This book is the result of recent research that deals with the built environment and innovative materials, carried out by specialists working in universities and centers of research in different professional fields architecture, engineering, physics and in an area that that spans from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf, and from South Eastern Europe to the Middle East. This book takes the necessity of re-shaping the concept of building design in order to transform buildings from large scale energy consumers to energy savers and producers into consideration. The book is organized in two parts: theory and case studies. For the theoretical part, we chose from the wide range of sources that provide energy efficient materials and systems the two that seem to be endless: the sun and vegetation. Their use in building products represents a tool for specialists in the architectural design concept. The case-studies presented analyze different architectural programs, in different climates, from new buildings to rehabilitation approaches and from residential architecture to hospitals and sports arenas; each case emphasizes the interdisciplinarity of the building design activity in order to help readers gain a better understanding of the complex approach needed for energy efficient building design

This book summarizes science and technology of a new generation of high-energy andinsensitive explosives. The objective is to provide professionals with comprehensiveinformation on the synthesis and the physicochemical and detonation properties ofthe explosives. Potential technologies applicable for treatment of contaminated wastestreams from manufacturing facilities and environmental matrices are also be included.This book provides the reader an insight into the depth and breadth of theoreticaland empirical models and experimental techniques currently being developed in thefield of energetic materials. It presents the latest research by DoD engineers andscientists, and some of DoD's academic and industrial researcher partners. The topicsexplored and the simulations developed or modified for the purposes of energetics mayfind application in other closely related fields, such as the pharmaceutical industry.One of the key features of the book is the treatment of wastewaters generated duringmanufacturing of these energetic materials.

Construction Methods and Management, Eighth Edition, is designed to guide construction engineers and managers in planning, estimating, and directing construction operations safely and effectively. Comprehensive and up-to-date, the text integrates major construction management topics with an explanation of the methods of heavy/highway and building construction. It incorporates both customary U.S. units and metric (SI) units and is the only text to present concrete formwork design equations and procedures using both measurement systems. This edition features information on the latest developments in soil excavation, asphalt paving, and earthmoving equipment.

This book discusses applying vernacular strategies to modern architectural design to adhere to basic green principles of energy efficiency and materials utilization. Written from an international perspective, chapters present the perspectives and experiences of architects and engineers from across the globe. Historically successful approaches are integrated with modern design concepts to create novel, sustainable, and resource conscious solutions. The scope of topics covered include natural ventilation, cooling and heating, daylight and shading devices, and green micro-climate and functional facades, making this a useful reference for a wide range of researchers and workers in the built environment. Covers the most up-to-date research developments, best practices, and innovations from countries all over the globe; Presents the latest research in vernacular architecture and sustainable building; Contains case studies and examples to enhance practical application of the technologies presented.

For all courses in construction accounting and construction finance, and for courses in engineering economics taught in construction management programs. This book helps construction professionals and construction management students master the principles of financial management, and adapt and apply them to the challenge of profitably managing construction companies. It integrates content that has traditionally been taught through separate accounting, finance, and engineering economics texts. Students learn how to account for a construction company's financial resources; how to manage its costs, profits, and cash flows; how to evaluate different sources of funding a company's cash needs; and how to quantitatively analyze financial decisions. Readers gain hands-on experience through 220 example problems and over 390 practice problems, many of them based on situations actually encountered by the author. This edition adds more than 100 new discussion questions, and presents financial equations and accounting transactions more visually to support more intuitive learning.

This book presents the proceedings of SICC 2017, a conference devoted to promoting the dissemination of the different methodologies, techniques, theories, strategies, technologies and best practices on the prevention and mitigation of CBRNE risks. As the first scientific international conference on safety & security issues in the CBRNE field, SICC 2017 attracted contributions resulting from fruitful inter-professional collaborations between university and military experts, specialized operators, decision makers and the industry. As such, these proceedings are primarily intended for academics and professionals from public, private and military entities. It is the first trans-disciplinary collection of scientific papers from the numerous fields related to CBRNE.

This book comprises selected proceedings of the International Conference on Recent Advancements in Civil Engineering and Infrastructural Developments (ICRACEID 2019). The contents are broadly divided into five areas (i) smart transportation with urban planning, (ii) clean energy and environment, (iii) water distribution and waste management, (iv) smart materials and structures, and (v) disaster management. The book aims to provide solutions to global challenges using innovative and emerging technologies covering various fields of civil engineering. The major topics covered include urban planning, transportation, water distribution, waste management, disaster management, environmental pollution and control, environmental impact assessment, application of GIS and remote sensing, and structural analysis and design. Given the range of topics discussed, the book will be beneficial for students, researchers as well industry professionals.

The question of what architecture is answered in this book with one sentence: Architecture is space created for human activities. The basic need to find food and water places these activities within a larger spatial field. Humans have learned and found ways to adjust to the various contextual difficulties that they faced as they roamed the earth. Thus rather than adapting, humans have always tried to change the context to their activities. Humanity has looked at the context not merely as a limitation, but rather as a spatial situation filled with opportunities that allows, through intellectual interaction, to change these limitations. Thus humanity has created within the world their own contextual bubble that firmly stands against the larger context it is set in. The key notion of the book is that architecture is space carved out of and against the context and that this process is deterministic.

This book summarizes the research results of carbide control in special steel from the authors. It includes the evolution and control of carbide in special steel in the process of electroslag remelting, rolling, and heat treatment, as well as the effect of alloying treatment (rare earth, magnesium, nitrogen, titanium) as heterogeneous nucleating agent on the carbides in special steel. It helps the readers to understand the formation mechanism and control technology of carbide in special steel deeply for improving the quality of special steel further. The book is useful as a reference for researchers, practitioners, teachers, and engineering management team in the fields of metallurgy and materials.

This book provides a single-source reference for whole life embodied impacts of buildings. The comprehensive and persuasive text, written by over 50 invited experts from across the world, offers an indispensable resource both to newcomers and to established practitioners in the field. Ultimately it provides a persuasive argument as to why embodied impacts are an essential aspect of sustainable built environments. The book is divided into four sections: measurement, including a strong emphasis on uncertainty analysis, as well as offering practical case studies of individual buildings and a comparison of materials; management, focusing in particular on the perspective of designers and contractors; mitigation, which identifies some specific design strategies as well as challenges; and finally global approaches, six chapters which describe in authoritative detail the ways in which the different regions of the world are tackling the issue.

Performance and Improvement of Green Construction Projects: Management Strategies and Innovations expertly explains the specific characteristics and management approaches of green construction projects using in-depth examples that compare presented tactics to conventional construction projects. The book provides a holistic view on management strategies and innovations, focusing on the assessment and improvement of green construction projects and how to manage performance with respect to cost, scheduling, quality, safety, risk, productivity and leadership development.

This thesis details the novel preparation methods and the improved properties of two-dimentional (2D) black phosphorene (BP) and the polymer nanocomposites. Various surface treatment methods are used, and through these designs, better mechanical, thermal and flame retardant properties are achieved for these functionalized materials, thus reducing the fire risk of the polymer composite system.

This book focuses on important mathematical considerations in describing the synthesis of original mechanisms for generating curves. The synthesis is manual and not based on the use of computer tools. Kinematics is applied to confirm the drawing of the curves, and the closed loop method, and in some cases the distances method, is applied in this phase. The book provides all the notions of structure and kinematics that are necessary to calculate the mechanisms and also analyzes other kinematic possibilities of the created mechanisms. Offering a concise, yet self-contained guide to the mathematical fundamentals for mechanisms of curve generation, together with a useful collection of mechanisms exercises, the book is intended for students learning about mechanism kinematics, as well as engineers dealing with mechanism design and analysis. It is based on the authors' many years of research, which has been published in different books and journals, mainly, but not exclusively, in Romanian.

This study explores the multiple ways in which Congressional Cemetery has been positioned for some two hundred years in "the shadow" of the U.S. Capitol. The narrative proceeds chronologically, discussing the burial ground during three periods: a) The antebellum years; b) The years from the end of the Civil War to approximately 1970, when the site progressively deteriorated; c) The period from the early 1970s to 2007, when both public and private organizations worked to preserve the physical site and the memory of what it has been and continues to represent. This monograph on Congressional Cemetery focuses on the dominant narrative associated with the site: its legacy as the first national burial ground in the United States. Given this emphasis, the text presents a political and cultural analysis of the cemetery, with particular focus on the participation of the U.S. Congress. "This book makes historians and many others aware of a fascinating and complicated history. Moreover, it not only details the long history of the cemetery, but it uses it to explore the nature of historic memorials generally in the creation of national memory." Steven Diner, Chancellor of Rutgers University at Newark. "The Johnsons have done an excellent job of mining a wide range of sources and conveying the complex history of an institution that merits documentation... It's stunning to realize what a who's who exists in that space." Howard Gillette, Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University at Camden. "The history of Congressional Cemetery is intimately tied up in the changing demographics of its locale, and its corresponding decline as the neighborhood around Christ Church changed led to its emergence as a cause celebre for historic preservationists." Donald Kennon, Chief Historian for the United States Capitol Historical Society, and editor of The Capitol Dome.

This book discusses how to identify the level of adhesion in layered systems made of cement composites using a multi-scale approach based on experimental and numerical analyses. In particular, it explains 1. The suitability of previously used artificial intelligence tools and learning algorithms for reliable assessment of the level of adhesion of layered systems made of cement composites based on non-destructive tests 2. The development of the methodology for a reliable non-destructive evaluation of the level of adhesion in newly constructed layered systems of any overlay thickness and in existing layered systems made of cement composites 3. How to determine whether to assess the level of adhesion of the layered systems, and discusses the amplitude parameters, spatial, hybrid and volume parameters describing the morphology of the concrete substrate surface in the mesoscale 4. How to ascertain whether the effective surface area of the existing concrete substrate and the contribution of the exposed aggregate on this substrate, determined in mesoscale, have an impact on the level of adhesion of layered systems made of cement composites 5. The assessment of the structure of air pores in the microscale and the chemical composition of the cement composite on the nanoscale in the interphase zone together with the determination of their impact on the level of adhesion of layered systems made of cement composites 6. The development of an effective methodology for testing the level of adhesion of layered systems made of cement composites in a multi-scale approach, including the research methods and descriptors used.

With the release of the new NEC (formerly the New Engineering Contract), the use of the family of contracts continues to grow worldwide, as does the importance of understanding its clauses and nuances to everyone working in the built environment. Now in its fourth edition, this set of contracts is different to others in concept as well as format, so users may well find themselves needing a helping hand along the way. Written in plain English, Understanding NEC4: Term Service Contract offers a practical guide to the use and management of the NEC4 Term Service Contract (TSC). The authors describe the full life of a contract, from the initial selection of options and contract formation through to the operations period and ultimately termination and dispute resolution. Although born of the same stable as the NEC4 construction contracts, the TSC is aimed at maintaining infrastructure and differs significantly from its siblings. This is the first book to be written on the new contract and takes the reader through the important provisions including communications, planning, early warnings, compensation events and payments. It is ideal for clients, contractors and their advisors describing how to deploy the contract successfully.

Handbook of Materials Failure Analysis: With Case Studies from the Construction Industry provides a thorough understanding of the reasons materials fail in certain situations, covering important scenarios including material defects, mechanical failure due to various causes, and improper material selection and/or corrosive environment. The book begins with a general overview of materials failure analysis and its importance, and then logically proceeds from a discussion of the failure analysis process, types of failure analysis, and specific tools and techniques, to chapters on analysis of materials failure from various causes. Failure can occur for several reasons, including: materials defects-related failure, materials design-related failure, or corrosion-related failures. The suitability of the materials to work in a definite environment is an important issue. The results of these failures can be catastrophic in the worst case scenarios, causing loss of life. This important reference covers the most common types of materials failure, and provides possible solutions.

This textbook describes the design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures according to the latest advances both in the field of materials, concrete and steel, and in the field of structural analysis. These advances have been included in current version of Eurocode 2, which is taken as reference. All subjects are presented starting from their theoretical bases and passing to corresponding EC2 formulations. A large part of the book is concerned with the most innovative EC2 parts, like nonlinear structural analyses, second-order effects, punching and strut-and-tie models. The textbook is equipped with numerous worked examples, useful for the reader who is not familiar with the design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures by the Limit State Method. Examples have been chosen among the most frequent cases of the professional practice. Thanks to this structure, it can be of interest both to structural designers for their professional training and to students of engineering and architecture schools for their studies. The volume contains twelve chapters, which follow the same structure of EC2, except for chapter 6 (dealing with prestressed concrete structures), which does not match any chapter of EC2, as prestressed concrete is considered in EC2 as a particular case of reinforced concrete, and corresponding formulations are shed over different chapters.

Physical Security 150 Things You Should Know is a comprehensive reference for the security professional. This book covers all aspects of security operations, from lighting and fencing to tracking systems and crime risk management. The "150 Things" offered by Tyska and Fennelly will help professionals in the field build a well-trained, alert, and conscientious security staff.

Format is unique in that it identifies subjects, then discusses and highlights specifics in terms of concerns and knowledge the security professional requires
Quick and easy reference
Covers basics of physical security - both high and low tech

In order to succeed in a construction business, you have to be able to price your jobs to cover all labor, material and overhead expenses, and make a decent profit. But calculating markup is only part of the picture. If you're going to beat the odds and stay in business -- profitably, you also need to know how to write good contracts, manage your crews, work with subcontractors and collect on your work. This book covers the business basics of running a construction company, whether you're a general or specialty contractor working in remodeling, new construction or commercial work. The principles outlined here apply to all construction-related businesses. You'll find tried and tested formulas to guarantee profits, with step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow examples to help you learn how to operate your business successfully. Includes a link to free downloads of blank forms and checklists used in this book.

This book reports on a comprehensive analytical, experimental and numerical study on the flexural response of post-tensioned masonry walls under in-plane loads. It explores an important mechanism in this new generation of structural walls, called "Self-centering". This mechanism can reduce residual drifts and structural damage during earthquake ground motion, and is particularly favorable for structures which are designed for immediate occupancy performance levels. The book reports on the development and verification of a finite element model of post-tensioned masonry walls. It describes a detailed parametric study to predict the strength of post-tensioned masonry walls. New design methodologies and expressions are developed to predict the flexural strength and force-displacement response of post-tensioned masonry. Experimental study is carried out to better understand the behavior of post-tensioned masonry walls and also to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed design procedure and expressions. The book also includes an introduction to current research on unbounded post-tensioned masonry walls, together with an extensive analysis of previously published test results.

During emergency situations, society relies upon the efficient response time and effective services of emergency facilities that include fire departments, law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS). As such, it is imperative that emergency crews are outfitted with technologies that can cut response time and can also predict where such events may occur and prevent them from happening. The safety of first responders is also of paramount concern. New tools can be implemented to map areas of vulnerability for emergency responders, and new strategies can be devised in their training to ensure that they are conditioned to respond efficiently to an emergency and also conscious of best safety protocols. Improving the Safety and Efficiency of Emergency Services: Emerging Tools and Technologies for First Responders addresses the latest tools that can support first responders in their ultimate goal: delivering their patients to safety. It also explores how new techniques and devices can support first responders in their work by addressing their safety, alerting them to accidents in real time, connecting them with medical experts to improve the chances of survival of critical patients, predicting criminal and terrorist activity, locating missing persons, and allocating resources. Highlighting a range of topics such as crisis management, medical/fire emergency warning systems, and predictive policing technologies, this publication is an ideal reference source for law enforcement, emergency professionals, medical professionals, EMTs, fire departments, government officials, policymakers, IT consultants, technology developers, academicians, researchers, and students.

This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 3rd RILEM Spring Convention and Conference, held at Guimaraes and hosted by the University of Minho, Portugal, on March 9-14, 2020. The theme of the Conference was "Ambitioning a Sustainable Future for Built Environment: comprehensive strategies for unprecedented challenges", which was aimed at discussing current challenges and impacts of the built environment on sustainability. The present volume is dedicated to the topic "New materials and structures for ultra-durability", which covers current scientific and technological developments aimed at improving knowledge about degradation mechanisms in construction materials, as well as to the development of new materials with extreme durability. Novel special materials for extreme environments or extreme loading conditions are also included, as well as novel approaches to improve the performance and durability of currently common construction materials. The following subtopics are included: general purpose, constructions, infrastructures and facilities; extreme environments and extreme events; transport and deterioration mechanisms, characterization and mitigation; Supplementary Cementitious Materials, admixtures, additions and other emerging material optimization strategies; smart materials for durable structures.

This volume examines core areas of development in security, emphasizing the pivotal contributions of women to the field's evolution. The author first covers a broad spectrum of key topics, including how security is created, where innovation occurs, what the underpinnings are, and who supports it and how. After an overview of the field, female security professionals share their own stories of technology and innovation in security today; the foundation, where research is headed, and the emerging trends. Women currently make up a very small pocket of cyber security staffing - this book aims to increase the visibility of women in the field and their contributions and encourage other females to join the field. The contributors hold various roles from executive leadership, to engineers, analysts, and researchers.