EP #126: What the “State-of-the-Art” PLC Report Quietly Admitted About Concrete Performance

In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett breaks down the 2010 “State-of-the-Art Report on Use of Limestone in Cements” that helped launch Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) into the U.S. market. You’ll hear what the report got right, what it left out, and why Europe’s cement playbook may not fit American concrete. If you're in the industry, this episode will help you question the assumptions behind the biggest cement shift in decades.


Takeaways 

•  What happens to concrete strength when limestone content isn't properly optimized? 
• Could higher limestone levels reduce your mix's sulfate resistance? 
• How does increased limestone affect carbonation depth and long-term durability? 
• Is PLC more likely to cause long-term shrinkage or expansion issues? 
• Why are curing practices in Europe so different—and does it matter? 
• How critical is mix design when using PLC instead of traditional cement? 
• Are we relying on research we haven’t actually read or fully understood? 

Chapters
01:57 Exploring the 2011 State of the Art Report
04:25 Positive Aspects of Portland Limestone Cement
05:49 Cautions and Concerns with PLC
13:25 Comparative Analysis: Europe vs. US Practices
19:20 Conclusion and Importance of Research


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Producer: Jodi Tandett


Music by: Mike Dunton (Instagram: @Mike_Dunton)


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Host: Seth Tandett
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast
Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com

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