A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. The temporarynature of projects indicates that a project has a definite beginning and end. The end is reached when the project’sobjectives have been achieved or when the project is terminated because its objectives will not or cannot be met,or when the need for the project no longer exists. A project may also be terminated if the client (customer, sponsor,or champion) wishes to terminate the project. Temporary does not necessarily mean the duration of the projectis short. It refers to the project’s engagement and its longevity. Temporarily does not typically apply to the product,service, or result created by the project; most projects are undertaken to create a lasting outcome. For example, aproject to build a national monument will create a result expected to last for centuries. Projects can also have social,economic, and environmental impacts that far outlive the projects themselves. To continue reading please download your copy by clicking below

he sixth edition of the Building Design and Construction Handbook maintains the original objectives of previous editions which gained widespread acceptance among users. These objectives are to provide in a single volume a compendium of the best of the current knowledge and practices in building design and construction. This information would be of greatest use to those who have to make decisionsaffecting the selection of engineering materials and construction methods. Emphasis is placed on fundamental principles and practical applications, with special attention to simplified procedures. Frequent reference is made to other sources where additional authoritative information may be obtained, such as architectural and engineering societies, manufacturers associations, and the Internet. An extensive index is provided to assist the reader in locating topics within the book.To continue reading please download your copy by clicking below

In the construction industry, the term blueprint generally refers to a composite of several plans, such as the foundation plan, the floor plan, elevations, sections, mechanical plans and details, etc., that are assembled into an organized set of drawings to transmit as much information about a project as can be placed on paper in one- or two-dimensional views. The completed set of drawings represents a pictorial description of a construction project prepared by the architect/designer and/or engineering consultant.
Blueprint reading is therefore basically finding and interpreting the information placed on prints. The information is displayed in the form of lines, notes, symbols, and schedules. At first glance, there is a welter of information that can appear intimidating. This innovative textbook clearly explains how blueprints and construction drawings are used to implement the construction process. It offers a comprehensiveoverview of construction drawing basics and covers standard construction sequence, including site work, foundations, structural systems, and interior work and finishes. A typical set of blueprints for abuilding project usually includes a number of drawing types in order to see the project to completion.
Users of blueprints must be able to interpret the information on the drawings and must also be able to communicate that information to others. This manual covers and explains the use of lines, dimensions, schedules, specifications, symbols, code requirements, construction drawing types, and methods of drawing organization, including CADD.Comprehensive in its coverage, this book provides updated information to reflect the most recent developments in the construction industry, enabling readers to further improve their communication skills when dealing with the technical information found in blueprint documents.To continue reading please download your copy by clicking below

The development of civil engineering in the course ofcenturies meant a constant struggle with available materials,spans, or height, active loads, and the forces of nature: water,fire, wind, and earthquakes.
While construction activities improve the quality ofhuman lives, they also have a significant impact on the environment.the production of construction materials requiresenergy and generates greenhouse gases. Low-cost oraffordable construction technologies and building materialsare often pushed as a magic potion in meeting the evergrowingdemand for rapid housing delivery in developingeconomies. New advanced materials offer opportunities tochange the way in which we construct and retrofit buildings.they, give added value in terms of increased performanceand functionality. &e reduction of the carbon footprint forconstruction materials can start at the production phase,where energy-efficient processes can be developed and wasteor recycled materials can be employed. New materials canalso help address the new challenges of durability ina changing climate. 
The special issue is the result of the huge success presented by previous special issues of the same topic and as theprevious special issues had a great acceptation by the scientificcommunity with 61 papers submitted and 26 papersaccepted for publication.
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