This book is designed to help practitioners and students in a wide range of construction project management professions to understand what building information modelling (BIM) and big data could mean for them and how they should prepare to work successfully on BIM-compliant projects and maintain their competencies in this essential and expanding area. In this book, the state-of-the-art information technologies that support high-profile BIM implementation are introduced, and case studies show how BIM has integrated core quantity surveying and cost management responsibilities and how big data can enable informed decision-making for cost control and cost planning. The authors' combined professional and academic experience demonstrates, with practical examples, the importance of using BIM and particularly the fusion of BIM and big data, to sharpen competitiveness in global and domestic markets. This book is a highly valuable guide for people in a wide range of construction project management and quantity surveying roles. In addition, implications for project management, facilities management, contract administration, and dispute resolution are also explored through the case studies, making this book essential reading for built environment and engineering professionals.

Rapid industrial growth has witnessed the ever-increasing utilization of sand from rivers for various construction purposes, which has caused disruption to natural ecosystems. Sustainable Construction Materials: Recycled Spent Garnet presents an investigation into the capacity for these minerals to serve as a sand replacement and as a viable, sustainable construction material to help mitigate the current rate of exploitation of river sand. Features: Presents the effects of spent garnet on the fresh and hardened characteristics of self-compacting geopolymer concrete in terms of workability and mechanical strength. Examines spent garnet with regard to concrete durability in response to carbonation, as well as sulphate and acid attack. Includes a comprehensive review of the existing literature in the field, including past developments in self-compacting geopolymer concrete, as well as the ongoing activities in the field of spent garnet-based concrete production.

Featuring research on topics such as low energy buildings' concepts, construction materials and technology, hybrid energy systems, energy balance, and wellbeing, this book meets the expectations of academicians, specialists and researchers in the field, along with the scholars seeking coverage on buildings, environmental and human impact. It presents an integrated approach to the buildings' energetic aspects, from the perspective of environmental impact, together with the indoor wellbeing. In this respect, the chapters include state of the art, case studies, as well as research results that validate the raised hypotheses. The book integrates topics related to buildings' performance, approached by researchers with different backgrounds within the civil engineering domain, i.e. achieved energetics performances, obstacles, restrictions and limitations issues within design and optimization processes, including the new perspectives in the buildings & energy sector.

The work of the RILEM Technical Committee (TC -236 BBM) was dedicated to the study of construction materials made from plant particles. It considered the question whether building materials containing as main raw material recyclable and easily available plant particles are renewable. This book includes a state-of-the-art report and an appendix. The state-of-the-art report relates to the description of vegetal aggregates. Then, hygrothermal properties, fire resistance, durability and finally the impact of the variability of the method of production of bio-based concrete are assessed. The appendix is a TC report which presents the experience of a working group. The goal was to define testing methods for the measurement of water absorption, bulk density, particle size distribution, and thermal conductivity of bio aggregates. The work is based on a first round robin test of the TC-BBM where the protocols in use by the different laboratories (labs) are compared. p>

This book provides 101 real-life construction management case studies from an author with over 40 years' experience in the construction industry and as a lecturer in construction management. Over 14 chapters, Len Holm has included case studies from real jobsites that cover organization, procurement, estimating, scheduling, subcontractors, communications, quality and cost control, change orders, claims and disputes, safety, and close-outs. Other hot topics covered include BIM, sustainability, and lean. Each case is written in straightforward language and designed to test the reader's independent and critical thinking skills to develop their real-world problem-solving ability. The cases are open to interpretation, and students will need to develop their own opinions of what's presented to them in order to reach a satisfactory solution. The cases are ideal for use in the classroom or flipped classroom, for individual or group exercises, and to encourage research, writing, and presenting skills in all manner of applied construction management situations. Such a broad and useful selection of cases studies cannot be found anywhere else. While there is often no "right" answer, the author has provided model solutions to instructors through the online eResource.

This book offers a new understanding of innovation in the built environment. The ways meaning of innovation is constructed has important implications for policymakers, project managers, academics and students. Through a longitudinal research study into innovation in firms and projects, the book addresses some key themes, challenges and concerns that practitioners face when managing innovation in the built environment. It examines the key drivers for innovation in the construction, engineering and infrastructure firms and projects. In particular, the questions of how and why innovation becomes recognised and sustained over time are explored. Different theoretical perspectives are considered to explain different aspects of innovation. This includes sensemaking, organisational and individual identity, storytelling and narration. The book has practical implications for how organisational activities become labelled as 'innovation' and for what purpose. It shares some lived stories of innovation as mobilised by practising managers. The connectivity between the formal narratives of innovation at the policy level and the lived narratives of innovation articulated by practitioners is explored. Combining the theory with practice, this book presents an insightful view on the implications of innovation in the business world today.

Procurers and contractors increasingly need practical guidance for the strategic procurement of building services. Clients seeking to improve the delivery performance of the construction industry are increasingly using alternative procurement arrangements. These modern arrangements attempt to deliver a more strategic approach to achieving value for money. Yet little thought is ever given to the strategic importance of building services. No other single aspect of a project will affect project success more than the timely delivery of a fully functioning services installation. Beyond the normal considerations of time, cost and quality, building services have a series of unique requirements not normally considered. For the first time these unique requirements are combined in a single text, providing the reader with the definitive guide to building services procurement. The text reviews each of the major critical success factors and clearly explains the supporting processes that must be enacted to ensure success. It reviews the general nature of procurement systems and construction projects, and then explores the increasing importance that building services play both in the construction process and in determining success for the client. Each significant stage within the procurement process is explored by explaining its importance and showing what decisions need to be made to develop a cohesive strategy. It concludes by giving a step-by-step guide to clearly develop and implement a building services procurement strategy.

Economic growth and socio-economic development are particuliarly important for developing countries, and the construction industry plays a central role in driving both of these. Traditionally the issues faced have been assumed to be merely offshoots of those encountered in industrialised nations and are usually discussed only in this context. In addition, research in construction management and economics has generally failed to take proper account of the unique or highly emphasised characteristics of the industries in developing countries, or their economic and social environment. This volume challenges underlying assumptions and focuses on the distinct characteristics of construction in developing countries. In so doing it considers the issues from the perspective of the developing countries themselves to present a strong contemporary picture for researchers. It forms a companion volume to New Perspectives on Construction in Developing Countries which provides an update on the generic subjects relating to the construction industry in developing countries, and covers new concepts and issues.

Proper cost accounting and financial management are essential elements of any successful construction job, and therefore make up essential skills for construction project managers and project engineers. Many textbooks on the market focus on the theoretical principles of accounting and finance required for head office staff like the chief financial officer (CFO) of a construction firm. This book's unique practical approach focuses on the activities of the construction management team, including the project manager, superintendent, project engineer, and jobsite cost engineers and cost accountants. In short, this book provides a seamless connection between cost accounting and construction project management from the construction management practitioner's perspective. Following a complete accounting cycle, from the original estimate through cost controls to financial close-out, the book makes use of one commercial construction project case study throughout. It covers key topics like financial statements, ratios, cost control, earned value, equipment depreciation, cash flow, and pay requests. But unlike other texts, this book also covers additional financial responsibilities such as cost estimates, change orders, and project close-out. Also included are more advanced accounting and financial topics such as supply chain management, activity-based accounting, lean construction techniques, taxes, and the developer's pro forma. Each chapter contains review questions and applied exercises and the book is supplemented with an eResource with instructor manual, estimates and schedules, further cases and figures from the book. This textbook is ideal for use in all cost accounting and financial management classes on both undergraduate and graduate level construction management or construction engineering programs.

In the past decade construction and engineering have changed dramatically, with an explosion of innovative new approaches to construction and new methodologies. By bringing together economic, social and construction/engineering management perspectives, this book offers a unique and comprehensive survey of these approaches and techniques. It presents a history of studies in innovation in construction and engineering, and then presents the most recent models of innovation brokering and risk-management, based on complex project-based industries. Innovation is defined and competing theories are discussed in the light of operational issues. The book covers all aspects, including the importance of construction and engineering 'cultures' in the trades for successful project innovation. It also discusses the role of government and policy makers, the implications of rapid change for the building trades and skilled labour, and the difficulty of measuring innovation quantitatively.

R&D Investment and Impact in the Global Construction Industry brings together contributions from leading industry researchers in a diverse group of countries to investigate the role of research and development (R&D) in the construction industry. Investment in R&D is a proven factor in economic growth, and helps develop a more productive and innovative industry. This book explores how policy makers and industry leaders can better target future investment; and how industry and researchers can manage their efforts to improve productivity whilst addressing the environmental and social needs of their communities. Case studies present projects where R&D ideas funded by both the private and public sectors have been translated from research into practice or policy, and examine drivers, successes and barriers to the delivery of R&D in industry. Based on research from members of the CIB Task Group 85 (R&D Investment and Impact) and concluding with key insights for maximising the impact of R&D in the future, the book holds valuable lessons for practitioners, policy makers and researchers across the international construction industry.

The success of any concrete structure depends on the designer's sound knowledge of concrete and its behaviour under load, under temperature and humidity changes, and under exposure to the relevant environment and industrial conditions. This book gives students a thorough understanding of all aspects of concrete technology from first principles. It covers concrete ingredients, properties and behaviour in the finished structure with reference to national standards and recognised testing methods used in Britain, the European Union and the United States. Examples and problems are given throughout to emphasise the important aspects of each chapter. An excellent coursebook for all students of Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering and Building at degree or diploma level, Concrete Technology will also be a valuable reference book for practising engineers in the field.

With increasing use of mobile phones and VDUs, levels of background radiation and electromagnetism are rising, particularly in the workplace and also in the home. To some extent this is unavoidable, but the level of dangers is unclear: is it trivially small, moderate or high? What are the risks of illness, and how can these be reduced to minimal or tolerable levels? Are some people more vulnerable than others? What can or should employers, building engineers and designers, product designers, workers and other members of the public do? This book, of which the chapters derive from presentations given by distinguished authorities at a major international conference, aims to present sound technical information on the whole range of key issues in a clear and accessible way.

Post-war Europe and Asia have seen the rapid development of German and Japan from a war torn countries into two of the most powerful nations in the world. Their achievement is nothing short of miraculous. However, as the two most populated countries; China and India, transform themselves into Asia powerhouses, cement and concrete will be their brick and mortar to sustain their double digit growth in economy.This book summarizes the history and development of cement and concrete. From prehistoric period to today, from ancient Egypt and Rome period to China, over tens of thousands of years of human civilization in the form of the gelled material (cement, concrete).The book is divided into seven chapters, including more than 300 references. Chapter 1 introduces the prehistoric gelled material development; Chapter 2 is about the birth of Portland cement and the technological application; Chapter 3 introduces the important role that concrete played in the human society developing process; Chapter 4 subdivides the performance and the wide application of different function of cement and concrete; Chapter 5 focuses on northern Europe, especially the history of Norwegian cement; Chapter 6 elaborates the development of concrete in China and its impact in the world's ancient civilizations history; Chapter 7 describes the development prospect of cement and concrete.

The last three decades have seen the evolution of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Relationship Contracting (RC) as alternative procurement approaches to traditional methods of delivering public infrastructure. The potential for growth in these new forms of procurement has led to an on-going debate on the nature of requirements, particularly in terms of policy development, encouraging private investment and value for money. A key argument for Governments to procure projects using PPPs and RC is that the process delivers better value for all the stakeholders, including the community and asset end-users. This wide-ranging study of such crucial procurement issues includes international historical context, collaboration and risk management, with a focus on sustainable procurement approaches. The international significance of PPPs and RC procurement is reinforced with case study examples from the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa and the Asia-Pacific. It features cutting-edge research from around the world on subjects such as: Reviews and reflection of the PPP approach Project Alliancing Implementation of RC in developing countries Changes in procurement policy Value for money, collaboration and stakeholder involvement Growth and emergence of PPPs in Asia Risk management Including contributions from some of the world's most prominent academics and practitioners in this field, it is a crucial guide to the strategic choices governments now face for the provision of infrastructure, between using 'public' or 'private' mechanisms, or a combination of the two.

A problem-solving manual for those who manage boilers and/or cooling water units in commercial and industrial plants. It is particularly useful to plant operators who have mechanical engineering backgrounds only, because essentials of water chemistry as well as mechanical factors are covered. The ne

Up to date with the fourth edition of PMI's Program Management Standard, PgMP (R) Practice Test Questions: 1000+ Practice Exam Questions for the PgMP (R) Examination contains more than 1,000 practice questions to help readers hone their knowledge and test their skills. It covers all five of the program management domains: Strategic Program Management, Program Management Life Cycle, Benefits Management, Stakeholder Management, and Governance. It also examines all of the sub domains of the lifecycle domain. With an easy-to-use format, this is an ideal resource for those preparing to take the PgMP (R) exam.

This book is the companion volume to Design of High Strength Steel Reinforced Concrete Columns - A Eurocode 4 Approach. This book provides a large number of worked examples for the design of high strength steel reinforced concrete (SRC) columns. It is based on the Eurocode 4 approach, but goes beyond this to give much needed guidance on the narrower range of permitted concrete and steel material strengths in comparison to EC2 and EC3, and the better ductility and buckling resistance of SRC columns compared to steel or reinforced concrete. Special considerations are given to resistance calculations that maximize the full strength of the materials, with concrete cylinder strength up to 90 N/mm2, yield strength of structural steel up to 690 N/mm2 and yield strength of reinforcing steel up to 600 N/mm2 respectively. These examples build on the design principles set out in the companion volume, allowing the readers to practice and understand the EC4 methodology easily. Structural engineers and designers who are familiar with basic EC4 design should find these design examples particularly helpful, whilst engineering undergraduate and graduate students who are studying composite steel concrete design and construction should easily gain further understanding from working through the worked examples which are set out in a step-by-step clearly fashion.

Les Goring's book covers all the detailed knowledge required for carrying out first fixing carpentry - such as modern and traditional roofing and fitting and fixing modern and traditional floor joists on new-build sites before plastering or drylining of walls and ceilings takes place - and second fixing carpentry - such as fitting staircases, hanging doors, skirting and architraves and kitchen units after dry-lined plastering has taken place and the shell of the building is watertight. In the opening chapters, this work also covers reading-of-drawings' knowledge, tools and fixing-devices. This new edition, with over 500 coloured drawings supporting its step-by-step approach, has been updated throughout to take into account current industry practices and changes in the UK's Building Regulations. Two new chapters have also been added, covering the formwork carpentry for casting in situ, reinforced concrete stairs and landings, and making and fixing different shelf arrangements to correct spans. The breadth of coverage and clear 'how-to-do-it' text makes this book an essential in-and-after-college resource for the 2000 apprentices per year taking NVQs and the 1500 students following Construction Awards within the Wood Occupations from the City & Guilds' Construction Skills. The in-depth technical detail and practical focus makes this book an essential purchase for all aspiring woodworkers, craft teachers and construction lecturers - to either read now and/or use as a future reference manual. It should also be of value to general builders and DIY enthusiasts, whose carpentry knowledge might (understandably) be sketchy in certain areas.

"Principles of Solidification" offers comprehensive descriptions of liquid-to-solid transitions encountered in shaped casting, welding, and non-biological bulk crystal growth processes. The book logically develops through careful presentation of relevant thermodynamic and kinetic theories and models of solidification occurring in a variety of materials. Major topics encompass the liquid-state, liquid-solid transformations, chemical macro- and microsegregation, purification by fractional crystallization and zone refining, solid-liquid interfaces, polyphase freezing, and rapid solidification processing. Solid-liquid interfaces are discussed quantitatively both as sharp and diffuse entities, with supporting differential geometric descriptions. The book offers: - Detailed mathematical examples throughout to guide readers - Applications of solidification and crystal growth methodologies for preparation and purification of metals, ceramics, polymers and semiconductors - Appendices providing supporting information on special topics covered in the chapters. Readers in materials, metallurgical, chemical, and mechanical engineering will find this to be a useful source on the subjects of solidification and crystal growth. Chemists, physicists, and geologists concerned with melting/freezing phenomena will also find much of value in this book.

This text provides the foundation material for solving problems in vibroacoustics. These include the prediction of structural vibration levels and sound pressure levels in enclosed spaces resulting from known force or acoustic pressure excitations and the prediction of sound levels radiated by vibrating structures. The book also provides an excellent theoretical basis for understanding the processes involved in software that predicts structural vibration levels and structural sound radiation resulting from force excitation of the structure, as well as sound levels in enclosed spaces resulting from vibration of part of the enclosing structure or resulting from acoustic sources within the enclosure. The book is written in an easy to understand style with detailed explanations of important concepts. It begins with fundamental concepts in vibroacoustics and provides a framework for problem solution in both low and high frequency ranges. It forms a primer for students, and for those already well versed in vibroacoustics, the book provides an extremely useful reference. It offers a unified treatment of both acoustics and vibration fundamentals to provide a basis for solving problems involving structural vibration, sound radiation from vibrating structures, sound in enclosed spaces, and propagation of sound and vibration.

Sustainable Construction Materials: Municipal Incinerated Bottom Ash discusses the global use of virgin aggregates and CO2 polluter Portland cement. Given the global sustainability agenda, much of the demand for these two sets of materials can be substantially reduced through the appropriate use of waste materials, thereby conserving natural resources, energy and CO2 emissions. Realistically, this change can only be realized and sustained through engineering ingenuity and new concepts in design. Although a great deal of research has been published over the last 50 years, it remains fragmented and ineffective. This book develops a single global knowledge-base, encouraging greater use of selected waste streams. The focus of massive systematic reviews is to encourage the uptake of recycled secondary materials (RSM) by the construction industry and guide researchers to recognize what is already known regarding waste.

This text provides the foundation material for solving problems in vibroacoustics. These include the prediction of structural vibration levels and sound pressure levels in enclosed spaces resulting from known force or acoustic pressure excitations and the prediction of sound levels radiated by vibrating structures. The book also provides an excellent theoretical basis for understanding the processes involved in software that predicts structural vibration levels and structural sound radiation resulting from force excitation of the structure, as well as sound levels in enclosed spaces resulting from vibration of part of the enclosing structure or resulting from acoustic sources within the enclosure. The book is written in an easy to understand style with detailed explanations of important concepts. It begins with fundamental concepts in vibroacoustics and provides a framework for problem solution in both low and high frequency ranges. It forms a primer for students, and for those already well versed in vibroacoustics, the book provides an extremely useful reference. It offers a unified treatment of both acoustics and vibration fundamentals to provide a basis for solving problems involving structural vibration, sound radiation from vibrating structures, sound in enclosed spaces, and propagation of sound and vibration.

Environmental Impact Assessment: Theory and Practice describes the various pieces of knowledge necessary to speak the language of EIA and carry out EIAs focusing on a variety of environmental issues, including impacts on environmental components, like air, water, soils, land, noise and biological environments. Organized into 15 chapters, the book provides engineers with the tools and methods to conduct an effective assessment, including report preparations, design measures and relevant mitigation steps that can be taken to reduce or avoid negative effects. Case Studies are presented, providing guidance professionals can use to better understand, plan and prepare environmental impact assessments.