Supplementary cementing materials for concrete

Abstract

This ~ublication Dresents a state of the art review of knowledge on the properties, uses, benefits, and limitations of supplementary cementing materials. As such, it provides an UD-to-date and com~rehensive reference work for structural engineers, concrete technologists, specifiers, and those in the concrete manufacturing and supply industry. The book deals with natural pozzolans, fly ash, silica fume, granulated blast-furnace slag, and nonferrous slags. All but the last group of materials are covered in a 1986 Canadian Standards Association Standard CAN/CSA-A23.5-M86 Supplementary Cementing Materials. This book is, therefore, a timely synthesis of data for those who wish to specify or use such materials. Each of the seven chapters are written by recognized experts in the field and include American and Norwegian authors, as well as Canadian. Each chapter covers the characteristics of the material and its effects on the important properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Some of these materials, mainly fly-ash and slag, are in widespread use in many parts of Canada. Currently, the focus of all concrete technologists is with durability because so much of the concrete in the structures that comprise our infrastructure is exhibiting premature deterioration. This book gives guidance on how the use of these materials in concrete can improve the thermal and permeability characteristics, resistance to chemical attack, and the reduction of deleterious expansion due to alkali-aggregate reactivity. Guidance is given by reference to published, mostly recent, work. Each chapter makes frequent reference to published data and concludes with an extensive and useful list of references. Guidance is also given in the special uses of each material. The format of the book is attractive and clear and at the published price is very good value. This is a timely and valuable publication.