Cast in place concrete spans, rebar sizing, slump tests, and when to reject a pour. Everything you need for PPD, PDD, CE, and PA exam questions.

Understanding cast in place concrete is essential for multiple ARE divisions. This episode breaks down how concrete and rebar work together as a structural system, why span limitations matter for your architectural design, and what you need to know for construction observation questions.

We cover the key concepts that show up on PPD when selecting structural systems, PDD when detailing and sizing components, CE when identifying non-conforming work, and PA when evaluating existing buildings. You'll learn typical span ranges for standard cast in place concrete (20-25 feet), how rebar sizing works in 1/8 inch increments, and why concrete excels in hurricane zones but presents challenges in seismic areas.

Key topics covered:

1. Concrete vs. rebar responsibilities (compression vs. tension)
2. One-way slabs versus two-way slabs
3. Honeycombing, spalling, and 45-degree shear cracks
4. Slump tests and Kelly Ball tests
5. CMU block versus cast in place concrete
6. Pre-tensioned vs. post-tensioned systems

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

4:26 - When to Choose Concrete

7:26 - How Concrete Works

11:19 - Common Mistakes with Concrete

13:49 - Construction Observation

17:39 - Identifying Structural Failures

19:27 - CMU Block vs Cast-In-Place

21:57 - Pre-Tensioned and Post-Tensioned

26:14 - How to Use This on Exam Day

28:43 - Wrap Up

Episode Resources:

Full blogpost and free 2-page study notes: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cast-in-place-concrete/

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As Emily mentions, understanding technical concepts like cast in place concrete becomes much clearer when you can discuss them with other candidates and get expert guidance.

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