Traditional building economics has primarily been concerned with issues around project appraisal and cost management techniques. On the other hand, modern construction economics has a wider focus with stronger links to mainstream economics, reflecting an increased interest in a range of theoretical issues in construction economics, both at the macro and micro level. In Modern Construction Economics: Theory and Application, a variety of approaches are used to present a coherent vision of synthesis between industry economics and project economics.

Topics covered include:

• developing construction economics as idustry economics
• competition and barriers to entry in construction
• innovation in construction
• theory testing in construction management research
• collusion and corruption in the construction sector.

Including contributions from academics in the UK, Sweden, Hong Kong, and Australia, this is a truly global review of a core issue for the construction industry worldwide. The result is a unique book that will push toward the development of a comprehensive theoretical framework of construction economics. This is a must-read for all serious students of construction economics, and all practitioners looking for a deeper understanding of their industry.

Fully up to date with the latest IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) Provides easy to read and ready reference guidance on the Regulations without having to wade through the Regs themselves Handy Pocket Book format

The role that communities have to play in the evolution and implementation of an effective strategy is often overlooked, despite the fact that it is becoming increasingly important and complex. This book addresses how consulting and contracting firms in the construction and engineering industries integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into business strategy and how this translates into better business performance. In the context of the current global drive towards sustainability, it seeks to untangle the rhetoric and reality of CSR, providing a guide to effective and meaningful engagement with the community in the boardroom.

Ideas, concepts, theories and debates in the previously separate areas of corporate performance; corporate social responsibility; corporate strategy and; corporate governance are integrated for the first time in this book, promoting a more liberal and wider debate about CSR. The result is an important and timely examination of a new challenge which faces every firm in the engineering and construction industry, from the very largest transnational corporations, to consultants and to the many thousands of small and medium sized enterprises that employ the vast majority of people in the industry.

Contemporary research is integrated with practice throughout this book in a clear and easy-to-follow style. The extensive use of real-life examples ensures that the content is of value to managers who have to deal with the reality of the industry on a day-to-day basis. The case studies of some of the world's leading firms provide rich qualitative data to support the arguments and are an excellent source of learning and teaching material to the subject of CSR for students.

The role that communities have to play in the evolution and implementation of an effective strategy is often overlooked, despite the fact that it is becoming increasingly important and complex. This book addresses how consulting and contracting firms in the construction and engineering industries integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into business strategy and how this translates into better business performance. In the context of the current global drive towards sustainability, it seeks to untangle the rhetoric and reality of CSR, providing a guide to effective and meaningful engagement with the community in the boardroom. Ideas, concepts, theories and debates in the previously separate areas of corporate performance; corporate social responsibility; corporate strategy and; corporate governance are integrated for the first time in this book, promoting a more liberal and wider debate about CSR. The result is an important and timely examination of a new challenge which faces every firm in the engineering and construction industry, from the very largest transnational corporations, to consultants and to the many thousands of small and medium sized enterprises that employ the vast majority of people in the industry. Contemporary research is integrated with practice throughout this book in a clear and easy-to-follow style. The extensive use of real-life examples ensures that the content is of value to managers who have to deal with the reality of the industry on a day-to-day basis. The case studies of some of the world's leading firms provide rich qualitative data to support the arguments and are an excellent source of learning and teaching material to the subject of CSR for students.

First published in 1986, Housebuilding, Planning and Community Action was written as an examination of the conflicts and tensions resulting from private sector housing growth in Central Berkshire, part of Britain's 'Silicon Valley' along the M4 motorway. The book provides a detailed consideration of the various 'actors' and their interactions and explores the fight from Community groups and parish councils to halt development, in opposition to the government's reluctance to discourage economic growth. It focuses on four groups closely involved in the production, allocation, and consumption of new housing: speculative housebuilders, local planning authorities, parish councils, and community/residents' groups. The motivations and actions of each group are examined, and the tensions between them are highlighted, set within the context of central government attitudes towards planning and private housebuilding. Housebuilding, Planning and Community Action has lasting relevance for those interested in human geography, and the history of housebuilding and planning.

Major Label Mastering: Professional Mastering Process distills 25 years of mastering experience at Capitol Records into practical understandings and reliable systems. Containing unparalleled insights, this book reveals the mastering tricks and techniques used by Evren Goeknar at one of the world's most notable record labels. Beginning with the requisite competencies every Mastering Engineer must develop, Major Label Mastering delves into the particulars of the mastering studio, as well as fundamental mastering tools. Included among these tools is The Five Step Mastering Process, a rigorously tested system that equips the practitioner to successfully and confidently master a project to exacting standards of audio fidelity. Covering all bases, the book discusses both macro and micro considerations: from mindset approach and connecting with clients down to detailed guidelines for processing audio, advanced methods, and audio restoration. Each chapter ends with exercises intended to deepen understanding and skill, or to supplement course study. Suitable for all levels, this is a unique resource for students, artists, and recording and Mastering Engineers alike. Major Label Mastering is supplemented by digital resources including audio examples and video tutorials.

The application of construction dispute procedures has changed dramatically in the last decade. This has resulted in an increased use of Alternative Dispute Resolution in many countries, and mediation in particular. Construction is one of the major industries using mediation, in the UK and in many other countries such as the US, China, Australia and New Zealand. This expansion in mediation has been helped by encouragement from governments, although it takes diverse forms in different legal jurisdictions, for example: court rules to encourage this use (as in the US and UK); the courts' own mediation schemes or programmes, or legislation-backed programmes; or the use of industry driven mediation clauses in standard form contracts.

These developments have taken place extremely rapidly. They represent significant changes to the legal environment within which the international construction industry conducts its business but, to date, there has been little research on their impact. All these initiatives have inevitably led to a developing legal jurisprudence concerned with the validity of contract clauses or with providing statutory interpretation of the rules requiring or governing practice. This has important consequences for the construction industry because legal uncertainty increases the likelihood of dispute, which is not only costly for the disputants but can be damaging to national and global economies.

This book identifies the emerging international practices within construction mediation, and seeks solutions to the many legal and commercial challenges which they pose. It presents an international collection of reviews by experts, and allows a comparative commentary on the practice of construction mediation and the legal challenges facing its development.

Global construction data is vital for contractors, governments, international organisations, policy makers, academic researchers and statisticians. As the global population of the world expands, the sustainability of the built environment raises the political agenda and the need to manage infrastructure and buildings in both urban and rural contexts becomes ever more pressing. How much more can the built environment grow and how can it be managed sustainably? This edited volume addresses how we can find a possible way through the inconsistencies between national construction data sets to devise a consistent approach to national construction data to further the global sustainability agenda and inform policy making. This search begins in Part I, which looks at the methods and definitions used in construction statistics in different countries. Part II considers examples of different types of construction data from the cost of materials, measuring work on high rise buildings and existing stock. In Part III, the authors consider construction data internationally, beginning with the problem of comparing data in different countries using exchange rates and purchasing power parities (PPPs), comparing innovation processes in different countries and looking at the provision of building design internationally. In Part IV, the international theme is continued by comparing accounting practices and company performance in different countries and concludes with an international comparison of construction industries. This book raises awareness of the significance of the construction industry globally and the importance of data to measure it. It informs the discussion of the best ways of handling the consequences of policies affecting the built environment and the effect of the built environment on the rest of the economy and society. It is essential reading for international economists, construction industry consultants, policy makers, construction statisticians and academics.

This is the first book to link construction management with various digital tools with a view to enhancing sustainability of construction projects. Can be adopted as a research guide, framework, and reference on sustainable construction, the concept of sustainable projects, digitalisation in the construction industry, and the fourth industrial revolution.

This insightful volume shares design ideas to help builders, planners and architects create mass-produced affordable housing that pushes suburban development in more sustainable, liveable directions. The author argues that improving the quality of design in our new homes and communities for greater resiliency, sustainability, and equality, we can build neighborhoods and communities where residents feel more connected t their homes and to one another. Through text, photographs and illustrations, the book reviews prototypical American housing design, then suggest ways to both learn from the past as well as adapt for new environmental imperatives, demographic changes and lifestyle needs. Written by a practicing architect with 25+ years of experience optimizing residential design, this pioneering approach to suburban building will inspire readers to view mass produced housing through a new, modern lens.

An exploration of the world of concrete as it applies to the construction of buildings, Reinforced Concrete Design of Tall Buildings provides a practical perspective on all aspects of reinforced concrete used in the design of structures, with particular focus on tall and ultra-tall buildings. Written by Dr. Bungale S. Taranath, this work explains the fundamental principles and state-of-the-art technologies required to build vertical structures as sound as they are eloquent. Dozens of cases studies of tall buildings throughout the world, many designed by Dr. Taranath, provide in-depth insight on why and how specific structural system choices are made.

The book bridges the gap between two approaches: one based on intuitive skills and experience and the other based on computer skills and analytical techniques. Examining the results when experiential intuition marries unfathomable precision, this book discusses:

• The latest building codes, including ASCE/SEI 7-05, IBC-06/09, ACI 318-05/08, and ASCE/SEI 41-06
• Recent developments in studies of seismic vulnerability and retrofit design
• Earthquake hazard mitigation technology, including seismic base isolation, passive energy dissipation, and damping systems
• Lateral bracing concepts and gravity-resisting systems
• Performance based design trends
• Dynamic response spectrum and equivalent lateral load procedures

Using realistic examples throughout, Dr. Taranath shows how to create sound, cost-efficient high rise structures. His lucid and thorough explanations provide the tools required to derive systems that gracefully resist the battering forces of nature while addressing the specific needs of building owners, developers, and architects. The book is packed with broad-ranging material from fundamental principles to the state-of-the-art technologies and includes techniques thoroughly developed to be highly adaptable. Offering complete guidance, instructive examples, and color illustrations, the author develops several approaches for designing tall buildings. He demonstrates the benefits of blending imaginative problem solving and rational analysis for creating better structural systems.

Construction Cost Estimating equips a new generation of students and early-career professionals with the skills they need to bid successfully on projects. From developing bid strategies to submitting a completed bid, this innovative textbook introduces the fundamentals of construction estimating through a real-life case study that unfolds across its 24 chapters. Exercises at the end of each chapter offer hands-on practice with core concepts such as quantity take-offs, pricing, and estimating for subcontractor work. Online resources provide instant access to examples of authentic construction documents, including complete, detailed direct work estimates, subcontractor work estimates, general conditions estimates, markups, and summary schedules. Through its unique mix of real-world examples and classroom-tested insights, Construction Cost Estimating ensures that readers are familiar with the entire estimating process even before setting foot on the jobsite.

A cement material, or binder, is an essential ingredient in most forms of building construction. Portland cement has become a widely accepted cementitious material, but it is more expensive than other binders and unsuited to small-scale production. In addition, although it is stronger than most alternatives, there are uses for which alternatives such as lime are more suited. Lime is versatile, durable and suitable for use in complex and intricate decorative and restoration work, as well as in simple buildings. If greater strength is required, a variety of materials known as pozzolanas can be added to the lime. Examples of pozzolanas include rice husk ash, brick dust and certain types of naturally occurring volcanic ash. The most successful material in any area depends on local primary resources and the development of appropriate technology. Lime gypsum and lime pozzolanas could be reintroduced successfully if more information were available and appropriate building standards enforced. This book brings together expert knowledge from around the world about the use of different alternative binders, presenting case histories which demonstrate the successes and the pitfalls, as well as practical information based on experience. A recurring theme in the book is the need to work towards the wider acceptance of lime, and alternative binders by: establishing realistic performance standards for alternative cements and getting these standards accepted in international, national and local building codes and standards. Establishing simple testing procedures to measure compliance with these performance standards; holding seminars and training courses and compiling case study material on existing production and use; and, initiating research and development projects of a practical nature.

Giving you a combination of general principles, applied practice and information on the state-of-the-art, this book will give you the information you need to incorporate the latest systems and technologies into your building projects. It focuses on a number of important issues, such as:

• Network communication protocols and standards, including the application of the internet.
• The integration and interfacing of building automation subsystems and multiple building systems.
• Local and supervisory control strategies for typical building services systems.
• The automation system configuration and technologies for air-conditioning control, lighting system control, security and access control, and fire safety control.

Whether you?re a project manager or engineer planning the systems set-up for a high value building, or a building engineering or management student looking for a practical guide to automation and intelligent systems, this book provides a valuable introduction and overview.

This book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in the field of effective methods of calculation, resource-saving technologies and advanced materials in civil and environmental engineering, as presented by leading international researchers and engineers at the XVII International Scientific Conference Current Issues of Civil and Environmental Engineering "Lviv- Kosice - Rzeszow", held in Lviv, Ukraine on September 11-13, 2019. It covers highly diverse topics, including structural shaping and optimization; aspects of structural behavior and modeling; advanced analysis methods; experimental tests and numerical simulations; design codes, in particular Eurocodes and other national and regional limit state codes; and highway and bridges engineering. It also discusses modern architectural and structural solutions; innovative materials and products; durability and maintenance; fabrication and erection; sustainability in construction; renewable energy sources; heat, gas and water supply; ventilation and air-conditioning; ecological and energy-saving technologies, modern water-purification and treatment technologies; and the protection of water ecosystems. 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.

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

First translated in English ten years after its original Dutch publication in 1962, this book has inspired practitioners for generations. It's proposal to distinguish the infill from the support - what users can individually decide in a housing process from what users share - has turned out to be feasible in practice. The Natural Relation - the interaction of people with their immediate environment and the central concept of the book - is the result of that distinction. It is essential to the well-being of everyday environment regardless of function or available resources.

The transition from national standards for concrete structural design to Eurocode EN 1992 is the biggest change to concrete design for decades.This new edition of Concrete Design explains the key differences between BS8110 and EN1992, and teaches the fundamentals of the design of concrete structures to comply with the Eurocodes.With many illustrations and worked examples, this accessible textbook teaches the essentials of concrete design to EN1992 to students and professionals alike.

Geometry of Construction has long been acknowledged as the most concise and instructive guide to the technical geometry of the construction industry, and a vital resource for students in architecture, carpentry, stonemasonry and engineering. Beginning with the very basics of technical drawing, it provides a series of increasingly complex exercises to clearly explain all that the reader needs to know about geometry. Each topic is covered with a detailed diagram and carefully written instructions, enabling the student to progress from basics such as the circle and construction of scales, to some of the most complex challenges including the entasis of a column, an ionic volute, the hemispherical dome and the setting out of barrel vaulting. The authors, T. B. Nichols and N. P. Keep, both worked extensively in the construction industry before moving into teaching, so they were ideally suited to produce this highly practical guide. First published in 1947, a revised edition, incorporating numerous suggestions from students and lecturers on Raking Sections, the Projection of Points, of Lines, and of Planes, the True Lengths of Lines, the Oblique Plane and on Roof Surfaces, was produced in 1954. Last published in 1966, it has been unobtainable since then. It remains one of the most useful books for any student in the construction industry.

Structural Elements Design Manual: Working With Eurocodes is the structural engineers 'companion volume' to the four Eurocodes on the structural use of timber, concrete, masonry and steelwork. For the student at higher technician or first degree level it provides a single source of information on the behaviour and practical design of the main elements of the building structure. With plenty of worked examples and diagrams, it is a useful textbook not only for students of structural and civil engineering, but also for those on courses in related subjects such as architecture, building and surveying whose studies include the design of structural elements. Trevor Draycott the former Buildings and Standards Manager with Lancashire County Council's Department of Property Services has 50 years experience in the construction industry. For 20 years he was also an associate lecturer in structures at Lancashire Polytechnic, now the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. For many years he served on the Institution of Structural Engineers, North West Branch, professional interview panel and the North West regional committee of the Timber Research and Development Association. Peter Bullman worked for Felix J Samuely and Partners, Taylor Woodrow Construction and Building Design Partnership before joining Bolton Institute, now the University of Bolton, as a lecturer in structural engineering. He has taught structural design on higher technician, degree and postgraduate courses, and has run courses to prepare engineers for the IStructE Chartered Membership examination.

This book takes a pragmatic approach to develop the competitive advantage of indigenous construction firms in the Global South, using Ghana as a case study. It provides readers with two major practical insights. The first focuses on the theoretical underpinning of firms' competitive advantage and develops a competitive advantage model for indigenous construction firms. This competitive advantage conceptual framework aids in explaining the main and sub-attributes underpinning the competitive advantage of indigenous construction firms as well as providing the basis for assessing a firm's competitiveness. Secondly, it highlights and addresses theoretical gaps in existing competitive advantage studies deemed essential for indigenous construction firms. Finally, a detailed two-stage Delphi study in the Ghanaian construction industry is presented as a case study. The book is therefore of interest to researchers in construction management, strategic management, civil engineering, business administration, marketing, entrepreneurial and economic studies. It is an essential manual for owners and managers of construction businesses. It is also useful for government departments and non-governmental agencies seeking innovative ways to develop the capacity of indigenous firms and/or contractors to make them more responsive to competitive bidding scenarios, delivery of projects, and satisfying the needs of the industry's stakeholders.

A detailed guide to the technical aspects of refurbishing and upgrading buildings, this book provides solutions to a range of problems, challenges and issues and is essential reading for all students studying building refurbishment at all levels. Includes:

• existing floor and wall strengthening
• facade retention
• introduction of new floors
• timber decay problems
• fire-resistance
• prevention of moisture and damp
• upgrading thermal and acoustic performance.

This new edition has been fully updated to include new technological information, and covers new areas such as stonework restoration and repair, upgrading of c1960 framed buildings, refurbishment logistics and case-studies.

There is at the present time a continuing interest in relating the behavioral sciences to design disciplines. Sociologists and social psychologists have been added to faculties of architecture schools, where they off er seminars and participate as programming specialists and design critics in studio courses. Behavioral scientists in many European countries have collaborated with architects and planners in design work undertaken by governmental ministries, and more recently have been participating in the work of private design fi rms. Similar developments are now common in the United States.

In this fascinating study of the "ecology of buildings," biologists, anthropologists, sociologists, psychologists, and architects analyze the effect of working and living spaces on human behavior. Focusing on such contemporary social problems as the influence of the physical environment on psychological stress, mental illness, family disorganization, urban violence, and delinquency, the contributors show that we must respect the constraints that the environment and the nature of man impose on human adaptability.

The selections in "People and Buildings" have been written primarily by scientists and designers working in the behavioral mode. The selections within each part have been arranged to provide an ordered argument or exploration of the general topic with which the part as a whole deals. To facilitate the reader's appreciation of the argument, each selection is preceded by a short prefatory statement. In view of the fact that a single article or preface can hardly be representative of the depth of the literature that has developed around an argument, Gutman has included an annotated bibliography, which is keyed to the selections through the use of subheadings. A new introduction by Nathan Glazer has been prepared for this edition.

"Robert Gutman," until his death in 2007, was a lecturer in social and environmental studies at Princeton University's School of Architecture. He is the author of "Architectural Practice: A Critical View," and "The Design of American Housing: A Reappraisal of the Architect's Role" among numerous scholarly articles.

"Nathan Glazer" is professor of education, emeritus, at Harvard University. He is known for his writings on ethnicity and race, immigration, urban development, and social policy in the United States. His books include "We Are All Multiculturalists Now, Beyond the Melting Pot" and "The Lonely Crowd."

This book introduces the latest construction practices and processes for tall buildings from foundation to roof. It attempts to acquaint readers with the methods, materials, equipment and systems used for the construction of tall buildings.The text progresses through the stages of site investigation, excavation and foundations, basement construction, structural systems for the superstructure, site and material handling, wall and floor construction, cladding and roof construction. The construction sequence, merits and limitations of the various proprietary systems commonly used in these respective stages are discussed. This third edition also includes several new topics not covered in the previous edition.