2 comments about Construction Project Administration (8th Edition).

1. the book covers most of the issues related to project management. Some topics are very informative even for soemone with experience in project management. overall a very good book on this subject.



2. One would have thought that after so many editions, the thick book would have been far less wordy and better structured. The main problem is not structuring according to project life cycle, resulting in many repetitions and unnecessary topics such as how to use a camera on site! Construction projects must be managed in a simple and efficient manner so that milestones can be tracked and problems are quickly resolved. Having unnecessary details divert attention from such basic principles.

5 comments about Working with Concrete.

1. This is the better book on pouring concrete forms that Taunton Press offers.
   When I bought the book I was a complete novice. Now after 1 1/2 years and several large projects I am starting to learn what is missing. The book does not talk about the design of the forms. For example concrete exerts 150lb/sqft for ever foot of height. At the bottom of a 2ft wall the pressure is 300lbs but at the bottom of a 8ft wall the pressure is 1200lb/sqft. The plywood, 2x4 bracing, and ties need to be set for the height of a wall.
   You can lessen the number of ties in a wall by using stronger ties but then you have to make sure the grid spacing of the 2x4's will support the plywood.
   The pressure on the plywood can also lessened if the pour is slowed down or done in two stages but if it is a small job that will take less than a hour to do the forms will get the full pressure.
   With the first form sys I rented there was nothing telling me how much pressure the forms would take. Trying to save some money I set everything up with ties on a 4'x 2' grid pattern this is O.K for say a 3ft wall but (lucky for me the guy that was going to pump the concrete told me)not strong enough for a 7ft wall.
   There are many different types of form sys if the one that is shown in the book is not available in your area you will need to do more research.
   If you are using a small inline pumper truck you need to order the concrete with small rock.
   Bracing the wall is also very important you are dealing with tons of weight so make sure the bracing holding the wall vertical/straight is done well.
   
   Forms are also called Falsework.
   
   With rebar in the form it is just about impossible to spray the form release on without getting it on the re-bar. It is better to spray the form boards before setting them up or ...
   Make sure you strip the forms 1 - 2 days after the pour then you don't need form release. Any spilt concrete be easy to break up.
   
   Added Dec. 10 2007
   
   Rent a concrete vibrator and hit the sides of the forms with a hammer to get rid of the air. Don't over vibrate the concrete or you will make big air bubbles.
   
   For form stripping buy a 5ft wrecking bar with a 90 degree end not a crow bar with a hook. The 5ft bar cut the stripping time in half.
   
   Hitachi makes a rebar bender/cutter I have rented several times it is great tool.



2. It gave a lot of great information for bigger jobs with concrete. We were initially looking for something on a much smaller scale, but we are going to be doing our driveway soon, and this book had much needed information on how to do it yourself.



3. Covered many areas and ideas that were new to me (like rebar chairs and footing brackets), but I wish more coverage had been shown on dealing with hydronic tubing in slabs. Even the hydronic books lack specificity on how to maintain tubing at uniform location in slab so as not to be too deep, yet not so close to surface to prevent damage by saw-cut control joints. Would have also like to have seen more discussion on powered trowels for flatwork, and finishing stairs so as not to see formwork impressions on riser (says to leave formwork on for several days, but that means no texturing options for the risers.)



4. Minimal coverage of additives, finishing, and concrete mix variations. Good coverage
   of form building and setting. Not as complete as the title implies; really another formwork book.



5. comprehensive book on concrete - just what I was looking for before building my own house.

1 comments about Basic Construction Materials (7th Edition).

1. I bought this book for a construction materials class and it has proved to be very informative and thourough.

4 comments about Refabricating Architecture: How Manufacturing Methodologies are Poised to Transform Building Construction.

1. Once again, Stephen Kieran and his firm has put out a great book on Architecture. He has totally transformed modern Architecture and taken it to another level. Seeing his work first hand is truly a treat for those of you interested in this field. A gold Medal - Congratulations !



2. In this book, the authors compared the present construction process of buildings to that of the automobile, ship building and aerospace industry. This is not new (remember Towards a New Architecture?). While Corb's book talked about end products, this talks about processes. Indeed, the authors presented some impressive research evidence on how the building construction industry can learn from these neighbors by sharing many common features of process and final product between industries.

   However, what is not clear as an example, is the articulated, and perhaps even necessitated need for a building to emulate the joint tolerances of a car or an airplane. While the latter can sometimes determine the life and death of the user, a "half-inch tolerance" on a hospital facade will occur over the "millimeters" simply because there is no pragmatic need for such an emulation. This is, of course, not even an excuse for the lack of craft, but a statement that there should be a real need presented before a necessitated manifestation in form to occur. One simply should not look over to the greener pastures for the sake of doing so. The book is peppered with many such unclear determination and one has to really specify what kind of architecture does what, in a rather blunt way, before assuming with this pretense that emulation is good. Spirit of the Age has erred twice now over the raison d'etre.

   The second major criticism for this book is the uncritical constant comparision between the building and the . As much as I can appreciate the way automakers think of creative ways to make money from us, the allegedly "creative" folks through the streamlining of the process, a car differs vastly from a building because of context. Sure, context is too well hyped these days but surely we can speak the same for a plane or car in any context but we cannot do the same for every building we make. A car is driven in Asia or Europe but a building, as the authors noted, does not move very much. Context, therefore, as well as the ill-defined problem space of design is the problem here.

   Thirdly, one cannot talk about refabricating architecture without commenting on the economical, labor structure of our society. Who are the conceptual workers of this industry? What is their wage and labor structure like? We simply cannot compare industry to industry on such a macro-scale because some fundamental aspect, though microscopic at this scale, dictates much of the process. The automobile or aerospace engineer can streamline their methods compared to architectural designers because of a marked difference between their wage, working and corporate conditions. What about forms of insurance, legal laws governing these different industries? All these are "form-makers" of the design process too. One cannot proceed to such an unbridled admiration of other design processes without at least commenting on these discrepancies.

   The only salvation, in my opinion, of this book, remains to be the salvation of an architect's vision (architects, in this case of two authors). The very last part of the book displayes what modern architects are trained best to do, a marketable vision, possibly manifested in physical or representational format. While this remained as one of the rare books out there to tackle difficult topics of architectural process and methods, it needs a rigorous rework and editing (and perhaps peer review) before what is simplistically presented can be deemed as a useful reference for folks out there who is trying to do what the authors intended.

   As a last reminder, F. Brunelleschi had the might of the Medici's empire backing him when he invented the cranework or the shell of the Dome. One simply cannot compare singularities in history with the challenges that the small to medium size offices face in this country everyday.

   (The author of this review is not an Architect, but is interested in design in the larger context.)




3. The overall strength of this work is the reminder to architects to look outside their field for inspiration, investigation, and implementation. Process is approached as beyond just "design process" to physical fabrication methodologies in various industries and the architectural conclusions are drawn from a comparative perspective.
   
   The initial theme seems to be interpreted as a mechanized approach void of craft but upon further digestion the intention is to celebrate craft in architecture, the approach the authors have taken in practice.
   
   I applaud the efforts to take what could have been a quite cumbersome topic and distilling it in a concise and intentional way.



4. There are some good ideas on this book, but most of it looks like a manager's meeting powerpoint presentation. There is Too much common sense and simple diagrams. I really expected more.

5 comments about A Place of My Own: The Education of an Amateur Builder.

1. this book is elegantly written, erudite and entertaining. I'd recommend it highly both to the carpenter who would like to know more about the ancient roots of construction and to the armchair traveller types. It examines the dynamic between builder, client and architect in a manner reminicient of but definitely different from the classic Tracy Kidder "House".



2. ... this book is much too wordy and self-consciously "word-crafted." A Place of My Own: 3 stars.
   
   I have loved his other books: The Botany of Desire in particular. He is an excellent writer and great to listen to in a radio interview. However, this book, it seems to me, was written for his former colleagues in the "word industry" as a proof that he can write more intricately structured sentences, more erudite vocabulary, more commas generally THAN YOU CAN!!
   
   I began reading the book with great hopes, and I hate to rate any of his books less than a 5; but I immediately bogged down. It has overly complicated, assertively complicated, prose. It has an immensity of nested clauses delimited by a blizzard of commas. I started looking for a sentence without a comma. I couldn't find one for at least a page and a half. Immensely long, self-consciously crafted sentences. Nothing is just a thing: It's possibly the strangest, most meaningful thing, except that his wife, when in the kitchen, though not generally not on Tuesdays, used to enunciate, with a wry expression on her lips -- a rather inappropriate expression I thought, that it was the opposite of the physical object, in spite of Plato and Aristotle, because her cabalistic, pernicious, atavism. (You get the style?) I think he was trying impress himself that his life, decision to write full time and his little studio were worthwhile. To me, it's navel-gazing at its worst.
   
   If you like the kind of sentence I parodied above (though trust me, it's not that much of a parody) you will like this book. Otherwise, not. As noted, I like Michael Pollan. I could not read this. Thank goodness for his more recent books.
   
   [edited for spelling and grammar 28FEB08]



3. First, I enjoyed reading this book. I'm a carpenter turned cabinetmaker that aspires to build spec homes per my own designs, from bottom to top. Given my existing interest in the field, I most enjoyed his discussion of the various architectural movements and the philosophies thereof. It provides a broad overview of different theories of design and how they result in pleasing (or not so pleasing) structures.
   
   However, he definitely goes overboard - especially with the obnoxious use of esoteric vocabulary. Synecdoche? I'm pretty well read and I don't think I've ever even seen that word written before. It goes on and on like that, and it's unfortunate because it really distracts you from what's otherwise a pretty interesting read. He also seems to slip into a bit of stream of consciousness about the theory behind some detail of construction or another (like muntins). Be prepared.
   
   It was also tiring to read about the conflict between the architect and the builder. If it was indeed as tense as he claims, then he's probably in large part to blame, getting wrapped up in the drama (which I believe he does).
   
   Overall I gave it a 3, because it definitely provided a lot of good information. But I was dragging by the end, and it really felt like once he hit his quota of pages he just stopped. He takes you all the way through the process of construction, but doesn't tell you how it ends. How's the building feel? What worked and what didn't? Is it great in the spring with the windows open, or is it too buggy? Freezing in the winter? By dropping 30 pages of theory and putting in an equal amount of reality it would have made this book a real winner.



4. I love this book because Michael allowed me to feel I could build a place of my own, and because I experienced the process so thoroughly and vicariously through him, I probably won't. I loved reading of the balancing of reality and desire, of architect, builder, and setting. I am amazed at what Michael is able to do, and I savor and share his rightful pride in being able to do so. I appreciate my own home more and view other structures with more curiosity as a result of reading this book. Michael entertains, and makes the process of home-building accessible to any one of us. I sit and look at the cover, wanting a little home of my own, and, as I say, I feel satisfied with what he has built, and the creation of my own little nest within a home that is already mine. And if I change my mind, he is here as guide.



5. Wonderful, wonderful book. I am inspired to find some land and build my own little haven... I guess that makes this the most expensive book I've ever bought.

5 comments about 2006 International Building Code - Looseleaf Version (International Building Code (Looseleaf)).

1. The newest edition of the IBC has finally come up with an easy-to-read version that allows users to easily access information in a familiar format but also allows quick reference and notes the deletion of important paragraphs and sections. I would highly recommend this book for all those in the construction industry. This book is the future of our profession...



2. Like the loose leaf edition the only complaint is that the holes need to be a little bigger.



3. the book is required for much
   work.
   
   It is a shame that they have to
   charge so much for a book that
   should be almost free.



4. The IBC Code is almost unintelligible. It's circular conditional process of determining code compliance is without doubt the most confusing edition of a building code ever adopted in the United States.



5. the Code is the Code, nothing to say about that, but I like the IBC as a loose leaf binder because you can pull out the ratings charts and review/cross-reference different sections of the code without hefting that cumbersome tome. The soft cover bound edition does not offer that option.

1 comments about Reinforced Concrete Design (6th Edition).

1. Helpful for designing retaining walls...

3 comments about Architecture: From Prehistory to Postmodernity, Reprint (2nd Edition).

1. It does not take a whole lot of verbiage or a Ph.D. to describe what the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, or the modern Americans have achieved in constructing their architecture. This book is written with an unecessary amount of big words and is extremely abstract throughout and tends to over-explains simple architectural realms. It does have great color photos.
   If you want to read an excellent architectural book buy or read Sir Banister Fletcher's Architecture.



2. I am a Registered architect(with National Certification), Registered Interior Designer and instructor of Architectural History. Trachtenberg and Hyman have written the definitive history of western architecture in this tract. The reading is awkward at times, but the ideas conveyed comprise the foundation of todays architectural theory. There are few, if any textbooks on this subject which maintain a consistant thread of thought all the way through. This one does. If you are vitally interested in the underpinnings of today's designs, you should read it.



3. The book arrived earlier than expected. It is a book I needed and could only find on Amazon. I am grateful that the book came in the condition that was describe to me. I encourage people to check out this book.

5 comments about Code Check Complete: An Illustrated Guide to Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes (Code Check).

1. It is a good book but, it frequently refers you back to the main code check book for the service you are working on e.g. in plumbing it will refer you to the code check plumbing book for complete information. had I to do over again I would buy the individual books.



2. This book is well made, obviously for field use, more importantly the information is very well organized and presentation is easy to understand. I own all the code check series and this just ties in with the rest. Illustrations are excellent and documentation and references are great. A definite positive addition to my library.



3. good source book for those who are making their way through the permit and inspection process. Seems to be complete, but misses a few things such as smoke alarm requirements. An index would have been really helpful.



4. Code Check Complete should be on every job site. A comprehensive book with illustrations on the latest building codes



5. This is a handy composite easy-to-use reference book of the four major building codes covering building, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. It is for residential buildings.
   
   Previously, the Code Check series was (and still is) issued for each of the individual codes noted above. This guide combines all four into a condensed and smaller spiral bound hard cover book. It is easier to carry and use if you need to take a quick peek at more than one of the various building code references.
   
   It is an easy guide for contractors, home inspectors, and others interested in the current rules and regulations as they pertain on a national basis. It is not meant as a substitute for your local code regs however.
   
   I believe both formats have a use and am glad they came out with this newer composite or complete version of all residential codes into one small book.
   
   An individual contractor or tradesperson might appreciate the individual CODE CHECK flip chart style guide better. As they cover one of the 4 various building codes, they are slightly larger and much more durable than the composite book. They are published on damage-resistant plastic coated card stock and impervious to moisture damage. They are also larger, yet thinner and are quicker to use as they flip open with their sections all summarized on the cover.
   
   The composite book is smaller, yet thicker. While it is also spiral bound, the paper it is printed on is not tear or moisture-resistant. The value for the composite is superior in that it provides most, if not all of the same information as the individual Code Checks. It is also much less expensive buying the composite compared to buying the four code checks separately. The pages are smaller and more difficult to read if one relies upon glasses in order to read.
   
   The other glaring detraction is the information for the Electrical section. Perhaps the book came out a few months too early. Everything in the Building, HVAC, and Plumbing sections is up-to-date. The Electrical section still contains the information from the 2002/2005 National Electrical Code. Not the newest 2008 version. I would imagine however, that the next edition of the composite "Complete" Code Check book would contain the latest info. Many, if not most local jurisdictions tend to operate off the older NEC, so it may be of little consequence at this point anyway.
   
   One other small observation, is that if you lend out your code check "complete", then you lend all of it out together. Unlike the individual publications. Also, it is not as durable, so if one does lend it out, it may not hold up in the long run, unlike the other larger plastic-coated booklets.
   
   It is still a wise investment for the money. And a great way to have all the major code R&Rs in your hand for a quick and easy reference.
   
   One other note, the publisher on their website also offers several downloads free of charge. One is the "California" Building Code. Another is changes or errors and ommissions in the Code Check Complete. It is after all in its first edition. However the mistakes are kept to a minimum.

1 comments about Surveying with Construction Applications (6th Edition).

1. This book provides good informations, with many examples, but i noticed that many of them have typos, and even the soulutions are incorrect. Because of this I rate the book as average.