The Precast Podcast
The Precast Podcast (by Shea Concrete Products): The goal with this podcast is to further solidify our relationships within the precast concrete industry and make new ones with people and entities we have not reached through our current marketing and outreach strategies. We will tell our story, educate and share knowledge that has been gained over almost 70-years in business, and continue to push the envelope as a leader within the industry.
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Episode #50 The Precast Podcast
07/14/2023
Episode #50 The Precast Podcast
Portland cement has been the default binder material in concrete for more than 100 years. The environmental impact of manufacturing portland cement is well understood and documented, and regulators impose strict requirements on all cement producers to monitor and report emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the manufacture of portland cement accounts for 1.25% of U.S. CO2 emissions. The industry has made considerable progress since the 1970’s reducing cement production energy demand by 40%, but recognizes that more must be done. That’s why the Portland Cement Association (PCA), which represents the majority of America’s cement manufacturers, developed the Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality. The Roadmap establishes realistic goals and actions that will be required to achieve carbon neutrality across the entire cement-concrete-construction value chain by 2050—and hopefully sooner. In this episode of The Precast Podcast, we discuss PCA’s Roadmap, tools available to practitioners today to lower the carbon footprint of concrete, and the opportunities for the precast concrete industry to engage on this exciting journey to carbon neutrality.
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The Precast Podcast Episode #49
05/08/2023
The Precast Podcast Episode #49
Since its emergence in 1990 3D concrete printing capabilities have grown exponentially. Black Buffalo 3D is a leading provider of 3D construction printers and materials offering the only solution in the world to meet ICC-ES AC509 criteria for printing structural walls. Whether you are 3D printing homes, buildings, hardscapes, or other structures with Black Buffalo 3D’s assistance you will be accomplishing your task with lab verified field tested 3DCP technology. In this episode of The Precast Podcast we speak with Peter Cooperman (CMO) to learn about Black Buffalo 3D technology and where 3D printers fit into the future of concrete construction.
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The Precast Podcast Episode #48
04/10/2023
The Precast Podcast Episode #48
Outside The Box Materials (OTBM) patented continuous production methods make it economically feasible to replace Portland cement in concrete without increasing costs. OTBM is also currently in the final phases in development of new methodologies to sequester both CO2 and hazardous materials into concrete safely and at substantial volume. The worldwide availability of the upcycled raw materials used by OTBM allow scalability in rapid fashion, making these materials an attractive choice for construction projects around the globe. Join us for Episode 48 of The Precast Podcast as we dig into new technologies that are bringing value to the precast concrete industry.
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The Precast Podcast Episode #47
02/17/2023
The Precast Podcast Episode #47
In this episode of The Precast Podcast, we continue the discussion on sustainability and how industry partners are working to make the concrete industry more environmentally friendly. Carbon Upcycling was founded in Alberta, Canada in 2014 with a vision of creating a world where carbon is a sustainable resource to shape the future of humanity. Their patented, low-energy, treatment process produces carbon-enhanced material additives from industrial by-products or natural minerals for use in globally relevant industries including concrete, plastics, and consumer products. The technology has scaled 10-million times in size since the first proof-of-concept benchtop reactor, culminating in one of the world’s largest Carbon Capture Utilization (CCU) facilities. Carbon Upcycling is currently engaged with 3 of the 10 world’s largest cement companies, and has been awarded the Carbon Xprize X-Factor award, and a Solar Impulse Label. Is Carbon Upcycling offering a solution to help move your business in the right direction? To learn more about Carbon Upcycling contact Tiffany Duffy (Director of Business Development) at [email protected].
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The Precast Podcast Episode #46
10/12/2022
The Precast Podcast Episode #46
Concrete is grey… If you love concrete that grey color is a beautiful thing, but can anything be done to make your concrete mix more environmentally friendly? The green technology movement is growing and with it comes advances to make building and construction products “greener” while not sacrificing quality and long-term durability. Can this be done with concrete? In this episode, we sit down with CarbonCure and learn how some newer technology can teach an old dog some new tricks. The origins of concrete go back a long way and to continue to be successful in the construction industry advances in concrete technology need to continue. Where will the future take us?
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The Precast Podcast Episode #45
06/16/2022
The Precast Podcast Episode #45
NPCA’s Master Precaster program helps position precast concrete professionals for continued career advancement. Offered as part of NPCA’s Precast University, the Master Precaster program includes precast-specific training with comprehensive education courses for production, safety, technical, quality control, and leadership. Developed in conjunction with industry experts, producers, departments of transportation, and academia, the Precast University curriculum is a perfect complement to employees new to the industry needing a broad knowledge base and to those employees with precast experience who want to take the next step in their careers.
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The Precast Podcast Episode 44
03/24/2022
The Precast Podcast Episode 44
During this presentation, we will examine the origins of concrete as a building material, and consider the milestones of development that were made to achieve the advanced concrete technology of today. We will learn about careful material selection and the importance of such concepts as water cement ratio by exploring the historic perspective of those who contributed to the progress of the concrete industry. We will examine some examples that emphasize just how durable concrete is, and take a closer look at what effects the durability of such structures.
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The Precast Podcast Episode 43
02/23/2022
The Precast Podcast Episode 43
In this episode of The Precast Podcast we dive into watertight tanks from the walls to the joints to the access risers! The need for holding liquid in an assembled precast concrete structure is an increasingly necessary task. Infiltration can overload an onsite septic system and exfiltration may cause contamination of surrounding soils and possibly a drinking water well. A lot goes into manufacturing a high-quality precast concrete tank and you do not want to forget about proper field installation and ensuring joints are resilient. We thank Sam Lines for sharing his knowledge and helping us provide quality educational episodes to our industry!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 42
12/23/2021
The Precast Podcast Episode 42
As we start to wrap up 2021, we reflect on the opportunities and challenges that have come our way. Our goal is always to provide industry-leading product quality and service at a fair price and our team of professionals stepped up to deliver this in a challenging environment. We are blessed to be having a successful year and cannot thank our employees, partners, and customers enough! At Shea Concrete Products “Teamwork Makes The Dream Work” and we look forward to another “Bustling” year as we welcome 2022! Merry Christmas to all and to a safe & productive year ahead!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 41
12/13/2021
The Precast Podcast Episode 41
As the saying goes … “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together”. We have come a long way with our partners at Recon Wall Systems and the future is bright! With 2-Million Square Feet of manufactured and installed retaining wall block throughout the New England market we are an industry leader and here to support your project from start to finish. In this episode of The Precast Podcast we talk all things Recon Wall Systems including a recent milestone accomplishment and how we deliver on making your retaining wall project a reality. Our team of experts has you covered from initial site walk-through installation assistance and everything in-between. At Shea Concrete Products “Teamwork Makes The Dream Work” and we look forward to delivering you industry-leading product quality and service in 2022!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 40
10/22/2021
The Precast Podcast Episode 40
The National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) and Shea Concrete Products are presenting “Precast Days” 2021 in New England as a unique educational opportunity to provide students, specifiers, engineers and contractors (or anyone else interested in the Precast Concrete Industry) with an up-close & personal experience at a New England-based precast concrete plant. Our NPCA Certified precast concrete plants are opening their doors to explain the precast manufacturing process and demonstrate the equipment, technology and engineering expertise that goes into making resilient precast concrete products day in and day out. We will be hosting events at each of our four facilities and offering plant tours (with the ability for participants to earn 1-PDH Credit Certificates) and have local food trucks onsite to make sure everyone is well fed! Join us at one event or at all four during the first 2-weeks in November.
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The Precast Podcast Episode #39
09/27/2021
The Precast Podcast Episode #39
Shea Concrete Products is excited to announce our 6th “Virtual” Technical Engineering Seminar. This “virtual” seminar opportunity allows for participants to obtain three (3) individual professional development credit hours as follows: 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH) 1.0-“NHDES Subsurface Systems Bureau” Credit Hour (NHDES Subsurface Designers & Installers) 1.0-“NEIWPCC” Soil Evaluator (SE) Training Contact Hour (TCH) Topics include how to describe soil horizons, soil color, redoximorphic features, soil textures, soil consistence, soil structure, geomorphic descriptions, and soil taxonomy at the soil series level. Participants will learn about the basics of soil profile development and its application for soil interpretations.
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The Precast Podcast Episode 38
07/28/2021
The Precast Podcast Episode 38
Over 70 years later, our family-owned and operated business is continuing to grow so we can continue delivering quality solutions and unmatched product quality and service to the New England construction market. After hosting three recent job fairs we are continuing our search for new teammates to join us as we continue expanding our product line offering and reach throughout New England. Are you interested in a new career … Are you searching for new challenges … Or are you ready to learn and grow your skillsets within the Precast Concrete industry? We are offering a wide variety of career opportunities throughout our three facilities in MA and one in NH. Call us today at 800-696-SHEA to join our winning team!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 37
05/10/2021
The Precast Podcast Episode 37
From initial handshake through final installation we have you covered with our Precast Concrete Stairs product line. In this Episode we sit down with our very own Rich Walsh and go through our Precast Concrete Stairs offering step-by-step. With every project opportunity our goal is to make your entrance the "Talk Of The Town" with multiple stair offerings and industry leading service. We appreciate the opportunity to deliver value directly to your front door.
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The Precast Podcast Episode 36
04/01/2021
The Precast Podcast Episode 36
From initial handshake through final installation we have you covered with our Easi-Set Precast Concrete Buildings. Being an engineered product the only limit to our Easi-Set buildings is making sure we can physically deliver the final product to your site with our trucking fleet! We work with you the entire way to ensure every detail is exactly to your specification and we are at your construction site to ensure the installation is completed properly and on your schedule. Please join us for a conversation with our in-house experts to discuss all-things Easi-Set Precast Concrete Buildings. We appreciate the opportunity to deliver value to your construction project!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 35
02/25/2021
The Precast Podcast Episode 35
Now almost 1/6th of the way into 2021 and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel through a New England Winter we have our sights set on another exciting year of retaining wall opportunities! We have been manufacturing ReCon retaining wall block since 2003 and have seen consistent growth in product acceptance year over year. We currently manufacture the retaining wall block at our Amesbury, MA and Wilmington, MA facilities and utilize our trucking fleet to deliver on-time value throughout New England & beyond. We are currently the largest manufacturer of the ReCon Retaining Wall System in the World and in 2020 set a new company record in manufacturing over 178,000-Square Feet of retaining wall block! From a manufacturing perspective this calculates to manufacturing/shipping 140-blocks per "work day" in 2020. As we make our way through 2021 we look to make quality changes to our product and service offering and are eying the 180,000-Square Foot mark. Thank you for supporting The Precast Podcast and we look forward to the opportunities March 2021 will bring!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 34
02/02/2021
The Precast Podcast Episode 34
Not more than an hour after recording Episode 33 of the podcast our first case of COVID-19 at our headquarters facility was confirmed. What else could 2020 throw at us? Was it another challenge to deal with or another opportunity to learn from? We chose the latter. Along with other opportunities to learn from as the calendar turned to 2021 we again sit down with Greg Stratis (President - Shea Concrete Products) and talk through the good ... the bad ... and the ugly. Through it all our team of dedicated professionals pulled together to learn, grow, and make the business stronger and more resilient to work through the next opportunity ... And we know there will be many more opportunities! As with every day moving forward ... The sun will come out tomorrow and our American flags will be waving proudly as you drive by our headquarters facility in Amesbury, MA!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 33
12/16/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 33
Where did this year go? I mean… Where did this year come from? In this episode of The Precast Podcast we sit down with Greg Stratis (President - Shea Concrete Products) to discuss 2020. An interesting year to say the least and one that will be remembered for years to come. We have learned a lot this year and we are excited for what 2021 will bring. We will continue to make adjustments, evolve, and do our very best at delivering consistent value and industry-leading service to our employees, customers, and partners. Merry Christmas to all and to a great 2021 ahead!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 32
11/19/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 32
Admixtures 101 will explore the basics of concrete admixtures from use, classification, and different types of technologies available in the market today. We will also look at specifications and guidelines that drive the need for the use of admixtures, to accomplish many things in both plastic and hard properties of concrete.
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The Precast Podcast Episode 31
10/20/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 31
This presentation provides an in-depth introduction to the underground infrastructure rehabilitation market. This includes inspection and condition assessment all the way through trenchless "no-dig repair solutions for critical storm, sewer, and water infrastructure.
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The Precast Podcast Episode 30
10/14/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 30
From joints to walls, the need for holding water in an assembled concrete structure is an increasingly necessary task. Infiltration can overload the system, and exfiltration may cause contamination of soils. This presentation will explain the differences between watertight (proof) and damp-proof. Joints are often thought of as a concern for water passage; concrete is a porous material and can contribute to leakage as well. You will learn: The types of joints available for pipe and precast The hydrostatic resistance of joint materials That concrete contains a network of pores The purpose of coatings to provide a barrier How admixtures can provide hydrostatic water resistance
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The Precast Podcast Episode 29
08/26/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 29
Concrete is the most used man-made product in the world. With concrete structures still standing dating back to the Roman Empire the goal of making concrete better, more durable, and longer-lasting continues. The basic ingredients of concrete remain the same and advances with Supplemental Cementitious Materials (SCM’s) and admixtures continues to pave the way. Join us for a deep dive into the manufacturing process of cement and how all ingredients come together to make durable concrete structures with the goal of a 100-year design service life and beyond.
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The Precast Podcast Episode 28
07/27/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 28
Engineered to meet your needs … In this episode of The Precast Podcast, we take a deep dive into the internal and external support provided by Easi-Set Buildings and Shea Concrete Products to deliver precast concrete buildings throughout New England and beyond. Shea Concrete Products manufactures and services Easi-Set Buildings and does its very best to ensure customers’ needs are met from the initial introduction through project construction completion. Shea Concrete Products and Easi-Set work together to deliver technical expertise, industry-leading service, and an industry-leading product line offering to add value to your critical infrastructure building needs. We hope you enjoy Episode #28 of The Precast Podcast and appreciate your support!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 27
06/18/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 27
Understanding design objectives and limitations with utilizing steel and synthetic fibers in precast concrete components. We review the role Micro-fibers and Macro-fibers each play in precast concrete as well as some of the design considerations for each. We also review cost analysis to consider in your bottom line.
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The Precast Podcast Episode 26
06/02/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 26
There is an old saying that goes like this … "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten" – Benjamin Franklin. In today’s construction industry everyone is looking for an edge, an advantage, and the ability to get the most out of every component that makes up a project with a constant push/pull between product quality and price. Product support and service can often be overlooked and that can come back to bite a project once construction begins and details have been overlooked. In this episode of The Precast Podcast, we take a deep dive into the internal support provided by ReCon Wall Systems Inc. and Shea Concrete Products. Shea Concrete Products services the New England market with the ReCon Retaining Wall System and does its very best to ensure customers’ needs are met from the initial introduction through project construction completion. ReCon Wall Systems Inc. and Shea Concrete Products work together to deliver technical expertise, industry-leading service, and an industry-leading product line to add value to your retaining wall needs. We hope you enjoy Episode #26 of The Precast Podcast and appreciate your support!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 25
05/19/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 25
With school years coming to an end many graduates are working to find a job and with the current COVID-19 environment it can be a real challenge. Many engineers (and more specifically Civil Engineers) are looking to work for DOT’s, municipalities (Engineering or Public Works Departments), and design engineering companies big and small. How many are looking to the precast concrete industry for employment and an opportunity to grow their skillsets far beyond what they learned in engineering school? The precast concrete industry is fast-paced, automated, allows for opportunities far-reaching engineering specific tasks & skills, and will never be outsourced. The precast concrete industry includes small family-owned operations all the way up to publically-traded businesses and everything in-between. In this episode, we talk through the many benefits the industry has offered to one of our very own young engineers who has been able to gain valuable experience in many disciplines far-reaching what he thought was possible in his early career.
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The Precast Podcast Episode 24
05/01/2020
The Precast Podcast Episode 24
The NPCA "Outreach Committee" is starting to gear-up for the 2020 Precast Days initiative. The goal is to have precast facilities throughout the US participate and raise awareness for the precast concrete industry through open houses, plant tours, and educational opportunities being offered to the public. Precast Days also provides the opportunity to invite students into your facilities and show the next generation what the precast concrete industry has to offer. These are great opportunities for students and also a great opportunity for facilities to find hard-working interns and potentially future full-time team members. Episode #24 of The Precast Podcast offers an example of how important showing-up and following-up can be!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 23
12/23/2019
The Precast Podcast Episode 23
We close out 2019 with over 122-years of precast concrete experience in the room! We are excited for what 2020 will bring and appreciate the support we have received with this podcast initiative over the past 18-months. We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Years!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 22
11/25/2019
The Precast Podcast Episode 22
Thus far, 2019 has been a fantastic year and based on current customer activity we have a lot of opportunities left. We are thankful for a robust New England economy and great partnerships. In this episode we talk through our recent 70th Anniversary celebration, hosting "Precast Days" at our four facilities, facility improvements that allow for continual growth, employee development, and never forget about our trucking fleet as every day is a "Truck Show" at Shea Concrete Products! We wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving and a prosperous finish to 2019!
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The Precast Podcast Episode 21
10/11/2019
The Precast Podcast Episode 21
For over 13-year’s, Jody Rhine has been a trusted member as part of the Shea Concrete Products delivery and trucking team. Jody primarily operates our "Crane Trucks" as part of the companies trucking fleet and especially enjoys delivering our watertight tanks throughout New England and beyond. Jody and his Father both represent the company to the highest level and take pride in their trucks as if they were their own. Everyone takes "Pride In Their Ride" at Shea Concrete Products and with that every day is a Truck Show. Another great example that our secret weapon and long-term success can always be tied back to our dedicated and committed workforce!
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