Academic praise from different corners of the world has been received for Cement & Concrete SA’s 10th edition of Fulton’s Concrete Technology, the South African “concrete bible” for decades globally recognised as a definitive handbook on concrete, which was launched by CCSA early this year.
Prof Mark Alexander, Emeritus Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town, who edited the latest “Fulton’s”, has received exceptionally favourable reviews of the handbook from fellow concrete technologists in India and Canada.
Prof Manu Santhanam, of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) in Chennai, describes the new Fulton’s as a “treasured reference” work and sent the following comments: “The best minds in concrete technology from South Africa have come together to create the latest version of Fulton's Concrete Technology. It is indeed heartening to see the range of topics covered in the book, and the depth in which the information is presented. Furthermore, the illustrations and pictures enrich the high quality technical content. Although the book is written with a South African perspective, it is sure to appeal to concrete enthusiasts worldwide. From the basics of cement chemistry to looking at niche applications of concrete, and understanding concrete sustainability, this is certainly a treasured reference. I would strongly recommend it to Indian academics, as it brings together content that is typically covered in several reference books, and serves as a one-stop shop for information on concrete. The presentation of the content is in an easy-to-read language, which will also work well with students. To sum up the review – this is an excellent resource.”
More praise was sent by Prof Sid Mindess, Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia, Canada, who says the new Fulton’s is “the most comprehensive one-volume book on concrete” he has ever seen. His enthusiastic review reads: “Fulton’s Concrete Technology, in all its various editions, has long been the ‘go-to’ book – the authoritative guide to concrete materials and practice in South Africa. Although this new 10th edition builds upon the previous nine, it is in many ways a quite different book in several respects. Firstly, it is much larger – almost twice as large as the ninth edition. Secondly, its scope is significantly broader, with greatly expanded sections on special concretes, and on concrete manufacture and site practices. Third, and perhaps of most importance, this edition has as its focus the environmental sustainability of the concrete industry, with the sustainability issues threaded throughout the book.
“The intent of this 10th edition is not to provide an extensive discussion of such theoretical issues as the niceties of cement hydration, the detailed structure of hardened cement, the nano-structural aspects of creep and shrinkage, or the fracture mechanics principles underlying concrete strength, although the science underlying concrete behaviour is described concisely when appropriate. Rather, the book is aimed very specifically at those involved in the actual production of concrete and concrete structures.
“There is scarcely a concrete topic that is not touched upon in this volume: it is the most comprehensive one-volume book on concrete that I have ever seen. It covers the materials used to make concrete, mix proportioning, properties of fresh concrete, strength and other properties of hardened concrete, durability, concrete manufacture and site practices, concrete tests, formwork, curing, quality control, special concretes, assessment and repair of structures, and virtually everything else in between. While the focus is, properly, on South African practice, concrete science and technology know no national boundaries, and this edition has world-wide applicability. It should be on the bookshelf of everyone involved with concrete, from students to specifiers, producers, architects and engineers,” Prof Mindess states.
Prof Mark Alexander says the positive feedback from such respected concrete technologists is most gratifying and shows that concrete professionals are aware of pressing future issues for the industry. “Tremendous demands will be made on professionals in future to address issues such as sustainability of concrete construction, impact of climate change, and population growth. The authoritative, relevant, accurate and up-to-date information on concrete contained in the new Fulton’s will therefore be valued throughout the world,” he says.
Hanlie Turner, business development manager of CCSA, says the association is finalising customs formalities to allow copies of the new 37-chapter edition of the handbook to be shipped to any address outside South African borders. Locally, CCSA members can order a copy by email info@cemcon-sa.org.za at CCSA members’ discounted prices, while non-members can purchase copies from www.bidorbuy.co.za.
