Fundamentals of Building Construction (5th edition) by Edward Allen

Publisher: Wiley
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Product Description

Now in its Fifth Edition, this essential textbook has been used by thousands of students annually in schools of architecture, engineering, and construction technology. The bestselling reference focuses on the basic materials and methods used in building construction, emphasizing common construction systems such as light wood frames, masonry bearing walls, steel frames, and reinforced concrete. New introductory material on the processes, organization, constraints, and choices in construction offers a better look at the management of construction. New sections covering the building envelope uncover the secrets to designing enclosures for thermal insulation, vapor retarders, air barriers, and moisture control. The Fifth Edition also features more axonometric detail drawings and revised photographs for a thoroughly illustrated approach and the latest IBC 2006, CSI MasterFormat, ASTM references, and LEED information.

Customer Reviews

Surpassed expectations

Review Date: May 28, 2004

Reviewer: Kevin Heddy, Chico, CA

Being a student in Construction Management Edward Allen's book was assigned as our text book. The course entitled materials and methods is intended to teach future construction manajors about the wide variety of materials on the market today as well as tradional methods of constructing with these materials.
The book is chalked full of knowledge most of which would take a person hours, even days of research to uncover with other sources. It is very comprehensive. If you are active in the comercial building construction this book is a must for your refrence shelf. Residential construction owners/workers would gain considerable knowledge from the book it has plenty of useful information however I feel the book is leaning more towards heavy commercial.

Great Book on Construction

Review Date: April 3, 2000

Reviewer: gsd99dde@gsd.harvard.edu, US

Simply put, this is one of the best technical textbooks I've ever read. It's basic stuff for someone just starting out in the discipline of architecture, but I'm keeping it as a reference for future professional use. It is clearly written and well illustrated and worth it's high price. I wish Allen would now write a book on Environmental Control Systems--everything in that field is too dry and too technical.

Guide for construction

Review Date: March 23, 2006

Reviewer: Anil Arican, Turkey

Every engineer must have one copy of this book.This is an updated edition of the previous ones.Very detailed description and pictures about construction.

my leisure reading

Review Date: August 30, 2007

Reviewer: Pamela C. Panos, Philadelphia, PA United States

this book is an excellent overview of construction materials and practices. i really recommend this book to beginning structural/civil engineers who want to know more about construction. I would absolutely recommend this to architects because it's very practical.

Excellent Resource

Review Date: December 27, 2007

Reviewer: Mary M. Blocker, ATL

I am still using my 1985 Edition! It is a resource you will want to keep around. The technical background and drawings are great! It has some of everything - residential and nonresidential. Thanks Edward Allen-great book.