Books: REVIEWS

This book gives a good general overview of programme management. Split into eight chapters, it makes a comprehensive distinction between existing project management, project delivery and similar techniques.

It also highlights emerging trends such as building information modelling (BIM) as well as covering aspects of programme management in procurement and contracts. The use of case studies from an international perspective is commendable.

Another notable feature is the well-articulated importance of the programme in design management, plus national, regional and local trends. The book also references the UN millennium development goals, which focus on a global partnership for development.

Overall this book is a very handy reference for professionals and students.

This book presents a collection of papers exploring the opportunities available through building information modelling (BIM) and the challenges in effectively implementing BIM.

The papers cover a wide range of topics, evaluating current practice and predicting how BIM may be applied in the future. A large part of the book discusses BIM in the design process, including parametric modelling and the use of BIM to optimise conceptual design across interfacing disciplines.

The current power of BIM to test and analyse different designs is considered, such as analysis of energy efficiency and lighting within buildings. The writers go on to provide their thoughts on how, in future, BIM might use knowledge from previous designs in developing new designs.

A collection of papers discusses the challenges of using BIM across different disciplines of the design team, to achieve an optimised and collaborative design. This is extended to consider how BIM can be used through the building process – from design, through construction, to building operation – and the challenges arising from different modelling methods and needs at each stage.

This book is very much orientated towards buildings rather than infrastructure. It also assumes the reader has a good knowledge and understanding of BIM.

Written by over 50 experts from Shell technical centres in Europe, Asia and America, the 6th edition of this popular handbook has 800 pages, double the size of the previous edition.

It provides extensive information on bitumen and asphalt products, from resourcing, design and manufacturing to handling and construction, as well as global examples of pavement designs, regulations and specifications.

Existing chapters have been substantially updated in line with current world practice and emerging standards, and revamped with colourful photographs, charts and tables, which vastly improve the reading experience.

The inclusion of new chapters on health, safety and environmental regulations; durability and performance-related test methods, specifications and best practices; recycling and low-temperature asphalts; and certification schemes all help to bring this book to the next level.

The handbook secures its reputation as one of the most comprehensive reference books in bitumen and asphalt technology for new and experienced engineers as well as academics and researchers.

This book covers rock engineering in a logical and comprehensive manner. The authors have presented the fundamentals of the science of rock mechanics, including useful guidance on how to gather data, interpret the information and undertake assessment of rock engineering problems.

The well-ordered layout of the chapters is easy to follow, with the sections on geology covering the basics of plate tectonics and rock composition that leads into the section on investigation and measurement providing useful guidance of the techniques used to gather data and measure essential rock parameters.

The book leads from the data gathering into the derivation of ground models in relation to the project and considers uncertainties in ground modelling. This then forms the basis for the following chapters that present guidance on the ground behaviour and ground conditions.

The specific chapters on rock engineering cover design tools, planning, excavation techniques, support systems and monitoring.

In all the book provides a good reference for rock engineering in terms of investigation planning, design and implementation of rock engineering works and would be a useful reference for students and practitioners alike.

As a civil engineer first attracted to this profession by the muddy boots and hard hat in my uncle’s car, I was drawn to the title of this autobiography of a celebrated engineer from Northern Ireland. In this republished 2014 edition (with editorial corrections and enhanced illustrations), Donald vividly reviews a successful career in civil engineering.

The text examines his technical and personal experiences on the construction of motorways, railways, dams, harbours, prison blocks, water-treatment facilities and footbridges. Of particular note was his work on the design and construction of the Foyle Bridge in Derry and the Belfast Cross Harbour road and rail bridges.

The book also covers the author’s involvement with ICE, and his post-retirement work on bridge-building in Africa. It presents the author’s views on recent changes in the construction industry, covering topics such as subcontracting, health and safety and computerised planning, ending with an optimistic view of civil engineering as a fulfilling profession.

This inexpensive book of 153 pages is highly recommended, both as an introduction for young people to the world of practical civil engineering and for older engineers as a humorous summary of a very worthwhile career spent ‘directing the great sources of nature for the use and convenience of man’.

The ICE library maintains one of the most comprehensive collections of civil engineering books in the world, including all titles from ICE Publishing (shown in bold below). New books received in the past 3 months include the following.

All books can be borrowed from the ICE library on the first floor of 1 Great George Street, London, SW1P 3AA from 8∙30 am to 6∙30 pm, Monday to Friday. ICE Publishing titles can also be purchased from the ICE library or ordered by calling +44 1892 832299, emailing orders@icepublishing.com or by visiting www.icevirtuallibrary.com/content/books.