BIM HANDBOOK
A Guide to Building Information Modeling
For Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors
By Chuck Eastman, Paul Teicholtz, Rafael Sacks, and Kathleen Liston
The BIM HANDBOOK is an excellent reference for those just venturing into the world of BIM. It offers an objective view of the possibilities and the issues associated with the switch from the conventional 2D design process to the 3D BIM design process.
The book provides perspective from all sides of the design team - Owners, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and Fabricators. The authors touch upon the key issues facing everyone involved, from design through construction.
For those interested in learning the basic concepts and vocabulary of BIM, as well as those concerned with contractual and legal issues, staffing changes, software options, or interoperability issues, this book will be a useful resource.
Reviewed by Jamie L. Davis, P.E., LEED AP, a Principal and Vice President of Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C. She manages the Finger Lakes Office in Skaneateles Falls, New York. Ms. Davis is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers; the American Concrete Institute; the American Institute of Steel Construction; and the Reinforcement and Connector Subcommittee of The Masonry Society.
Guidelines for Forensic Engineering Practice American Society of Civil Engineers, 2003
This text comes with high regard, being supported by engineer practitioners, engineering firms and professional organizations. If you think of forensic engineering as simply the investigation and study of building structural failures, you will be surprised at the breadth of material discussed. I use the term text rather than book because, in 140 pages, the reader will be exposed to far more than the process for the investigation of failures. This publication is heavily weighted with information of interest to engineers providing expert testimony. It is apparent early into the read that few, if any, universities offer a course in such depth. The text stresses repeatedly the need for engineers to practice and conduct themselves ethically. The reader wonders why? Are engineers providing testimony of such questionable character that they are in need of constant reminder?
Throughout the text there are examples of ethical conduct, and an entire appendix is devoted to the thirteen principles of ethical conduct the authors cite as good rules to practice by.
Text topics include:
- Maintaining confidentiality
- How to deal with client and attorney pressure
- How to conduct one’s self in the courtroom or during depositions
- A brief description of the jurisprudence system in the United States
- How to conduct an investigation and present findings
- How to promote your service (marketing) in this area
- The need for impartiality regardless of the client being represented
- Case studies of various projects illustrate particular issues.
What types of insurance should a firm or individual maintain? Experts are not immune to lawsuits. As the field of construction litigation grows, so do lawsuits involving experts.
As a textbook or a reminder to one’s self for the need to maintain high ethical standards, this is a good text for your library.
Reviewed by Craig E. Barnes, P.E., SECB, principal and founder of CBI Consulting Inc. As an engineer registered in both the civil and structural fields, Mr. Barnes has over 40 years experience designing, coordinating, and managing structural and civil engineering projects throughout the United States. Mr. Barnes can be reached via email at cbarnes@cbiconsultinginc.com.
Structural Wood Design: A Practice-Oriented Approach Using the ASD Method
By Abi Aghayere and Jason Vigil
This book is intended as a reference for a one-semester wood design course for engineering students. However, it also provides an excellent primer on the basics of wood design for engineers with little or no background in that subject. The authors, a professor and a practicing engineer, have put together a reference that provides the basic theory behind wood design with heavy emphasis on design application. The topics covered include design loads and design of beams, girders, columns, diaphragms, and connections.
The book covers the basic elements in a typical wood structure using the allowable stress design method and the National design Standard for Wood Construction, 2005 edition. The book is organized in an order similar to that adopted by a practitioner designing a structure. The design process for each element is presented systematically and step-by-step, including several design examples for each topic.
Both practitioners and students will appreciate the straightforward approach used to explain and solve design issues. In addition, the book provides several design aids in the appendix for uniformly loaded joists, axially loaded columns, and beam-columns, which practitioners will find useful. This book presents a simplified approach to wood design; however, it does not provide an in-depth explanation of the theory behind the design requirements typical of college-level texts on design.
The authors have developed a reference appropriate for both students and practicing engineers with limited experience in wood design. The clear language and simplified approach, along with practical examples, will allow novice wood designers to gain understanding of the fundamentals of designing with wood.
Reviewed by Anthony E. Dalto, P.E., Principal, Ryan-Biggs Associates, Troy, New York. He specializes in the design of wood and timber structures.