A virtual sound barrier is an active noise control system that uses arrays of loudspeakers and microphones to create a useful size of quiet zone and can be used to reduce sound propagation, radiation, or transmission from noise sources or to reduce noise level around people in a noisy environment. This book introduces the history, principle, and design methods of virtual sound barriers first, and then describes recent progress in research on the systems. Two virtual sound barrier systems, i.e., planar virtual sound barrier system and three-dimensional virtual sound barrier system, are discussed including applications, limitations and future direction discussions.

Cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures is a technique for rescuing corrosion damaged structures and, in certain instances, preventing them from corroding in the first place, and its use is growing. This book is for specialist contractors, large consultants and owners of corrosion damaged structures, and looks at international experience with this technique. It examines why corrosion is occurring, the differences in the application of CP with the stark dichotomy in its success and failure, and finally ways in which its performance can be improved on future installations. Information is valuable, as the success or failure of the CP system has a marked effect on the service life of the structure.

The notion of ecodesign has now clearly become part of the building sector. It involves taking into consideration environmental issues that are indispensible in constructing our living environment. However, this method, which is industrial in origin, clearly shows that buildings are not the result of simply adding up technical rules. A much more demanding process underpins their development, one that engages all stakeholders in the industry and leads them towards using a new practice involving multi-criteria choices that are never unique. The object of this work is to review each of the stages in a building operation to illustrate the necessity of optimization and to observe the useful contribution that ecodesign and its tools can make. Ecodesign has been tackled from the professional point of view of those involved in construction work. In this perspective, the central tool is clearly that of the life cycle analysis (LCA). This book therefore describes the different steps of a project management cycle in accordance with a functional analysis. The product achievement is evaluated with the life cycle analysis which can be used as a measurement of its efficiency.

This book addresses some of the countless challenges faced by developing countries when adopting sustainable design and construction and offers suggestions for the way forward for African development projects. The authors argue that the pervasive non-consideration of the interrelationship between the elements of sustainable design and construction is the reason for the current failures in sustainable design and construction in developed countries. By treating sustainability as a complex system, the authors provide the missing link between the design and construction of projects in a sustainable way with a view to improving industry and project performance. In doing so the book posits the need for improved sustainability practice in developing countries, lessons for developing countries from the successes and failures of sustainability adoption by developed nations, factors influencing adoption of sustainability and effects of sustainable designs and construction on productivity, human health and the environment at large. This book will be of interest to construction researchers, practitioners, professional bodies, housing policy makers and government institutions as well as training and funding providers in these areas.

The rapid expansion, urban form and development of the built environment in the world's second most populous city, Delhi, has been the consequence of social, political, economic, planning and architectural traditions that have shaped the city over thousands of years. Whilst seamless at times, these traditions have often resulted in the fragmented development of the city's built environment. This book charts the political, economic and social forces that drove development in India generally and in Delhi in particular, and investigates the drivers and constituents of Delhi's urban landscape. The book provides a lens through which to examine the development path of a mega-city, which can be used as a guide in the development of emerging urban centres. Furthermore, the strengths and weaknesses of Delhi's built environment are critically analysed, with consideration to the role of the market, finance and policy over time. This book not only provides valuable insight into the physical evolution of Delhi and its surrounds, but it also asks broader questions about how people, power and politics interact with urban environments. It is essential reading for planners, architects, urbanists and social historians.

Dealing with such a multi-layered and fungible intangible as quality during the design and construction process is difficult for all parties involved. To the architect, quality means an appealing and enduring design, but to the builder, it means understandable documents that, when acted upon, lead to an enduring, well-made structure. To the owner, it is the end result: a building that is not only fit for the purpose, but a positive addition to its surroundings. Reconciling these seemingly contrasting priorities requires processes that are embedded not just at the project level, but within the entire enterprise with designer, builder, and owner committed to integrating quality into all their business processes. Quality Tools for Managing Construction Projects not only details the importance of developing a comprehensive management system, but provides the tools and techniques required to do so. The book examines the usage and applications of tools and techniques in different phases of a construction project, focusing on plan quality, quality assurance, and quality control. Following the construction cycle, Dr. Rumane delineates the quality tools and their application, ending with the implementation of quality systems throughout the entire design and construction cycle. The book demonstrates how these tools can help in planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling a project-evolving project management into a system that ensures project deliverables consistently meet the defined scope on schedule and within budget. The author's systems perspective recognizes and supports the ideal collaborative approach that modern design and construction projects need. Dr. Rumane then demonstrates that successful quality management is more than a series of handoffs between teams who've completed tasks.

This book deals with a group of architectured materials. These are hybrid materials in which the constituents (even strongly dissimilar ones) are combined in a given topology and geometry to provide otherwise conflicting properties. The hybridization presented in the book occurs at various levels - from the molecular to the macroscopic (say, sub-centimeter) ones. This monograph represents a collection of programmatic chapters, defining archimats and summarizing the results obtained by using the geometry-inspired materials design. The area of architectured or geometry-inspired materials has reached a certain level of maturity and visibility for a comprehensive presentation in book form. It is written by a group of authors who are active researchers working on various aspects of architectured materials. Through its 14 chapters, the book provides definitions and descriptions of the archetypes of architectured materials and addresses the various techniques in which they can be designed, optimized, and manufactured. It covers a broad realm of archimats, from the ones occurring in nature to those that have been engineered, and discusses a range of their possible applications. The book provides inspiring and scientifically profound, yet entertaining, reading for the materials science community and beyond.

This book describes the use of free air cooling to improve the efficiency of, and cooling of, equipment for use in telecom infrastructures. Discussed at length is the cooling of communication installation rooms such as data centers or base stations, and this is intended as a valuable tool for the people designing and manufacturing key parts of communication networks. This book provides an introduction to current cooling methods used for energy reduction, and also compares present cooling methods in use in the field. The qualification methods and standard reliability assessments are reviewed, and their inability to assess the risks of free air cooling is discussed. The method of identifying the risks associated with free air cooling on equipment performance and reliability is introduced. A novel method of assessment for free air cooling is also proposed that utilizes prognostics and health management (PHM). This book also: Describes how the implementation of free air cooling can save energy for cooling within the telecommunications infrastructure. Analyzes the potential risks and failures of mechanisms possible in the implementation of free air cooling, which benefits manufacturers and equipment designers. Presents prognostics-based assessments to identify and mitigate the risks of telecommunications equipment under free air cooling conditions, which can provide the early warning of equipment failures at operation stage without disturbing the data centers' service. Optimum Cooling for Data Centers is an ideal book for researchers and engineers interested in designing and manufacturing equipment for use in telecom infrastructures.

This book tells the story of visionary urban experiments, shedding light on the theories that preceded their development and on the monsters that followed and might be the end of our cities. The narrative is threefold and delves first into the eco-city, second the smart city and third the autonomous city intended as a place where existing smart technologies are evolving into artificial intelligences that are taking the management of the city out of the hands of humans. The book empirically explores Masdar City in Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong to provide a critical analysis of eco and smart city experiments and their sustainability, and it draws on numerous real-life examples to illustrate the rise of urban artificial intelligences across different geographical spaces and scales. Theoretically, the book traverses philosophy, urban studies and planning theory to explain the passage from eco and smart cities to the autonomous city, and to reflect on the meaning and purpose of cities in a time when human and non-biological intelligences are irreversibly colliding in the built environment. Iconoclastic and prophetic, Frankenstein Urbanism is both an examination of the evolution of urban experimentation through the lens of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and a warning about an urbanism whose product resembles Frankenstein's monster: a fragmented entity which escapes human control and human understanding. Academics, students and practitioners will find in this book the knowledge that is necessary to comprehend and engage with the many urban experiments that are now alive, ready to leave the laboratory and enter our cities.

This book was written to facilitate column sizing and reinforcement design for structural engineers. It arranges the design data in a clearly structured manner, and provides quick and easy ways for engineers to compare the feasibility of multiple alternatives (various column sizes and reinforcement configurations). With the help of this book, engineers can rapidly produce outputs for architects, which the latter can incorporate into their architectural layout plans. These outputs can also benefit quantity surveyors, especially for costing purposes, and help avoid careless design errors. The book is chiefly intended for structural engineers who implement Eurocode 2 for reinforced concrete design. To gain the most from it, readers should possess a basic understanding of column design, e.g. the stresses and forces produced in columns and their reinforcements when subjected to axial load and bending moment. However, the book also provides explanatory notes for the design data tables, allowing them to be used without prior background knowledge.

• Major overhaul and restructure since previous edition • New coverage of hot topics including ethics, modern slavery and digital construction

For courses in architectural drafting and design, and electrical and mechanical systems design. Complete guide to designing modern mechanical and electrical systems Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings illuminates the modern realities of planning and constructing buildings with efficient, sustainable mechanical and electrical systems. This complete guide serves as a text and a reference for students and professionals interested in an interactive, multidisciplinary approach to the building process, which is necessary for sustainable design. Responding to continual advancements in the field, the 6th edition incorporates new developments in all its major disciplines, including electrical, lighting, telecommunications, plumbing, and HVAC.

This volume contains papers of the 9th European Workshop on the Seismic Behaviour of Irregular and Complex Structures (9EWICS) held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2020. This workshop, organized at Instituto Superior Tecnico, University of Lisbon, continued the successful three-annual series of workshops started back in 1996. Its organization had the sponsorship of Working Group 8 (Seismic Behaviour of Irregular and Complex Structures) of the European Association of Earthquake Engineering.This international event provided a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas and unveiled new insights on the possibilities and challenges of irregular and complex structures under seismic actions. The topics addressed include criteria for regularity, seismic design of irregular structures, seismic assessment of irregular and complex structures, retrofit of irregular and complex structures, and soil-structure interaction for irregular and complex structures. Beyond an excellent number of interesting papers on these topics, this volume includes the papers of the two invited lectures - one devoted to irregularities in RC buildings, including perspectives in current seismic design codes, difficulties in their application and further research needs, and another one dedicated to the challenging and very up to date topic in the area of seismic response of masonry building aggregates in historical centers. This volume includes 26 contributions from authors of 11 countries, giving a complete and international view of the problem.The holds particular interest for all the community involved in the challenging task of seismic design, assessment and/or retrofit of irregular and complex structures.

Corrosion of reinforcing steel is now recognized as the major cause of degradation of concrete structures in many parts of the world. Despite this, infrastructure expenditure is being unreasonably decreased by sequestration and the incredible shrinking discretionary budget. All components of our infrastructure including highways, airports, water supply, waste treatment, energy supply, and power generation require significant investment and are subjected to degradation by corrosion, which significantly reduces the service life, reliability, functionality of structures and equipment, and safety. Corrosion of Steel in Concrete Structures provides a comprehensive review of the subject, in addition to recent advances in research and technological developments, from reinforcing materials to measurement techniques and modelling. This book contains not only all the important aspects in the field of corrosion of steel reinforced concrete but also discusses new topics and future trends. Part One of the book tackles theoretical concepts of corrosion of steel in concrete structures. The second part moves on to analyse the variety of reinforcing materials and concrete, including stainless steel and galvanized steel. Part Three covers measurements and evaluations, such as electrochemical techniques and acoustic emission. Part Four reviews protection and maintenance methods, whilst the final section analyses modelling, latest developments and future trends in the field. The book is essential reading for researchers, practitioners and engineers who are involved in materials characterisation and corrosion of steel in concrete structures.

The aim of this book is to provide a single source of information to support continuing professional development (CPD) in the built environment sector. The book offers a comprehensive introduction to the concept of CPD and provides robust guidance on the methods and benefits of identifying, planning, monitoring, actioning, and recording CPD activities. It brings together theories, standards, professional and industry requirements, and contemporary arguments around individual personal and professional development. Practical techniques and real-life best practice examples outlined from within and outside of the industry empower the reader to take control of their own built environment-related development, whilst also providing information on how to develop fellow staff members. The contents covered in this book align with the requirements of numerous professional bodies, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the Chartered Institute of Builders (CIOB). The chapters are supported by case studies, templates, practical advice, and guidance. The book is designed to help all current and future built environment professionals manage their own CPD as well as managing the CPD of others. This includes helping undergraduate and postgraduate students complete CPD requirements for modules as part of a wide range of built environment university degree courses and current built environment professionals of all levels and disciplines who wish to enhance their careers through personal and professional development, whether due to professional body requirements or by taking control of identifying and achieving their own educational needs.

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.

This book provides an understanding of the nature of short-circuit currents, current interruption theories, circuit breaker types, calculations according to ANSI/IEEE and IEC standards, theoretical and practical basis of short-circuit current sources, and the rating structure of switching devices. The book aims to explain the nature of short-circuit currents, the symmetrical components for unsymmetrical faults, and matrix methods of solutions, which are invariably used on digital computers. It includes innovations, worked examples, case studies, and solved problems.

This book covers the wide spectrum of subjects relating to obtaining and using building stones, starting with their geological origin and then describing the nature of granites, volcanics, limestones, sandstones, flint, metamorphic stones, breccias and conglomerates, with emphasis being placed on how to recognise the different stones via the many illustrated examples from Great Britain and other countries. The life of a building stone is explained from its origin in the quarry, through its exposure to the elements when used for a building, to its eventual deterioration. The structure of stone buildings is then discussed, with explanations of the mechanics of pillars, lighthouses and walls, arches, bridges, buttresses and roof vaults, plus castles and cathedrals. The sequence of the historical architectural styles of stone buildings is explained-from the early days through to postmodern buildings. Special attention is paid to two famous architects: the Roman Vitruvius and the English Sir Christopher Wren who designed and supervised the construction of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. To demonstrate many of the concepts presented, two exemplary stone buildings are described in detail: the Albert Memorial in London and Durham Cathedral in northern England. The former building is interesting because it is comprised of a cornucopia of different building stones and the latter building because of its architecture and sandstone decay mechanisms. In the final Chapter, ruined stone buildings are discussed-the many reasons for their decay and the possibility of their 'rebirth' via digital recording of their geometry. The book has over 350 pages and is illustrated with more than 450 diagrams and colour photographs of both the various stones and the associated stone buildings. Readers' knowledge of the subject will be greatly enhanced by these images and the related explanatory text. A wide-ranging references and bibliography section is also included.

This book introduces new smart connection systems which can be used in aseismic building design in order to control inter-story drifts and to reduce residual displacements. They are also utilized as damper devices and base isolators. The application of these systems to composite moment frame buildings will also be treated in the book. In addition, the book will discuss how to make nonlinear frame models used for simulating entire behavior in the building as well as advance finite element (FE) models used for accurately reproducing mechanical behavior in the local system. Will be of interest to researchers, engineers, and students in the field of civil and structural engineering.

Energy demand reduction is fast becoming a business activity for all companies and organisations because it can increase profits regardless of the nature of their core activity. The International Energy Agency believes that industry could improve its energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost a third using the best available practices and technologies. This guide looks at the many ways available to energy managers to achieve or even exceed this level of performance, including: base-lining consumption planning a monitoring and verification strategy metering (including smart, wireless metering) energy supply management motors and drives compressed air and process controls. Uniquely, it includes a whole chapter on greening data centres. It also looks at topics covered in greater detail in its companion volume, Energy Management in Buildings: insulation, lighting, renewable heating, cooling and HVAC systems. Further chapters examine minimising water use and how to make the financial case, both to prioritise measures for cost effectiveness, and to get management on board. This title is aimed at all professional energy, industry and facilities managers, energy consultants, students, trainees and academics and can be read alongside training for ISO 50001 - Energy Management Systems. It takes the reader from basic concepts to the latest advanced thinking, with principles applicable anywhere in the world and in any climate.

Wood Pellet Heating Systems is a comprehensive handbook covering all aspects of wood pellet heating technology. The use of wood pellets as an alternative heating fuel is already well established in several countries and is becoming widespread as fossil fuel prices continue to rise and awareness of climate change grows. Wood pellets are a carbon-neutral technology, convenient to use, and can easily be integrated into existing central heating systems or used in independent space heaters. This fully-illustrated and easy-to-follow guide shows how wood-pellet heating works, the different types of systems - from small living room stove systems to larger central heating systems for institutions - how they are installed, and even how wood pellets are manufactured. Featuring examples from around the world, it has been written for heating engineers and plumbers who are interested in installing systems, home owners and building managers who are considering purchasing a system, advanced DIYers, building engineers and architects, but will be of interest to anyone who requires a clear guide to wood pellet technology.

This book is a wide-ranging exploration of PR and communication in the construction industry, with a strong emphasis on communications theory, strategy and technique. The editors begin with an introduction to the UK construction industry and its supply chains, as well as various elements of PR in relation to the construction process. Subsequent chapters provide a strategic overview, practical examples, success stories, case studies and personal perspectives on PR for different parts of the built environment and reputational issues in construction. Chapters include expert advice on communications for architecture, planning, building consultancy, building products and manufacturers, general and specialist contractors, construction technology, infrastructure and communicating sustainability in the built environment. The conclusion looks at the current and upcoming reputational priorities for communicators in construction, as well as the top ten priorities for implementing PR as a strategic management discipline in the industry. This book is essential reading for all construction PR teams, students studying both for built environment and PR/marketing degrees and CPD courses, and anyone working in the built environment sector who needs to consider PR and marketing as part of their role.

The second edition of Predicting Outdoor Sound is an up-to-date reference on the propagation of sound close to the ground and its prediction. New content includes comparisons between predictions and data for road traffic, railway and wind turbine noise; descriptions of source characteristics in the HARMONOISE model; propagation over rough seas, parallel low walls, and lattices; outlines of numerical methods; gabion (caged stones) and sonic crystal noise barriers; meteorological effects on noise barrier performance; and the prediction requirements for auralization. The book brings together relevant theories, prediction schemes, and data, thereby providing a basis for determining what model or scheme might be applicable for any situation. It also offers a background on useful analytical approximations and the restrictions, as well as difficulties and limitations associated with engineering prediction schemes. The text should be of considerable interest to researchers in outdoor sound propagation and, more generally, it should provide a comprehensive primer on the topic for lecturers, consultants and students in acoustics and noise control.

A beautiful gallery of luscious backyards and exquisite entryways will inspire you to terrace and sculpt your lawn. Step-by-step instructions will walk you through the process of creating these showpieces using concrete products widely available on today's landscaping market. Over 250 color images display outdoor kitchens, front entry courtyards, water features, patio settings, flower beds, and raised seating that provide curb appeal and creature comforts to the residential environment. The potential for enhancing and reshaping the landscape is as limitless as the imagination, and this book serves as an excellent launching point. Simple, clear graphics clarify the process of retaining wall construction, making it a wonderful tool for training and inspiring amateur and professional landscapers alike.