Construction is normally the largest of a nation's industries and the use of concrete exceeds by far the use of all other construction materials combined. This book on concrete is a compilation of scientific and technical papers presented at a symposium held in honour of a Canadian scientist of international stature, the late Thorbergur Thorvaldson. It is intended as a memorial in recognition of his great contribution to the development of sulphate-resistant cement and concrete.

Published literature is unfortunately lacking in case-history reports, mainly because complete information and control are not available. The establishment of specifications and recommended practices requires knowledge of field performance as well as conclusions drawn from laboratory testing and research: this symposium presented an unusual opportunity to develop the much-needed orientation to field performance of concrete.

Although most of the symposium papers delivered by eminent Canadian, American, and British scientists deal with resistance of concrete to sulphate attack, some are concerned with other aspects of concrete durability which are particularly pertinent to Canada. Practical engineers, researchers, and cement chemists in manufacturing and research will find this collection of material an invaluable reference in their work.

E.G. SWENSON graduated in 1946 with an M.A. in chamistry from the University of Saskatchewan where he did several years of postguaduate research in the chemistry of cemet under the late Professor T. Thorvaldson. After six years of teaching at the University of Saskatchewan Mr. Swenson joined the Division of Building Research of the National Research Council of Canada as research officer in the field of cement and concrete. In 1959 he joined an industrial firm where he developed a quality-control and research laboratory for the manufacture of cement, ready-mixed concrete, concrete block, and other precast concrete products. In 1963 he rejoined the Division of Building Research where he is continuing work in cement and concrete as a senior research officer.

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