Ready-Mixed Concrete for Durable Structures

In the last 25 years, ready-mixed concrete has been used with increasing frequency for complex construction projects. Centralised concrete production, delivered to the site when and where it is needed, assures a consistent product, and offers substantial economic advantages over on-site concrete production. For structures where durability is a priority, ready-mixed concrete has been able to meet the challenge. The significant economic costs stemming from loss of durability of concrete in bridges, tunnels, industrial plants, multi-storey buildings, and other major engineering structures call for new measures to increased durability. The American Concrete Institute's Committee 201 on Durability of Concrete has decided to include a chapter on "Fresh Concrete" in a new edition of the Guide to Durable Concrete which is currently under preparation. The present paper presents recommendations for ready-mixed concrete producers supplying concrete for major engineering structures with requirements for durability.