Acoustical Performance Data
To simplify and standardize evaluation of the acoustical performance of materials and systems, various rating systems have been adopted. The best […]
Building Design and Construction
Sociological changes, new technology in industry and commerce, new building codes, other new laws and regulations, inflationary economies of nations, and advances in building technology place an ever-increasing burden on building designers
and constructors. They need more and more knowledge and skill to cope with the demands placed on them.
The public continually demands more complex buildings than in the past. They must serve more purposes, last longer, and require less maintenance and repair. As in the past, they must look attractive. Yet, both building construction and operating
costs must be kept within acceptable limits or new construction will cease.
To meet this challenge successfully, continual improvements in building design and construction must be made. Building designers and constructors should be alert to these advances and learn how to apply them skillfully.
One advance of note to building design is the adaptation of operations research, or systems design, developed around the middle of the twentieth century and originally
applied with noteworthy results to design of machines and electronic equipment.
In the past, design of a new building was mainly an imitation of the design of an existing building. Innovations were often developed fortuitously and by intuition and were rare occurrences. In contrast, systems design encourages innovation.
It is a precise procedure that guides creativity toward the best decisions. As a result, it can play a significant role in meeting the challenges posed by increasing building complexity and costs. The basic principles of systems design are presented
in this section.
Absorption Units for Cooling
Absorption systems for commercial use are usually arranged as central station chillers. In place of electric power, these units use a
Accounting Methods
The contractor together with an accountant should select a method of accounting best suited for the contractors operations. The method selected
Acoustical Criteria
Acoustical performance criteria and environmental specifications are often part of building contract documents. Governmental agencies, lending institutions, owners, and tenants frequently require
Accelerated Design and Construction
The traditional process of design and construction and the roles and responsibilities of the various parties need not be changed when
Accelerated Curing
For strength and durability, precast concrete members require adequate curing. They usually are given some type of accelerated curing for economic
A/E Liability and Insurance
Architecture and engineering firms normally maintain professional liability insurance. This requires payment of annual premiums based on the coverage provided.