Fundamentals of the Construction Process

Here is major assistance for understanding the basics of modern construction — the key players, essential business concepts, specifics of paperwork, construction approaches — the issues for all involved. <p>Fundamentals of the Construction Process has been prepared for executives overseeing, budgeting, or otherwise involved in, building or facilities construction.</p> <p>Construction processes are often highly technical. Fundamentals of the Construction Process provides an understandable overview of all key issues — including extensive coverage of the pre-construction phases, including an overview of project types, contract documents, cost estimating, contract procurement, bonding, scheduling, and mobilization.</p> <p>The greater part of the book is devoted to describing and illustrating the components of actual construction — materials, building methods, installation techniques — the differences between various construction “systems.”</p> <p>This is accomplished by breaking the construction down into the normal sequence of events… site work, foundations, superstructure, exterior closure, interior walls, ceilings, floors, and mechanical and electrical installations.</p> <p>A section on project control and management covers organizational structures for construction companies, procurement, change orders, claims, safety, and computer applications.</p> <p>The Appendix includes helpful guides to abbreviations, math tables and conversion factors, and a listing of the Construction Specifications Institute’s major divisions. The Glossary provides a working reference of construction terminology.</p> <p>Look at the kinds of key questions the book vividly answers for you…<br /> What are the most common contracting methods?<br /> When there’s a conflict between drawings and specifications, which takes precedence?<br /> How does a prime contractor select subcontractors?<br /> What are the three major types of estimates?<br /> What is the main disadvantage of awarding a contract to the lowest competitive bidder?<br /> What is a PERT chart?<br /> When does soil swell and shrinkage take place?<br /> Why is reinforced concrete often a better choice for the superstructure than steel?<br /> What is the difference between a strip footing and a spread footing?<br /> What roofing system is most often used on flat roofs?<br /> What type of fire protection system leaves no residue that can damage documents, electronic equipment, or other contents of a building?</p> <p>Never again do you have to be left in the dark about basic construction contracting practices, building methods, materials — or related knowledge.</p>