveal that U.S. federal regulators…
When faced with the decision between Roman concrete and today's blended cement concrete, one might lean towards the ancient marvel of Roman concrete. Despite the advancements in modern concrete technology, Roman concrete continues to captiva…