Collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) are multi-user virtual realities which actively support communication and co-operation. This book offers a comprehensive reference volume to the state-of-the-art in the area of design studies in CVEs. It is an excellent mix of contributions from over 25 leading researcher/experts in multiple disciplines from academia and industry, providing up-to-date insight into the current research topics in this field as well as the latest technological advancements and the best working examples. Many of these results and ideas are also applicable to other areas such as CVE for design education.

Overall, this bookserves asan excellent reference for postgraduate students, researchers and practitioners who need a comprehensive approach to study the design behaviours in CVEs. It is also a useful and informative source of materials for those interested in learning more on using/developing CVEs to support design and design collaboration. "

Provides in-depth tangible results from actual work undertaken in these innovative fields, in prolonged collaboration with the industry partners Includes real projects and case studies developed by the authors

This book describes how, given the global challenge of a shortage of natural resources in the 21st century, the recycling of waste concrete is one of the most important means of implementing sustainable construction development strategies. Firstly, the book presents key findings on the micro- and meso-structure of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), while the second part focuses on the mechanical properties of RAC: the strength, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, stress-strain curve, etc. The third part of the book explores research on the durability of RAC: carbonization, chloride penetration, shrinkage and creep. It then presents key information on the mechanical behavior and seismic performance of RAC elements and structures: beams, columns, slabs, beam-column joints, and frames. Lastly, the book puts forward design guidelines for recycled aggregate concrete structures. Taken as a whole, the research results - based on a series of investigations the author has condu cted on the mechanical properties, durability and structural performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) over the past 10 years - demonstrate that, with proper design and construction, it is safe and feasible to utilize RAC structures in civil engineering applications. The book will greatly benefit researchers, postgraduates, and engineers in civil engineering with an interest in this field.

The ISO 9000 family of quality standards has been adopted world-wide as a framework for building better relationships between suppliers and customers. Originally a manufacturing-industry concern, quality is now acknowledged to be a key issue for the construction sector whose clients increasingly demand quality certification. This book explains the concepts and practice of quality assurance and management in construction. Clearly written and well illustrated, with plenty of sample quality system documents and other pro-forma, this book will make the daunting task of developing, implementing and managing a quality system a great deal easier for contractors. This is practical guide for building and construction contractors and sub-contractors, project managers and other construction professionals. Also for undergraduate and postgraduate students of building, construction management and project management.

The first volume of a new series which will describe materials according to types and uses and proper installation or application and cover the different needs of architects, engineers, owners, and contractors. Includes names, addresses, and telephone numbers of relevant information sources. Annotat

This book comprises the proceedings of the International Conference on Green Buildings and Sustainable Engineering (GBSE 2019), which focused on the theme "Ecotechnological and Digital Solutions for Smart Cities". The papers included address all aspects of green buildings and sustainability practices in civil engineering, and focus on ways and means of reducing pollution and degradation of the environment through efficient usage of energy and water. The book will prove a valuable reference resource for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.

This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 3rd RILEM Spring Convention and Conference, held at Guimaraes and hosted by the University of Minho, Portugal, on March 9-14, 2020. The theme of the Conference was "Ambitioning a Sustainable Future for Built Environment: comprehensive strategies for unprecedented challenges", which was aimed at discussing current challenges and impacts of the built environment on sustainability. The present volume is dedicated to the topic "Strategies for a resilient built environment", which covers the current and emerging approaches that lead to an optimized design and maintenance of constructions and systems. It includes the development of service life models and life cycle design, in order to maximise longevity and level of service while minimising the environmental impact of constructions and systems. It also includes the analysis and design of larger systems, such as communities, cities or regions, aiming at reducing risk and increasing resilience. The following subtopics are included: resilience and robustness of the built environment and communities at local and global scales; risk based inspection and maintenance; life cycle analysis and service models; performance based design; improved design strategies by integrating materials and structures.

This book presents select proceedings of the National Conference on Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials (ASCM 2019) held at the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India. The book includes contributions from academics and practitioners on low-energy cement technologies, innovative materials and structural technologies towards cost-effective, environment friendly, durable, energy-efficient, and sustainable construction. The topics covered emphasize on cutting-edge, economically viable, and sustainable solutions with an aim to increase profitability, and decrease construction time and overall impact on the built environment. The book will be useful for researchers and practitioners interested in sustainable construction and allied fields.

On the First Edition:

"The book is a success in providing a comprehensive introduction to the use of aluminum

structures . . . contains lots of useful information."
–Materials & Manufacturing Processes

"A must for the aluminum engineer. The authors are to be commended for their painstaking work."
–Light Metal Age

Technical guidance and inspiration for designing aluminum structures

Aluminum Structures, Second Edition demonstrates how strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum opens up a whole new world of design possibilities for engineering and architecture professionals. Keyed to the revised Specification for Aluminum Structures of the 2000 edition of the Aluminum Design Manual, it provides quick look-up tables for design calculations; examples of recently built aluminum structures–from buildings to bridges; and a comparison of aluminum to other structural materials, particularly steel. Topics covered include:

• Structural properties of aluminum alloys
• Aluminum structural design for beams, columns, and tension members
• Extruding and other fabrication techniques
• Welding and mechanical connections
• Aluminum structural systems, including space frames, composite members, and plate structures
• Inspection and testing
• Load and resistance factor design
• Recent developments in aluminum structures

This book focuses on human adaptive thermal comfort in the building environment and the balance between reducing building air conditioning energy and improving occupants' thermal comfort. It examines the mechanism of human thermal adaptation using a newly developed adaptive heat balance model, and presents pioneering findings based on an on online survey, real building investigation, climate chamber experiments, and theoretical models. The book investigates three critical issues related to human thermal adaptation: (i) the dynamics of human thermal adaptation in the building environment; (ii) the basic rules and effects of human physiological acclimatization and psychological adaptation; and (iii) a new, adaptive, heat balance model describing behavioral adjustment, physiological acclimatization, psychological adaptation, and physical improvement effects. Providing the basis for establishing a more reasonable adaptive thermal comfort model, the book is a valuable reference resource for anyone interested in future building thermal environment evaluation criteria.

This textbook describes the rules for the design of steel and composite building structures according to Eurocodes, covering the structure as a whole, as well as the design of individual structural components and connections. It addresses the following topics: the basis of design in the Eurocodes framework; the loads applied to building structures; the load combinations for the various limit states of design and the main steel properties and steel fabrication methods; the models and methods of structural analysis in combination with the structural imperfections and the cross-section classification according to compactness; the cross-section resistances when subjected to axial and shear forces, bending or torsional moments and to combinations of the above; component design and more specifically the design of components sensitive to instability phenomena, such as flexural, torsional and lateral-torsional buckling (a section is devoted to composite beams); the design of connections and joints executed by bolting or welding, including beam to column connections in frame structures; and alternative configurations to be considered during the conceptual design phase for various types of single or multi-storey buildings, and the design of crane supporting beams. In addition, the fabrication and erection procedures, as well as the related quality requirements and the quality control methods are extensively discussed (including the procedures for bolting, welding and surface protection). The book is supplemented by more than fifty numerical examples that explain in detail the appropriate procedures to deal with each particular problem in the design of steel structures in accordance with Eurocodes. The book is an ideal learning resource for students of structural engineering, as well as a valuable reference for practicing engineers who perform designs on basis of Eurocodes.

This book proposes the concept of urban multiple habitats and then analyzes its corresponding classification, function and potential supply capability. It provides an analysis framework for studying the relationship between urban biodiversity and built environment, and for considering the loss of urban habitats caused by high-density development. It argues that urban biodiversity is a key indicator for assessing urban ecosystem services. On this basis, the book then presents a case study mainly focusing on wild birds in Shanghai, as urban wild birds and their species could be viewed as an essential indicator for evaluating healthy ecosystem of contemporary cities. Based on the empirical findings, the book proposes an assessment model for urban biodiversity performance and a range of principles, strategies and key indicators regarding the optimization of urban planning and design practice to enhance urban biodiversity performance.

Lea's Chemistry of Cement and Concrete, Fifth Edition, examines the suitability and durability of different types of cements and concretes, their manufacturing techniques and the role that aggregates and additives play in achieving concrete's full potential of delivering a high-quality, long-lasting, competitive and sustainable product.

Concrete is at something of a crossroads: there are many opportunities and some threats. For those opportunities to change into beneficial practice, engineers, material scientists, architects manufacturers and suppliers must focus on the changes that are required to champion concrete and maintain its dominance within the global construction industry. The Concrete Technology Unit (CTU) of the University of Dundee organised this Congress to address these changes, under the theme Global Construction: Ultimate Concrete Opportunities 5-7 July 2005.

Advanced Design Examples of Seismic Retrofit of Structures provides insights on the problems associated with the seismic retrofitting of existing structures. The authors present various international case studies of seismic retrofitting projects and the different possible strategies on how to handle complex problems encountered. Users will find tactics on a variety of problems that are commonly faced, including problems faced by engineers and authorities who have little or no experience in the practice of seismic retrofitting.

THE CHEMISTRY OF CEMENT AND CONCRETE, Third Edition F.M LEA The advances in the chemistry and physics of cements led to the necessity for this third edition. Lea's book deals with the chemical and physical properties of cements and concretes and their relation to the practical problems that arise in their manufacture and use. It will be of great interest not only to the chemist involved in the science and technology of silicate materials but also to those using concrete in building and civil engineering construction. Attention is given to problems arising in the use of concrete, from the suitability of materials, to the conditions under which concrete may deteriorate and the precautionary or remedial measures that can be adopted. It is well illustrated with line drawings, tables and photographs.PARTIAL CONTENTS: History of calcareous cements; Classification of cements; Portland cements: Raw materials and manufacturing processes; Cement components and their phase relations; Cementing qualities of the cement compounds; Constitution, burning, proportioning, hydration and setting and hardening of Portland cement; Structure of cement compounds; Action of acid and sulphate waters of Portland Cement; Physical and mechanical properties of Portland Cement, Pozzolanas and Pozzolanic cements; Cements made from blast furnace slag; High Alumina cement, some special cements and cement properties; Concrete aggregates; Resistance of Concrete to various organic and inorganic agents; Examination of concrete failures.

Design of Integrally-Attached Timber Plate Structures outlines a new design methodology for digitally fabricated spatial timber plate structures, presented with examples from recent construction projects. It proposes an innovative and sustainable design methodology, algorithmic geometry processing, structural optimization, and digital fabrication; technology transfer and construction are formulated and widely discussed. The methodology relies on integral mechanical attachment whereby the connection between timber plates is established solely through geometric manipulation, without additional connectors, such as nails, screws, dowels, adhesives, or welding. The transdisciplinary design framework for spatial timber plate structures brings together digital architecture, computer science, and structural engineering, covering parametric modeling and architectural computational design, geometry exploration, the digital fabrication assembly of engineered timber panels, numerical simulations, mechanical characterization, design optimization, and performance improvement. The method is demonstrated through different prototypes, physical models, and three build examples, focusing specifically on the design of the timber-plate roof structure of 23 large span arches called the Annen Headquarters in Luxembourg. This is useful for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector and shows how new structural optimization processes can be reinvented through geometrical adaptions to control global and local geometries of complex structures. This text is ideal for structural engineering professionals and architects in both industry and academia, and construction companies.

Sprayed concrete lined (SCL) tunnels are growing rapidly in popularity due to their versatility. The design and construction of both hard rock and soft ground tunnels has been revolutionised by the advent of the SCL method and now the use of permanent sprayed concrete linings has unlocked the true potential of the method to minimise construction costs and times. Yet the complex early age behaviour of the sprayed concrete makes the design difficult and requires a robust management system during construction. Consequently the great advantages of the method must be balanced against the risks, as a few high-profile tunnel collapses have illustrated. Practising engineers on site, in the design office or in client organizations will find this book an excellent introduction. It covers all aspects of SCL tunnelling - from the constituents of sprayed concrete to detailed design and management during construction. Although there is a close interdependence between all the facets of sprayed concrete, few engineers have the right breadth of experience and expertise to cover all of them. This urgently needs to be transferred to the wider engineering community as SCL tunnels play an increasingly important role in the delivery of the underground infrastructure which modern urban life demands. In this second edition, beyond a general updating to reflect new developments, the sections on permanent sprayed concrete, the innovative technology of spray applied waterproofing membranes, fibre reinforcement (both steel and macrosynthetic) and composite lining design have been expanded. Sustainability and environmental impact are addressed in a new section.

Reinforced concrete structures corrode as they age, with significant financial implications, but it is not immediately clear why some are more durable than others. This book looks at the mechanisms for corrosion and how corrosion engineering can be used for these problems to be minimized in future projects. Several different examples of reinforced concrete structures with corrosion problems are described and the various life enhancement solutions considered and applied are discussed. The book includes a chapter on the effectiveness of corrosion monitoring techniques and questions why the reality is at odds with current theory and standards. Specialist contractors, consultants and owners of corrosion damaged structures will find this an extremely useful resource. It will also be a valuable reference for students at postgraduate level.

Today's businesses are driven by customer 'pull' and technological 'push'. To remain competitive in this dynamic business world, engineering and construction organizations are constantly innovating with new technology tools and techniques to improve process performance in their projects. Their management challenge is to save time, reduce cost and increase quality and operational efficiency. Risk management has recently evolved as an effective method of managing both projects and operations. Risk is inherent in any project, as managers need to plan projects with minimal knowledge and information, but its management helps managers to become proactive rather than reactive. Hence, it not only increases the chance of project achievement, but also helps ensure better performance throughout its operations phase. Various qualitative and quantitative tools are researched extensively by academics and routinely deployed by practitioners for managing risk. These have tremendous potential for wider applications. Yet the current literature on both the theory and practice of risk management is widely scattered. Most of the books emphasize risk management theory but lack practical demonstrations and give little guidance on the application of those theories. This book showcases a number of effective applications of risk management tools and techniques across product and service life in a way useful for practitioners, graduate students and researchers. It also provides an in-depth understanding of the principles of risk management in engineering and construction.

The construction industry is currently experiencing accelerating developments concerning societal demands along with project complexity, internationalization and digitalization. In an attempt to grasp the consequences of these demands on productivity and innovation, this edited book addresses how innovation is likely to take place with a more long-term perspective on the construction sector. While existing literature focuses on organizational discontinuity and fragmentation as the main reasons for the apparent lack of innovation in the industry, this book highlights the connectivity of construction actors, resources and activities as fundamental for understanding how innovation takes place.Through 15 empirically grounded chapters, the book shows how innovation is part of construction processes on various levels, including project, firm and industry, and that these innovation processes are characterized by organizational and technological connectivity over time. Written by European business management scholars, the chapters cover empirical cases and examples from both a multi-organizational and a multi-international perspective in terms of covering the viewpoints of different industry actors and the contexts of several different European countries including: Sweden, Norway, the UK, Italy, France, Hungary and Poland. By illustrating how connectivity is part of innovation processes in the creation of single-product innovations, of various innovations within and across projects, as well as a fundamental aspect of the processes in which innovations cross nations, the book provides a new angle on how to understand construction innovation and where the industry might (or needs to) be heading next. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in construction management, project management, engineering management, innovation studies, business and management studies.

The construction industry is a microcosm of the economy as a whole, and as such the economics of the sector contains many of the aspects of the economy in general, albeit with fascinating and unique features. What are the implications of economic theory for the future of UK construction? How does the industry ensure innovation, quality and efficiency? What priorities might best serve the construction industry, those working in it and their customers? In seeking answers to these and other questions, the UK government has commissioned a number of reports on the construction industry including the Latham and Egan reports and more recently Construction 2025. These have invariably proposed time and cost targets for the construction industry. In this new book, Stephen Gruneberg stands in stark contrast to those reports and presents the relevant theoretical aspects of construction economics to account for the behaviour of construction firms and suggest a strategy for future growth and sustainability. He discusses the theory and data relating to the output of firms in relation to the type of firm, the market and how these firms behave as a result. The purpose of this book is to advocate the measures needed to create the kind of industry that must be fostered to ensure the quality of its output, sustainability and the fair terms and conditions of employment for its workforce. Gruneberg's new book is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the economic forces that determine industry outcomes and who has a stake in the success of the UK construction sector.

Through a series of detailed case studies from East Asia, Arup, one of the global leaders in tall building design, presents the latest developments in the field to inspire more innovative and sustainable ideas in tall building design and engineering. This book exhibits the key design aspects of tall buildings in 20 case studies, from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Japan. Chapters cover design and construction, safety concerns, sustainability strategies, BIM and optimisation solutions, and include contributions from the actual project engineers. The projects chosen are not the tallest buildings, but all of them have been selected for their significant engineering insights and values. Arup's engineers explain the design principles, and how they overcame various design constraints and challenges, while exceeding their clients' expectations. Unique examples include: the design and application of a hybrid outrigger system in the Raffles City Chongqing project the challenges encountered in the construction of the CCTV Headquarters, Beijing as well as Tianjin's Goldin Finance 117 Tower, Ho Chi Minh City's Vincom Landmark 81, the China Resources Headquarters, Ping An IFC, Tokyo's Nicolas G Hayek Center and the Shanghai World Financial Centre. These varied and complex cases studies draw on multi-disciplinary design and engineering challenges which make this book essential reading for architects, structural engineers, project managers and researchers of high-rise buildings. The book also provides a usual reference and link between practitioners in the industry, academia and engineering students.

This book outlines the data-driven modelling of building energy performance to support retrofit decision-making. It explains how to determine the appropriate machine learning (ML) model, explores the selection and expansion of a reasonable dataset and discusses the extraction of relevant features and maximisation of model accuracy. This book develops a framework for the quick selection of a ML model based on the data and application. It also proposes a method for optimising ML models for forecasting buildings energy loads by employing multi-objective optimisation with evolutionary algorithms. The book then develops an energy performance prediction model for non-domestic buildings using ML techniques, as well as utilising a case study to lay out the process of model development. Finally, the book outlines a framework to choose suitable artificial intelligence methods for modelling building energy performances. This book is of use to both academics and practising energy engineers, as it provides theoretical and practical advice relating to data-driven modelling for energy retrofitting of non-domestic buildings.

Sustainable Construction Technologies: Life-Cycle Assessment provides practitioners with a tool to help them select technologies that are financially advantageous even though they have a higher initial cost. Chapters provide an overview of LCA and how it can be used in conjunction with other indicators to manage construction. Topics covered include indoor environment quality, energy efficiency, transport, water reuse, materials, land use and ecology, and more. The book presents a valuable tool for construction professionals and researchers that want to apply sustainable construction techniques to their projects. Practitioners will find the international case studies and discussions of worldwide regulation and standards particularly useful.