In a relational database management system (RDBMS), a method of issuing input/output tasks (I/Os) which store record information from a buffer to an after image journal (AIJ) file of a durable disk (the AIJ device) where a group commit size is dynamically adapted to the workload of the AIJ device and to the character and volume of data written to the AIJ file. Record information contains data records (including roll back records) and/or commit records that together form database transactions. A commit record written to the AIJ file indicates that data modifications and/or additions embodied in data records associated with the commit record are durable in the RDBMS in that they are stored in a durable media and are recoverable. Rather than issuing I/Os to the disk based on a fixed timer or a fixed record count, the system writes to the AIJ file based on three workload characteristics: 1) the character of the record information received (data or commit record); 2) the AIJ file throughput, measured based on the buffer contents; and 3) the workload of the I/O device (busy or idle). The present invention avoids making a data dependent server process wait unnecessarily if the AIJ device is not busy, thereby improving response time without overloading the AIJ, and minimizes AIJ I/O in heavy workload situations by making the group commit size as large as possible without idling the AIJ device. The system adapts to a changing workload to provide improved response time and throughput.