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.

'The book ... deserves a hearty welcome ... We strongly recommend it to all those who are involved in concrete construction — ready-mixed concrete suppliers, construction engineers, concrete technologists, etc. This could also be a good reference book for academicians and students of civil engineering.' - The Indian Concrete Journal'A useful reference for practitioners and I can strongly recommend it as a worthwhile addition to the bookshelf of any person that regularly deals with concrete as a construction material.' - Civil Engineering (South Africa)

• 1. Introduction Some Definitions. Purpose and Role of Aggregates. Consumption of Aggregates. Challenging Issues for Concrete Aggregates. Texts on Concrete Aggregates. Scope and Objectives of this Book. References 2. Natural Aggregate Sources and Production Origin and Classification of Aggregates. Sources and Production of Natural Aggregates. Sampling of Aggregates. Summary of National Usage. Closure. References 3. Properties and Characterisation of Aggregates Physical Properties of Aggregates. Chemical and Durability Properties of Aggregates. Aggregate Petrography. Closure. References 4. Aggregates in Plastic Concrete Characterising the Plastic Properties of Concrete. Empirical Approaches. Mixes of 'Normal' Consistence or Workability. Fundamental Approaches. Influence of Aggregates on the Plastic Properties of Concrete. Aggregates and Concrete Mix Proportioning. Closure. References 5. Aggregates in Hardened Concrete - Physical and Mechanical Properties Fundamental Aspects. Concrete Strength. Concrete Fracture Properties. Concrete Deformation Properties. Influence of Aggregate Volume Content. Aggregate Dimensional Stability, Thermal Properties, and Corresponding Concrete Properties. Closure. References 6. Aggregates in Hardened Concrete: Durability and Transport Properties Concrete Transport Properties. Concrete Deterioration Mechanisms Relating to Aggregates. Closure. References 7. Special Aggregates and Special Concretes Low Density Aggregates. High Density Aggregates. Aggregate Requirements for Special Concretes. Aggregates Derived from Industrial Waste Mat