ACI CMDQ

This third edition is a stimulating and thought provoking book, rather than a work of reference. It gives proven advice from the author’s experience rather than accepted dogma. It points out defects in current standard techniques and philosophies. It is a book for a student, a practical person, or a research worker – for anyone who wants to actually think about concrete, rather than “work by the book”. It provides comprehensive, readily understandable assistance to producers and controllers, large and small, in the design and control of concrete.

Self-compacting concrete is of rapidly increasing importance; strengths are constantly rising; marginal aggregates must be used; quality control is a must; and survival necessitates maximum economy. Portland cement production is a major source of CO2 and its use must be minimized. Antiquated specifications and antiquated control methods must go.

Concrete has become a complex material, generating a substantial number of computerized systems. Ken Day shows how his basic principles of multigrade, multivariable, cusum quality control and specific surface mix design can be applied using simple free programs. He also looks at the future challenge of complex systems for controlling and marketing a large number and variety of mixes in widespread operations. Elaborate systems pay big dividends to the larger producer, but the small producer can still achieve competitive mix designs and close quality control without either excessive expenditure or extensive theoretical study.