Making no assumption of your prior knowledge, Economics introduces the basics of economics as they relate to the built environment. Looking at the principles of microeconomics (markets, price mechanisms, resource allocation, theory of the firm, etc.), these principles are put into the context of construction firms and property markets. Lively, real-life case studies are built into the text to provide concrete examples of the theories being explained and macroeconomics are also covered. Key features of this easy-to-use book include: clear chapter structure tutorial questions linking the case histories to basic principles extracts from newspaper and journal articles to show the relevance of economics to the construction industry 100% construction orientation a useful bibliography, glossary of economic terms preview questions at the start of each chapter and exercises and discussion topics at the end to test your understanding. Economics will enable you to understand the working of economic forces as they relate to the construction industry.

Materials Science in Construction explains the science behind the properties and behaviour of construction's most fundamental materials (metals, cement and concrete, polymers, timber, bricks and blocks, glass and plaster). In particular, the critical factors affecting in situ materials are examined, such as deterioration and the behaviour and durability of materials under performance. An accessible, easy-to-follow approach makes this book ideal for all diploma and undergraduate students on construction-related courses taking a module in construction materials.

A well-known and respected standard reference, this fifth edition provides a thorough treatment of the properties of building materials and their manufacture, both on-site and in the factory.

Table of Contents

1. General Properties 2. Timber 3. Boards, slabs and panels 4. Stones 5. Ceramics 6. Bricks and blocks 7. Limes and cements 8. Concretes 9. Metals 10. Fibres and fibre reinforced products 11. Bituminous products 12. Glass 13. Plastics and rubbers 14. Adhesives 15. Mortars for jointing 16. Sealants

Soundscape Basics and Practical Implications Soundscape research represents a paradigm shift, as it involves human and social sciences and physical measurements to account for the diversity of soundscapes across countries and cultures. Moreover, it treats environmental sounds as a resource rather than a waste. Soundscape and the Built Environment is the first book to systematically discuss soundscape in the built environment. It begins with a presentation of theory and basic background, answering questions such as: what is soundscape, how is it important, and how does it affect people in terms of their health and perception on the acoustic environment. The book then sets out tools for implementing a soundscape approach, with measurement techniques, mapping, and good soundscape practices. It also delivers a series of examples of the application of the soundscape approach in planning, design, and assessment. Discusses soundscape and environmental noise Explores cultural variations and the way they influence soundscape Introduces binaural measurement technology and psychoacoustics Examines the physical, psychological, and physiological restorative mechanism of high-quality acoustic environments Presents soundscape mapping based on human perception of sound sources Includes real-world examples and case studies highlighting the key issues in soundscape intervention Soundscape and the Built Environment is written by a group of leading international figures and derives from a four-year EU COST project on Soundscapes of European Cities and Landscapes. It presents a consensus on the current state of the art and is not merely a collection of different views. It is written for acoustic consultants, urban planners, designers and policy makers, as well as for graduate students and researchers.

As existing buildings age, nearly half of all construction activity in Britain is related to maintenance, refurbishment and conversions. Building adaptation is an activity that continues to make a significant contribution to the workload of the construction industry. Given its importance to sustainable construction, the proportion of adaptation works in relation to new build is likely to remain substantial for the foreseeable future, especially in the developed parts of the world. Building Adaptation, Second Edition is intended as a primer on the physical changes that can affect older properties. It demonstrates the general principles, techniques, and processes needed when existing buildings must undergo alteration, conversion, extension, improvement, or refurbishment. The publication of the first edition of Building Adaptation reflected the upsurge in refurbishment work. The book quickly established itself as one of the core texts for building surveying students and others on undergraduate and postgraduate built environment courses. This new edition continues to provide a comprehensive introduction to all the key issues relating to the adaptation of buildings. It deals with any work to a building over and above maintenance to change its capacity, function or performance.

Do you need a concise, jargon-free and compact guide to the UK building regulations? Simon Polley boils down the regulations to their basic features, explaining the core principles behind them. Easy to read and light enough to carry around with you, this is the ideal introduction to a vital part of your remit as a building control officer, architect or surveyor. Updated with the extensive 2013 changes, and illustrated with cartoons and diagrams.

Between a nomad's tent and the Sears Tower lies a revolution in technology, materials, and structures. Here is a clear and enthusiastic introduction to buildings methods from ancient times to the present day, including recent advances in science and technology that have had important effects on the planning and construction of buildings: improved materials (steel, concrete, plastics), progress in antiseismic designs, and the revolutionary changes in both architectural and structural design made possible by the computer.

At the turn of the 21st century, a significant boom in the construction of cultural buildings took saw the creation of hundreds of performing arts centers, theaters, and museums. After these buildings were completed, however, many of these cultural organizations struggled to survive, or, alternatively, drifted off mission as the construction project forced monetary or other considerations to be prioritized. Building Better Arts Facilities: Lessons from a U.S. National Study examines the ways in which organizations planned and managed building projects during this boom, and investigates organizational operations after projects were completed. By integrating quantitative data with case-study evidence, the authors identify the differences between the ways some organizations were able to successfully meet the challenges of a large construction project and others that were not. With empirical evidence and analysis, this book highlights better practices for managing and leading cultural building ventures. Readers of this book - be they arts managers, politicians, board members, city planners, foundation executives, or philanthropists - will find that book provides valuable perspective and insight about building cultural facilities, and that reading it will serve to make building projects go more smoothly in the future.

This cutting edge study explores alternative methods and tools to obtain value for money while maintaining quality in construction projects, especially large and complex ones. Extensive references throughout will help the reader develop a deeper understanding of the methodology, and self-study questions help to keep you on track. Ideal as a reference for practitioners and the perfect intro for students of construction or real estate.

This practical guide to cost studies of buildings has been updated and revised throughout for the 5th edition. New chapters have been added on the RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM) for order of cost estimating and elemental cost planning, and on the procurement of construction projects.

The relationship between project managers representing project owners and those on the contractor side is often threatened by communication risk. The main communication risk minimization strategy in the construction phase is trust, which plays a major role in the success of key working relationships across the construction industry. This book investigates this phenomenon, and goes on to show that once developed, trust outshines all other strategies of communication risk minimization and is essential for project success. As part of this investigation, communication risk in construction projects is examined in detail, with a particular focus on the effects of information asymmetry on working relationships. Drawing on many years of empirical research involving project managers working internationally, Trust in Construction Projects also provides strategies to minimize information asymmetries in order to build trust, and ensure the success of construction projects. By increasing understanding of trust in construction projects, this book adds an important new perspective to the fields of construction management and project management. This is essential reading for researchers and students, as well as practitioners in these fields.

This state of the art report from an international task group (TG44) of CIB, the International Council of Building Research Organizations, presents a highly authoritative guide to the application of innovative technologies on response control and seismic isolation of buildings to practice worldwide. Many countries and cities are located in earthquake-prone areas making effective seismic design a major issue in structural engineering. Reassuringly, structural response control and seismic isolation have advanced remarkably in recent years following numerous studies internationally. Several major conferences have been held and reports have been written but little has been issued on the application of the technologies to good structural engineering practice. Plugging that gap, Response Control and Seismic Isolation of Buildings presents researchers in structural engineering (dynamics) and construction management with up-to-date applications of the latest technologies.

Energy - its source, security, price, and the efficiency of its use, are increasingly important issues for a diverse range of people. Energy: Management, Supply and Conservation is a comprehensive text dealing with the theory and practice of the supply of energy, energy management and auditing, and the design of sustainable energy facilities. It considers the systems needed to create low-energy, sustainable buildings, including passive solar design, energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning, and combined heat and power. In addition the book includes substantial sections on renewable energy, transport energy, and energy economics. This new edition includes the latest in alternate-energy technology, for example wind turbines and solar panels as well as updating important energy values and statistics. The book's readable style, along with its many figures, tables and worked examples make it an ideal text for courses on energy management, environmental engineering, architectural engineering and building services engineering. It will also be useful as a definitive handbook for professionals in the environmental, construction, utilities and facilities management sectors, as well as being of interest to those involved in sustainability economics and environmental policy making.

With the UK government's 2016 BIM threshold approaching, support for small organisations on interpreting, filtering and applying BIM protocols and standards is urgently required. Many small UK construction industry supply chain firms are uncertain about what Level 2 BIM involves and are unsure about taking first steps towards having BIM capability. As digitisation, increasingly impacts on work practices, Getting to Grips with BIM offers an insight into an industry in change supplemented by practical guidance on managing the transition towards more widespread and integrated use of digital tools to manage the design, construction and whole life use of buildings.

Inspecting and Diagnosing Disrepair provides housing officers, surveyors, landlords, tenants, lawyers and environmental health inspectors with the essential information they need to record, diagnose and remedy disrepair. Pat Reddin presents technical information methodically, including useful diagrams to help readers to develop an understanding of building materials and structures and to advise and take action on disrepair. The book is fully up to date with the latest legislation and is essential reading for environmental health professionals, surveyors and students alike.

This best practice guide to using hydraulic lime mortar is the result of a research project by the UK Limes team which studied the performance application and classification of hydraulic limes for the construction industry. It will prove invaluable for all building practitioners, contractors and tradesmen specifying or handling hydraulic lime on site. Containing many useful tables and charts to assist the practitioner, along with colour illustrations showing lime mortar in use, it also offers practical guidance on: the functions and properties of hydraulic lime; the constituent materials; mixing, reworking, protection and aftercare; and, mortar selection for durability, and health and safety issues

Inspection of public works projects, during the construction phase, is a key element to ensure that the new facility or installation complies with the approved plans and specifications. Therefore, it is paramount that inspectors be well versed and fully understand the importance of their duties and the overall essentials of construction inspection. Projects, whether large or small, require similar basic tasks and parallel duties to be performed. However, inspection of public works construction has additional requirements that are generally not required when constructing private and industrial projects. This in turn, places a greater burden on inspectors involved in monitoring construction of governmental facilities.

This second edition of this well-respected book covers all aspects of the traffic design and control of vertical transportation systems in buildings, making it an essential reference for vertical transportation engineers, other members of the design team, and researchers. The book introduces the basic principles of circulation, outlines traffic design methods and examines and analyses traffic control using worked examples and case studies to illustrate key points. The latest analysis techniques are set out, and the book is up-to-date with current technology. A unique and well-established book, this much-needed new edition features extensive updates to technology and practice, drawing on the latest international research.

Revised Bestseller Offers Broad-Based Knowledge to a Wide Range of Technical Professionals The definitive guide to sealing operations in construction, this latest edition of Sealants in Construction focuses on the most current technology, methods, applications, and standards relevant to sealant performance. Providing guided direction on how to choose and apply sealants, determine the properties of those sealants, and test and establish the cause of sealant failures, it addresses the design and engineering of structurally glazed systems and the chemistry and properties of various generic types including silicones, hybrids, and urethanes. Divided into two parts, the book first covers basic topics relevant to the practical side of construction sealants, and is geared toward those interested in choosing the proper sealant. The second half introduces advanced topics that are more technical, includes historical context along with practical examples, and is directed toward anyone requiring more depth in these areas. An indispensable resource essential to your collection, this book: Explains the proper way to test sealants Evaluates standard test methods that are used with construction sealants Provides examples of emerging test methods appropriate for use with construction and highway sealants Outlines methods for calculating the required joint sizes in conventional sealing, glazing, and structural glazing Details the composition of the most popular types of sealants and hybrids Sealants in Construction covers the use of sealants in the construction industry and aims for the increased use of nondestructive test methods for all sealant applications and a more integrated quality management approach to sealing operations. This book is of interest to architects, contractors, engineers, sealant manufacturers, and students, and is relevant to a variety of technical disciplines.

This cutting edge study explores alternative methods and tools to obtain value for money while maintaining quality in construction projects, especially large and complex ones. Extensive references throughout will help the reader develop a deeper understanding of the methodology, and self-study questions help to keep you on track. Ideal as a reference for practitioners and the perfect intro for students of construction or real estate.

Sustainable Buildings and Structures collects the contributions presented at the 1st International Conference on Sustainable Buildings and Structures (Suzhou, China, 29 October-1 November 2016). The book aims to share thoughts and ideas on sustainable approaches to urban planning, engineering design and construction. The topics discussed include: - Civil engineering - Structural approaches, including new materials - New technologies and new techniques - Green building and carbon neutral approaches to design and construction - Sustainability, urban planning and development. Sustainable Buildings and Structures will be of interest to academics, professionals, industry representatives and local government officials involved in structural engineering, urban planning, engineering design, and other related fields.

Introduction to Building provides a comprehensive introduction to various aspects of development and associated building procedures, from initial planning and design through procurement of building work, contractual arrangements and construction techniques. Now in its Fifth Edition, this popular text continues to present an authoritative overview of the many design and practical considerations associated with the creation and maintenance of modern buildings, including repair of existing buildings and traditional construction procedures. Topics covered include the functional requirements of a building: appearance, durability, dimensional suitability, strength and stability, weather exclusion, sound control, thermal comfort, fire protection, lighting and ventilating, sanitation and drainage, security, cost, sustainability, building processes, the building team, communication and construction methods.

Highlights nanotechnology applications in smart buildings. Reviews nano-enhanced glass and phase change materials for energy saving and energy storage. Discusses nanomaterials used in air purification applications as well as sustainable pigments. Covers latest developments in polymers, glasses, coatings, paints, and insulating materials.

Civil Engineering Materials explains why construction materials behave the way they do. It covers the construction materials content for undergraduate courses in civil engineering and related subjects and serves as a valuable reference for professionals working in the construction industry. The book concentrates on demonstrating methods to obtain, analyse and use information rather than focusing on presenting large amounts of data. Beginning with basic properties of materials, it moves on to more complex areas such as the theory of concrete durability and corrosion of steel.

This companion to the bestselling Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction is an essential revision aid for students preparing for their written assessments on the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety. Fully updated to the April 2015 specification, the revision guide provides complete coverage of the syllabus in bite-sized chunks, helping readers to learn and memorise the most important topics. Throughout the book, the guide links back to the Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction textbook, helping students to consolidate their learning. * Small and portable making it ideal for use anywhere: at home, in the classroom or on the move * Suggests useful tips on study and examination technique * Includes practice questions and answers based on NEBOSH exam questions * Everything you need for productive revision in one handy reference The Health and Safety in Construction Revision Guide, written by the renowned health and safety author and former NEBOSH Vice Chairman Ed Ferrett, will be an invaluable tool for students as they prepare for their NEBOSH exam and for their subsequent health and safety work.