Principles and Practices of Light Construction - Hardcover

Smith, Ronald C.; Honkala, Ted L.; Sharp, Malcolm W.

9780130496621: Principles and Practices of Light Construction

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0130496626 ISBN 13: 9780130496621

Publisher: Pearson College Div, 2003

This comprehensive book describes how residential buildings are assembled, regardless of location. There are ample photos and up-to-date explanations and guides to the proper and safe process of construction from the initial start to the completed structure. Intended for beginners, this book is also useful for advanced construction people, who will find valuable insights in how to approach construction issues. Topics covered include: tools and equipment, scaffolds, the building site, the foundation, the floor frame, the wall frame, the ceiling and roof frame, stair building, exterior finishing, interior finishing, and energy-efficient housing. For architects, construction engineers, and other construction people that work with stick-frame construction.

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From the Back Cover:

This new edition updates one of the classics in the field. Materials and methods have been updated to include the latest standards and technology, including energy efficiency and the newest power tools. New illustrations have been added throughout the book to represent current trends in the workplace. The layout of the text corresponds closely to standard instructional requirements and the step-by-step approach enhances reference value.

New to this edition:

Scaffold erection and safety
All chapters updated
145 new illustrations
Glossary of terms
Improved review questions

As this is the sixth edition of Principles and Practices of Light Construction, we ascertain that it has been serving an important role in the light construction industry for many years. Since its publication in 1963 there have been numerous advances made, not only in building practices but also in materials, equipment processes, and design. Keeping abreast of these advances is a challenging task for all of us.

There has been a continual increase in the demand for new buildings, regardless of where you live. The pressures of increasing populations, urban expansion and renewal, the attractiveness of rural living, and a focus on different lifestyles all contribute to the demand.

We all learn from our experiences. From those experiences new ideas and methods evolve. The building industry is no exception. New materials, improved labor-saving techniques, better processes, and better trained personnel all make a difference in the way the construction industry has evolved. Prefabrication, molded products, plastics, vinyl components, composition materials, metals, and modifications in glass products all have required changes in the way we build. The increased demand for oil and gas along with higher prices has also led consumers to seek more energy-efficient buildings, and, with the introduction of sophisticated electronic systems in buildings, has necessitated changes.

The intent of this book is to provide a tool for people involved in the construction of "light" buildings to enable them to become-better informed about current practices, methods, and materials. This book is written for those who are practitioners, or those intending to be practitioners, those who are involved in a peripheral way with buildings, and those who are novices interested in becoming knowledgeable about light construction, regardless of their reasons.

Acknowledgment must be given to Ronald Smith, a longtime colleague of mine who created the first edition. His knowledge and skills as a competent practitioner and instructor allowed him to put together a much-needed book on the subject. Likewise, Ted Honkala, who co-authored with Ronald Smith, was also a colleague of mine. I have the greatest respect for his competence in the construction field and in his ability to put forth his experiences in a manner that allows others to reap untold benefits. Both of these people have set the groundwork for an exceptional book that made my job of editing and updating it much easier.

I also want to thank all those who have contributed their expertise, illustrations, and other materials that make the book as current as possible. Without their help and cooperation, this book would not have been possible. In addition, particular thanks are due to David L. Batie, East Carolina University; Eugene H. Wright, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; D. Perry Achor, Purdue University; and Robert Pyle, North Carolina A & T State University, for their assistance with the sixth edition text review.

Malcolm W. Sharp

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