We spend most of our lives in buildings and almost every building is unique. The purpose of this book is to explain what buildings are and to provide an integrated overview of how they are built and sustained.
The book does not presume any specialist knowledge of buildings, seeking instead to explain why the different groups involved in designing, constructing, managing and occupying them follow certain procedures. It is particularly concerned with the generation and circulation of information between these groups. In taking this view, the book considers the recommendations of Sir Michael Latham's 1994 report Constructing the Team which called for better cohesion and communication between specialists in the construction industry.


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This book introduces practising engineers and post-graduate students to modern approaches to seismic design, with a particular focus on reinforced concrete structures, earthquake resistant design of new buildings and assessment, repair and strengthening of existing buildings. Fundamentals of engineering seismlogy are covered in the first part, including structural dynamics, calculation of structural response, energy considerations, structural configuration, static and dynamic analysis of structures under seismic actions, represented by equivalent lateral loads, or by elastic and inelastic spectra including the Eurocode 8 spectrum. The second part explains the earthquake-related properties of reinforced concrete materials, and seismic behaviour of structural members. Eurocode 8 design provisions for each type of member are presented in detail, as well as a fully worked design application. It concludes with a discussion of methods for assessing seismic performance of structures, and several case studies involving concrete buildings with frames and structural walls with and without masonry infill panels. Seismic pathology of concrete structures, assessment of seismic capacity of exist

Although polypropylene has been marketed since the 1950s, research and development in this area is still vigorous. The consumption of polypropylene over the years has been relatively high, mainly due to the steady improvement of its property profile. Polypropylene: Structures, Blends and Composites, in three separate volumes, reflects on the key factors which have contributed to the success of polypropylene, dealing with all aspects of structure-performance relationships relevant to thermoplastic polymers and related composites. Volume 1, Structure and Morphology, deals with polymorphism in polypropylene homo- and copolymers, where molecular and supermolecular structures are covered, and the processing-induced structure development of polypropylene, showing the interrelation between the processing-induced morphology and mechanical performance. Volume 2, Copolymers and Blends, contains comprehensive surveys of the nucleation and crystallisation behaviour of the related systems. It includes the development of morphology and its effects on rheological and mechanical properties of polypropylene-based alloys and blends and a review of polypropylene-based thermoplastic elastomers. Volume 3, Composites, gives a comprehensive overview of filled and reinforced systems with polypropylene as a matrix material, with the main emphasis on processing-structure-property-interrelationships. Chapters cover all aspects of particulate filled, chopped fibre-, fibre mat- and continuous fibre-reinforced composites. Interfacial phenomena, such as adhesion, wetting and interfacial crystallisation, are also included as important aspects of this subject.

The two themes of integration of structural and durability design, and integration of concrete technologies in relation to global environmental issues are drawn together in this text. It presents the views of international researchers and engineers on these key topics as the 21st century approaches. Derived from a workshop on rational design of concrete structures held in Hakodate, Japan, in August 1995, the book provides a focus for debate about the ways in which concrete technologies around the world must respond to the necessity of ensuring that concrete construction achieves higher levels of durability, and about the growing imperative to meet higher environmental standards in concrete production and use.

This volume builds upon the 2019 International Bamboo Construction Competition (IBCC 2019) from the Concepts to the Realized Pavilions. Several designed projects are described, and particular attention is devoted to the realized prototypes. It also presents the Bamboo Eye, an important example of architecture realized by INBAR for the 2019 Beijing Horticultural Expo. As such, the volume provides an overview of the use of bamboo poles and engineered bamboo products for temporary and normal constructions, and represents a compact review of the applications of bamboo poles and/or engineered bamboo products in the construction industry. This book will be of interest for researchers, architects and structural engineers in field of bamboo constructions.

Concrete is ubiquitous and unique, found in every developed and developing country. Indeed, there are no alternatives to concrete as a volume construction material for infrastructure. This raises important questions of how concrete should be designed and constructed for cost effective use in the the short and long term, and to encourage further radical development. Equally, it must be environmentally friendly during manufacture, in an aesthetic presentation in structures and in the containment of harmful materials. The central theme of the Congress is "Concrete in the Service of Mankind", under which five self-contained Conferences, each dealing with a particular aspect, are planned. The Congress offers opportunity to discuss how to improve and extend this service to mankind using responsible exploitation, underwritten by sound technical understanding and research base. It brings together the shared skills and experience of the various disciplines involved in the construction process world wide. This major publication continues the tradition established by Dundee University of organizing major international conferences every three years dealing with some aspect of concrete and also

Double carbon targets have been one of the most motivations and targets for China's social and economic development. Building is one of the most important sectors to achieve energy savings and emission reductions. This book focuses on China's building energy usage and CO2 emissions, discusses the status quo of China's building energy of four categories, their characteristics and technologies to improve energy efficiency and achieve zero-carbon emissions. Specifically, this book in 2021 discussed the pathways to achieve carbon neutrality targets for China's building sector. This book also analyzed the energy mix, energy intensity, and technology perspectives to implement energy and carbon targets in urban residential building areas. This book consists of large-scale survey data, monitoring data and case studies. The discussion on technologies and policies is supported by a variety of evidence and continuous research for more than ten years. The information, data and policy suggestions will interest readers all around the world who work in energy, climate change, engineering and building science areas.

An important state-of-the-art report prepared by RILEM Technical Committee 108 ICC. It has been written by a team of leading international experts from the UK, USA, Canada, Israel, Germany, Denmark, South Africa, Italy and France. Research studies over recent years in the field of cement science have focused on the behaviour of the interfaces between the components of cement-based materials. The techniques used in other areas of materials science are being applied to the complex materials found in cements and concretes, and this book provides a significant survey of the present state of the art.

Contents - Preface - 1. The Physical Background - 2. The Chemical Background - 3. The Measurement of Resistivity - 4. Dispersion - 5. Gaseous Dielectrics - 6. The Breakdown of Solid Dielectrics - 7. The Measurement of Dielectric Loss - 8. Special Techniques for Liquids - 9. Tests on Complete Equipment - Index -

This book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in the field of energy, environmental and construction engineering, as presented by international researchers and engineers at the International Scientific Conference Energy, Environmental and Construction Engineering, held in St. Petersburg, Russia on November 19-20, 2020. It covers highly diverse topics, including BIM; bridges, roads and tunnels; building materials; energy efficient and green buildings; structural mechanics; fluid mechanics; measuring technologies; environmental management; power consumption management; renewable energy; smart cities; and waste management. The contributions, which were selected by means of a rigorous international peer-review process, highlight numerous exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster multidisciplinary collaborations.

Protection against fire and prevention of explosion is vital in a modern industrial economy. Only recently have fire science and related risk assessment become serious areas of academic study. This published proceedings of the First European Conference on Fire Engineering and Emergency Planning provides an authoritative base of materials covering the research of the late 1990s, applications and hypotheses as a cumulative reference work and a platform for exchanges of ideas within the academic fire community.

A manual of constructional details which shows how successful results in acoustic design can be achieved by correct use of building materials, products and components. Details are drawn to scale and carry informative labelling and supplementary text. This updated and revised edition of an established reference book, in an improved format and layout, will be a welcome addition to current reference works on acoustic design.

A state-of-the-art report prepared by RILEM Technical Committee 116-PCD. At present, durability of concrete is controlled by specifying the materials to be used, the methods of mixing, placing, curing and so on. This approach is often unsatisfactory and it is a common objective of concrete researchers and engineers to develop performance criteria which allow the potential durability of a particular concrete mix or structure to be estimated. However, the complexity of concrete as a material and the difficulty of developing consistent and reliable test methods has meant that progress has been slow. International interest in the subject is growing strongly with the development of international standards and so this book is very timely in giving an authoritative, international review of the subject. It will set the scene for the next few years as a key source of information and advice.

At some point, most home-owners have to make a choice: whether to move or extend their property. In the case of the latter, there is a further choice - to put the whole matter into other hands or to try to understand the processes involved so that the whole business is carried out efficiently and cost-effectively. Those working or planning to work in the construction industry also need to be reminded of the pitfalls of local authority requirements, building control and planning, and this text provides an account of the necessary action.

This book provides a comprehensive and authoritative review of durability of the frost resistance of concrete. It will enable both concrete materials specialists and practising engineers to better understand the deterioration processes which take place during freezing and thawing, and the effects of de-icing salts on concrete. It shows how test procedures can be used to provide worthwhile information and explains the many problems associated with their use. Durability of Concrete in Cold Climates explains how concrete can be designed and produced to be durable in cold environments, through careful selection of materials, mixture composition and proper use of air entrainment. It is fully illustrated with photographs and diagrams and contains over 250 references to sources and other publications. The main topics covered are: theories of frost ction and de-icer salt scaling mechanisms; laboratory tests; influence of materials and mix characteristics; air entrainment; field performance; and frost durability of dry concretes.

This book highlights the recent research works on sustainable construction, people behavior and built environment which were presented virtually during the 2021 AUA and ICSGS Academic Conference, Global Strategies for a Resilient and Sustainable Post Pandemic World Towards a Better Future for All which was conducted on 26-27 October 2021.

Post-tensioning is the most versatile form of pre stressing, a technique which enables engineers to make the most effective use of the material properties of concrete, and so to design structural elements which are strong, slender and efficient. Design in post-tensioned concrete is not difficult and, if done properly, can contribute significantly to the economy and the aesthetic qualities of a building. Post-tensioned floors have found widespread use in office buildings and car park structures, and are also frequently employed in warehouses and public buildings. However, in spite of this, most prestressed concrete texts devote comparatively little attention to floors, concentrating instead on beam elements. This book answers the need for a comprehensive treatment of post-tensioned floor design.

This book provides a collection of recent research works related to building pathologies, recycled materials, case studies and practical advices on implementation of sustainable construction. It is divided in seven chapters that intend to be a resume of the current state of knowledge for benefit of professional colleagues, scientists, students, practitioners, lecturers and other interested parties to network. At the same time, these topics will be going to the encounter of a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines, such as civil, mechanical and materials engineering.

This text provides a review of the properties and use of the principal chemical admixtures for concrete, including over 250 references to key literature sources. Coverage of each admixture follows a standard format, so the reader is able to find relevant information on each type easily. The introductory chapter explains the interaction of admixtures in the cement-water system. The following four chapters deal with admixtures in common use: air extraining admixtures; hardening accelerators; high-range water reducers (superplasticizers); water reducing/retarding admixtures. Less commonly used admixtures are also discussed, including topics for special applications: anti-washout admixtures for underwater concrete; corrosion inhibitors; gas forming admixtures; pumping aids; shotcrete admixtures. This book should be of interest to concrete technologists worldwide in cement companies, ready mixed and precast concrete suppliers; admixture manufacturers (CAA members in UK); civil engineers; researchers and academics in civil engineering departments.

Ferrocement is a versatile, construction material, with applications in low cost housing, rehabilitation, strengthening and repair of structures, especially in the developing world. The material can also be used in more advanced constructions for thin shell structures. This book forms the proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium on Ferrocement. It presents the latest developments in research and application of the material and should serve as a useful reference for all those interested in the material. This includes both researchers in all parts of the world, but also those responsible for low cost housing and construction in developing countries, in South America, Africa and the Far East. This book should be of interest to researchers concerned with building materials, government and international agencies involved with low cost housing, and repair specialists, consultants, contractors and material suppliers.

It brings together, in a concise format, the key elements of the loads produced from explosive sources, how they interact with structures and the way structures respond to them. Explosive sources include gas, high explosives, dust and nuclear materials.
It presents quantitative information and design methods in a useable form without recourse to extensive mathematical analysis. The authors, Peter Smith and John Hetherington, are staff members at the Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham and have been instrumental in establishing an active group comprising lecturing and research staff concerned with the response of structures to blast and ballistic loading.
Comprehensive coverage of a wide threat spectrum
Accessible style supported by relevant worked examples

Presented in a straightforward and highly readable style, these two volumes offer an in-depth guide to all aspects of brickwork and bricklaying practice. Gerard Lynch has put together these comprehensive and instructive volumes linking past knowledge and practices with modern skills and materials, so that both can be fully examined and understood. Volume 1 begins with a background to the historical development of the brick, the craft of bricklaying and of brickwork from the 13th century to the present day. It then goes on to describe the modern manufacture of bricks along with their properties and classification. The book also includes chapters on mortars, tools and accessories and an explanation of bricklaying skills and comprehensive coverage of the techniques of bonding and its applications. Volume 2 examines the elements of building construction in brick. Chapter one studies the setting out of a small building and then progresses to foundations, examining the historical as well as current practices. The following five chapters cover both the contemporary and traditional aspects of substructure brickwork; basements; sleeper walls; damp proof courses; and, cavity walling and jointing and pointing. The volume concludes with useful advice on achieving controlled and efficient bricklaying.