Book excerpt: Building Materials and Construction is primarily written for the students of Civil Engineering to make them familiar with building materials and construction practices to build their interest in the field. The book starts with explanation of building material concepts and goes on to explain all the important materials like Lime, Bricks, Cement, Timber, Concrete etc. in separate chapters following the same flow as prescribed in major universities. Special emphasis is given on construction materials such as foundation work, stone and brick masonry, plastering work, door and window design, roof and floors, DPC etc.