In-depth guide to building materials for engineers and designers
Learn the nature, qualities, and practical testing of stones, bricks, cement, timber, metals, and more as used in British and Irish construction. This edition focuses on material selection, performance, and how to appraise quality for safe, lasting structures.
These notes present the essential material knowledge you need to pass advanced examinations and to understand how materials behave in real building and engineering work. The content explains what to look for in different materials, how they’re tested, and how they influence design, fabrication, and maintenance. It emphasizes practical insight over theory alone, with guidance tailored to professionals actively designing or inspecting structures.
- Understand the characteristics and defects of common building materials
- Learn methods of examining and testing materials for quality and suitability
- Explore the principal British and Irish materials, including stone, bricks, cement, mortars, and metals
- Apply knowledge to selection, specification, and on-site evaluation for diverse projects
Ideal for engineers, architects, and builders seeking a solid, practical grounding in materials used in construction today.