Intelligent building is the future of our building industry; all commercial, residential, industrial and institutional buildings will be designed towards the goal of intelligent buildings'. The most important aspect of an intelligent building is the building systems, such as electrical services, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, vertical transportation systems, and life safety systems, which must operate intelligently and efficiently to enhance the activities of the occupants. Intelligent Building Systems explains what already exists in a modern intelligent building and describes what is currently being developed by researchers to improve human comfort, working efficiency and energy performance for buildings in the 21st century. Intelligent Building Systems is divided into three parts. The first part gives a quick review of the structure, terminology, layout and operating principles of most standard modern building systems. The second part introduces the background material necessary to understand intelligent building systems, including information on electronics technology, fundamental mathematics, and techniques in artificial intelligence and signal processing. These first two parts are the foundation for the final part, which consists of research works carried out by the authors and other researchers in the application of artificial intelligence to building systems. The technologies presented will encourage readers to envision new and innovative ideas on possible future applications. Intelligent Building Systems is relevant to practitioners and researchers in the area of architectural science and engineering, electrical and mechanical services and intelligent buildings. It may also be used as a text for advanced courses on the topic.

Heat pipes today find many applications, in areas such as electronics cooling, diecasting and injection moulding, heat recovery and energy conservation, de-icing, and manufacturing process temperature control.

"Heat Pipe Technology: Theory, Applications and Prospects" contains the proceedings of an important international gathering of those at the cutting edge of research in the field, with representatives of more than 20 countries. In addition to the finest technical papers, a particularly valuable feature is the inclusion of a series of regional surveys portraying the latest developments worldwide.

The inherent characteristics of heat pipes (passiveness, absence of moving parts, high thermal efficiency) suggest for them an increasingly major role in the evolution of new thermal engineering systems in the years ahead. This volume will undoubtedly be an important resource for researchers worldwide in heat pipe technology.

In this book the authors first describe the background of trusted platforms and trusted computing and speculate about the future. They then describe the technical features and architectures of trusted platforms from several different perspectives, finally explaining second-generation TPMs, including a technical description intended to supplement the Trusted Computing Group's TPM2 specifications. The intended audience is IT managers and engineers and graduate students in information security.

The State-of-the-Art Report of RILEM Technical Committee 228-MPS on Mechanical properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) summarizes an extensive body of information related to mechanical properties and mechanical behaviour of SCC. Due attention is given to the fact that the composition of SCC varies significantly. A wide range ofmechanical properties are considered, including compressive strength, stress-strain relationship, tensile and flexural strengths, modulus of elasticity, shear strength, effect of elevated temperature, such as fire spalling and residual properties after fire, in-situ properties, creep, shrinkage, bond properties and structural behaviour. A chapter on fibre-reinforced SCC is included, as well as a chapter on specialty SCC, such as light-weight SCC, heavy-weight SCC, preplaced aggregate SCC, special fibre reinforced SCC and underwater concrete."

Building a greenhouse can be easy and inexpensive with this comprehensive handbook. Practical instructions guide you through every step of the process: Selecting a site; Laying a foundation; Framing; Glazing; Ventilating; Insulating; Plumbing; Wiring. Eleven specific examples from simple cold frames to large free standing and attached to the house structures are featured.

This book provides insights into sensor development for structural health monitoring. Current technological advances mean that the field is changing rapidly, making standardization an ongoing challenge. As such, the book gathers several essential contributions in the area of sensor development, including macro-fiber composite sensors for crack detection and optical fiber Bragg gratings for flaw detection. It also discusses the use of the welds in the structure as sensors, and probability estimation of detection for various sensor configurations. In addition, it presents methods based on vibration signal variations to detect small defects in composite components or to monitor large structures. Last but not least, the book includes special structural health monitoring applications in industrial components such as a nuclear boiler support spines and industrial presses as well as in corrosion monitoring of pipes.

The book presents a state-of-the-art in environmental aerodynamics and the structural design of wind energy support structures, particularly from a modern computational perspective. Examples include real-life applications dealing with pollutant dispersion in the building environment, pedestrian-level winds, comfort levels, relevant legislation and remedial measures. Design methodologies for wind energy structures include reliability assessment and code frameworks.

A close-to-ideal blend of suburb and city, speedy construction of towers of Babylon, the sparkling proportion of glass and steel buildings' facade at night showcase the wisdom of humans. They also witness the footsteps, sweats and tears of architects and engineers. Unfortunately, these signatures of human civilizations are swathed in towering figures of construction accidents. Fretting about these on sites, different countries adopt different measures on sites. This book firstly sketches the construction accidents on sites, followed by a review on safety measures in some of the developing countries such as Bermuda, Egypt, Kuwait and China; as well as developed countries, for example, the United States, France and Singapore. It also highlights the enormous compensation costs with the courts' experiences in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.

Video monitoring has become a vital aspect within the global society as it helps prevent crime, promote safety, and track daily activities such as traffic. As technology in the area continues to improve, it is necessary to evaluate how video is being processed to improve the quality of images. Applied Video Processing in Surveillance and Monitoring Systems investigates emergent techniques in video and image processing by evaluating such topics as segmentation, noise elimination, encryption, and classification. Featuring real-time applications, empirical research, and vital frameworks within the field, this publication is a critical reference source for researchers, professionals, engineers, academicians, advanced-level students, and technology developers.

This book is intended for classroom teaching in architectural and civil engineering at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Although it has been developed from lecture notes given in structural steel design, it can be useful to practicing engineers. Many of the examples presented in this book are drawn from the field of design of structures. Design of Steel Structures can be used for one or two semesters of three hours each on the undergraduate level. For a two-semester curriculum, Chapters 1 through 8 can be used during the first semester. Heavy emphasis should be placed on Chapters 1 through 5, giving the student a brief exposure to the consideration of wind and earthquakes in the design of buildings. With the new federal requirements vis a vis wind and earthquake hazards, it is beneficial to the student to have some under standing of the underlying concepts in this field. In addition to the class lectures, the instructor should require the student to submit a term project that includes the complete structural design of a multi-story building using standard design procedures as specified by AISC Specifications. Thus, the use of the AISC Steel Construction Manual is a must in teaching this course. In the second semester, Chapters 9 through 13 should be covered. At the undergraduate level, Chapters 11 through 13 should be used on a limited basis, leaving the student more time to concentrate on composite construction and built-up girders."

Quilting is big business. This book is for anyone who wants to turn their love for quilts into profit in a market that is viable and continues to grow. It will guide the reader through all the aspects of setting up and running a thriving home-based quilti

The book focuses on design and computational issues related to fixtures and armatures in hydronic heating installations, especially regulation valves, their selection, operating principles, types and construction. The analysis is complemented by connection diagrams, drawings, photos of the valves and computational examples of their selection and operation parameters when used in a pipework and a controlled object, like a radiator. It also discusses issues related to the so-called valve authority, one of the main parameters determining the quality of the valve regulation process. Further, it includes an extensive theoretical framework along with a detailed mathematical analysis and proposes new algorithms, which have been verified and confirmed experimentally. Based on this analysis, the book presents the author's analytical approach for sizing a regulation valve, as well as an innovative design solution for a regulation valve without the limitations of the valves currently available on the market. Lastly, it introduces a new verified method of calculating the valve pre-setting. Intended for engineers dealing with heating issues, scientists and students studying environmental engineering, energetics and related fields, the book is also useful for lecturers, designers, and those operating heating installations, as well as authors of computer programs for thermal and hydraulic balancing of heating installations.

Climate change mitigation and sustainable practices are now at the top of political and technical agendas. Environmental system modelling provides a way of appraising options and this book will make a significant contribution to the uptake of such systems. It provides knowledge of the principles involved in modelling systems, builds confidence amongst designers and offers a broad perspective of the potential of these new technologies.

The aim of the book is to provide an understanding of the concepts and principles behind predictive modelling methods; review progress in the development of the modelling software available; and explore modelling in building design through international case studies based on real design problems.

This volume focuses on research and practical issues linked to Calcined Clays for Sustainable Concrete. The main subjects are geology of clays, hydration and performance of blended system with calcined clays, alkali activated binders, economic and environmental impacts of the use of calcined clays in cement based materials. Topics addressed in this book include the influence of processing on reactivity of calcined clays, influence of clay mineralogy on reactivity, geology of clay deposits, Portland-calcined clay systems, hydration, durability, performance, Portland-calcined clay-limestone systems, hydration, durability, performance, calcined clay-alkali systems, life cycle analysis, economics and environmental impact of use of calcined clays in cement and concrete and field applications. This book compiles the different contributions of the 1st International Conference on Calcined Clays for Sustainable Concrete, which took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, June, 23-25, 2015.The papers present the latest research in their field. It contains nearly 80 papers and abstracts. Overall, this work gives a broad view of research on calcined clays in the field of construction and will stimulate further research into calcined clays for sustainable concrete.

This book is an essential guide to all facets of asphalt technology as applied to the construction and maintenance of highways and reflects the very best of UK asphalt and pavement technology. Written by an international team of leading experts, it covers all aspects of fully flexible road construction from foundation design through to surface treatment.In recent years, asphalt technology has made significant advances, and this comprehensive work on the subject will be welcome to all in his field.

Author Ian Cramb was a fifth-generation stonemason who relied on traditional methods to create and restore beautiful stone structures. In this do-it-yourself manual for homeowners, masonry contractors, and restoration specialists, Cramb drew on his fifty years of life experience in the craft to cover restoration techniques for historic structures in the U.S. and Britain. The book covers various types of stone, stone-cutting, and traditional mortar mixes for walls, foundations, and buildings.

Concrete is a global material that underwrites commercial wellbeing and social development. There is no substitute that can be used on the same engineering scale and its sustainability, expolitation and further development are imperatives to creating and maintaing a healthy economy and environment worldwide. The pressure for change and improvement of performance is relentless and necessary. Concrete must keep evolving to satisfy the increasing demands of all its users. These six volumes are the proceedings of the international Challenges of Concrete Construction Congress held in September 2002 with contributions from many of the world's leading authorities in this field.

Specially written for contractors and small businesses carrying out small works, Spon's Estimating Cost Guide to Finishings contains accurate information on thousands of rates, each broken down to labour, material overheads and profit.This is the first book to include typical project costs for such a wide range of finishings: painting and wallpapering, plasterwork, floor and wall tiles, rendering, and external work.

Especially written for contractors and small businesses carrying out small works, Spon's House Improvement Price Guide contains accurate information on thousands of rates, each broken down to labour, material overheads and profit.

This extensively revised and updated fourth edition provides engineers with the principles and tools needed to turn their familiarity with earlier ACI Codes into more profitable, time-saving routine designs. Created to be used with the ACI Code and Commentary, this outstanding guide follows the new Code format with information covered in more specific sections and subsections in order to enhance clarity. In addition, it shortens the time needed for computer-aided design and analysis, converts code formulas from the review form to direct design, and presents simple formulas, tabulations, and charts for conservative longhand direct design. Two convenient indices - a subject index and a 1995 Code section index - are provided, enabling engineers to quickly locate all Code references to a particular topic, as well as concise interpretation of a given Code section. The Guide also saves engineers time and effort on the job with its detailed coverage of: torsional stiffness, braced and unbraced slender columns with and without sidesway, wide-module joist systems, reinforcement details for economy in design, detailing, fabricating, field erection, and inspection, latest ASTM material specifications, anchorage, development, and splice requirements, high-strength concrete, comparisons between wall and column economy, structural plain concrete. More than ever, the sure-handed Structural Design Guide to the ACI Building Code is an indispensable practical reference for structural, civil, and architectural engineers and students who want to safely meet modern building requirements while taking full advantage of every economy permitted by the 1995 ACI Code.

This book addresses the integration of service subsystems such as lighting, heating and air conditioning, water supply, electrical power, waste removal and elevators into a building. The authors discusses and illustrates the construction development of these systems within a building, as well as the response of the general building construction to the incorporation of these systems. Case studies of nine buildings provide an on-the-job look at wide range of building uses, sizes and forms of construction. Designers and builders using this guide gain a rare opportunity to see the specific development of individual subsystems within the context of the general building framework.

Microstructure and Texture in Steels and Other Materials comprises a collection of articles pertaining to experimental and theoretical aspects of the evolution of crystallographic texture and microstructure during processing of steels and some other materials. Among the topics covered is the processing-microstructure-texture-property relationship in various kinds of steels, including the latest grade. Special emphasis has been given to introduce recent advances in the characterization of texture and microstructure, as well as modeling. The papers included are written by well-known experts from academia and industrial R and D, which will provide the reader with state-of-the-art, in-depth knowledge of the subject. With these attributes, Microstructure and Texture in Steels and Other Materials is expected to serve the cause of creating awareness of current developments in microstructural science and materials engineering among academic and R and D personnel working in the field. Written for: Researchers from the steel industry, R&D laboratories, steel research laboratories and academic institutions

The Illustrated Living History series offers a close look at how Native Americans, explorers, and colonists lived their everyday lives in the America of the 16th-19th centuries. Each title in the series, especially created for grades 5 to 10, has been carefully researched for authentic detail and accurately illustrated to help young readers have fun discovering America's earliest history and development.