Recent publications
Introducing the concept of nD modelling, this text takes the theory of computer modelling of the built environment to n dimensions. Constructing the Future is a comprehensive book which provides a global perspective on the concept of nD modelling and its utilisation of decision support tools for systematic assessment and comparison between various design parameters such as cost, accessibility, maintainability, sustainability, crime, energy, whole life costing, acoustics and scheduling among others. Offering competing views from a wide range of contributors, Constructing the Future examines the role of nD modelling in the future of construction, as well as its impact on the industry worldwide. Edited by Ghassan Aouad, Angela Lee and Song Wu it is priced at £95.00 in Hardback (432 pages) and published by Taylor and Francis.
Code for sustainable homes
This new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes has recently been launched. By integrating elements of this voluntary Code into new homes and obtaining assessments against the Code, developers will be able to obtain a “star rating” for any new home which will demonstrate its environmental performance. It will provide valuable information to home buyers, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms. The code for sustainable homes was launched as part of a package of measures towards zero carbon development, including an overarching consultation: Building a greener future on the shift to zero carbon; and a consultation on the draft of a new Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change. For more information visit the planning portal at www.planningportal.gov.uk/
Cost planning of PFI and PPP building projects
Written by Abdelhalim Boussabaine of the University of Liverpool this topical and timely book presents an innovative approach to dealing with the complexities of cost planning in PFI. This text provides a thorough grounding in the theory of PFI, from its early evolution through to examples of current projects, and explores the rationale for private financing of public services, arguments for and against PFI and “value for money” mechanisms. Pre-Financial Close stage of the project. It is priced at £65.00 and published by Taylor and Francis.
Approved Document Part B – Fire Safety
The revised Approved Document B – Fire Safety came into force in April 2007. Incorporating the Regulatory Reform Act, it contains substantial changes to the previous version including new calculations on fire escape stairs,tighter requirements for fire-fighting shafts, more stringent demands for smoke control, allowances for sprinklers in lieu of alternative means of escape, and many other changes.
Approved Document B is now in two volumes: Approved Document B1: Fire safety– Dwellinghouses (2006) price: £12.50 and Approved Document B2: Fire safety – Buildings other than dwellinghouses (2006) Price £17.50.
New UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Research Report – RR516 An Investigation of Approaches to Worker Engagement
A research report for the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) entitled An Investigation of Approaches to Worker Engagement (HSE RR516) has recently been published. The report documents the findings of a £98.5K, 12 month study investigating approaches to worker engagement in the UK construction industry and the implementation of several “packages” for improvement on intervention sites. The study was carried out on behalf of HSE by Dr Iain Cameron and Dr Billy Hare from Glasgow Caledonian University School of the Built and Natural Environment. The full report can be downloaded from HSEs web site at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/RESEARCH/rrhtm/rr516.htm
Revised Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3)
A revised Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3) on housing has been published, requiring local authorities in England to identify more appropriate sites for housing, with a stronger emphasis on the quality of design and environmental standards. The document is priced at £15 or can be downloaded free from http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1504592
Red Book online
RICS Appraisal and Valuation Standards (The Red Book) contains mandatory rules, best practice guidance and related commentary for all RICS members undertaking asset valuations. It is now available online at www.rics.org/Property/Propertyappraisalandvaluation/red_book.htmThe Guidance Notes and Practice Statements from the Red Book can be downloaded either as a single PDF or by individual chapter. It was first published in 1980,and has been updated many times since then. The current edition (edition 5) was first published in 2003. Changes to the standards are approved by the RICS Valuation Faculty Board, and the Red Book is updated accordingly on a regular basis. The standards are divided into two main parts. The first contains rules and guidance applying to RICS members anywhere in the world and is consistent with the principal rules of International Valuation Standards. The second contains material which relates specifically to particular countries. Currently this part only covers the UK and the Republic of Ireland, however as time progresses standards relating to other national markets will be added.
Understanding the CDM Regulations
Written by Owen Griffiths, this book is published by Taylor and Francis at£24.99 in paperback. The main legislative provisions for planning and managing construction risks are set out in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 and the associated Approved Code of Practice. Straightforward and practical, Understanding the CDM Regulations outlines the health and safety record of the construction industry and demonstrates the reasons for the introduction of this statutory regulation. It covers the duties of five CDM duty holders (client, planning supervisor, designer, principal contractor and contractor), the importance of the hazard management process on every project and also explains the consequences of failing to produce appropriate and effective safety outputs on a project. Any CDM duty holder,project manager, construction professional, or student, is provided here with a thorough grounding in the legal requirements of the regulations as well as numerous examples of construction health and safety best practices and how to use the Approved Code of Practice appropriately. This book shows how to unleash the potential of the regulations and add real value to the industry. A small appendix has been added which includes commentary on the proposed 2007 CDM Regulations.
Environmental Deterioration of Materials
A new volume in the well regarded WIT Press series on Advances in Architecture, this book deals with the fundamental principles underlying environmental degradation of widely-used and economically important construction materials such as metals, stone, brick, concrete, timber, cast iron, steel,copper alloys and aluminium. It features information on the methods of deterioration, as well as general information on the economic impact of the damaging processes, and offers some suggested fundamental protection techniques for buildings, industrial and agricultural facilities, monuments and culturally important structures. Environmental Deterioration of Materials will be of interest to materials and corrosion engineering experts, civil and environmental engineers, students and practicing professionals, designers, architects and restoration engineers. It will also be a useful tool for managers from various sectors of industry, for auditors of environmental management systems, and it can be used as a complementary course book for university students. Full contents details can be found at www.witpress.com/acatalog/0323.htmlIt is edited by A. Moncmanova of Slovak Technical University, Slovakia and is priced at £98.00.
The Expert Witness
This study paper, updated in November 2006 by Paul Barry is for anyone providing expert advice or evidence in a case relating to their own professional field. It deals with accepting instructions, writing reports, meeting experts for the other side, court and arbitration procedures and behaviour, and whether an expert is liable in negligence. It stresses the need for absolute integrity at all times. The paper is published by College of Estate Management at £52.50.
Recent BRE publications
Books: Designing quality buildings: a BRE guide, Schools Design Forum Workshop Report, Reuse of Foundations for Urban Sites, Green Roofs and Facades,the SUDS Manual, Subsidence Damage to Domestic Buildings, Repairing Flooded Buildings.
Good Building Guides: Loft Conversion, Plasterboard Part 1: Types and their Application.
Information Papers: Refurbishing Victorian Housing, Simplified Building Energy Model.
All of the above publications are available from www.brebookshop.com or telephone 01344 404407.
Inspections and Reports on Dwellings: Reporting for Buyers
Inspections and Reports on Dwellings is a series of books covering all the procedures for preparing reports on dwellings for buyers, lenders and sellers, written by Ian Gordon and Ian Melville. It follows the professional guidelines developed in the light of court cases on negligence and Government requirements for the production of Home Condition Reports. “Assessing Age”and “Inspecting” have already been published and “Reporting for Buyers” is the third in the series. Following the assessment of age and the inspection, the aim must be to set out the findings in a clear, unambiguous and unequivocal manner. This book shows how that aim can be achieved for the three key types of reports for buyers: Mortgage Valuation, Homebuyer Survey and Valuation and Building Survey. The book covers all the aspects involved in the preparation of market valuations of residential property by the comprehensive and includes four sample reports and an extensive glossary. The Government’s decision to make the inclusion of a Home Condition report in sellers’ Home Improvement Packs voluntary and not compulsory for England and Wales from January 2007, means that the demand for reports for buyers will predominate for some time to come. The book is published by EG Books in paperback and is priced at £34.99.
