Episode
052 - Cast-in-Place Concrete: From Spans to Slump Tests
- Podcast
- Architect Exam Podcast
- Published
- Jan 26, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1798
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cast-in-place-concrete/
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Summary
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: Concrete vs. rebar responsibilities (compression vs. tension) One-way slabs versus two-way slabs Honeycombing, spalling, and 45-degree shear cracks Slump tests and Kelly Ball tests CMU block versus cast in place concrete 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/ Want to cast in place concrete and other challenging technical concepts for your ARE preparation? Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-stud…