Business Details
Expert Concrete Engineering Solutions
Beton Consulting approaches concrete from chemical, materials, and structural engineering perspectives, offering global expertise in thermal control plans, forensic engineering, and service life design. Our team combines diverse skill sets to solve complex client problems through science-driven solutions. With AASHTO-accredited laboratory testing capabilities and LEED accreditation, we maintain professional licenses in 15 states and three Canadian provinces. Our engineers lead 25 American Concrete Institute committees, ensuring adherence to evolving industry standards while delivering innovative concrete solutions.We specialize in alternative cementitious materials, petrography, and specialty concrete mix design, supported by decades of combined experience in construction troubleshooting and failure analysis. Our collaborative approach integrates client insights with technical expertise to optimize project outcomes.
Services
Thermal Control Plan
Forensic Engineering
Service Life Design
Alternative Cementitious Materials
Petrography
Concrete Testing
Specialty Mix Design
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in concrete engineering and petrography
- Our AASHTO-accredited laboratory ensures precise material testing and analysis
- LEED-certified professionals deliver sustainable concrete solutions
- Team holds professional licenses in 15 US states and three Canadian provinces
- Active leadership in 25 American Concrete Institute committees shapes industry standards
Associations and certifications
- AASHTO
- LEED
Services
Forensic Engineering
Our forensic engineering team investigates concrete failures to determine root causes and liability. We provide expert witness testimony and remediation strategies for structural defects. Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and decades of materials science expertise, we deliver actionable solutions for construction disputes and performance issues.
Thermal Control Plan
We develop thermal control plans for mass concrete placements to prevent cracking without requiring cooling tubes. Our approach combines material science and structural analysis to optimize temperature management during curing. This ensures structural integrity while reducing construction complexity and costs.
Service Life Design
Our service life design ensures concrete structures meet required lifespans in specific exposure conditions. We analyze environmental factors and material properties to create durable solutions. This proactive approach minimizes maintenance needs and extends infrastructure longevity through science-based design parameters.
Alternative Cementitious Materials
We develop low-carbon concrete solutions using industrial byproducts like waste glass. Our material scientists optimize cementitious blends for performance and sustainability. This reduces environmental impact while maintaining structural requirements through innovative material substitution strategies.
Petrography
Our petrography services examine concrete, aggregates, and masonry to assess condition and performance. Using microscopic analysis, we identify material characteristics affecting durability. This diagnostic approach informs repair strategies and quality control for both existing structures and new construction materials.
People
Kevin MacDonald
President and Principal Engineer
Fellow of the American Concrete Institute with expertise in concrete chemistry and structural engineering. Leads multiple ACI committees and teaches concrete design at University of Wisconsin-Stout. Holds PE licenses in three countries and has published extensively on concrete durability.
Rachel Detwiler
Principal Engineer
35+ years experience in concrete testing and failure analysis. Developed ASTM standards for concrete cylinder testing. Serves on multiple ACI committees and teaches technical writing at University of St. Thomas. Expert witness in concrete-related litigation with global project experience.
Mark Lukkarila
Principal Petrographer
30+ years expertise in cementitious systems and hydration chemistry. Former research lab manager in cement industry. Leads ACI committees on materials and shotcrete. Certified ACI shotcrete nozzleman examiner with extensive petrographic analysis experience for historic and modern concrete structures.
Julie Buffenbarger
Sustainability Principal
25+ years concrete industry experience with focus on sustainable materials. LEED AP professional who chairs ACI sustainability committee. Expert in life cycle assessment and low-carbon concrete solutions. Holds chemistry degrees and develops innovative resilient construction practices.
Heidi Lukkarila Romo
Field Technician
12+ years field testing experience with expertise in ACI testing methods. Developed time-over-temperature monitoring for concrete curing. Specializes in aggregates and admixtures compliance. Trained in petrography with award-winning project experience including Minnesota DOT infrastructure.
Questions
What concrete engineering services do you specialize in?
We specialize in forensic engineering, thermal control plans, service life design, petrography, and alternative cementitious materials. Our AASHTO-accredited lab performs comprehensive concrete testing and specialty mix design.
Are your engineers licensed professionals?
Our team holds professional engineering licenses in 15 US states and three Canadian provinces. We maintain LEED accreditation and active leadership roles in multiple American Concrete Institute committees.
How do you handle concrete failure investigations?
Our forensic engineering process includes material testing, root cause analysis, and liability assessment. We provide expert witness testimony and remediation strategies backed by AASHTO-accredited laboratory results.
Can you develop sustainable concrete solutions?
Yes, we create low-carbon concrete using industrial byproducts like waste glass. Our material scientists optimize cementitious blends while maintaining structural requirements through innovative substitution strategies.
Do you provide laboratory testing services?
Our AASHTO-accredited laboratory offers comprehensive concrete testing including petrography, strength analysis, and material compliance verification. We follow standardized testing protocols for accurate, defensible results.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Based in Minnesota, we work on projects globally. Our engineers hold licenses in multiple states and provinces, supporting domestic and international clients with concrete engineering expertise.
