Masonry is a construction material that has been used throughout the years as a structural or non-structural component in buildings. Masonry can be described as a composite material made up of different units and diverse types of arrangements, with or without mortar, that is used in many ancient public buildings, as well as with the latest technologies being applied in construction. Research in multiple relevant fields, as well as crossing structural with non-structural needs, is crucial for understanding the qualities of existent buildings and to develop new products and construction technologies. This book addresses and promotes the discussion related to the different topics addressing the use of masonry in the construction sciences and in practice, including theory and research, numerical approaches and technical applications in new works, and repair actions and interventions in the built environment, connecting theory and application across topics from academia to industry.

Brick and Block Masonry - Trends, Innovations and Challenges contains the lectures and regular papers presented at the 16th International Brick and Block Masonry Conference (Padova, Italy, 26-30 June 2016). The contributions cover major topics: - Analysis of masonry structures - Bond of composites to masonry - Building physics and durability - Case studies - Codes and standards - Conservation of historic buildings - Earthen constructions - Eco-materials and sustainability - Fire resistance, blasts, and impacts - Masonry bridges, arches and vaults - Masonry infill walls and RC frames - Masonry materials and testing - Masonry repair and strengthening - New construction techniques and technologies - Reinforced and confined masonry - Seismic performance and vulnerability assessment In an ever-changing world, in which innovations are rapidly implemented but soon surpassed, the challenge for masonry, the oldest and most traditional building material, is that it can address the increasingly pressing requirements of quality of living, safety, and sustainability. This abstracts volume and full paper USB device, focusing on challenges, innovations, trends and ideas related to masonry, in both research and building practice, will proof to be a valuable source of information for researchers and practitioners, masonry industries and building management authorities, construction professionals and educators.

Every entry follows a standard pattern: after the address and telephone number of the institution there is a brief description of its history and financial support, followed by the names of the senior staff, total number of staff, the institution's structure and services, its main research programmes and a list of its publications. For this new edition a subject index has been added, allowing the reader to identify centres of research activity on individual construction topics throughout the world. The world-wide investment in construction industry research is enormous. This unique directory is a guidebook to that investment which will enable its readers to isolate sources of advice on practical problems, information on national standards and requirements and potential research collaborators.

The first comprehensive guide to the petrography of geomaterials, making the petrographers specialist knowledge available to practitioners, educators and students worldwide interested in modern and historic construction materials.

The word conservation, when used in the context of the preservation of built heritage, implies an intrinsically complex concept that evolved over time, since it has been influenced by the perception of history throughout time. This volume emphasises why an understanding of the cultural evolution of the conservation approach must be considered a prerequisite for architects and engineers if they are to cooperate in full harmony with historic-artistic culture for the preservation of global built heritage. In particular, the volume highlights how, during the second half of the last century, the preservation process also involved engineering – the science of making practical applications of knowledge – which, for a long time, made an uncritical use of techniques and materials and devised interventions on historical heritage that were heavily invasive. The volume also devotes special attention to the problems related to seismic risk, to which Italy, Greece and Portugal are particularly prone. Problems that emerge during the crisis and reconstruction phases are dealt with in detail, as is scheduled maintenance, as this latter approach always constitutes an improvement in the performance of the monument and is the most appropriate tool for the conservation of the built heritage. Finally, the volume collects examples of building restoration with case studies of many outstanding monuments. The work will appeal to professionals and academics in the broader fields of civil engineering (both geotechnical and structural engineering), architecture, art history, the history of architecture, restoration and cultural heritage management. This book will: Provide a critical reading of the history of conservation; Discuss materials and techniques of ancient architecture; Cover seismic vulnerability and preservation of the historic integrity of the monument; Advocate an approach based on programmed maintenance; Feature numerous case histories, including St Mark’s Basilica in Venice and the complex restoration of the cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris.

Fundamental Building Technology introduces the technology, methods, and processes fundamental to construction by focussing on what is involved in building a typical low-rise house. Written with the novice in mind, this textbook is the ideal starting point for any construction student, as it fully supports the reader all the way to understanding the functional requirements of each element of the building, and how to take these into account through the building process itself. This second edition is expanded to cover even more relevant topics, and is supported by more resources for use by the student and lecturer. Now included are: An introduction to the planning process and the building regulations How to incorporate a sustainable approach, in the selection of materials and elsewhere A companion site with lecturer’s answers manual and illustrated lecture notes 150 labelled diagrams throughout the book, and multiple self-study questions in every chapter A students’ section of the companion site with multiple choice quizzes and 250 full-colour photos linked to chapters of the book Concise, focussed and the most student-friendly guide to this topic available, Fundamental Building Technology is the perfect textbook for those taking construction technology modules at undergraduate or HNC/HND level.

This book presents select proceedings of the 17th Symposium on Earthquake Engineering organized by the Department of Earthquake Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. The topics covered in the proceedings include engineering seismology and seismotectonics, earthquake hazard assessment, seismic microzonation and urban planning, dynamic properties of soils and ground response, ground improvement techniques for seismic hazards, computational soil dynamics, dynamic soil–structure interaction, codal provisions on earthquake-resistant design, seismic evaluation and retrofitting of structures, earthquake disaster mitigation and management, and many more. This book also discusses relevant issues related to earthquakes, such as human response and socioeconomic matters, post-earthquake rehabilitation, earthquake engineering education, public awareness, participation and enforcement of building safety laws, and earthquake prediction and early warning system. This book is a valuable reference for researchers and professionals working in the area of earthquake engineering.