Explore hundreds of floor patterns, from checkerboard patterns and wild tile configurations to floral carpets and faux marble magic. These timeless historic designs are applicable to any number of contemporary applications. As a bonus, a fascinating exploration of curves and spirals provides a valuable tool for integrating borders and patterns. The enclosed CD-Rom presents the images in various formats, making it easy for designers to experiment with, manipulate, and apply images. Designers, architects, and artists will be inspired both for interior applications and other art projects. This book is also an invaluable aid to anyone undertaking an authentic restoration of a 1920s-'30s-era domicile, the patterns herein will also inspire nostalgic infusions for today's art and architecture.

This book outlines a methodology for producing macro recycled polypropylene (PP) fibres with optimal mechanical properties and illustrates the reinforcing effects of recycled PP fibres in concrete. It describes the great potential of using these fibres in concrete applications such as footpaths and precast elements. Further, it sheds new light on the environmental impacts of using recycled PP fibres, which are evaluated by means of cradle to gate life cycle assessment based on the Australian context. The use of recycled PP fibre not only helps reduce consumption of virgin materials like steel or plastic but also provides an attractive avenue for recycling plastic waste. The book will appeal to engineers, governments, and solid waste planners, and offers a valuable reference for the plastic waste recycling and plastic fibre reinforced concrete industries.

The procurement stage of the building process is critical to the success of any building project, and as such must be understood by everybody entering the industry. Introduction to Building Procurement is designed to familiarize the novice with the principles and methods of building procurement, starting at the most basic level.

With chapter summaries and tutorial questions provided throughout the book, the reader will get to grips with the following topics:

• the structure of the construction industry
• the nature of clients
• the historical development of building procurement methods
• the roles and responsibilities carried out in any project.

Having developed the necessary background knowledge, the reader is then introduced to the more complex aspects of procurement in detail, such as:

• methods of paying contractors
• the main procurement routes in use
• standard forms of contract.

The concluding chapter discusses emerging procurement trends, and speculates on future developments to bring the reader right up to speed with the modern industry. With its clear layout and highly accessible approach, Introduction to Building Procuremen is the perfect introductory text for undergraduate students and professionals starting out on a career in quantity surveying, construction project management or construction commercial management.

Building automation systems and digital technologies are highly relevant for the environmental and energy performance of buildings. However, a clear gap remains between architectural engineering and the use of such technologies. Building Automation and Digital Technologies shows how to assimilate automation and digital technologies into making buildings smarter and more environmentally sustainable. This book shows why architects need smart and digital systems in building design and construction and promotes innovative technological tools for improving sustainability. It focuses on the development of automated environmental conditions and how new technology informs architectural engineering. The book also provides new evidence on the impact of building automation systems and digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and information and communication technology for developing a performance-based approach to the environmental sustainability of buildings, and provides a key reference for architects on how digital technology can inform their practice. Its four chapters cover: developing strategies for improving sustainable and smart buildings; architectural practice and construction technology; creativity and innovation in building automation systems; and the use phase of buildings. Building Automation and Digital Technologies meets a critical need for a sustainable and smart built environment from an architectural perspective, providing an important reference to architects and professionals in related fields by demonstrating the assimilation of the latest information and automation technologies.

This book provides the readers with a timely guide to the application of biomimetic principles in architecture and engineering design. As a result of a combined effort by two internationally recognized authorities, the biologist Werner Nachtigall and the architect Goeran Pohl, the book describes the principles which can be used to compare nature and technology, and at the same time it presents detailed explanations and examples showing how biology can be used as a source of inspiration and "translated" in building and architectural solutions (biomimicry). Even though nature cannot be directly copied, the living world can provide architects and engineers with a wealth of analogues and inspirations for their own creative designs. But how can analysis of natural entities give rise to advanced and sustainable design? By reporting on the latest bionic design methods and using extensive artwork, the book guides readers through the field of nature-inspired architecture, offering an extraordinary resource for professional architects, engineers, designers and urban planners, as well as for university teachers, researchers and students. Natural evolution is seen throughout the book as a powerful resource that can serve architecture and design by providing innovative, optimal and sustainable solutions.

The first volume in VNR's new Building construction series, this comprehensive guide covers all aspects of enclosure systems such as roofs, exterior walls, windows, and entrance doors; providing current information on materials, products, and components for construction. The volume has been special

The comprehensive guide to construction tolerances, newly revised and updated
How much may a steel frame be out of plumb? What are the expected variations of a precast concrete panel? What is required to successfully detail finish materials on masonry?
Updating and expanding on its popular first edition, the Handbook of Construction Tolerances, Second Edition remains the only comprehensive reference to the thousands of industry standard tolerances for the manufacture, fabrication, and installation of construction materials and components-- including all-important accumulated dimensional variations.
Covering new materials and techniques developed since the book was first published, the Second Edition of this easy-to-use reference features:
* More than 100 drawings illustrating the tolerance concepts
* New sections on measuring compliance with tolerance standards; right-of-way construction; autoclaved aerated concrete; tilt-up concrete panels; interior stone wall cladding; structural insulated panels; decorative architectural glass; laminated architectural flat glass and bent glass
* New guidelines on how to incorporate tolerance requirements in drawings and specifications
* New information on how to apply tolerance information during contract administration
With the Handbook, architects, engineers, contractors, interior designers, lawyers, and others involved in the construction industry will be armed with the information they need to design and detail more accurately, write better specifications, establish normal practice and standards of care, supervise construction, settle worksite disputes, and save time and money at every stage of building.

Examines the general problems of designing and constructing sites for buildings. Coverage includes: site construction and planning, placing buildings on sites, landscape planning, drainage, site traffic for vehicles and pedestrians, parking, lighting, handicap facilities and much more.

Pursuing historical analogies between nineteenth-century theories and the current practices captivated by digital reproducibility, this book offers a critical take on architecture's contemporaneity through four essays: tectonics, materiality, cladding, and labor. Fundamental to this proposition is the historicity of Gottfried Semper's theorization of architecture amidst the outpouring of new materials and construction techniques during the 1850s. Starting with Semper's differentiation between theatricalization and the tectonic of theatricality, this book closely examines thematic essential to architecture's self-representation. Even though the title of this book recalls the Semperian four elements of architecture, its argument encapsulates a unique historico-theoretical project probing the tectonic of theatricality beyond Semper. The invisible tie between technique and labor is the cord running through the four subjects covered in this book. In exploring these subjects from the theoretical standpoint of Marxian dialectics, this book's contribution is focused on, but not limited to, the topicality of labor today when its relationship with capital has been further obscured by the prevailing digitalization of commodity exchange value, starting roughly in the 1990s. Each essay examines Semper's theorization of architecture in contradistinction to the ways in which technology's mediation has dominated architecture's representation. Burrowing through the invisible tie between technique and work, asymptomatic of architecture's predicament in global capitalism, this book advances the scope of architectural criticism beyond the exhausted formalism and architecture's turn to philosophy circa the 1980s and the present tendencies for presentism. It will therefore be of interest to researchers and students of architectural history and theory.

Shotcrete technology continues to evolve and improve as its utilization increases. This volume includes a selection of papers describing the developments in the evolving field of shotcrete technology. It covers subjects ranging from mining-related ground control requirements, to nozzleman education and accreditation requirements.

This book describes exemplary selected projects carried out in the Trentino-Alto Adige region (Italy) exploring numerous building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) systems (i.e. modules, construction system, energy systems). It presents 18 case studies analyzing three aspects of PV integration: aesthetic, energy and technology, with information on decision-making, design process and lessons learnt given for each, along with several pictures, including of general system and architectural details. Based on interviews with architects and engineers, experts from facade/glass manufacturers, energy consultants, BIPV experts, PV installers, electricians, private and public building owners and real estate companies, the book provides a source of inspiration and technical knowledge for architects and engineers towards an increased use of PV in architecture.

This book presents key advances in the modeling of reinforcement corrosion and concrete durability. It also examines various further aspects of reinforcement corrosion and concrete durability, striking a balance between modeling and testing. Particular attention is paid to innovative treatments for avoiding deterioration, and to methods for modeling performance in a real environment. Some basic aspects related to non-destructive testing techniques are also discussed. Deterioration-related topics addressed in the book include the basis for modeling alkali-silica reactions, chloride diffusion and the development of concrete microstructure; measurement-related topics include cathodic protection, polarization resistance and resistivity. A combined approach using the AFM technique and polarization measurements is examined, and the relation between cracking and corrosion and the treatment of concrete with hydrophobes or innovative products such as hydrotalcite is also discussed.

This book presents a number of studies on the molecular dynamics of cement-based materials. It introduces a practical molecular model of cement-hydrate, delineates the relationship between molecular structure and nanoscale properties, reveals the transport mechanism of cement-hydrate, and provides useful methods for material design. Based on the molecular model presented here, the book subsequently sheds light on nanotechnology applications in the design of construction and building materials. As such, it offers a valuable asset for researchers, scientists, and engineers in the field of construction and building materials.

Concrete repair continues to be a subject of major interest to engineers and technologists worldwide. The concrete repair budget for the UK alone currently runs at some UKP 220 per annum. Some estimates have indicated that, worldwide, in 2010 the expenditure for maintenance and repair work will represent about 85% of the total expenditure in the construction field. It has been forecast that, in the same year in the USA, 50 billion dollars will be spent just for the restoration of deteriorated bridges and viaducts.

An understanding of the latest techniques in repair and testing and inspection is thus crucial to the international construction industry. This book, with contributions from 34 countries, brings together the best in research, practical application, strategy and theory relating to concrete repair, testing and inspection, fire damage, composites and electro-chemical repair.

This book provides a comprehensive review of the production of smelter grade alumina from bauxite ores. It emphasizes the best practices applied in the industry today but seen in a historical context with a view to future challenges and developments. The control of alumina quality is discussed in detail including the effects that alumina quality have on the aluminum smelter process with respect to environmental performance, current efficiency, and metal purity. The discussion of alumina quality will be relevant to people on the smelter side, as this is the interface between refinery and smelter. Emphasis is placed on the major steps of the Bayer Process including: digestion, clarification, precipitation, calcination, and management of water, energy, and bauxite residue. This book is a valuable resource for active, seasoned practitioners and for new engineers entering the industry.

Examining the fundamental differences between design and analysis, Robert Benaim explores the close relationship between aesthetic and technical creativity and the importance of the intuitive, more imaginative qualities of design that every designer should employ when designing a structure. Aiding designers of concrete bridges in developing an intuitive understanding of structural action, this book encourages innovation and the development of engineering architecture. Simple, relevant calculation techniques that should precede any detailed analysis are summarized. Construction methods used to build concrete bridge decks and substructures are detailed and direct guidance on the choice and the sizing of different types of concrete bridge deck is given. In addition guidance is provided on solving recurring difficult problems of detailed design and realistic examples of the design process are provided. This book enables concrete bridge designers to broaden their scope in design and provides an analysis of the necessary calculations and methods.

Achieving a sustainable building is not just a matter of design and construction: what happens once the building is occupied is absolutely critical. This book shows how the choices designers, developers and building users make impact on sustainability over the life span of the building. The authors show how a holistic approach considering costs, energy use, environmental impact, global warming potential as well as items which a usually disregarded such as finishes, furniture and appliances is needed to achieve best practice.

The aim of this book is to present the latest findings in the properties and application of Supplementary Cementing Materials and blended cements currently used in the world in concrete. Sustainability is an important issue all over the world. Carbon dioxide emission has been a serious problem in the world due to the greenhouse effect. Today many countries agreed to reduce the emission of CO2. Many phases of cement and concrete technology can affect sustainability. Cement and concrete industry is responsible for the production of 7% carbon dioxide of the total world CO2 emission. The use of supplementary cementing materials (SCM), design of concrete mixtures with optimum content of cement and enhancement of concrete durability are the main issues towards sustainability in concrete industry.

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.

All civil engineering and construction projects require some sort of solid foundation, but ground conditions bring some degree of uncertainty to every project. Dealing properly with uncertainty over ground conditions can make the difference between the commercial success and failure of a project.With margins in the construction industry at historic lows, and with costs of failing to accurately predict ground conditions becoming increasingly high, the importance of proper management of the variety of ground-related risk is paramount.Risk management has demonstrated its value in many industries, but the full lessons of that experience has not yet fully reached all aspects of civil engineering. In particular the importance of individuals and their own awareness of risks and how to manage them has often been overlooked.Martin van Staveren has written a new kind of book on ground risk management. Based on many years of professional experience and proven risk management techniques, Uncertainty and Ground Conditions demonstrates how to ensure the construction and civil engineering projects succeed in delivering on time and on budget.

As buildings are responsible for fifty per cent of CO2 emissions, their design has become the focus of intense technical scrutiny. Knowing how to build more technically efficient, or ecologically responsible, buildings, and being able to assemble the social resources to do so, requires different forms of knowledge and practice. There is wide contestation over the optimal pathways to greener buildings design and great diversity in practices of sustainable architecture. This volume brings together leading researchers from across the European Union and North America both to illustrate the diversity of practice and to provide a critical commentary on this key debate. The reader is provided with an introduction to competing perspectives on the sustainable architecture debate, international exemplars of differing practice and an overview of new theoretical and methodological resources for understanding and meeting the conceptual, social and technical challenges of sustainable architecture.

Throughout the world there is a growing demand for high quality public services to support socio-economic development. Infrastructure is central to improving the level of public services and the quality of the built environment. But in key areas such as transport, energy, water, healthcare, education and communications, public resources are not sufficient to keep pace with this demand. As the public sector struggles to keep up, the private sector is increasingly involved in the procurement of economic and social infrastructure.
Until now procurement strategies have often concentrated on the mechanisms and the 'bricks and mortar' without a thorough analysis of the processes and their implications for services. The result is that all too often infrastructure projects are implemented in an ad hoc and fragmented way. In this ground-breaking book, Rodney Howes and Herbert Robinson provide a holistic approach to infrastructure provision that facilitates infrastructure delivery aimed at continuously improving the level and quality of services. Critical issues of policy and strategy, implementation, and operational aspects are examined within the context of sustainability.
By emphasising the importance of procuring infrastructure within an overall national or regional development policy and strategy, the authors have demonstrated the importance of linking investment and resource decisions to local social, economic and environmental needs. With each chapter carefully written to reflect part of the infrastructure delivery chain and illustrated with practical examples and case studies from around the world, this book offers a new blueprint for infrastructure investment and resourcemanagement.
* Strategic look at infrastructure provision
* A global approach illustrated with international case studies
* Puts sustainability AND growth at the heart of investment strategy

More and more people are foregoing and aggravations of hiring a general contractor and opting to oversee their own homebuilding projects.