4:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Phantom Water and Concrete: What You Need to Know (1.0 PDH)
Presented by Mr. Eric Holeman with Warren's Ready Mix
BIO: Eric Holeman has more than 27 years of experience in the concrete industry, working across project management, negotiation, cost control, and daily coordination with clients, drivers, and plant teams. He currently serves as Quality Control Manager at Warren's Ready Mix, where he has implemented a quality control system to improve concrete mixing consistency, supported test‑run procedures with lab verification, and providing guidance to drivers to help ensure successful deliveries. Previously, he worked as Quality Control Manager for Allied Concrete Texas, overseeing quality for 22 plants and 8 aggregate pits across the Houston area. In that role, he coordinated the production of 1.9–2.0 million yards of concrete per year, collaborated with general contractors and plant managers, reviewed lab testing for new mix designs, and conducted testing on aggregates, sand, and cement. Throughout his career, James has supported reliable concrete production by monitoring quality, assisting teams, and helping projects stay on schedule and within budget.
ABSTRACT: This presentation examines the problem of “phantom water” in concrete—unaccounted‑for water introduced into a mix without the engineer’s or owner’s knowledge. Even small, unauthorized additions from wet aggregates, rain, wash water, or jobsite re‑tempering can significantly alter the designed water‑cement ratio, leading to reduced strength, increased cracking, durability failures, and specification non‑compliance. The speaker will explain how phantom water occurs, why it poses serious quality and liability risks, how it is detected through testing and forensic analysis, and what steps engineers should take when it is suspected on a project. This session offers practical insight for anyone involved in concrete design, placement, inspection, or dispute resolution.
5:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Plient Recycled Steel Fibers for Slab-on-Grade Concrete Construction (1.0 PDH)
Presented by Mr. Zachary Grasley, Ph.D., P.E., with Circle Concrete Tech
BIO: Zachary Grasley, PhD, PE, is a chaired professor and Department Head of the Zachry Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University. Grasley is a world-renowned expert in concrete materials, a subject in which he mentors many students, teaches, and performs extensive research. He has published over 75 journal articles while executing more than $10M in sponsored research and has won several teaching awards. Grasley has been honored as a Fellow of ASCE, the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and the American Ceramic Society (ACerS). In addition to his academic impacts, he is also keen on seeing his discoveries and technological developments impact civil engineering practice directly. He has multiple patents and is helping two start-up companies focused on innovating the concrete material, precast, and production industries. Prior to becoming Department Head, Grasley led the Center for Infrastructure Renewal at Texas A&M.
ABSTRACT: Plient fibers, a structural recycled steel fiber product, are being investigated for the potential to replace rebar in conventionally reinforced slab-on-grade residential foundations with grade beams and commercial/industrial flooring. Commercialized by Circle Concrete Tech, Plient fibers have been successfully used to replace rebar in several slab-on-grade projects over the last 3 years. Using Plient fibers to replace rebar in residential foundations and commercial/industrial floors will save significant time and money while reducing jobsite injuries and environmental impact. Here, laboratory results and field experiences will be shared along with proposed design methodologies.