Recent publications

Citation

(2008), "Recent publications", Structural Survey, Vol. 26 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2008.11026bae.001

Recent publications

Article Type: Recent publications From: Structural Survey, Volume 26, Issue 2.

Project Management in Construction

“Project Management in Construction” written by Professor Anthony Walker adopts a systems approach to organisation analysis and design from the initial concept of the project. It is concerned particularly with the integration of the contributors to the process and the way in which decisions are made. Appropriately structured organisations are essential for the delivery of effective projects, the design of which requires an in-depth knowledge of organisation theory applied to the definition, design and construction of projects. This 5th edition addresses the increasing complexity facing major construction by examining advances in the major theoretical concepts underlying project management, together with practical developments such as supply chain management. New ideas such as chaos and complexity theory are examined in the context of construction project management, and aspects of organisation theory, such as trust and hierarchy, have been further developed. The topic of sustainability is discussed as a powerful new environmental force impacting on both the project management process and the industry and its clients. The book is published by Wiley in paperback and is priced at £29.99.

Reuse of Foundations (C653)

T. Chapman, S. Anderson and J. Windle, CIRIA

This report sets out the background and provides guidance on the key issues for foundation reuse. It is aimed at developers, funders and technical professionals who are interested in an overview of the principal issues relating to reuse of existing foundations for new structures. The content addresses the practical and technical problems of reusing foundations and suggests strategies for reducing risks. It is priced at £60.00 (CIRIA Book Club Member price £30.00).

BRE expert packs

The new BRE expert packs are an excellent reference library bringing together a selection of BRE Digests, Information Papers, Good Building Guides and Good Repair Guides. They provide guidance and advice on a wide variety of topics at affordable prices and include important published titles from industry experts at BRE. They are presented in a reader friendly way with numerous illustrations and diagrams and are collated in a ring binder for ease of use allowing for content to be easily updated. They are available at: www.brebookshop.com or Tel. +44 (0) 1344 404407.

Green Book Live

BRE has recently launched the Green Book Live. This is a free online database designed to help specifiers and end users identity products and services that can help to reduce their impact on the environment. The Green Book Live delivers comprehensive information on “green” products and services. Green Book Live is the definitive source of information for the construction industry and enables specifiers, designers and end users to manage the environmental impact of the projects on which they work. Greening the built environment is not as simple as specifying products and services that claim to be “green”. Green claims are very easy to make, but considerably harder to substantiate. Independent approval of products and services ensure that not only “green” claims are substantiated, but that they meet performance standards appropriate for their intended use. For further details e-mail enquiries@breglobal.com or Tel. +44 (0)1923 664100.

Subsidence Damage to Domestic Buildings A Good Guide to Technical Practice

Written by Richard Driscoll and Hilary Skinner this book provides authoritative guidance to best practice in the technical and engineering aspects of subsidence damage to domestic buildings, and covers investigation, diagnosis, repair, prevention and mitigation of building cracking and deformation. It reviews current information and provides a clear, logically structured baseline of technical guidance for investigators. The authors have drawn on many years of BRE experience of researching subsidence problems, and on consultancy for difficult cases. Key BRE publications on soils, site investigation and foundations are included in pdf format on a CD-ROM accompanying the book. Subsidence is a persistent problem in some parts of the UK: around 35,000 domestic insurance claims (often complex and protracted) are made each year, which cost up to £550 million. Published by IHS BRE Press in paperback (66 Pages) at £27.50.

RICS Red Book

The new 6th edition of the RICS Valuation Standards (the Red Book), which came into force on 1 January 2008 has been published in a smaller spiral-bound, book format, for easier use. The Red Book is mandatory for RICS members worldwide. The basic principles remain unchanged including the core definition of Market Value. This includes commentary in PS3.2.4 to the effect that the willing buyer is “one who purchases in accordance with the realities of the current market and with current market expectations … ”. Whilst transactional evidence underpins the valuation process, it is not always available or up to date. In such circumstances, and in particular in a fast changing market, the definition of Market Value places an obligation on the valuer to use his/her market knowledge and professional judgement, in order to make a clear assessment of where the market stands on the date of valuation. RICS members can access the red book at: http://rics.lyris.net/t/602858/18673074/6961/0/

Building Pathology Principles and Practice

Building Pathology by David Watt provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of defects and performance in order to develop appropriate remedial and management solutions. It considers how the structure and materials of a building relate to its environment, its occupants and the way the building is used, so as to develop a better understanding of building failures. This book provides a well-illustrated introduction to the discipline of building pathology, bridging the gap between current approaches to the surveying of buildings and the detailed study of defect diagnosis, prognosis and remediation. It features a number of case studies and a detailed set of references and further reading. This second edition has been updated to reflect changes in legislation, guidance and construction, and provides new case studies that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the subject. It is published by Blackwells in paperback (320 pp.) at £34.50.

Conservation books

These are a series of volumes of papers edited by Dr Michael Forsyth and published by Blackwells that combine conservation philosophy in the built environment with knowledge of traditional materials, and structural and constructional conservation techniques and technology. The three titles are Understanding Historic Building Conservation (reviewed in the last issue), Materials and Skills in Historic Building Conservation and Structures and Construction in Historic Building Conservation.

The series aims to introduce each aspect of conservation and to provide concise, basic and up-to-date knowledge for architects, surveyors and engineers as well as for commissioning client bodies, managers and advisors. In each book, the editor draws together chapters by leading architects, structural engineers and related professionals to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of conservation work.The books are structured to be of direct practical application, taking the reader through the process of historic building conservation and emphasising throughout the integrative teamwork involved.

Conservation and Sustainability in Historic Cities

Another book published by Blackwells in paperback (272 pages) and priced at £49.59 is Conservation and Sustainability in Historic Cities which examines how the two key issues of urban conservation and sustainability relate to each other in the context of historic cities, and how they can be brought together in a common philosophy and practice that is mutually supportive. Written by Dennis Rodwell it sets out the theoretical and practical background to architectural conservation and how its perceived relevance and level of attainment can be extended when harnessed to wider agendas of sustainability and cultural identity. It tests the achievement of urban conservation through examples from across Europe and further afield and relates them to the sustainability agenda.

Code of Measuring Practice: A Guide for Property Professionals

Long established and understood professional responsibilities to clients are matched by statutory obligations to users of property. It is a criminal offence for those involved in estate agency or property development business to give false or misleading information about specified aspects of land (which includes buildings) that are offered for sale. This sixth edition of the code provides succinct, precise definitions to permit the accurate measurement of buildings and land, the calculation of the sizes (areas and volumes) and the description or specification of land and buildings on a common and consistent basis. Widely accepted as the industry standard, the Code enables measurement to be undertaken in a common and consistent fashion. This Code of Practice is available through isurv. For more information visit www.isurv.co.uk. It can be viewed or downloaded for free on the member’s zone of www.rics.org and paper copies can be purchased from RICS Books for £30.00 (Non-RICS Members), £20.00 (RICS Members).

Building Greener. Guidance on the Use of Green Roofs, Green Walls and Complementary Features on Buildings

P. Early, D. Gedge, J. Newton and S. Wilson, CIRIA

Green roofs and walls are widely used in many countries to provide a range of benefits for the built environment. Numerous studies have been carried out to monitor and assess the effectiveness of green roofs and green walls in the areas of biodiversity, stormwater management and climate change mitigation and adaptation. This guidance results from a detailed assessment of published information on green roof and walls and provides guidance on their design, construction and operation. The guidance also describes how “quick wins” for biodiversity can be achieved in the built environment by incorporating nesting and roosting boxes for birds, bats and other animals. Price: £90.00, Local Authority price: £45.00.

Building Regulations in Brief

Written by Ray Tricker and Roz Algar this 5th edition is is a time-saver for both professionals and enthusiasts. The information is sensibly organised by building element rather than by regulation, so that readers can quickly lay their hands on whatever they need to know from whichever document. The authors’ practical and no-nonsense advice should enable compliance with the regulations in the simplest and most cost-effective manner. The benefits and requirements of each regulation are clearly explained, as are history, current status, associated documentation and how local authorities and council view their importance. Published by Butterworth Heinemann in paperback (846 pp.) and priced at £19.99.

New BRE guidance on radon

The new edition of Radon: Guidance on Protective Measures for New Dwellings gives practical advice on reducing the risk of exposure to radon in new buildings. New guidance is provided for extensions, conversions and refurbishment projects. Clearly illustrated with diagrams and photographs, it aims to help architects, surveyors, builders and installers to specify and install successful measures that reduce the risk of radon exposure, which can cause lung cancer. Available for £25. Tel. +44 (0) 1344 328038.