Book excerpt: Fresh concrete is generally featured in publications on concrete technology where the focus is often on fundamental rheology or diverse research methods, or the standards describe the tests but do not provide practical advice on interpretation of the results. This book aims to fill the gap between highly scientific and fundamental works and the many fragmented test specifications. It summarises the existing knowledge on the properties of fresh concrete in a form accessible to practicing engineers and concrete technologists. It includes a manual of practical tests which cover both the standard tests in major countries and new tests specifically applicable to site testing. The testing equipment required and the procedures are described in sufficient detail for the tests to be carried out, with references to selected national standards when compliance with specific conditions applicable in those countries is required. Particular attention is paid to properties of special fresh concrete mixes which are increasingly used in practical construction. The work will be of interest to engineers and others involved in the research, development, design and execution of concrete construction, including those working in EEC countries.