The Contractor's Guide to Quality Concrete Construction


Book Description

Written by and for contractors, this publication provides insight into proven construction practices that will produce quality concrete construction. Contents include organizing for quality, concrete mixture designs, specifications, foundations, formwork, reinforcement and embedments in structures, joints and reinforcement for slabs-on-ground, preparing for concreting, concrete placing and finishing, common field problems, and safety. The guide can be used as a training manual or as a basic reference for field and office.







Concrete Construction


Book Description

This comprehensive concrete manual has the information you need, both the tried-and-tested methods and materials, and recent innovations. It covers styrofoam forming systems, fiber reinforcing adjuncts, and architectural innovations. Forming, one of the most important elements of concrete work, gets special attention. Every chapter provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for each task, with hundreds of photographs and drawings that show exactly how the work is done.




Spec Builder's Guide


Book Description




Wood-framed Shear Wall Construction


Book Description

Wood-framed shear walls are a crucial part of modern residential and small commercial buildings. Shear walls resist wind and earthquake forces to protect buildings from collapse. This book explains the engineering principles involved with shear wall design and proper construction. It is written in non-technical language intended for carpenters and builders. The basic, unchanging physical principles are explained with illustrated examples. This guide goes into detail that no other book on the subject even approaches. Over 180 pages and 150 color photos and illustrations show actual construction conditions and examples of proper and improper installations. It is extensively indexed for quick reference to specific topics. A detailed two-page illustration shows many basic requirements in graphical format for easy guidance. Specific sections of the International Building Code and International Residential Code are referenced where appropriate. This edition includes a new chapter on earthquake strengthening methods for existing buildings. This chapter was itself expanded into a completely separate book (over 250 pages) titled "Earthquake Strengthening for Vulnerable Homes." The book is intended mostly for carpenters and builders, but engineers and building inspectors also find the information very useful. Engineers may learn methods to make their shear wall designs more efficient and effective. An extensive inspection checklist (over 70 items) is included. This checklist is the basis for Special Inspection Guidelines for Wood-Frame Construction, currently under development by the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California.




Understanding and Negotiating Construction Contracts


Book Description

Understanding and Negotiating Construction Contracts The complexities of construction contracts are made easy with this thorough and readable guide Construction contracts can be complex for both owners and contractors. For contractors, negotiating fair and balanced commercial terms in contracts is just as important as properly managing projects; a properly negotiated contract can mitigate unnecessary risk and unnecessary risk transfer. This, in turn, reduces exposure to financial liability for the contractor and for avoidance of contract claims and disputes. Understanding and Negotiating Construction Contracts provides a comprehensive and readable introduction to the world of construction contracts. Providing, for example, coverage of the four most common types of contracts—lump sum/fixed-price, cost-plus, time-and-materials, and unit-pricing—it promises to reduce uncertainty and allow contractors to enter contractual negotiations with greater confidence to be able to achieve a fair and balanced contract. This updated new edition reflects the up-to-date best practices to understand how to better negotiate the commercial terms and conditions in construction contracts. Readers of the second edition of Understanding and Negotiating Construction Contracts will also find: Updated information on indemnity, insurance, and negotiation An all-new chapter with a contract analysis checklist Real-world examples drawn from small residential, retail, large commercial, and international projects Understanding and Negotiating Construction Contracts is essential for construction professionals and college students studying construction contracts and the liabilities arising out of them.




A Contractor's Guide to Planning, Scheduling, and Control


Book Description

A MUST-HAVE, PRACTICAL GUIDE THAT CONNECTS SCHEDULING AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT In A Contractor’s Guide to Planning, Scheduling, and Control, an experienced construction professional delivers a unique and effective approach to the planning and scheduling responsibilities of a construction project manager, superintendent, or jobsite scheduler. The author describes the complete scheduling cycle, from preconstruction and scheduling through controls and closeout, from the perspective of real-world general contractors and scheduling professionals. Filled with tools and strategies that actually help contractors build projects, and light on academic jargon and terminology that’s not used in the field, the book includes examples of real craft workers and subcontractors, like electricians, carpenters, and drywallers, to highlight the concepts discussed within. Finally, an extensive appendix rounds out the book with references to additional resources for the reader. This comprehensive guide includes: Thorough introductions to construction contracting, lean construction planning, subcontractor management, and more A comprehensive exploration of a commercial case study that’s considered in each chapter, connecting critical topics with a consistent through line End-of-chapter review questions and applied exercises Access to a companion website that includes additional resources and, for instructors, solutions, additional case studies, sample estimates, and sample schedules Perfect for upper-level undergraduate students in construction management and construction engineering programs, A Contractor’s Guide to Planning, Scheduling, and Control is also an irreplaceable reference for general contractors and construction project management professionals.