Research in Building Physics and Building Engineering


Book Description

Buildings influence people. They account for one third of energy consumption across the globe and represent an annual capital expenditure of 7%-10% of GNP in industrialized countries. Their lifetime operation costs can exceed capital investment. Building Engineering aims to make buildings more efficient, safe and economical. One branch of this discipline, Building Physics/Science, has gained prominence, with a heightened awareness of such phenomena as sick buildings, the energy crisis and sustainability, and considering the performance of buildings in terms of climatic loads and indoor conditions. The book reflects the advanced level and high quality of research which Building Engineering, and Building Physics/Science in particular, have reached at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It will be a valuable resource to: engineers, architects, building scientists, consultants on the building envelope, researchers and graduate students.




Manufacturing Technology for Aerospace Structural Materials


Book Description

The rapidly-expanding aerospace industry is a prime developer and user of advanced metallic and composite materials in its many products. This book concentrates on the manufacturing technology necessary to fabricate and assemble these materials into useful and effective structural components. Detailed chapters are dedicated to each key metal or alloy used in the industry, including aluminum, magnesium, beryllium, titanium, high strength steels, and superalloys. In addition the book deals with composites, adhesive bonding and presents the essentials of structural assembly. This book will be an important resource for all those involved in aerospace design and construction, materials science and engineering, as well as for metallurgists and those working in related sectors such as the automotive and mass transport industries. Flake Campbell Jr has over thirty seven years experience in the aerospace industry and is currently Senior Technical Fellow at the Boeing Phantom Works in Missouri, USA.* All major aerospace structural materials covered: metals and composites* Focus on details of manufacture and use* Author has huge experience in aerospace industry* A must-have book for materials engineers, design and structural engineers, metallurgical engineers and manufacturers for the aerospace industry




Mechanical Testing of Advanced Fibre Composites


Book Description

Testing of composite materials can present complex problems but is essential in order to ensure the reliable, safe and cost-effective performance of any engineering structure. This essentially practical book, complied from the contributions of leading professionals in the field, describes a wide range of test methods which can be applied to various types of advanced fibre composites. The book focuses on high modulus, high strength fibre/plastic composites and also covers highly anisotrpoic materials such as carbon, aramid and glass.Engineers and designers specifying the use of materials in structures will find this book an invaluable guide to best practice throughout the range of industrial sectors where FRCs are employed.




Polymer Composites II


Book Description

Based on polymer conferences held in 1999 and 2001, Polymer Composites II: Composites Applications in Infrastructure Renewal and Economic Development is a collection of status reports, success stories, and new opportunities from specific composite applications in infrastructure renewal that provide insight to the resulting economic development and effects. This volume brings together multidisciplinary experts involved with polymer composites who validate their design, construction, and performance and present the role that composites play in infrastructure renewal, detail the technical and regualtory barriers, identify helpful agencies, and estimate the possibilities of economic development.




Progress in Durability Analysis of Composite Systems


Book Description

Composite material systems are the basis for much of the natural world around us and are rapidly becoming the basis for many modern engineering components. A controlling feature for the general use of such systems is their damage tolerance, durability and reliability. The present book is a comprehensive cross section of the state of the art in the field of the durability of polymer-based, composite, and adhesive systems. As such, it is of special value to researchers concerned with the frontier of the field, to students concerned with the substance of the subject, and to the applied community concerned with the finding methodologies that make it possible to design safe and durable engineering components using material systems.




Mechanics of Composite Materials and Structures


Book Description

A compact presentation of the foundations, current state of the art, recent developments and research directions of all essential techniques related to the mechanics of composite materials and structures. Special emphasis is placed on classic and recently developed theories of composite laminated beams, plates and shells, micromechanics, impact and damage analysis, mechanics of textile structural composites, high strain rate testing and non-destructive testing of composite materials and structures. Topics of growing importance are addressed, such as: numerical methods and optimisation, identification and damage monitoring. The latest results are presented on the art of modelling smart composites, optimal design with advanced materials, and industrial applications. Each section of the book is written by internationally recognised experts who have dedicated most of their research work to a particular field. Readership: Postgraduate students, researchers and engineers in the field of composites. Undergraduate students will benefit from the treatment of the foundations of the mechanics of composite materials and structures.




Damp Indoor Spaces and Health


Book Description

Almost all homes, apartments, and commercial buildings will experience leaks, flooding, or other forms of excessive indoor dampness at some point. Not only is excessive dampness a health problem by itself, it also contributes to several other potentially problematic types of situations. Molds and other microbial agents favor damp indoor environments, and excess moisture may initiate the release of chemical emissions from damaged building materials and furnishings. This new book from the Institute of Medicine examines the health impact of exposures resulting from damp indoor environments and offers recommendations for public health interventions. Damp Indoor Spaces and Health covers a broad range of topics. The book not only examines the relationship between damp or moldy indoor environments and adverse health outcomes but also discusses how and where buildings get wet, how dampness influences microbial growth and chemical emissions, ways to prevent and remediate dampness, and elements of a public health response to the issues. A comprehensive literature review finds sufficient evidence of an association between damp indoor environments and some upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, wheezing, and asthma symptoms in sensitized persons. This important book will be of interest to a wide-ranging audience of science, health, engineering, and building professionals, government officials, and members of the public.




Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites


Book Description

Research on natural fiber composites is an emerging area in the field of polymer science with tremendous growth potential for commercialization. Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites: Material Formulations, Processing, Characterization, Properties, and Engineering Applications provides updated information on all the important classes of natural fibers and their composites that can be used for a broad range of engineering applications. Leading researchers from industry, academia, government, and private research institutions from across the globe have contributed to this highly application-oriented book. The chapters showcase cutting-edge research discussing the current status, key trends, future directions, and opportunities. Focusing on the current state of the art, the authors aim to demonstrate the future potential of these materials in a broad range of demanding engineering applications. This book will act as a one-stop reference resource for academic and industrial researchers working in R&D departments involved in designing composite materials for semi structural engineering applications. - Presents comprehensive information on the properties of hybrid natural fiber composites that demonstrate their ability to improve the hydrophobic nature of natural fiber composites - Reviews recent developments in the research and development of hybrid natural fiber composites in various engineering applications - Focuses on modern technologies and illustrates how hybrid natural fiber composites can be used as alternatives in structural components subjected to severe conditions




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




Strengthening of Concrete Structures Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP)


Book Description

Strengthening of Concrete Structures Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP): Design, Construction and Practical Applications presents a best practice guide on the structural design and strengthening of bridge structures using advanced Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. The book briefly covers the basic concepts of FRP materials and composite mechanics, while focusing on practical design and construction issues, including inspection and quality control, paying special attention to the differences in various design codes (US, Japan, and Europe) and recommendations. At present, several design guides from the US, Japan, and Europe are available. These guidelines are often inconsistent and do not cover all necessary design and inspection issues to the same degree of detail. This book provides a critical review and comparison of these guidelines, and then puts forward best practice recommendations, filling a significant gap in the literature, and serving as an important resource for engineers, architects, academics, and students interested in FRP materials and their structural applications. Written from a practitioner's point-of-view, it is a valuable design book for structural engineers all over the world. - Includes a large quantity of design examples and structural software to facilitate learning and help readers perform routine design - Provides recommendations for best practices in design and construction for the strengthening of bridge structures using advanced fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites - Presents comprehensive guidelines on design, inspection, and quality control, including laboratory and field testing information