Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: Supporting Documentation


Book Description

The Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) handbook can be used by trained personnel to identify, inventory, and screen buildings that are potentially seismically vulnerable. The RVS procedure comprises a method and several forms that help users to quickly identify, inventory, and score buildings according to their risk of collapse if hit by major earthquakes. The RVS handbook describes how to identify the structural type and key weakness characteristics, how to complete the screening forms, and how to manage a successful RVS program.







Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection, and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual


Book Description

Tunnels represent a significant financial investment with challenging design, construction, and operational issues. Tunnels that are not adequately maintained usually require more costly and extensive repairs. To help safeguard tunnel users and to ensure reliable levels of service, the FHWA developed the National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS), the Tunnel Operations Maintenance Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual, and the Specifications for National Tunnel Inventory (SNTI). In accordance with the NTIS, this Manual describes methods for improving the safety and performance of roadway tunnel operation, maintenance, inspection, and evaluation programs.




Crime Scene Investigation


Book Description

This is a guide to recommended practices for crime scene investigation. The guide is presented in five major sections, with sub-sections as noted: (1) Arriving at the Scene: Initial Response/Prioritization of Efforts (receipt of information, safety procedures, emergency care, secure and control persons at the scene, boundaries, turn over control of the scene and brief investigator/s in charge, document actions and observations); (2) Preliminary Documentation and Evaluation of the Scene (scene assessment, "walk-through" and initial documentation); (3) Processing the Scene (team composition, contamination control, documentation and prioritize, collect, preserve, inventory, package, transport, and submit evidence); (4) Completing and Recording the Crime Scene Investigation (establish debriefing team, perform final survey, document the scene); and (5) Crime Scene Equipment (initial responding officers, investigator/evidence technician, evidence collection kits).







Final Report on the Collapse of the World Trade Center Towers


Book Description

This is the final report of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigation of the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) towers, conducted under the National Construction Safety Team Act.




Fine Homebuilding


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Home A Syst


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Low Impact Development


Book Description

The manual introduces general audiences to designing landscapes for urban stormwater runoff -- a primary source of watershed pollution. The goal is to motivate awareness and implementation of LID in a wide cross-section of stakeholders, from property owners to municipal governments that regulate infrastructure development. The manual provides a holistic framework in which a novice homeowner and an experienced developer can each find an equally tranformative role to enact.




Construction Estimating Using Excel


Book Description

For courses in Construction Estimating in two year and four year construction management programs. Construction Estimating with Excel introduces readers to the fundamental principles of estimating and includes drawing sets, real-world exercises, and examples that give beginners critical estimating experience. The book moves step-by-step through the estimating process, discussing the art of estimating, the quantity takeoff, how to put costs to the estimate and how to finalize the bid. It is also the first text to demonstrate how Microsoft Excel can be used to improve the estimating process. Because it introduces spreadsheets as a way of increasing estimating productivity and accuracy, the book can help both beginning and experienced estimators improve their skills.