The Complete Handbook of Cement, Mortar & Concrete Mixes
The practical reference for contractors, masons, engineers, and builders who specify, mix, place, and troubleshoot cement, mortar, and concrete in the field
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
The reference guide contractors and engineers use to specify, choose, mix, place, and troubleshoot cement, mortar, and concrete mixes in real conditions.
About this book
Cement, mortar, and concrete are three distinct materials, but they're often confused or chosen by habit rather than by specification. A concrete slab poured without air entrainment fails in freeze-thaw cycles. A mortar mix rated for one exposure level cracks within months when used in another. A concrete mix designed for workability sacrifices strength. These aren't random failures—they're predictable consequences of using the wrong material for the wrong job.
This handbook teaches professionals, contractors, engineers, and serious builders what these materials actually are, how they perform under different conditions, and how to make the right choice for your specific project. You'll learn how to read mix designs and specifications, understand what water-to-cement ratio actually controls, diagnose field failures, troubleshoot placement problems, and recognize when a cheaper option will cost you far more in repairs. Real examples show concrete that failed because it was cured too fast, mortar that didn't bond because the substrate was too dry, and why the same mix can work perfectly in one climate and fail in another.
Whether you're specifying materials for a structural project, mixing and placing concrete in the field, managing a masonry operation, or diagnosing why something went wrong, this handbook gives you the practical knowledge to get it right.
Reader Reviews
Susan Green
★★★★★I've been in concrete finishing for twelve years and thought I knew what I needed to know, but Chapter 1 alone clarified why some mixes I've used behave differently in winter versus summer. The section on water-to-cement ratio and how it affects both strength and durability finally made the connection between the spec sheet and what actually happens on the pad. I'm only partway through, but the book is already saving me money on mix choices. My only complaint is I wish there were more field photos of common failures—the text descriptions are clear, but visuals would drive the point home even harder.
Laura Allen
★★★★★Solid technical reference with real examples and no marketing fluff. The explanations of cement types and why they matter for different climates are exactly what I needed for a building code review I'm doing. However, I found myself wishing the chapters on maintenance and troubleshooting went deeper—there are some failure modes mentioned briefly that I'd like more diagnostic detail on. Also, the glossary is helpful but I'd have appreciated a quick reference card of common mix designs by application. Still a useful addition to my shelf, just not quite as comprehensive as I'd hoped.
James Garcia
★★★★★This is the handbook I've been looking for. I run a masonry supply business and we're constantly fielding questions from contractors about which mortar type to use or why a mix didn't work the way they expected. Chapter 1 taught me enough about the fundamentals that I can now understand the 'why' behind spec requirements instead of just following them. The practical decision-making framework in Chapter 3 is exactly how I think through material choices now. Every contractor and building manager should have this on their desk. Genuinely useful, practical, and nothing wasted.