scope:

PREFACE

The purpose of this manual is to present information on concrete that should be useful to concrete craftsmen. The manual deals mainly with basics of concrete and construction practices for slabs on ground.

Concrete craftsmen are the individuals who handle, place, consolidate, finish, and cure concrete. Concrete craftsmen can greatly influence the quality of the concrete structures they build. By applying the basic information in this manual, concrete craftsmen can help to provide quality concrete construction.

Information in this manual should be used as a guide to good practice, but remember that the plans and specifications for a construction project must be followed even if they vary somewhat from the information in this manual. To learn more, also read "Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction," ACI 302.1R and the other references listed in the appendix to this book.

This manual was issued in 1982 as the first book in ACI's Concrete Craftsman Series, and the second edition was reviewed and approved in 1994. Since 1982 other books on wall and elevated slab construction, as well as concrete basics, have been published in the Craftsman Series. A number of important subjects such as reinforcement, architectural concrete, inspection, foundations, shoring, shotcrete, base plate grouting, and repair are planned for future concrete craftsman manuals.