This guide is for builders, designers and planners. It provides rule of thumb guidance for the stable construction of a range of common types of bonded brickwork and blockwork earth retaining walls to a maximum retaine dheight of 1.725 m. Walls of greater height should be designed by an appropriately qualified person. For practical purposes, this guide provides a simplified classification of soils which are suitable to found on, and gives foundation and wall dimensions for several wall heights.

Almost all buildings erected or altered in England and Wales must satisfy the requirements of the building regulations. This essential reference has been revised in line with new legislation up to January 2004, including important revisions to Parts B, E, H, J, L1, L2, and M and an outline of the proposed Part P. Each chapter explains in clear terms the appropriate regulation and any other legislation, before explaining the approved document. The Appeals and Determinations have been repositioned at the end of each chapter. Publications lists and relevant sources of information are also included, together with annexes devoted to legislation relevant to the construction industry, determinations made by the Secretary of State, and sample check lists. This highly illustrated and practical approach to the subject makes this the indispensable, one-stop reference guide for professionals and students.

This fully revised essential reference takes into account all important aspects of building control, including new legislation up to Spring 2000 with important revisions to parts B, K, M and N. Each chapter explains the approved document. Publication lists and relevant sources of information are also included, together with annexes devoted to legislation relevant to the construction industry, determinations made by the Secretary of State and sample check lists. Building Regulations Explained will be of wide appeal to architects, planners, surveyors, builders, building control professionals (including new non-NHBC approved inspectors), regulators and students.

This is a comprehensive guide to clay bricks and mortars, their physical and aesthetic properties, and their use in a wide range of building projects. Clear, accessible text, supported by full-colour illustrations and an extensive glossary, provides practical instruction in choosing, using and making the most of these highly versatile and durable building materials. Written for both the DIY enthusiast and for those wishing to specify brickwork or to check that it is being done correctly by professional builders, the book is an invaluable source of information and reference for anyone involved in building work. Covers basic bricklaying techniques, tools and equipment, dimensions and setting out, building straight and curved walls and building simple arches, bonding patterns, brickwork as cladding, and foundations. For paving work, includes laying patterns, steps, drainage, sand bedding and mortar-jointed paving. Also covers maintenance and repair, including dealing with water penetration, replacing bricks, repointing mortar, cleaning and artifical weathering.

Drawing together in a unique and practical way much tried-and-tested information, the Guide to Defect Avoidance is essential reading for busy designers and contractors, those engaged in the investigation of building failures, and anyone involved in the procurement and management of low-rise housing of predominantly traditional construction. Using full colour illustrations, the Guide lists and describes a wide range of construction defects, selected and rated by Construction Audit Ltd. on the basis of a decade of experience gained in auditing the construction of over 4,000 newbuild housing schemes. Each defect is clearly related to its potential consequences before being presented in the context of a `problem' and how it may be avoided. Common mistakes are highlighted and the reader directed to an extensive range of further reading.

UPDATED AND EXPANDED NEW 11TH EDITION. Design guide for earth retaining structures covers nearly every type of earth retaining structure: cantilevered, counterfort, restrained (basement walls), gravity, segmental, sheet pile, soldier pile, and others. Current building code requirements are referenced throughout. Topics include types of retaining structures, basic soil mechanics, design of concrete and masonry walls, lateral earth pressures, seismic design, surcharges, pile and pier foundations, Gabion walls and swimming pool walls. Fourteen varied design examples. Comprehensive Appendix with Glossary of terminology. 257 pages. 8-1/2x11 paperback.

Bricks and brickwork -- Blocks and blockwork -- Lime, cement and concrete -- Timber and timber products -- Ferrous and non-ferrous metals -- Bitumen and flat roofing materials -- Glass -- Ceramic materials -- Stone and cast stone -- Plastics -- Glass-fibre reinforced plastics, cement and gypsum -- Plaster and board materials -- Insulating materials -- Energy-saving materials and components -- Recycled and ecological materials -- Sealants, gaskets and adhesives -- Paints, wood stains, varnishes and colour.

Introduction to Building provides a comprehensive introduction to various aspects of development and associated building procedures, from initial planning and design through procurement of building work, contractual arrangements and construction techniques. Now in its Fifth Edition, this popular text continues to present an authoritative overview of the many design and practical considerations associated with the creation and maintenance of modern buildings, including repair of existing buildings and traditional construction procedures. Topics covered include the functional requirements of a building: appearance, durability, dimensional suitability, strength and stability, weather exclusion, sound control, thermal comfort, fire protection, lighting and ventilating, sanitation and drainage, security, cost, sustainability, building processes, the building team, communication and construction methods.

As existing buildings age, nearly half of all construction activity in Britain is related to maintenance, refurbishment and conversions. Building adaptation is an activity that continues to make a significant contribution to the workload of the construction industry. Given its importance to sustainable construction, the proportion of adaptation works in relation to new build is likely to remain substantial for the foreseeable future, especially in the developed parts of the world. Building Adaptation, Second Edition is intended as a primer on the physical changes that can affect older properties. It demonstrates the general principles, techniques, and processes needed when existing buildings must undergo alteration, conversion, extension, improvement, or refurbishment. The publication of the first edition of Building Adaptation reflected the upsurge in refurbishment work. The book quickly established itself as one of the core texts for building surveying students and others on undergraduate and postgraduate built environment courses. This new edition continues to provide a comprehensive introduction to all the key issues relating to the adaptation of buildings. It deals with any work to a building over and above maintenance to change its capacity, function or performance.