Book excerpt: Concrete is a vital component of almost every underground construction project. Because it significantly impacts both the durability and cost of a project, owners, designers, and contractors are constantly challenged with designing and placing the concrete to meet their quality standards in the most cost-effective way. Concrete for Underground Structures: Guidelines for Design and Construction can make that task a lot easier. Instead of searching pages of scattered reference materials when writing specifications, this book is a one-source guide to help you quickly find the answers you need. The first resource of its kind, this practical nuts-and-bolts handbook provides an industry voice as well as recommendations for areas of concrete application. You'll get valuable insights into current best practices for all aspects of the design and construction of underground structural concrete. Internationally respected authors examine three key applications: cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete segmental linings, and shotcrete. Each chapter addresses the differences between aboveground and underground use. The various types of concrete admixtures are also discussed, and sample specifications for each are included. Concrete for Underground Structures is an indispensable resource for industry veterans as well as an educational tool for those who are new to the profession.