Aggregates In Concrete

Alexander (civil engineering, U. of Cape Town, South Africa) and Mindess (civil engineering, U. of British Columbia, Canada) describe the importance of aggregate materials to the behavior of concrete in terms of both current empirical knowledge and the underlying science. They begin with the origin, classification, and production methods for naturally occurring aggregates. They then look at their physical, mechanical, and chemical properties as they relate to the properties of concrete. The role of aggregates in fresh concretes is discussed with particular emphasis on particle packing and concrete rheology. The effects of aggregates on transport of substances in concrete and on deterioration and durability are then examined. The final chapters consider special aggregates, requirements of aggregates for special concretes, and international standards for aggregates. Annotation c2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Mark Alexander is Professor of Civil Engineering in the University of Cape Town. He holds BSc (Eng), MSc (Eng), and PhD degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand. His teaching and research interests are in cement and concrete technology, with experience in materials and application to design and construction. He head the Concrete Materials Research Group at UCT, where extensive work is being done on understanding problems of concrete durability. He has published extensively both in South Africa and abroad. He frequently acts as a specialist consultant to industry and the profession on concrete materials problems.

Sidney Mindess is Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia, where he has taught since 1969. His teaching and research interests are primarily in cement and concrete technology, with a particular interest in fibre reinforced concrete and the behaviour of concrete under impact loading. He has published extensively, and is engaged in consulting on construction.