This book is the definitive reference source for professionals involved in the conception, design and specification stages of a construction project. The theory and practical aspects of each material is covered, with an emphasis being placed on properties and appropriate use, enabling broader, deeper understanding of each material leading to greater confidence in their application. Containing fifty chapters written by subject specialists, Construction Materials Reference Book covers the wide range of materials that are encountered in the construction process, from traditional materials such as stone through masonry and steel to advanced plastics and composites.With increased significance being placed on broader environmental issues, issues of whole life cost and sustainability are covered, along with health and safety aspects of both use and installation.

Chapter 1 Introduction, David Doran, Bob Cather; Chapter 2 Aluminium, John Bull; Chapter 3 Copper, Nick Hay; Chapter 4 Ferrous Metals, Michael Bussell; Chapter 5 Cast Iron, Michael Bussell; Chapter 6 Wrought Iron, Bussell Michael; Chapter 7 Steel, Roger Plank; Chapter 8 Steel Reinforcement for Reinforced Concrete, Ben Bowsher; Chapter 9 Lead, John Woods, David Wilson, Bob Cather, David Doran; Chapter 10 Titanium, David K. Peacock; Chapter 11 Zinc, Tony Wall; Chapter 12 Bricks and Brickwork, Barry Haseltine; Chapter 13 Ceramics, Geoff Edgell; Chapter 14 Concrete, C.D. Pomeroy, Bryan Marsh; Chapter 15 Glass, Chris Brown, Stokes Edwin; Chapter 16 Grouts and Slurries, Stephan Jefferis; Chapter 17 Gypsum and Related Materials, Charles Fentiman; Chapter 18 Natural Building Stone, Tim Yates; Chapter 19 Polymers in Construction, Arthur Lyons; Chapter 20 Acrylic Plastics, Arthur Lyons; Chapter 21 Polycarbonate Plastics, Arthur Lyons; Chapter 22 Polyethylene (Polyethene) Plastics, Arthur Lyons; Chapter 23 Polypropylene (Polypropene) and Polybutylene (Polybutene-1) Plastics, Arthur Lyons; Chapter 24 Polystyrene, David Thompsett; Chapter 25 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene Copolymer (ETFE), Arthur Lyons; Chapter 26 Polyvinyl Chloride Polymers, Godfrey Arnold, S.R. Tan; Chapter 27 Thermosetting Resins, Shaun A. Hurley; Chapter 28 Natural and Synthetic Rubbers, Vince Coveney; Chapter 29 / Polymer Dispersions and Redispersible Powders, Robert Viles; Chapter 30 Silicones, Silanes and Siloxanes, Arthur Lyons; Chapter 31 Adhesives, Allan R. Hutchinson, James Broughton; Chapter 32 Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composite Materials, Stuart Moy; Chapter 33 Timber and Timber Products, Andrew Lawrence; Chapter 34 Bituminous Materials, Geoffrey Griffiths, Robert Langridge, Bob Cather, David Doran; Chapter 35 Geosynthetics in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Geoffrey B. Card; Chapter 36 Structural Fabrics and Foils, Ian Liddell; Chapter 37 Cork, Peter Olley, Bob Cather, David Doran; Chapter 38 Asbestos, Bob Cather, David Doran, R. Harris;