Science and Technology of Concrete Admixtures presents admixtures from both a theoretical and practical point-of-view. The authors emphasize key concepts that can be used to better understand the working mechanisms of these products by presenting a concise overview on the fundamental behavior of Portland cement and hydraulic binders as well as their chemical admixtures, also discussing recent effects in concrete in terms of rheology, mechanics, durability, and sustainability, but never forgetting the fundamental role played by the water/binder ratio and proper curing in concrete technology. Part One presents basic knowledge on Portland cement and concrete, while Part Two deals with the chemical and physical background needed to better understand what admixtures are chemically, and through which mechanism they modify the properties of the fresh and hardened concrete. Subsequent sections present discussions on admixtures technology and two particular types of concrete, self-consolidating and ultra-high strength concretes, with final remarks on their future. - Combines the knowledge of two leading authors to present both the scientific and technology of admixtures - Explains what admixtures are from a chemical point-of-view and illustrates by which mechanisms they modify the properties of fresh and hardened concrete - Presents a fundamental, practical, and innovative reference book on the topic - Contains three detailed appendices that can be used to learn how to use admixtures more efficiently

ICE Handbook of Concrete Durability, second edition is a comprehensive practical reference for professionals involved in design and maintenance of concrete structures of all types. It is an invaluable guide for construction professionals, including design engineers, consultants and contractors, as well as postgraduate students.

Estimating, modelling, controlling and monitoring the flow of concrete is a vital part of the construction process, as the properties of concrete before it has set can have a significant impact on performance. This book provides a detailed overview of the rheological behaviour of concrete, including measurement techniques, the impact of mix design, and casting.Part one begins with two introductory chapters dealing with the rheology and rheometry of complex fluids, followed by chapters that examine specific measurement and testing techniques for concrete. The focus of part two is the impact of mix design on the rheological behaviour of concrete, looking at additives including superplasticizers and viscosity agents. Finally, chapters in part three cover topics related to casting, such as thixotropy and formwork pressure.With its distinguished editor and expert team of contributors, Understanding the rheology of concrete is an essential reference for researchers, materials specifiers, architects and designers in any section of the construction industry that makes use of concrete, and will also benefit graduate and undergraduate students of civil engineering, materials and construction. - Provides a detailed overview of the rheological behaviour of concrete, including measurement techniques, casting and the impact of mix design - The estimating, modelling, controlling and monitoring of concrete flow is comprehensively discussed - Chapters examine specific measurement and testing techniques for concrete, the impact of mix design on the rheological behaviour of concrete, particle packaging and viscosity-enhancing admixtures

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to organize the Sixth International RILEM Symposium on SCC and the Fourth North-American Conference on the Design and Use of SCC, held on Sept 26-29, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The RILEM series of symposia started in 1999 in Stockholm, followed by Tokyo in 2001, Reykjavik in 2003, Chicago in 2005, and Ghent in 2007 with a steadily increasing number of papers, participants, and interest from across the globe. Due to the growing success of SCC, regional conferences have been organized, such as the North-American Conference on the Design and Use of SCC held in Chicago in 2002, 2005, and 2008; the International Symposium on Design, Performance and Use of SCC held nd in Changsa, China in 2005 and in Beijing, China in 2009; as well as the 2 International Conference on Advances in Concrete Technology in the Middle East: SCC held in Abu Dhabi in 2009. It can be concluded that these regional Conferences and Symposia were highly successful and reached a far more international audience than anticipated. Nearly 100 papers were submitted for these proceedings from which the International Scientific Committee selected 37 contributions covering a wide range of timely and original subjects from around the world. We would like to acknowledge the input of the International Scientific Committee for providing critical input to guarantee high quality of these peer-reviewed proceedings. We invite you to explore a wealth of information in the electronic proceedings.

Most of the typical materials employed in today’s constructions present limitations, especially concerning their durability, in either common or severe environmental conditions, and their impact on the environment. In response to these issues, academic and industrial efforts around the world have been devoted to developing new smart materials that can provide efficient alternatives, improve the energy efficiency of buildings, or can upgrade, repair, or protect existing infrastructures. Different and wide technological innovations are, therefore, quickly fostering advancements in the field of construction materials. A new generation of materials (bricks, cement, coatings, concrete, FRP, glass, masonry, mortars, nano-materials, PCM, polymers, steel, wood, etc.) is gaining a prominent position in modern building technology, since they can overcome various limits and flaws of conventional materials employed in constructions, without neglecting the smart applications of pioneering materials in ancient constructions and historic buildings. Even though the adoption of innovative materials in the construction field has been a successful route in achieving enhanced performance, or even new and unexpected characteristics, some issues have not been completely solved. On top of them, the cost/performance ratio of novel solutions, since their introduction must be convenient, without compromising quality. Other concerns are related to their sustainability, with eco-friendly options, possibly exploiting recycled materials or by-products from other productions, being the most desirable solution. Finally, the use of materials or systems that are unconventional in this field raises the need to update or develop new specifications and standards. This special issue aims at providing a platform for discussing open issues, challenges, and achievements related to innovative materials proposed for the construction industry.