<PAGE>   1
                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

                QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED                                    COMMISSION FILE NUMBER
    JUNE 27, 1997                                                1-11781


                          DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                   OHIO                               31-0676346
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (State or other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S.  Employer
          Incorporation or organization)           Identification No.)

               721 Richard Street
                Miamisburg, Ohio                              45342
                ----------------                              -----
             (Address of principal                        (Zip Code)
               executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:   937-866-0711
                                                      ------------

                                 NOT APPLICABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                          if changed since last report)

Indicate by mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.


                                                 YES     X         NO
                                                     ---------        ---------

5,712,562 Common Shares were outstanding as of JULY 22, 1997


<PAGE>   2

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    
                                                       June 28,      June 27,   
                                                         1996          1997     
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
                                                      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>       
    ASSETS                                              (Amounts in thousands)  
    CURRENT ASSETS:                                                             
      Cash                                                  $638          $316  
      Accounts Receivable, net of allowance for                                 
       doubtful accounts of $720 and $447                 21,413        23,669  
      Inventories (Note 2)                                15,538        18,855  
      Prepaid expenses                                       657           885  
      Prepaid income taxes                                   427             0  
      Future tax benefits                                  1,393           988  
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
       Total current assets                               40,066        44,713  
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
                                                                                
    RENTAL EQUIPMENT, NET                                  1,587         2,807  
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
                                                                                
    PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT:                          30,258        33,438  
      Less accumulated depreciation                      (11,650)      (14,957) 
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
       Net property, plant & equipment                    18,608        18,481  
                                                                                
    GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS,                                             
      net of accumulated amortization                     58,180        56,705  
    OTHER ASSETS                                               0           363  
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
          Total assets                                  $118,441      $123,069  
                                                      ===========   =========== 
                                                                                
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                        
                                                                                
    CURRENT LIABILITIES:                                                        
      Current portion of long-term debt (Note 3)          $3,282        $3,282  
      Accounts payable                                    13,965        12,202  
      Accrued compensation and benefits                    4,114         4,428  
      Accrued liabilities                                  3,391         3,881  
      Due to Ripplewood Holdings LLC                         611             0  
      Accrued interest                                        14           143  
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
       Total current liabilities                          25,377        23,936  
                                                                                
    LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 3)                               37,602        38,395  
    DEFFERED INCOME TAXES                                  2,663         2,470  
    OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES                            3,186         1,824  
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
       Total liabilities                                  68,828        66,625  
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES                                               
    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:                                                       
      Class A Common Shares                               31,800        33,102  
      Class B Common Shares                               10,123         9,749  
      Cumulative foreign currency translation adjust        (141)         (150) 
      Excess pension liability                               (50)            0  
      Retained earnings                                    7,881        13,743  
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
       Total shareholders' equity                         49,613        56,444  
                                                      -----------   ----------- 
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity    $118,441      $123,069  
                                                      ===========   =========== 
</TABLE>                                              
           The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
              are an integral part of these consolidated statements
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    
                                                     Three Fiscal Months Ended     Six Fiscal Months Ended
                                                     -------------------------     -----------------------
                                                     June 28,       June 27,       June 28,       June 27,
                                                        1996           1997        1996           1997
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                     (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)
                                                    (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
    
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>      
    NET SALES                                           $36,461        $39,839        $60,076        $65,819
    
    COST OF SALES                                        24,911         26,906         41,057         45,178
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
    
      Gross profit                                       11,550         12,933         19,019         20,641
    
    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES          5,818          6,475         11,447         12,748
    
    AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES                426            468            832            925
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
    
      Operating income                                    5,306          5,990          6,740          6,968
    
    OTHER EXPENSES:
    
      Interest expense, net                               1,594            797          3,179          1,483
    
      Other, net                                            (24)             0            (16)            11
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
      Income before income taxes and extraordinary
         item                                             3,736          5,193          3,577          5,474
    

    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                           (1,470)        (2,242)        (1,712)        (2,363)
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
    
      Net income before extraordinary item               $2,266         $2,951         $1,865         $3,111
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
    EXTRAORDINARY LOSS ON DEBT EXTINGUISHMENT
         (Note 6)                                       ($2,314)            $0        ($2,314)            $0
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
    
    NET INCOME/(LOSS)                                      ($48)        $2,951          ($449)        $3,111
                                                     ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
        
    Income per share before extraordinary item            $0.64          $0.51          $0.54          $0.53
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
    
    Extraordinary item per share                         ($0.65)         $0.00         ($0.67)         $0.00
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
    
    Net income/(loss) per share                          ($0.01)         $0.51         ($0.13)         $0.53
                                                     ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
        
    Weighted average common and common equivalent
      shares outstanding                              3,562,794      5,838,646      3,449,278      5,829,466
                                                     ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
    
</TABLE>
           The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
             are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
<PAGE>   4
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
            For the Six Months Ended June 28, 1996 and June 27, 1997
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         June 28,     June 27,   
                                                                           1996         1997     
                                                                       -----------  ----------- 
                                                                       (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
                                                                        (Amounts in thousands)  
                                                                                               
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>     
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                       
      Net income (loss)                                                      ($449)  $3,111    
      Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in                
        operating activities:                                                                  
        Extraordinary loss on debt extinguishment                            2,314        0    
        Depreciation                                                         1,872    2,098    
        Amortization of goodwill and intangibles                               832      925    
        Deferred income taxes                                                 (118)    (224)   
        Amortization of debt discount and deferred finanancing costs           136       82    
        Loss (gain) on sales of assets                                          (6)       0    
      Change in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:     
        Accounts receivable                                                 (7,455) (10,999)   
        Inventories                                                         (2,267)  (4,381)   
        Rental equipment                                                      (539)    (877)   
        Accounts payable                                                     4,626    4,295    
        Accrued liabilities                                                   (180)    (349)   
        Income tax payable                                                     (82)   2,510    
        Accrued interest                                                    (2,049)      69    
        Due to Ripplewood Holdings LLC                                         611        0    
        Other, net                                                             564     (810)   
                                                                       -----------  ----------- 
          Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities               (2,190)  (4,550)   
                                                                       -----------  ----------- 
    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                                       
      Property, plant and equipment additions                               (1,255)  (1,213)   
      Proceeds from sales of assets                                              5       10    
      Other, net                                                                 0      (13)   
      Acquisition of the net assets of Ironco Manufacturing and                     
        Steel Structures, Inc. (Notes 4 & 5)                                (3,800)  (1,129)   
                                                                       -----------  ----------- 
          Net cash used in investing activities                             (5,050)  (2,345)   
                                                                       -----------  ----------- 
    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                                       
      Issuance of long-term debt, net                                       27,293    7,745    
      Repayment of long-term debt                                          (40,000)    (837)   
      Prepayment premium on extinguishment of long-term debt                (2,400)       0    
      Financing costs and fees                                                (235)       0    
      Issuance of common stock                                              22,579      105    
                                                                       -----------  ----------- 
          Net cash provided by financing activities                          7,237    7,013    
                                                                       -----------  ----------- 
    EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                                     (2)      (5)   
                                                                                               
                                                                       -----------  ----------- 
          Net increase/(decrease) in cash                                       (5)     113    
                                                                                               
    CASH, beginning of period                                                  643      203    
                                                                                               
                                                                       -----------  ----------- 
    CASH, end of period                                                       $638     $316    
                                                                       ===========  ===========    
                                                                                               
    SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:                                                        
      Cash paid for income taxes                                              $502     $125    
      Cash paid for interest                                                 5,091    1,341    
      Issuance of common stock in conjunction with acquisition (Note 4)          0      451    
                                                                           
</TABLE>

           The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
              are an integral part of these consolidated statements
    
    
    
<PAGE>   5
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                         JUNE 28, 1996 AND JUNE 27, 1997
                (Amounts in thousands, except for share amounts)
                                   (Unaudited)


(1)      Consolidated Financial Statements

         The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been
prepared by the Company, without audit, and include, in the opinion of
management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information set forth
therein. Any such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. Certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
omitted, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make
the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these unaudited
consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's annual
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1996.


(2)      Accounting Policies

         The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with the accounting policies described in the notes to the Company's
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1996. While
management believes that the procedures followed in the preparation of interim
financial information are reasonable, the accuracy of some estimated amounts is
dependent upon facts that will exist or calculations that will be accomplished
at year end. Examples of such estimates include changes in the LIFO reserve
(based upon the Company's best estimate of inflation to date) and management
bonuses. Any adjustments pursuant to such estimates during the fiscal quarter
were of a normal recurring nature

         (a)    Fiscal Quarter - The Company's fiscal quarters are defined as
                the periods ending on the last Friday in March, June and
                September.

         (b)    Inventories - Substantially all finished products and raw
                materials are stated at the lower of last in, first out (LIFO)
                cost or market (which approximates current cost). Following is a
                summary of the components of inventories as of June 28, 1996 and
                June 27, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              June 28,  June 27,
                                                                1996     1997
                                                              -------  -------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>    
                Raw materials ...........................     $ 5,095  $ 4,916
                Finished goods ..........................      10,443   13,939
                                                              -------  -------
                                                               15,538   18,855

                LIFO reserve ............................       ---      ---
                                                              -------  -------
                                                              $15,538  $18,855
                                                              =======  =======
</TABLE>
 

(3)      Credit Arrangements

         On June 17, 1996, the Company entered into an Amended Credit Facility
(as so amended, the "Amended Credit Facility") with Bank One, Dayton, NA and
Bank of America Illinois (collectively, the "Banks"). The Amended Credit
Facility provided for a Term Loan and a Revolving Credit Facility, each of 

<PAGE>   6

which will be secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. At June
27, 1997, $37,000 was available under the Revolving Credit Facility, of which
$30,863 was outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 7.3%.

         Average borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and its
predecessors were $28,042 and $17,637 during the six fiscal months ended June
27, 1997 and June 28, 1996, respectively, at an approximate weighted average
interest rate of 7.3% and 8.3%, respectively. The maximum borrowings outstanding
during the six fiscal months ended June 27, 1997 and June 28, 1996, was $32,403
and $27,600, respectively.

         Following is a summary of the Company's long-term debt as of June 28,
1996 and June 27, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              June 28, June 27,
                                                                1996    1997
                                                              -------  -------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>    
         Revolving lines of credit                            $27,600  $30,863
         Term Loan, bearing a weighted average                 13,000   10,562
                interest rate of 7.43%
         City of Parsons, KS Economic Development Loan            284      252
                                                              -------  -------
         Total long-term debt                                  40,884   41,677
         Less current portion                                  (3,282)  (3,282)
                                                              -------  -------
         Long-term portion                                    $37,602  $38,395
                                                              =======  =======

</TABLE>

(4)      Acquisition of the Net Assets of Ironco Manufacturing Co., Inc. and
Birmingham Bar Coating Inc.

         On February, 21, 1997, the Company acquired certain of the assets and
assumed certain of the liabilities of Ironco Manufacturing Co., Inc. and
Birmingham Bar Coating Inc., privately held concrete paving products
manufacturers. The purchase price, including acquisition related costs of $74,
is $1,493 and was paid in cash of $1,147 and 26,254 Class A Common Shares. The
acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase. The cash cost of the
acquisition was funded through draws under the Revolving Credit Facility. This
purchase price has been allocated on the basis of the agreed upon fair value of
the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.


(5)      Acquisition of the Net Assets of Steel Structures, Inc.

         On April 29, 1996, the Company purchased, certain of the assets and
assumed certain of the liabilities of Steel Structures, Inc., a privately held
regional concrete paving products manufacturer based in Kankakee, IL. Steel
Structures was an epoxy coater and fabricator of paving products and, prior to
the acquisition, was both a major supplier of epoxy coating to the Company and
competitor in its concrete paving product line. Certain of the Company's
existing paving manufacturing equipment has been relocated from another plant to
the former Steel Structures facility in Kankakee. The acquisition is being
operated by the Company under the name American Highway Technology.

         As of June 27, 1997, the Company has paid $5,201 of the $5,601 purchase
price with the balance due by April 1998. The acquisition has been accounted for
as a purchase and the results of American Highway Technology have been included
in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since the date of
acquisition. The cost of the acquisition was funded through draws under the
Revolving Credit Facility. This purchase price has been allocated on the basis
of appraised fair value of the assets acquired of $6,113, including goodwill of
$1,374, and liabilities assumed of $512.
<PAGE>   7



(6)      Extraordinary loss on Debt Extinguishment

         In June 1996, the Company extinguished its $40,000 of unsecured
promissory notes. In conjunction therewith, the Company paid a prepayment
premium of $2,400 and expensed unamortized finance costs and debt discount of
$795 and $538, respectively. The Company recorded an extraordinary loss of
$2,314, net of an income tax effect of $1,419. The Company funded this repayment
with $22,358 in proceeds from its public stock offering and its Amended Credit
Facility.


(7)      Public Offering of Company Shares

         On June 20 ,1996, the Company completed an initial public offering of
Company 1,974,750 shares of Class A Common Shares and received proceeds of
$22,654, net of expenses.

         On July 16, 1996, the underwriters of the Company's initial public
offering of Class A Common Shares exercised a portion of their over-allotment
option pursuant to which the Company issued 56,200 shares of Class A Common
Shares and Ripplewood Holdings LLC converted 56,200 shares of its Class B Common
Shares into Class A Common Shares and sold those shares. The Company's proceeds
of $683 from the issuance of those shares were used to reduce the outstanding
balance of the Revolving Credit Facility.


(8)      Stock Option Plans

         The Company has five stock option plans all of which provide for an
option exercise price equal to the stock's market price on the date of grant and
all of which are accounted for under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no
compensation costs has been recognized. Had compensation cost for these plans
been determined with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), the Company's net income
and earnings per share for the six fiscal months of 1996 and 1997 would have
been reduced to the following pro forma amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Three fiscal months      Six fiscal months
                                    -------------------      -----------------
                                           ended                   ended
                                           -----                   -----
                                   June 28,     June 27,    June 28,    June 27,
                                   --------     --------    --------    --------
                                     1996         1997        1996        1997
                                     ----         ----        ----        ----
<S>                 <C>               <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>  
Net Income          As Reported         ($48)    $2,951       ($449)     $3,111
                    Pro Forma           ( 53)     2,920       ( 460)      3,069

Income per Share    As Reported       ($0.01)     $0.51      ($0.13)      $0.53
                    Pro Forma         ( 0.01)      0.50      ( 0.13)       0.53

</TABLE>

         Because the SFAS 123 method of accounting has not been applied to
options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation
cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years.


<PAGE>   8



         The Company may grant options of up to 40,000 shares under the 1997
Nonemployee Directors Stock Option Plan and up to 240,000 shares under the 1997
Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan. A summary of the status of the Company's
stock option plans for the six months ended June 27, 1997 is presented in the
table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             Weighted Average Exercise
                          Number of Shares             Price Per Share
<S>                                <C>                          <C>   
Outstanding at 12/31/96            297,750                      $ 3.11
Granted                              6,000                       12.63
                                     -----                       -----
Outstanding at 06/27/97            303,750                      $ 3.30
                                   =======                      ======
</TABLE>


(9) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

         In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings per Share."
This standard is effective for both interim and annual periods ending after
December 15, 1997. If the earnings per share were calculated in accordance with
SFAS 128, the Company's income (loss) per share would be as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       
                 Three fiscal months ended         Six fiscal months ended
                 -------------------------         -----------------------
              June 28, 1996     June 27, 1997   June 28, 1996     June 27, 1997
              -------------     -------------   -------------     -------------
<S>                  <C>                <C>            <C>                <C>  
Basic                ($0.01)            $0.52          ($0.13)            $0.55
Diluted              ( 0.01)             0.51          ( 0.13)             0.53

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   9
ITEM 2.
         MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
                             RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Dayton Superior Corporation (the "Company") achieved record second quarter 1997
net sales of $39.8 million, which were 9.0% higher than net sales in the second
quarter of 1996. The Company's second quarter sales by major product category
during the last two years were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DOLLARS IN MILLIONS       THREE FISCAL MONTHS ENDED        SIX FISCAL MONTHS ENDED
-------------------       -------------------------        -----------------------
                        JUNE 27, 1997   JUNE 28, 1996   JUNE 27, 1997   JUNE 28, 1996
                        -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>  
Concrete Products               $23.3           $21.5           $40.6           $37.0
Paving Products                   9.2             7.6            12.8            10.7
Masonry Products                  7.3             7.4            12.4            12.4
                                  ---             ---            ----            ----

Net Sales                       $39.8           $36.5           $65.8           $60.1
                                =====           =====           =====           =====
</TABLE>

Net sales of concrete products increased by $1.8 million, or 8.4%, to $23.3
million in the second quarter of 1997 due to strong market demand, especially in
the rental and tilt-up markets. Net sales of paving products increased $1.6
million, or 21.1%, to $9.2 million in the second quarter of 1997 due to the
acquisition of Ironco Manufacturing Co., Inc. in February 1997 and higher than
expected customer demand. Net sales of masonry products decreased slightly in
the second quarter compared to last year, with a 1.4% decrease. The masonry
product market is currently very price competitive, particularly in the hot
dipped and mill galvanized masonry wall reinforcement markets.

Income before taxes and extraordinary item was $5.2 million in the second
quarter of 1997 compared to $3.7 million in the second quarter of 1996. Interest
expense decreased by $0.8 million, or 50.0%, in the second quarter of 1997 from
the same period last year as the Company used the proceeds from its initial
public offering in June 1996 to reduce debt levels and to negotiate favorable
interest rates.

Net income for the second quarter of 1997 was $3.0 million, or $0.51 per share,
compared to a loss of $0.05 million, or $0.01, per share in the second quarter
of 1996.

IMPLEMENTATION OF BUSINESS STRATEGY

To strengthen its position in concrete paving products, in February 1997, the
Company acquired the principal assets of Ironco Manufacturing Co., Inc. and
Birmingham Bar Coating, Inc. Operations remained in Birmingham, AL under the
name Ironco Manufacturing, as part of the Company's American Highway Technology
division.

On May 9, 1997, Dayton Superior announced a definitive agreement to acquire
Symons Corporation for an estimated total purchase price of $79 million. Symons
is comprised of two divisions, Symons and Richmond Screw Anchor. Symons is a
leading manufacturer of prefabricated concrete forms, while Richmond Screw
Anchor is a manufacturer of concrete accessories. These businesses complement
and broaden the

<PAGE>   10

Company's product lines. See Part II, Item 1 of this report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes the Company's results of operations as a
percentage of net sales.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    THREE FISCAL MONTHS    SIX FISCAL MONTHS
                                                    -------------------    -----------------
                                                            ENDED                ENDED
                                                            -----                -----
                                                     JUNE 27,   JUNE 28,   JUNE 27,   JUNE 28, 
                                                     --------   --------   --------   -------- 
                                                       1997      1996         1997      1996
                                                       ----      ----         ----      ----
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>  
Net sales                                                 100.0     100.0       100.0     100.0
Cost of goods sold                                         67.5      68.3        68.7      68.3
                                                       --------  --------    --------   ------- 
Gross profit                                               32.5      31.7        31.3      31.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses               16.3      16.0        19.4      19.1
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles                    1.2       1.2         1.4       1.4
                                                       --------  --------    --------   ------- 
Operating income                                           15.0      14.5        10.5      11.2
Interest expense, net                                       2.0       4.4         2.2       5.3
Other, net                                                   --      (0.1)         --      (0.1)
                                                       --------  --------    --------   ------- 
Income before income taxes                                 13.0      10.2         8.3       6.0
Provision for income taxes                                  5.6       4.0         3.6       2.9
                                                       --------  --------    --------   ------- 
Net income before extraordinary item                        7.4       6.2         4.7       3.1
Extraordinary item                                           --      (6.3)         --      (3.8)
                                                       --------  --------    --------   ------- 
Net income/(loss)                                           7.4     (0.1)         4.7      (0.7)
                                                       ========  ========    ========   ======= 
</TABLE>

------------------------------


COMPARISON OF THREE FISCAL MONTHS ENDED JUNE 27, 1997 AND JUNE 28, 1996

NET SALES

Net sales increased $3.3 million, or 9.0%, from $36.5 million in the second
quarter of 1996 to $39.8 million in the second quarter of 1997. Net sales of
concrete products increased by 8.4% from $21.5 million in the second quarter of
1996 to $23.3 million in the second quarter of 1997, due to strong performance
in our rental and tilt-up product lines, and, to a lesser extent, new product
sales. Net sales of paving products increased $1.6 million, or 21.1% from the
second quarter of 1996 to the second quarter of 1997. The acquisition of the
assets of Ironco Manufacturing Co., Inc. in February 1997 and strong demand from
customers drove the increase. Net sales of masonry products decreased $0.1
million, to $7.3 million in the second quarter of 1997 compared to the second
quarter 1996 levels. Competition continues at a high level in the hot dipped and
mill galvanized masonry wall reinforcement product markets.

GROSS PROFIT

Gross profit for the second quarter of 1997 was $12.9 million, a 11.2% increase
over $11.6 million from the second quarter of 1996. As a percent of net sales,
gross margin was 32.5% in the second quarter of this year, up from 31.7% last
year. The increase in gross margin was caused by the following primary factors:
a favorable mix within the concrete products category to higher margin products
and higher margins on paving and masonry products.
<PAGE>   11

OPERATING EXPENSES

SG&A expenses (excluding the amortization of goodwill and intangibles) were up
slightly as a percent of net sales from 16.0% in the second quarter of last
year, to 16.3% in the second quarter of this year. SG&A expenses increased $0.7
million, or 12.1%, from $5.8 million in the second quarter of 1996, to $6.5
million in the second quarter of 1997. The increase resulted from incurring
costs associated with being a publicly owned company and building and
strengthening the new American Highway Technology Division. American Highway
Technology locations in Kankakee, IL and Birmingham, AL were added in April 1996
and February 1997.

Interest expense decreased $0.8 million from $1.6 million in the second quarter
1996, to $0.8 million in the second quarter 1997. The Company used the proceeds
from its initial public offering in June 1996 to reduce debt levels which also
facilitated more favorable interest rates.

Income before income taxes and extraordinary item increased $1.5 million to $5.2
million in the second quarter 1997 compared to $3.7 million in the second
quarter of 1996. The difference in effective tax rates from statutory rates is
due to nondeductible goodwill amortization.

COMPARISON OF SIX FISCAL MONTHS ENDED JUNE 27, 1997 AND JUNE 28, 1996

NET SALES

For the first six months of 1997, net sales were a record $65.8 million, a 9.5%
increase from $60.1 million in 1996. Net sales of concrete products increased by
$3.6 million, or 9.7%, to $40.6 million in 1997 due to strong heavy construction
activity in the U.S. and to a lesser extent, new product sales of concrete
accessories. Net sales of paving products increased $2.1 million, or 19.6%, in
the first half from $10.7 million in 1996 to $12.8 million in 1997. The
acquisition of Ironco Manufacturing Co., Inc. in February 1997 and the strong
demand from customers drove the increase. Net sales of masonry products were
flat at $12.4 million for both periods. Competition is strong in the hot dipped
and mill galvanized masonry wall reinforcement product markets.

GROSS PROFIT

Gross profit for the first half of 1997 was $20.6 million, a 8.4% increase over
$19.0 million for the first half of 1996. As a percent of net sales, gross
margin was 31.3% in the first half of 1997, compared to 31.7% in the first half
of 1996. The gross margin decreased slightly as a result of lower margins on the
masonry products and increasing paving product sales, which traditionally
command a lower margin than concrete products.

OPERATING EXPENSES

SG&A expenses (excluding the amortization of goodwill and intangibles) were up
slightly as a percent of net sales from 19.1% in the first half of 1996 to 19.4%
in the first half of 1997. SG&A expenses increased $1.3 million, or 11.4% from
$11.4 million in the 

<PAGE>   12

six months of 1996 to $12.7 million in the first half of 1997. The increase
resulted from incurring costs associated with being a publicly owned company and
costs to build and strengthen a new division-American Highway Technology.

INTEREST AND OTHER EXPENSES

Interest expense decreased $1.7 million from $3.2 million in the first half of
1996 to $1.5 million in the first half of 1997. The Company used the proceeds
from the initial public offering in June 1996 to reduce debt levels which also
facilitated more favorable interest rates.

NET INCOME

Income before income taxes and extraordinary item increased $1.9 million to $5.5
million in the first half of 1997 compared to $3.6 million in the first half of
1996. The difference in effective tax rates from statutory rates is due to
nondeductible goodwill amortization.

Net income in the first half of 1997 was $3.1 million, or $0.53, per share
compared to a loss $0.5 million, or $0.13, per share in the first half of 1996.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's capital requirements relate primarily to capital expenditures,
debt service and the cost of acquisitions. Historically, the Company's primary
sources of financing have been cash from operations, borrowings under its
revolving line of credit and the issuance of long-term debt and equity.

Net cash used in operating activities in the first half of 1997 was $4.6
million. Net income before non-cash charges of depreciation, amortization and
deferred taxes provided $5.9 million of operating cash flow. Working capital
growth used $10.5 million of operating cash flow. Significant working capital
uses included seasonal increases in accounts receivable and inventory of $11.0
million and $4.4 million, net of acquisitions, respectively. Accounts payable
grew by $4.3 million in the first half of 1997 due to normal seasonal expansion.
Net cash generated from draws on the line of credit funded the seasonal
increases in operating activities, investments in property, plant and equipment,
the acquisition of the principal assets of Ironco Manufacturing Co., Inc., and
Birmingham Bar Coating Inc., and the scheduled term loan repayments.

At June 27, 1997, working capital was $20.8 million, compared to $14.7 million
at June 28, 1996. The growth in working capital is primarily attributable to
acquisitions and growth in the base business.

In June 1996, the Company entered into an Amended Credit Facility to provide for
term loans to the Company and Dur-O-Wal (together, the "Term Loan") and
revolving credit facilities for the Company and Dur-O-Wal (together, the
"Revolving Credit Facility"), each of which is secured by substantially all the
assets of the Company and Dur-O-Wal. At June 27, 1997, $37.0 million of the
$37.0 million Revolving Credit Facility was 

<PAGE>   13

available, of which $30.9 million of borrowings were outstanding. The Term Loan
had an outstanding balance at June 27, 1997 of $10.6 million. At June 27, 1997,
the Company had $41.7 million of long-term debt outstanding, of which $3.3
million was current. Net borrowings during the first half of 1997 were $6.9
million. The Company's debt to total capitalization ratio decreased from 43.1%
in June 1996 to 40.5% in June 1997 primarily as a result of increased equity
from earnings.

The Company invested $1.2 million in property, plant and equipment additions
during the first six months of 1997, consistent with the investment in the first
six months of 1996. Significant investments were made in equipment to further
improve efficiencies and expand capacity in the concrete paving product line,
concrete chemical product line and masonry accessory product line.

On February 21, 1997, the Company acquired certain of the assets of Ironco
Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Birmingham Bar Coating Inc., privately held concrete
paving products manufacturers. The purchase price, including acquisition related
costs, was $1.5 million and was paid in cash and Class A Common Shares. The
acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The cash cost of the acquisition
was funded through draws under the Revolving Credit Facility. The purchase price
was allocated on the basis of the agreed upon fair value of the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed.

The Company believes its liquidity, capital resources and cash flows from
operations are sufficient to fund planned capital expenditures, working capital
requirements and debt service in absence of additional acquisitions.

The Company intends to fund future acquisitions with cash, securities or a
combination of cash and securities. To the extent the Company uses cash for all
or part of any such acquisitions, it expects to raise such cash primarily from
cash generated from operations, borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility or,
if feasible and attractive, issuances of long-term debt or additional Class A
Common Shares.

SEASONALITY

The Company's operations are seasonal in nature with approximately 60% of sales
historically occurring in the second and third quarters. Working capital and
borrowings fluctuate with sales volume. Historically more than 50% of cash flow
from operations is generated in the fourth quarter.

INFLATION

The Company does not believe inflation had a significant impact on its
operations over the past three years. In the past, the Company has been able to
pass along all or a portion of the effects of steel price increases. There can
be no assurance the Company will be able to continue to pass on the cost of such
increases in the future.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In October 1996, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued

<PAGE>   14

Statement of Position 96-1, "Environmental Remediation Liabilities" ("SOP
96-1"). As described in footnote 2(f) of the December 31, 1996 consolidated
financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of SOP 96-1 on January
1, 1997. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial
position or results of operations.

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings per Share." This
standard is effective for both interim and annual periods ending after December
15, 1997.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q includes, and future filings by the Company on Form 10-K, Form
10-Q and Form 8-K and future oral and written statements by the Company and its
management may include, certain forward-looking statements, including (without
limitation) statements with respect to anticipated future operating and
financial performance, growth opportunities and growth rates, acquisition and
divestitive opportunities and other similar forecasts and statements of
expectation. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans,"
"believes," "seeks," "estimates" and "should," and variations of these words and
similar expressions, are intended to identify these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements by the Company and its management are based on
estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions of management and are not
guarantees of future performance. The Company disclaims any obligation to update
or revise any forward-looking statement based on the occurrence of future
events, the receipt of new information, or otherwise.

Actual future performance, outcomes and results may differ materially from those
expressed in forward-looking statements made by the Company and its management
as the result of a number of important factors. Representative examples of these
factors include (without limitation) the cyclical nature of nonresidential
building and infrastructure construction activity, which can be affected by
factors outside the Company's control such as the general economy, governmental
expenditures and changes in banking and tax laws; the Company's ability to
successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions; the mix of
products sold by the Company; the Company's ability to successfully develop and
introduce new products; increases in the price of steel (the principal raw
material in the Company's products) and the Company's ability to pass along such
price increases to its customers; and the seasonality of the construction
industry. In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes and
results may differ materially because of other, more general, factors including
(without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates,
domestic economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes and the
continued availability of financing in the amounts, at the terms and on the
conditions necessary to support the Company's future business.


<PAGE>   15

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On April 22, 1997, the Company announced it had entered into a letter of intent
to acquire all of the outstanding stock of Symons Corporation ("Symons"). Symons
and the Company filed Notification and Report Forms with respect to the
acquisition with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice by April 24, 1997, and the thirty day waiting period under
the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
ACT"), began on April 24, 1997. On May 9, 1997, the Company, Symons and the
stockholders of Symons entered into a definitive agreement with respect to the
previously-announced acquisition. On May 23, 1997, the Company received a
request from the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice
for additional information and documents with respect to the acquisition
pursuant to the HSR Act. This request extends the waiting period under the HSR
Act, during which the acquisition may not be consummated, for 20 days from the
date the requested materials are provided. The Company currently is responding
to this request.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION was held on
May 8, 1997.

The following votes were cast by the holders of Class A Common Shares and Class
B Common Shares for the nominees listed below to hold the office of director and
such nominees were elected:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                VOTES FOR               VOTES WITHHELD
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                            <C>                         <C>   
William F. Andrews             17,599,642                  53,200
John A. Ciccarelli             17,599,642                  53,200
Timothy C. Collins             17,599,642                  53,200
Matthew O. Diggs, Jr.          17,599,642                  53,200
Matthew M. Guerreiro           17,599,642                  53,200
Robert B. Holmes               17,599,642                  53,200
</TABLE>

The following votes were cast by the holders of Class A Common Shares and Class
B Common Shares with respect to approval of the 1997 Stock Option and Restricted
Stock Plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         VOTES FOR        VOTES AGAINST        VOTES ABSTAINED        UNVOTED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         <S>                 <C>                  <C>                <C>    
         16,928,418          393,620              58,750             272,054
</TABLE>

The following votes were cast by the holders of Class A Common Shares and Class
B Common Shares with respect to approval of the 1997 Nonemployee Director Stock
Option Plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         VOTES FOR        VOTES AGAINST        VOTES ABSTAINED        UNVOTED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         <S>                 <C>                   <C>                <C>    
         17,126,573          201,420               58,700             266,149
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   16

ITEM 6 EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) See Exhibit Index following the signature page to this report.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K. The Company filed the following Current Reports on Form
    8-K during the quarter ended June 27, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

DATE OF REPORT             ITEMS REPORTED
<S>                     <C>   
April 21, 1997          Execution of a letter of intent dated April
                        21, 1997 with repect to the acquisition by the
                        Company of Symons Corporation.

April 24, 1997          Execution on May 9, 1997 of definitive
                        agreement with respect to the acquisition by
                        the Company of Symons Corporation and receipt
                        of a request for additional information and
                        documents with respect to the acquisition by
                        the Antitrust Division of the United States
                        Department of Justice pursuant to the
                        Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
                        of 1976, as amended.

</TABLE>


<PAGE>   17
SIGNATURES
----------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
REgistrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                    
                                            DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
                                            ---------------------------
                                    
                                    
DATE:   July 22, 1997                BY:  /s/ Vinod M. Khilnani
     --------------------------          ------------------------
                                           Vinod M. Khilnani
                                           Vice President and Chief Financial 
                                             Officer
                                           (Principal Financial Officer)


                                          /s/ Richard L. Braswell
                                         ------------------------
                                           Richard L. Braswell
                                           Vice President Finance and Treasurer
                                           (Principal Accounting Officer)

<PAGE>   18

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------


(10)            Material Contracts
                10.1    1997 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
                10.2    1997 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan
                10.3    Nonemployee Directors Compensation Program

(11)            Statement Re: Computation of Earnings Per Share:
                11.1    Computation of Earnings Per Share

(27)            Financial Data Schedule

______________________