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. Fundamentals of the Construction Process has been prepared for executives overseeing, budgeting, or otherwise involved in, building or facilities construction. 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. 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." 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. A section on project control and management covers organizational structures for construction companies, procurement, change orders, claims, safety, and computer applications. 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. Look at the kinds of key questions the book vividly answers for you... What are the most common contracting methods? When there's a conflict between drawings and specifications, which takes precedence? How does a prime contractor select subcontractors? What are the three major types of estimates? What is the main disadvantage of awarding a contract to the lowest competitive bidder? What is a PERT chart? When does soil swell and shrinkage take place? Why is reinforced concrete often a better choice for the superstructure than steel? What is the difference between a strip footing and a spread footing? What roofing system is most often used on flat roofs? What type of fire protection system leaves no residue that can damage documents, electronic equipment, or other contents of a building? Never again do you have to be left in the dark about basic construction contracting practices, building methods, materials - or related knowledge.

Kweku K. Bentil, Ph.D., AIC is Chairman of the Department of Building Construction of the University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning. He is the Technical Editor of Walker's Estimating and Construction Journal and author of the U.S. Air Force's Construction Administrator's Technical Handbook, Estimator's Computerized Construction Cost Estimating Manual, and many articles for various professional journals.

Dr. Bentil has nearly 20 years of experience in construction as an estimator, field engineer, project manager, and construction manager. He is an excellent speaker who has presented many technical papers at seminars and conferences in the United States and Europe. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Insitute of Contractors, and other professional societies.