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Moreover, the only residential construction I have investigated in which the maximum w/cm ratio was 0.45, which F710 calls "moderate" - and I generally call absurd - were specified for the prevention of litigation claims of sulfate attack. I recommend against the specification because it unnecessarily increases the material cost, increases the propensity for slab cracking, wastes cement, provides little benefit over a typical 2,500 or 3,000 psi slab, and is environmentally irresponsible. Specifications like this are emblematic of the wasted money and resources that too often result from misaligned standards improperly applied to our industry.

Nonetheless, unscientific standards don't prevent litigants from forcing defendants to invest significant resources refuting them in court. The only way to break this cycle is to correct the standards and establish fair and objective criteria.

The concrete industry reduced its efforts in monitoring the standards that directly affect it, and such complacency has led directly to endemic litigation.

Many in the industry continue to ignore this situation. After all, concrete contractors and suppliers have insurance. And most in the concrete industry believe they: (a) will be judged by the quality of their materials and workmanship, and (b) are responsible for and able to fix the problems of their own making with their own efforts. While these attitudes are honorable, they point to continuing litigation before the industry realizes it should muster support for significant change of error-prone standards.

What can be done?
Leaders from the cement and concrete industry must become more engaged in the standards development process at both ASTM and ACI, even if it means joining a "Resilient Flooring" subcommittee. Further, they need to energize allies in related industries directly affected by defect litigation. The goal: to develop meaningful standards based on accepted scientific principles, designed to institutionalize best practices and protect consumers and the concrete industry equally.