The introduction and a brief biography of the authors set the context for the reader. This book fills an existing knowledge gap in practical concreting issues. Clearly, prior knowledge of concrete technology, acquired either by way of university study or a recognised qualification such as from the Institute of Concrete Technology, is a must.
Field experience is required to appreciate the various difficulties encountered in construction sites; the authors' experience(s) are distilled in the form of invaluable tips cited with real-world examples from the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Australia, the UK and USA. Such examples documented in a textbook are only rarely encountered.
Moreover, the book is written in a narrative style, which should find favour with quality control personnel. By not dipping much into the theoretical aspects, the authors have done a splendid job in keeping the text succinct and current – notably 64 of the 168 references are post-2000. For readers conversant with the earlier edition(s), this book serves as a timely update.
The lead author's unmistakable footprint is evident in the parts on mix design, statistical analysis, cumulative sum control (CUSUM) charts and quality control. The emphasis placed on quality control as an ongoing process to determine quality changes early in the production cycle, rather than as a remedial measure, is laudable indeed. Testing is an integral part of any quality control routine and an exclusive Chapter 7 does justice to the frequently used tests.
Chapter 12 on troubleshooting gives the gist of the various aspects arising at a construction site. Albeit brief, the section on causes of cracking in slabs should be an eye opener to engineers working on the contract side of projects. As the authors have rightly said in Chapter 8 on mix design, a collaborative approach between the stakeholders – specifier, producer and purchaser – would benefit all, while the material ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly.
In the final chapter, the lead author has prudently stepped back, except for a briefing note on magnesium-based cements, and the three sections have been thoughtfully constructed by the second author of this book and two other experts in concrete technology.
Overall, the book gives a respectable expert perspective on the practice of concrete technology – a topic which on many an occasion has been rather abused. Undoubtedly, this book will serve as a ready reference for quality control and contract personnel, and inspire graduate students to develop their interest in concrete technology even further.
