Construction Mathematics

Taking a starting point below that of GCSE level, by assuming no prior mathematical knowledge, Surinder Virdi and Roy Baker take the reader step by step through the mathematical requirements for Level 2 and 3 Building and Construction courses.
Unlike the majority of basic level maths texts available, this book focuses exclusively on mathematics as it is applied in actual construction practice. As such, topics specific to the construction industry are presented, as well as essential areas for Level 2 craft NVQs – for example, costing calculations, labor costs, cost of materials and setting out of building components.

End of chapter exercises cover a range of theoretical as well as practical problems commonly found in construction practice, and two project-based assignments give students the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained. Answers to all exercises are included at the end of book. A chapter detailing the use of a scientific calculator for performing construction calculations will prove invaluable for students with no prior experience of their use.

Construction Mathematics addresses all the mathematical requirements of Level 2 construction NVQs from City & Guilds/CITB and Edexcel courses, including the BTEC First Diploma in Construction. Additional coverage of the core unit Analytical Methods from BTEC National Construction, Civil Engineering, and Building Services courses makes this an essential revision aid to students who do not have Level 2 mathematics experience before commencing their BTEC National studies, or any reader who wishes to refresh their mathematics knowledge.

A truly introductory level mathematics text, written specifically for students of building and construction

Focuses on construction topics not found in traditional technician-level mathematics textbooks essential for students learning how to apply mathematics in building and construction
Content matched to the learning outcomes of CITB / City & Guilds and Edexcel construction courses at Levels 2 and 3
Technically accurate construction images support the introduction of mathematics topics by providing visual representation of key construction scenarios

Taking a starting point below that of GCSE level, by assuming no prior mathematical knowledge, Surinder Virdi and Roy Baker take the reader step by step through the mathematical requirements for Level 2 and 3 Building and Construction courses.
Unlike the majority of basic level maths texts available, this book focuses exclusively on mathematics as it is applied in actual construction practice. As such, topics specific to the construction industry are presented, as well as essential areas for Level 2 craft NVQs for example, costing calculations, labor costs, cost of materials and setting out of building components.

End of chapter exercises cover a range of theoretical as well as practical problems commonly found in construction practice, and two project-based assignments give students the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained. Answers to all exercises are included at the end of book. A chapter detailing the use of a scientific calculator for performing construction calculations will prove invaluable for students with no prior experience of their use.

Construction Mathematics addresses all the mathematical requirements of Level 2 construction NVQs from City & Guilds/CITB and Edexcel courses, including the BTEC First Diploma in Construction. Additional coverage of the core unit Analytical Methods from BTEC National Construction, Civil Engineering, and Building Services courses makes this an essential revision aid to students who do not have Level 2 mathematics experience before commencing their BTEC National studies, or any reader who wishes to refresh their mathematics knowledge.

About the authors
Surinder Virdi is lecturer in construction at South Birmingham College. He worked as structural engineer for a number of years before starting his teaching career in further education. He has been teaching mathematics, construction science and construction technology on BTEC National and Higher National courses for the last twenty years.
Roy Baker has just retired from City of Wolverhampton College where he was working in the construction department for the last forty years. For the last twenty years he has been leading the BTEC construction team at the college and teaching mathematics, construction science and structural mechanics. He has taken on part time teaching in the same subjects.

Solutions to the assignments are available to lecturers only at http://textbooks.elsevier.com