As every civil engineer knows, Portland Cement is the most versatile and important material of construction, and will probably remain so far into the future. Yet few books, if any, exist that offer an in-depth analysis of the mixing and testing methods of this vital hydraulic cement. This statement, written about the first edition of Engineered Concrete: Mix Design and Test Methods, remains as true today as it was ten years ago. Revised and updated, the second edition of this groundbreaking resource completely covers Portland Cement, Portland Cement Concrete, and their uses. See what's new in the Second Edition: New coverage of the latest concrete technologies such as high-performance and lightweight concrete Several new tests and sample tearsheets Additional and updated data sheets The body of the book is divided into several sections, with the first explaining how concrete batches are designed, mixed, and measured for various consistencies. Another section details the tests of the primary component materials of concrete other than water namely Portland Cement, aggregates, and mortar while the final section includes some of the fundamental concrete testing procedures for different strength parameters in conformity with the standards of the American Society for Testing Materials. Solidly researched and written, the book supplies a fundamental understanding of cement, concrete, and mixing and testing methods that allow readers to produce the most economical combinations of concrete materials and satisfy performance requirements and specifications.

Since the first edition published in 1991, this has been one of the top-selling books in the field. The first and second editions have been used as a required text in over 100 universities worldwide and have become indispensable reference for thousands of practising engineers as well. The third edition reflects recent advances in the field, although it still retains the characteristics that made it a best-selling title. Providing thorough coverage of a wide range of topics, this book covers both theoretical and practical aspects of fracture mechanics and integrates materials science with solid mechanics. This edition includes expanded coverage of weight functions and a new chapter on environmental cracking.

A detailed reference for the practicing engineer, Air Pollution Control Technology Handbook, Second Edition focuses on air pollution control systems and outlines the basic process engineering and cost estimation required for its design. Written by seasoned experts in the field, this book offers a fundamental understanding of the factors resulting in air pollution and covers the techniques and equations used for air pollution control. Anyone with an engineering or science background can effectively select techniques for control, review alternative design methods and equipment proposals from vendors, and initiate cost studies of control equipment using this book. This second edition of a bestseller includes new methods for designing control equipment, enhanced material on air pollution science, updates on major advances in the field, and explains the importance of a strategy for identifying the most cost-effective design. The book also covers: New legislation and updates on air regulation New advances in process integration design techniques The atmospheric and health effects of air pollution Air Pollution Control Technology Handbook, Second Edition helps combat the solution problem with extensive coverage of air pollution control processes. Fully updated with new legislation, air regulations, and extensive reviews of the design of control equipment, this book serves as an ideal reference for industry professionals or anyone with an engineering or science background needing a basic introduction to air pollution control equipment design.

Gain Confidence in Modeling Techniques Used for Complicated Bridge Structures Bridge structures vary considerably in form, size, complexity, and importance. The methods for their computational analysis and design range from approximate to refined analyses, and rapidly improving computer technology has made the more refined and complex methods of analyses more commonplace. The key methods of analysis and related modeling techniques are set out, mainly for highway bridges, but also with some information on railway bridges. Special topics such as strut-and-tie modeling, linear and nonlinear buckling analysis, redundancy analysis, integral bridges, dynamic/earthquake analysis, and bridge geometry are also covered. The material is largely code independent. The book is written for students, especially at MSc level, and for practicing professionals in bridge design offices and bridge design authorities worldwide. Effectively Analyze Structures Using Simple Mathematical Models Divided into three parts and comprised of 18 chapters, this text: Covers the methods of computational analysis and design suitable for bridge structures Provides information on the methods of analysis and related modeling techniques suitable for the design and evaluation of various types of bridges Presents material on a wide range of bridge structural types and is fairly code independent Computational Analysis and Design of Bridge Structures covers the general aspects of bridges, bridge behavior and the modeling of bridges, and special topics on bridges. This text explores the physical meanings behind modeling, and reveals how bridge structures can be analyzed using mathematical models.

Wavelets as a Powerful Signal Processing Tool The principles of wavelets can be applied to a range of problems in civil engineering structures, such as earthquake-induced vibration analysis, bridge vibrations, and damage identification. This book is particularly useful for graduate students and researchers in vibration analysis, especially those dealing with random vibrations. Wavelet Analysis in Civil Engineering explains the importance of wavelets in analyzing nonstationarities in ground motions. The example of a tank is considered to develop the problem and the model (based on linear assumptions) and several case studies are explored-fixed base, flexible base, lateral and rocking motions of foundations, with and without fluid-to explain how to account for ground motion nonstationarities. Bridge vibrations caused by vehicle passage are explored, as is structural damage identification. Wavelet analytic techniques starting from single degree of freedom systems to multiple degree of freedom systems are set out and detailed solutions of more complicated problems involving soil and fluid interactions are presented. Separate chapters have been devoted to explaining the basic principles of the wavelet-based random nonstationary vibration analysis of nonlinear systems, including probabilistic analysis. Comprised of seven chapters, this text: Introduces the concept and utility of wavelet transform Describes the discretization of ground motions using wavelet coefficients Explains how to characterize nonstationary ground motions using statistical functionals of wavelet coefficients of seismic accelerations Develops the formulation of a linear single-degree-of-freedom system Shows stepwise development of the formulation of a structure idealized as a linear multi-degree-of-freedom system in terms of wavelet coefficients Defines wavelet domain formulation of a nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom system Introduces the concept of probability in wavelet-based theoretical formulation of a nonlinear two-degree-of-freedom system Covers a variety of case studies highlighting diverse applications Wavelet Analysis in Civil Engineering explains the importance of wavelets in terms of non-stationarities of ground motions, explores the application of wavelet analytic techniques, and is an excellentresource for users addressing wavelets for the first time.

A basic technical book on the design and application of gas cleaning technologies that use liquids, first published in the 1980's and used by plant and environmental engineers, regulatory personnel, and others concerned with air pollution. The second edition enlarges the discussion on the theory of

This second edition of the book, Nonlinear Random Vibration: Analytical Techniques and Applications, expands on the original edition with additional detailed steps in various places in the text. It is a first systematic presentation on the subject. Its features include: * a concise treatment of Markovian and non- Markovian solutions of nonlinear stochastic differential equations, * exact solutions of Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov equations, * methods of statistical linearization, * statistical nonlinearization techniques, * methods of stochastic averaging, * truncated hierarchy techniques, and * an appendix on probability theory. A special feature is its incorporation of detailed steps in many examples of engineering applications. Targeted audience: Graduates, research scientists and engineers in mechanical, aerospace, civil and environmental (earthquake, wind and transportation), automobile, naval, architectural, and mining engineering.

Limnology provides an in-depth and current overview of the field of limnology. The result of a major tour de force by two renowned and experienced experts, this unique and richly illustrated reference presents a wealth of data on limnology history, water as a substrate, lakes' origins and aquatic biota. Besides a general part, it gives special focus to neotropical limnology, prevalently applicable in countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Starting with the essentials, some definitions and a historical account, this volume then details the main interaction mechanisms with physical and chemical factors, diversity and geographical distribution. With regard to the major continental aquatic systems, it treats the dynamics, variability and characterization of lakes, reservoirs, flooded areas, saline lakes, estuaries and coastal lagoons. The impact of human activity on water resources and the need for the rehabilitation of watersheds, watershed ecosystems and estuaries are addressed subsequently. To illustrate theory, the final part includes research examples in limnology, ecology and environmental sciences in different geographical contexts, as well as ideas for new investigations. This reference volume is intended for researchers and professionals working on inland waters, lakes and rivers within the fields of biology, ecology, environment, forestry, geochemistry, geophysics, and water management. It will also benefit students in the aforementioned areas and readers involved with limnology in related disciplines, such as earth sciences, environmental, water and geological engineering.

As mankind searches for energy alternatives with minimal environmental consequences and acceptable cost, it is necessary to identify valid areas of endeavor that can activate favorable energy sources and technological developments. Toward that end, The Dynamics of Energy: Supply, Conversion, and Utilization develops competence in energy matters on three levels: basic concepts, essential computations, and dynamic modeling. The book reviews the laws of thermodynamics and rate relationships between flows and gradients as a foundation for subsequent topics. Using dynamic analysis, it examines the potential of current energy sources to serve the needs of a growing world economy. The text also describes key fossil conversion, renewable conversion, and utilization technologies. It presents a technique to assess efficiencies from ground (or harvest) to end use, explores the effects of energy use on the environment, and offers an introduction to dynamic modeling. The book concludes with a description of energy technologies that, if suitably employed, could configure a sustainable energy future. Studying the dynamics of thermal systems is conducive to ascertaining what technologies could indeed make a difference for a desirable energy future. Suitable response time to demand and acceptable fuel lifetimes are necessary conditions for energy systems to compete in the marketplace. The planning effort that should lead the energy endeavor requires projection of the time span of pollution effects. Harnessing the flexibility and speed of VisSim (TM) for dynamic modeling, this book provides the tools to model most thermal systems with moderate complexity. It also evaluates energy supplies, conversion, and end use.

Whether addressing pollution problems or helping protect a specific use, watershed associations are finding that the competition for funds is getting harder. While we can grasp the value of our streams for fishing or kayaking and other services, or their cultural value, or their value to an ecosystem, putting a dollar value on those benefits is not an easy task, but it is sometimes a necessary one. A handbook for advocates and stakeholders, Environmental Economics for Watershed Restoration provides guidance to those who are interested in understanding and incorporating economic valuation in project prioritization and other decision-making aspects of stream or watershed restoration. It provides background on the types of ecological goods and services that are often valued and details the types of questions that must be asked in watershed project analysis. The book allows those who are not economists to be comfortable discussing things like contingent valuation, marginal costs, nonmarket goods, and other terms needed to satisfy the economic analysis requirements often needed to secure funding for projects. In some cases, economic analysis does require input from a trained economist, but in many cases the analysis needed to get a grip on the problem can be tackled by someone familiar with the situation, as long as he or she has access to essential economic guidance. Environmental Economics for Watershed Restoration can provide that guidance.

Even a cursory perusal of any analytical journal will demonstrate the increasing important of trace and ultra-trace analysis. And as instrumentation continues to develop, the definition of the term "trace element" will undoubtedly continue to change. Covering the composition and underlying properties of freshwater and marine systems, Analytical Measurements in Aquatic Environments provides the basis for understanding both. It discusses all aspects of analytical protocols from the handling of representative samples to the metrological evaluation of specific steps and whole procedures. The book covers: handling of representative samples sample preservation techniques extraction techniques speciation analytics solvent-free sample preparation for analysis application of biotests bioanalytical methods for monitoring green analytical chemistry-application of the concept of sustainability in analytical laboratories application of the Life Cycle Assessment approach quality control and quality assurance of analytical results enhanced techniques of sample preparation hyphenated analytical techniques Ecotoxicological considerations and the effort to achieve an increasingly accurate description of the state of the environment challenge analytical chemists who need to determine increasingly lower concentrations of various analytes in samples that have complex and even non-homogenous matrices. The newly coined expression "analytics" emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of available methods for obtaining information about material systems, with many methods that exceed the strict definition of analytical chemistry. Drawing on the disciplines of chemistry, physics, computer science, electronics, material science, and chemometrics, this book provides in depth information on the most important problems in analytics of samples from aquatic ecosystems.

A prevalent and increasingly important issue, arsenic removal continues to be one of the most important areas of water treatment. Conventional treatment plants may employ several methods for removing arsenic from water. Commonly used processes include oxidation, sedimentation, coagulation and filtration, lime treatment, adsorption onto sorptive media, ion exchange, and membrane filtration. However, in the most affected regions, large conventional treatment plants may not be appropriate and factors such as cost and acceptability as well as performance must be considered. This book, published in cooperation with leading experts in this field, provides a thorough analysis of the problems, solutions, and possible alternatives to achieve safe water production on a global scale.

The steady growth in the number of vehicles on the road, heavy reliance on coal, use of dirty fuels for residential combustion, and extensive open burning are some of the major factors leading to the progressive deterioration of air quality in developing countries in Asia. And despite efforts to establish and implement air quality measurement systems, the development of infrastructure, environmental technology, and management practices continues to lag behind the rate of emission increase. Based on ten years of coordinated research, Integrated Air Quality Management: Asian Case Studies discusses technical and policy tools for the integrated air quality management of developing countries in Asia. The book begins with an overview of major issues of air quality management practices in developing Asia and potential approaches to reduce pollution, including opportunities for integration of air quality improvement and climate migration strategies. It covers the methodology and results of fine particulate matter monitoring using traditional filter-based and satellite monitoring techniques. It examines the applications of a 3D dispersion modeling tool for urban and regional air quality management focusing on surface ozone, fine particulate matter, and acid deposition. The final chapters discuss innovative control technologies for gaseous air pollutants and illustrate the integrated air quality management in developing Asia through case studies for target source categories including agricultural residue field burning, vehicle emissions, brick kilns, and industrial VOC emission. Illustrated with case studies, this book presents an integrated air quality management methodology that employs technical and policy tools to achieve air quality goals. It includes technical information and policy recommendations based on the outcomes of several multi-year air quality research programs coordinated by the Asian Institute of Technology. The text combines fundamental information and advanced knowledge useful to large audiences dealing with subjects of integrated air quality management.

Provides a Balance between the Mathematical and Physical Aspects and the Engineering Applications Written for engineering and science students, Mechanics of Groundwater in Porous Media explains groundwater from both a mathematical and qualitative standpoint. The book builds up the theory of groundwater flow starting from basic physics and geometric intuition, and on to applied practice through real-world engineering problems. It includes graphical illustrations as well as solved illustrative problems throughout the text. Considers the Steady-State Motion of Groundwater The book starts off by introducing the overall picture of groundwater, its relationship with the hydrological cycle, and other terminology used in the mechanics of groundwater flow though porous means. It presents a synopsis of basic definitions, concepts, and the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and soil mechanics, which are necessary prerequisites for an adequate understanding of the book's core material. The engineering applications are deducted from geometric and physical reasoning, with a minimum use of mathematical abstraction. Mechanics of Groundwater in Porous Media is written primarily to serve as a textbook for senior undergraduate and upper-level graduate students in civil and environmental engineering, environmental science, hydrogeology, and geology, as well as a resource for practicing engineers.

Meshless, or meshfree methods, which overcome many of the limitations of the finite element method, have achieved significant progress in numerical computations of a wide range of engineering problems. A comprehensive introduction to meshless methods, Meshless Methods and Their Numerical Properties gives complete mathematical formulations for the most important and classical methods, as well as several methods recently developed by the authors. This book also offers a rigorous mathematical treatment of their numerical properties-including consistency, convergence, stability, and adaptivity-to help you choose the method that is best suited for your needs. Get Guidance for Developing and Testing Meshless Methods Developing a broad framework to study the numerical computational characteristics of meshless methods, the book presents consistency, convergence, stability, and adaptive analyses to offer guidance for developing and testing a particular meshless method. The authors demonstrate the numerical properties by solving several differential equations, which offer a clearer understanding of the concepts. They also explain the difference between the finite element and meshless methods. Explore Engineering Applications of Meshless Methods The book examines how meshless methods can be used to solve complex engineering problems with lower computational cost, higher accuracy, easier construction of higher-order shape functions, and easier handling of large deformation and nonlinear problems. The numerical examples include engineering problems such as the CAD design of MEMS devices, nonlinear fluid-structure analysis of near-bed submarine pipelines, and two-dimensional multiphysics simulation of pH-sensitive hydrogels. Appendices supply useful template functions, flowcharts, and data structures to assist you in implementing meshless methods. Choose the Best Method for a Particular Problem Providing insight into the special features and intricacies of meshless methods, this is a valuable reference for anyone developing new high-performance numerical methods or working on the modelling and simulation of practical engineering problems. It guides you in comparing and verifying meshless methods so that you can more confidently select the best method to solve a particular problem.

Long span suspension bridges cost billions. In recent decades, structural health monitoring systems have been developed to measure the loading environment and responses of these bridges in order to assess serviceability and safety while tracking the symptoms of operational incidents and potential damage. This helps ensure the bridge functions properly during a long service life and guards against catastrophic failure under extreme events. Although these systems have achieved some success, this cutting-edge technology involves many complex topics that present challenges to students, researchers, and engineers alike. Systematically introducing the fundamentals and outlining the advanced technologies for achieving effective long-term monitoring, Structural Health Monitoring of Long-Span Suspension Bridges covers: The design of structural health monitoring systems Finite element modelling and system identification Highway loading monitoring and effects Railway loading monitoring and effects Temperature monitoring and thermal behaviour Wind monitoring and effects Seismic monitoring and effects SHMS-based rating method for long span bridge inspection and maintenance Structural damage detection and test-bed establishment These are applied in a rigorous case study, using more than ten years' worth of data, to the Tsing Ma suspension bridge in Hong Kong to examine their effectiveness in the operational performance of a real bridge. The Tsing Ma bridge is the world's longest suspension bridge to carry both a highway and railway, and is located in one of the world's most active typhoon regions. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this is an ideal reference book for students, researchers, and engineering practitioners.

Cement-based concrete has excellent properties as a construction material, and the raw materials of cement-rocks, and limestone and clay-are bountiful. Yet its production generates high quantities of CO2, making it a potentially unsustainable material. However, there are no alternatives to concrete and steel as basic methods for development of socioeconomic infrastructure at this time. Highlighting sustainability issues in the construction industry, The Sustainable Use of Concrete presents guidelines on how to move toward sustainable concrete construction. The book begins by clarifying the historic background and meaning of sustainability, after which it outlines areas that need to be considered in connection with sustainability in the concrete and construction field. It examines environmental, social and cultural, and economic aspects, then considers an evaluation system of sustainability. The authors include various tools and ISO standards, and then explore technologies for sustainability, with case studies and examples that promote understanding of current technologies. Although the construction sector, in the broadest sense, has come to recognize that infrastructure development over the past two centuries has been unsustainable, it has been slow to adjust. Comprehensive information and relevant practical guidance are very scarce. This book lays out a roadmap for creating a human-friendly and safe environment with low environmental burden.

Unlike similar titles providing general information on ground improvement, Jet Grouting: Technology, Design and Control is entirely devoted to the role of jet grouting - its methods and equipment, as well as its applications. It discusses the possible effects of jet grouting on different soils and examines common drawbacks, failures and disadvantages, recent advances, critical reviews, and the range of applications, illustrated with relevant case studies. The book addresses several topics involving this popular worldwide practice including technology issues, the interpretation of the mechanisms taking place during the grouting, the quantitative prediction of their effects, the design of jet-grouted structures, and procedures for controlling jet grouting results. Discusses the design criteria for jet grouting projects and reviews existing design rules and codes of practice of different countries Provides practical methods for design calculations of the most important jet-grouted structures such as foundations, earth retaining walls, water cut-offs, bottom plugs, and provisional tunnel supports Includes the current standard control methods and most innovative techniques reported for the implementation of quality control and quality assurance procedures Jet Grouting: Technology, Design and Control analyzes the typical jet-grouted structures, such as foundations, earth retaining walls, water cut-offs, bottom plugs and tunnel supports, and serves as a practical manual for the correct use of jet grouting technology.

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) decks have been increasingly used for new construction and rehabilitation projects worldwide. The benefits of using FRP bridge decks, such as durability, light weight, high strength, reduced maintenance costs, and rapid installation, outweigh their initial in-place material costs when implemented in highway bridge projects. FRP Deck and Steel Girder Bridge Systems: Analysis and Design compiles the necessary information to facilitate the development of the standards and guidelines needed to promote further adoption of composite sandwich panels in construction. It also, for the first time, proposes a complete set of design guidelines. Providing both experimental investigations and theoretical analyses, this book covers three complementary parts: FRP decks, shear connectors between the deck and steel girders, and the behavior of bridge systems. The text presents stiffness and strength evaluations for FRP deck panels and FRP deck-girder bridge systems. While the FRP deck studies focus on honeycomb FPR sandwich panels over steel girder bridge systems, they can be adapted to other sandwich configurations. Similarly, the shear connection and bridge system studies can be applied to other types of FRP decks. Chapters discuss skin effect, core configuration, facesheet laminates, out-of-plane compression and sheer, mechanical shear connectors, and FRP deck-steel girder bridge systems. Based on the findings described in the text, the authors propose design guidelines and present design examples to illustrate application of the guidelines. In the final chapter, they also provide a systematic analysis and design approach for single-span FRP deck-stringer bridges. This book presents new and improved theories and combines analytical models, numerical analyses, and experimental investigations to devise a practical analysis procedure, resulting in FRP deck design formulations.

Chloride ingress in reinforced concrete induces corrosion and consequent spilling and structural weakness, and it occurs world-wide and imposes an enormous cost. Yet it can be resisted by using test methods and relevant models for service life prediction. Resistance of Concrete to Chloride Ingress sets out current understanding of chloride transport mechanisms, test methods and prediction models. It describes basic mechanisms and theories, and classifies the commonly used parameters and their units which expressing chloride and its transport properties in concrete. Laboratory test methods and in-field applicable test methods, including precision results from inter-laboratory comparison tests, are then outlined. Some of the fundamentals of models are explained, and the different types of models are then analyzed theoretically and critically. Analytical and probabilistic approaches are used to analyze the sensitivity of various models and the results from a benchmarking evaluation of different models are presented and discussed. Guidelines for the practical use of test methods and models are given, including tests for in-situ applications, and test methods validated by the precision results are detailed. The book draws to a large extent on the Chlortest project, which involved seventeen partners from ten European countries, and serves as an authoritative guide.

Many books focus on individual differences and how those relate to traffic safety such as accident proneness, gender differences, age, alcohol, and the effects of drugs. Others focus on the safety effects regarding the vehicle such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, navigation systems, intelligent cruise control and other new gadgets coming to the vehicle. Even though these topics are undoubtedly important for traffic safety, this book takes a unique approach as it focuses solely on the road environment. Designing Safe Road Systems provides the background for those who want to know more about the effects of road design on driving behaviour. It uses a systems approach to allow a better understanding of why and in what circumstances drivers may commit errors. This understanding will ultimately lead to road systems that prevent (fatal) errors from occurring. The book contains an overview of the current models and theories about human performance and human behaviour in traffic that are relevant for all those involved in designing safe road systems. The central theme of this book is how design principles can reduce the probability of an error while driving. The authors demonstrate how knowledge of human factors helps a road authority to better understand how road users behave. They argue that in many cases the design of the environment can be further adjusted to human capabilities, and that safety should be considered a system property to be built into the road system.

The interaction phenomenon is very common between different components of a mechanical system. It is a natural phenomenon and is found with the impact force in aircraft landing; the estimation of degree of ripeness of an apple from impact on a beam; the interaction of the magnetic head of a computer disk leading to miniature development of modern computer; etc. Uncertainty in some of them would lead to inaccurate analysis results on the behavior of the structure. The interaction force is difficult to measure unless instruments have been installed during construction for this purpose. Some of the interaction problems are difficult to quantify due to the lack of thorough knowledge on the interaction behavior. Analytical skills are required to estimate the interaction forces of the mechanical system in order to enable advanced developments in different areas of modern technology. This volume provides a comprehensive treatment on this topic with the vehicle-bridge system for an illustration of the moving load problem. It covers a whole range of topics, including mathematical concepts of the moving load problems with continuous beams and plates, vehicle-bridge interaction dynamics, weigh-in-motion techniques, moving load identification algorithms in the frequency-time domain, in the time domain and in the state space domain, techniques based on the generalized orthogonal function expansion and on the finite element formulation. The methods and algorithms can be implemented for on-line identification of the interaction forces. This book is intended for structural engineers and advanced students who wish to explore the benefit of interaction phenomenon and techniques for identification of such interaction forces. It is also recommended for researchers and decision makers working on the operation and maintenance of major infrastructures and engineering facilities.

Today's business environment involves design decisions with significant uncertainty. To succeed, decision-makers should replace deterministic methods with a risk-based approach that accounts for the decision maker's risk tolerance. In many problems, it is impractical to collect data because rare or one-time events are involved. Therefore, we need a methodology to model uncertainty and make choices when we have limited information. This methodology must use all available information and rely only on assumptions that are supported by evidence. This book explains theories and tools to represent uncertainty using both data and expert judgment. It teaches the reader how to make design or business decisions when there is limited information with these tools. Readers will learn a structured, risk-based approach, which is based on common sense principles, for design and business decisions. These decisions are consistent with the decision-maker's risk attitude. The book is exceptionally suited as educational material because it uses everyday language and real-life examples to elucidate concepts. It demonstrates how these concepts touch our lives through many practical examples, questions and exercises. These are designed to help students learn that first they should understand a problem and then establish a strategy for solving it, instead of using trial-and-error approaches. This volume is intended for undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical, civil, industrial, aerospace, and ocean engineering and for researchers and professionals in these disciplines. It will also benefit managers and students in business administration who want to make good decisions with limited information.

Cement-Based Composites takes a different approach from most other books in the field by viewing concrete as an advanced composite material, and by considering the properties and behaviour of cement-based materials from this stance. It deals particularly, but not exclusively, with newer forms of cement-based materials. This new edition takes a critical approach to the subject as well as presenting up-to-date knowledge. Emphasis is given to non-conventional reinforcement and design methods, problems at the materials' interfaces and to the durability of structures. High strength composites and novel forms of cement-based composites are described in detail. After a basic introduction the book explores the various components of these materials and their properties. It then deals with mechanical properties and considers characteristics under various loading and environmental conditions, and concludes by examining design, optimization and economics with particular emphasis on high-performance concretes. Researchers, graduate students and practising engineers will find this book valuable.

The identification of meso-scale phenomena - occurring between microscopic and continuum length scales - has been one of the most exciting developments in rock mechanics in the last decade. Meso-scale phenomena are considered as the bridge between the two length scales in understanding shear between material interfaces as well as particulate systems and in studying material response. Examples are the initiation of seismic slip along fault planes at great depths at rates nearing shock conditions, and the initiation and rapid runout of landslides near the earth's surface. Additionally, the basic physics of thermo-poro-mechanical coupling can be elucidated through a meso-scale mechanics approach as a means of understanding the loss of shearing resistance when water and heat are trapped inside almost impervious clay layers under great pressure. This book presents a collection of 21 current, peer-reviewed articles on shear physics at the meso-scale in earthquake and landslide mechanics, authored by leading international experts in the field. Contributions are grouped in 5 chapters, discussing (1) the dynamics of frictional slip, (2) fault gauge mechanics, (3) experimental fault zone mechanics, (4) granular shear and liquefaction, and (5) landslides' dynamics. This research area has broad applications to the fields of earth sciences and geoengineering, with immediate bearing on our understanding of both earthquake and landslide mechanics, two geological processes that pose great risk to man kind worldwide.