The book is divided in six chapters, namely, (1) Cement, (2) Coarse and Fine Aggregates, (3) Mortar, (4) Cement Concrete, (5) Paints, Varnish and Distemper, (6) Miscellaneous and Modern Building Materials.
At the end of each chapter, summary', a set of fill-in-the-blanks type and descriptive type questions with answers are given. To enhance the ability of the students to answer semester end examination five model question papers are also given.
Dr. S.S. Bhavikatti studied at BVB College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli for his BE (Civil) degree and graduated from Karnataka University, Dharwad in 1963 sharing first rank with another candidate. The same year he joined Karnataka Regional of Engineering College (presently NITK) Surathkal, as a teacher. He secured M.E. degree in Structural Engineering in 1967 from University of Roorkee, Roorkee (presently IIT Roorkee) under Technical Teachers Training Programme and Ph.D. degree in 1977 from IIT Delhi under Quality Improvement Programme. He served NITK in different capacities like Head of Civil Engineering Department, Chairman, Centre for Continuing Education, Chairman Central Computer Centre and Dean (Administration). From November 2001 to November 2005, he served at SDM College of Engineering and Technology, Dharwad. He then served RYMEC, Bellary as Principal upto September 2007. Presently he is working as Emeritus Professor at BVB College of Engineering and Technology. He has published 61 technical papers and 28 books. He has guided 68 students for M.Tech dissertation and 5 students for Ph.D. He was member of organizing scientific committee of international seminars organized by IASS held at Taegue (South Korea) in 1990, Tokyo (Japan) in 1993 and Taipei (Taiwan) in 1997. He is member of several Indian and International professional bodies and several technical committees appointed by Government of Karnataka.