Book excerpt: Fundamentals of Building Construction Materials and Methods Second Edition Edward Allen This remarkably complete introduction to the art of building sets the materials and building systems in an historical context. This unique evolutionary approach to building construction includes a description of how materials are obtained and processed, an outline of the people and organizations who work with each material, their tools and working methods, and the role of one building system in relation to others. Chapters include a listing of key terms and concepts useful in enlarging a technical vocabulary, review questions that underscore key concepts, and exercises that apply lessons to real-life situations. 1990 (0 471-50911-6) 803 pp. Understanding Infrastructure A Guide for Architects and Planners George Rainer This landmark reference--written for concerned professionals--describes the basic mechanisms essential to city function. Each element of infrastructure is discussed--from water supply, sewers and storm drainage, solid and hazardous wastes, energy, telecommunication, streets, bridges, to water-front infrastructure, rail/transit and aviation, buses, and parks--and set in a context familiar to the design professional. Includes an extensive discussion of standard and innovative solutions as well as relevant environmental, legal, and economic considerations. 1990 (0 471-50546-3) 278 pp. Construction Specifications Writing Principles and Procedures Third Edition Harold J. Rosen and Tom Heineman The classic guide to the principles and practice of specifications writing has been fully updated to reflect the latest AIA and CSI standards, the newest computer applications to spec writing, and the linkage of key databases to specifications. Retaining the format of its successful predecessors, this Third Edition outlines the basic principles, concepts and uses of specifications, showing how they relate to contract documents developed by the architect and engineer. Specific guidelines include methods for establishing the scope and general requirements of the project specification, evaluating and specifying building materials, and writing specifications that conform to industry standards in style and format. 1990 (0 471-61892-6) 286 pp.