Concrete Construction: Methods and Costs

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24855

Title

Concrete Construction: Methods and Costs

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A vital technical guide for engineers and contractors, this 1908 treatise offers detailed methods and cost analyses for concrete construction. Written from the builder's perspective, it covers material selection, mixing techniques, formwork design, and specialized applications like underwater pouring and freezing weather, providing essential data for economic and efficient structural work.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1908 by Halbert P. Gillette and Charles S. Hill, *Concrete Construction: Methods and Costs* stands as a definitive manual for the practical execution of concrete work, written explicitly from the builder's viewpoint rather than the theoretical engineer's. The authors deliberately omit discussions on cement testing or physical properties, focusing instead on the vital interests of contractors and engineers regarding how best to perform construction and the associated costs of materials, labor, plant, and general expenses. By compiling data from engineering journals, government reports, and personal records, the volume bridges the gap between theoretical design and practical execution, providing designers with profound knowledge of construction methods and detailed costs. The text systematically addresses the selection and preparation of materials, including cement, sand, and aggregates, detailing washing methods and cost implications. It provides extensive data on proportioning concrete, analyzing voids in sand and stone, and calculating specific quantities of cement required for various mixtures. The book is divided into distinct sections covering both hand and machine methods for making and placing concrete. It explores specialized equipment such as various mixer types (batch, continuous, gravity), conveying devices like cableways and belt conveyors, and hoisting mechanisms. Significant attention is given to depositing concrete underwater using buckets and tremies, as well as subaqueous grouting. A major focus is placed on form construction, analyzing lumber requirements, design efficiency, and the salvage value of forms for columns, walls, and piers. The authors compare different yoke constructions and panel systems to optimize costs, noting that forms should be designed for rigidity at the least possible cost while facilitating reuse. The volume includes specific case studies for heavy works in fortifications, locks, dams, and breakwaters, as well as detailed instructions for bridge piers, retaining walls, pavements, tunnels, and reinforced concrete building construction. Furthermore, the text addresses challenging conditions, offering methods for constructing in freezing weather and finishing surfaces to minimize defects like efflorescence. By providing a thorough analysis of these practical elements, the book serves as an essential resource for anyone engaged in the actual work of making and placing concrete structures.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Downloaded at

2026-07-01 05:43 UTC

Categories

• Construction