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Book Description

An anthology of fiction by eight women that reveals a literary tradition that begins on the frontier in the 1830s, and extends to a retrospective re-creation of the Western Reserve's frontier culture at the close of the century. The women explore the state's places and contemporary idiom in a variety of styles, but all attempt to define the frontier experience from their particular perspectives as Ohio women. No index. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR







Toxicity of Building Materials


Book Description

From long-standing worries regarding the use of lead and asbestos to recent research into carcinogenic issues related to the use of plastics in construction, there is growing concern regarding the potential toxic effects of building materials on health. Toxicity of building materials provides an essential guide to this important problem and its solutions. Beginning with an overview of the material types and potential health hazards presented by building materials, the book goes on to consider key plastic materials. Materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions, as well as semi-volatile organic compounds, are then explored in depth, before a review of wood preservatives and mineral fibre-based building materials. Issues related to the use of radioactive materials and materials that release toxic fumes during burning are the focus of subsequent chapters, followed by discussion of the range of heavy metals, materials prone to mould growth, and antimicrobials. Finally, Toxicity of building materials concludes by considering the potential hazards posed by waste based/recycled building materials, and the toxicity of nanoparticles. With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Toxicity of building materials is an invaluable tool for all civil engineers, materials researchers, scientists and educators working in the field of building materials. Provides an essential guide to the potential toxic effects of building materials on health Comprehensively examines materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions, as well as semi-volatile organic compounds Later chapters focus on issues surrounding the use of radioactive materials and materials that release toxic fumes during burning




Building Materials in Civil Engineering


Book Description

The construction of buildings and structures relies on having a thorough understanding of building materials. Without this knowledge it would not be possible to build safe, efficient and long-lasting buildings, structures and dwellings. Building materials in civil engineering provides an overview of the complete range of building materials available to civil engineers and all those involved in the building and construction industries. The book begins with an introductory chapter describing the basic properties of building materials. Further chapters cover the basic properties of building materials, air hardening cement materials, cement, concrete, building mortar, wall and roof materials, construction steel, wood, waterproof materials, building plastics, heat-insulating materials and sound-absorbing materials and finishing materials. Each chapter includes a series of questions, allowing readers to test the knowledge they have gained. A detailed appendix gives information on the testing of building materials. With its distinguished editor and eminent editorial committee, Building materials in civil engineering is a standard introductory reference book on the complete range of building materials. It is aimed at students of civil engineering, construction engineering and allied courses including water supply and drainage engineering. It also serves as a source of essential background information for engineers and professionals in the civil engineering and construction sector. Provides an overview of the complete range of building materials available to civil engineers and all those involved in the building and construction industries Explores the basic properties of building materials featuring air hardening cement materials, wall and roof materials and sound-absorbing materials Each chapter includes a series of questions, allowing readers to test the knowledge they have gained




Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect


Book Description

A #1 best seller for years, Bill Hirsch's Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect has been called an essential read for Homeowners as well as Professionals. Bill's flowing style of writing makes you feel like you are sitting with him having a chat about your project. The philosophy behind design decisions is explained with stories, photos, sketches, and checklists. The book is divided into Twelve Lessons, with an additional Bonus Lesson ," Building Green, Naturally". You will learn how to evaluate your needs and work towards creating a suitable design, perfect for you and your family. The experience of home design and construction should be controllable, gratifying and enjoyable. With the valuable advice that Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect provides, it can be.







Performance of Bio-based Building Materials


Book Description

Performance of Bio-based Building Materials provides guidance on the use of bio-based building materials (BBBM) with respect to their performance. The book focuses on BBBM currently present on the European market. The state-of-the-art is presented regarding material properties, recommended uses, performance expectancies, testing methodology, and related standards. Chapters cover both ‘old and traditional’ BBBM since quite a few of them are experiencing a comeback on the market. Promising developments that could become commercial in the near future are presented as well. The book will be a valuable reference resource for those working in the bio-based materials research community, architects and agencies dealing with sustainable construction, and graduate students in civil engineering. Takes a unique approach to bio-based materials and presents a broad overview of the topics on relevant areas necessary for application and promotion in construction Contains a general description, notable properties related to performance, and applications Presents standards that are structured according to performance types




Building Decorative Materials


Book Description

Buildings should not only be functional but aesthetically pleasing. This requires the use of decorative materials both on the exterior and inside a building. Building decorative materials reviews the range of materials available and their potential applications. The book begins by considering the main types of decorative material and the physical, mechanical and other properties they require. It then discusses types and potential uses of decorative stone materials such as marble, granite, slate or gypsum. It then goes on to discuss the ways cement and concrete can be used for decorative effect, before considering the role of ceramics in such areas as tiling. The following chapters review decorative glass for windows or facades, metals and wood before assessing polymer materials such as plastics and textiles. The final group of chapters discuss coatings, including waterproofing materials, multi-functional materials used for such purposes as soundproofing and thermal insulation, and the use of more sustainable decorative materials. Building decorative materials is a useful reference for architects, civil engineers and those studying civil or structural engineering. Reviews the full range of materials available for both the exterior and interior of buildings and their potential applications beyond conventional uses Considers the main types of decorative material and the physical, mechanical and other properties they require as the role of sustainable materials Discusses types and potential uses of decorative stone materials such as marble, granite, slate or gypsum and explores how cement and concrete can be used for decorative effect