Author: Jan L.M. Hensen
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134026358
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 538
Book Description
Effective building performance simulation can reduce the environmental impact of the built environment, improve indoor quality and productivity, and facilitate future innovation and technological progress in construction. It draws on many disciplines, including physics, mathematics, material science, biophysics and human behavioural, environmental and computational sciences. The discipline itself is continuously evolving and maturing, and improvements in model robustness and fidelity are constantly being made. This has sparked a new agenda focusing on the effectiveness of simulation in building life-cycle processes. Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation begins with an introduction to the concepts of performance indicators and targets, followed by a discussion on the role of building simulation in performance-based building design and operation. This sets the ground for in-depth discussion of performance prediction for energy demand, indoor environmental quality (including thermal, visual, indoor air quality and moisture phenomena), HVAC and renewable system performance, urban level modelling, building operational optimization and automation. Produced in cooperation with the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA), and featuring contributions from fourteen internationally recognised experts in this field, this book provides a unique and comprehensive overview of building performance simulation for the complete building life-cycle from conception to demolition. It is primarily intended for advanced students in building services engineering, and in architectural, environmental or mechanical engineering; and will be useful for building and systems designers and operators.
Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation
Author: Jan L.M. Hensen
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134026358
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 538
Book Description
Effective building performance simulation can reduce the environmental impact of the built environment, improve indoor quality and productivity, and facilitate future innovation and technological progress in construction. It draws on many disciplines, including physics, mathematics, material science, biophysics and human behavioural, environmental and computational sciences. The discipline itself is continuously evolving and maturing, and improvements in model robustness and fidelity are constantly being made. This has sparked a new agenda focusing on the effectiveness of simulation in building life-cycle processes. Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation begins with an introduction to the concepts of performance indicators and targets, followed by a discussion on the role of building simulation in performance-based building design and operation. This sets the ground for in-depth discussion of performance prediction for energy demand, indoor environmental quality (including thermal, visual, indoor air quality and moisture phenomena), HVAC and renewable system performance, urban level modelling, building operational optimization and automation. Produced in cooperation with the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA), and featuring contributions from fourteen internationally recognised experts in this field, this book provides a unique and comprehensive overview of building performance simulation for the complete building life-cycle from conception to demolition. It is primarily intended for advanced students in building services engineering, and in architectural, environmental or mechanical engineering; and will be useful for building and systems designers and operators.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134026358
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 538
Book Description
Effective building performance simulation can reduce the environmental impact of the built environment, improve indoor quality and productivity, and facilitate future innovation and technological progress in construction. It draws on many disciplines, including physics, mathematics, material science, biophysics and human behavioural, environmental and computational sciences. The discipline itself is continuously evolving and maturing, and improvements in model robustness and fidelity are constantly being made. This has sparked a new agenda focusing on the effectiveness of simulation in building life-cycle processes. Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation begins with an introduction to the concepts of performance indicators and targets, followed by a discussion on the role of building simulation in performance-based building design and operation. This sets the ground for in-depth discussion of performance prediction for energy demand, indoor environmental quality (including thermal, visual, indoor air quality and moisture phenomena), HVAC and renewable system performance, urban level modelling, building operational optimization and automation. Produced in cooperation with the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA), and featuring contributions from fourteen internationally recognised experts in this field, this book provides a unique and comprehensive overview of building performance simulation for the complete building life-cycle from conception to demolition. It is primarily intended for advanced students in building services engineering, and in architectural, environmental or mechanical engineering; and will be useful for building and systems designers and operators.
Performance Based Seismic Design for Tall Buildings
Author: Ramin Golesorkhi
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780939493562
Category : Buildings
Languages : en
Pages : 116
Book Description
Performance-Based Seismic Design (PBSD) is a structural design methodology that has become more common in urban centers around the world, particularly for the design of high-rise buildings. The primary benefit of PBSD is that it substantiates exceptions to prescribed code requirements, such as height limits applied to specific structural systems, and allows project teams to demonstrate higher performance levels for structures during a seismic event.However, the methodology also involves significantly more effort in the analysis and design stages, with verification of building performance required at multiple seismic demand levels using Nonlinear Response History Analysis (NRHA). The design process also requires substantial knowledge of overall building performance and analytical modeling, in order to proportion and detail structural systems to meet specific performance objectives.This CTBUH Technical Guide provides structural engineers, developers, and contractors with a general understanding of the PBSD process by presenting case studies that demonstrate the issues commonly encountered when using the methodology, along with their corresponding solutions. The guide also provides references to the latest industry guidelines, as applied in the western United States, with the goal of disseminating these methods to an international audience for the advancement and expansion of PBSD principles worldwide.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780939493562
Category : Buildings
Languages : en
Pages : 116
Book Description
Performance-Based Seismic Design (PBSD) is a structural design methodology that has become more common in urban centers around the world, particularly for the design of high-rise buildings. The primary benefit of PBSD is that it substantiates exceptions to prescribed code requirements, such as height limits applied to specific structural systems, and allows project teams to demonstrate higher performance levels for structures during a seismic event.However, the methodology also involves significantly more effort in the analysis and design stages, with verification of building performance required at multiple seismic demand levels using Nonlinear Response History Analysis (NRHA). The design process also requires substantial knowledge of overall building performance and analytical modeling, in order to proportion and detail structural systems to meet specific performance objectives.This CTBUH Technical Guide provides structural engineers, developers, and contractors with a general understanding of the PBSD process by presenting case studies that demonstrate the issues commonly encountered when using the methodology, along with their corresponding solutions. The guide also provides references to the latest industry guidelines, as applied in the western United States, with the goal of disseminating these methods to an international audience for the advancement and expansion of PBSD principles worldwide.
Building Control with Passive Dampers
Author: Izuru Takewaki
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470824921
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
The recent introduction of active and passive structural control methods has given structural designers powerful tools for performance-based design. However, structural engineers often lack the tools for the optimal selection and placement of such systems. In Building Control with Passive Dampers , Takewaki brings together most the reliable, state-of-the-art methods in practice around the world, arming readers with a real sense of how to address optimal selection and placement of passive control systems. The first book on optimal design, sizing, and location selection of passive dampers Combines theory and practical applications Describes step-by-step how to obtain optimal damper size and placement Covers the state-of-the-art in optimal design of passive control Integrates the most reliable techniques in the top literature and used in practice worldwide Written by a recognized expert in the area MATLAB code examples available from the book’s Companion Website This book is essential for post-graduate students, researchers, and design consultants involved in building control. Professional engineers and advanced undergraduates interested in seismic design, as well as mechanical engineers looking for vibration damping techniques, will also find this book a helpful reference. Code examples available at www.wiley.com/go/takewaki
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470824921
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 322
Book Description
The recent introduction of active and passive structural control methods has given structural designers powerful tools for performance-based design. However, structural engineers often lack the tools for the optimal selection and placement of such systems. In Building Control with Passive Dampers , Takewaki brings together most the reliable, state-of-the-art methods in practice around the world, arming readers with a real sense of how to address optimal selection and placement of passive control systems. The first book on optimal design, sizing, and location selection of passive dampers Combines theory and practical applications Describes step-by-step how to obtain optimal damper size and placement Covers the state-of-the-art in optimal design of passive control Integrates the most reliable techniques in the top literature and used in practice worldwide Written by a recognized expert in the area MATLAB code examples available from the book’s Companion Website This book is essential for post-graduate students, researchers, and design consultants involved in building control. Professional engineers and advanced undergraduates interested in seismic design, as well as mechanical engineers looking for vibration damping techniques, will also find this book a helpful reference. Code examples available at www.wiley.com/go/takewaki
Performance Based Building Design 1
Author: Hugo S. L. Hens
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 3433601976
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 275
Book Description
So wenig wie die Bauphysik standen Energieeffizienz und Gebäudeperformance vor der Energiekrise der 1970er Jahre bei der Planung von Gebäuden auf der Tagesordnung. Mit der wachsenden Notwendigkeit der Energieeinsparung stieg aber das Interesse an der ganzheitlichen Gebäudeplanung. Das zweibändige Werk stellt die ganzheitliche Gebäudebetrachtung und seine "Performance", getragen von der Anwendung bauphysikalischer Zusammenhänge, in der Planung und Ausführung dar. Der Begriff "Gebäudeperformance" meint hier alle Gebäude bezogenen physikalischen Eigenschaften, die im Entwurfsprozess planbar und während des Bauprozesses und im Betrieb kontrollierbar sind. Der Begriff "planbar" erfordert Berechnungsmodelle und -verfahren für die Bemessung und Auslegung, während "kontrollierbar" den Einsatz von Messtechnik und Vergleichsanalysen erfordert. Dieser erste von zwei Bänden stellt die ganzheitliche Gebäudebetrachtung, getragen von der Anwendung bauphysikalischer Zusammenhänge, in der Planung und Ausführung dar. Einem Überblick über die wesentlichen Materialien für Wärmedämmung, Abdichtung, Luftdichtigkeit und Feuchteschutz sowie Erläuterungen über Fugen folgt eine ausführliche Darstellung der Hochbaukonstruktionen, beginnend bei der Baugrube. Anschließend werden Gründungen, erdberührte und aufsteigende Bauteile, übliche Lastabtragungs- und Deckensysteme bis hin zu massiven Außenwänden mit außenseitiger oder Innendämmung und zweischaligen Wänden behandelt. Dabei folgen die meisten Kapitel der Systematik: Überblick, allgemeine Anforderungen, Planung, Ausführung. Das Werk bietet sowohl für Studenten der Architektur und des Bauingenieurwesens umfassendes Rüstzeug für die Bewältigung von Hochbaukonstruktionen, als auch den in der Praxis tätigen Bauingenieuren ein Nachschlagewerk zur Auffrischung des Wissens. Das Buch setzt gründliche Kenntnisse der Bauphysik sowie Grundkenntnisse in Tragwerksplanung, Baustoffkunde und Baukonstruktionen voraus.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 3433601976
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 275
Book Description
So wenig wie die Bauphysik standen Energieeffizienz und Gebäudeperformance vor der Energiekrise der 1970er Jahre bei der Planung von Gebäuden auf der Tagesordnung. Mit der wachsenden Notwendigkeit der Energieeinsparung stieg aber das Interesse an der ganzheitlichen Gebäudeplanung. Das zweibändige Werk stellt die ganzheitliche Gebäudebetrachtung und seine "Performance", getragen von der Anwendung bauphysikalischer Zusammenhänge, in der Planung und Ausführung dar. Der Begriff "Gebäudeperformance" meint hier alle Gebäude bezogenen physikalischen Eigenschaften, die im Entwurfsprozess planbar und während des Bauprozesses und im Betrieb kontrollierbar sind. Der Begriff "planbar" erfordert Berechnungsmodelle und -verfahren für die Bemessung und Auslegung, während "kontrollierbar" den Einsatz von Messtechnik und Vergleichsanalysen erfordert. Dieser erste von zwei Bänden stellt die ganzheitliche Gebäudebetrachtung, getragen von der Anwendung bauphysikalischer Zusammenhänge, in der Planung und Ausführung dar. Einem Überblick über die wesentlichen Materialien für Wärmedämmung, Abdichtung, Luftdichtigkeit und Feuchteschutz sowie Erläuterungen über Fugen folgt eine ausführliche Darstellung der Hochbaukonstruktionen, beginnend bei der Baugrube. Anschließend werden Gründungen, erdberührte und aufsteigende Bauteile, übliche Lastabtragungs- und Deckensysteme bis hin zu massiven Außenwänden mit außenseitiger oder Innendämmung und zweischaligen Wänden behandelt. Dabei folgen die meisten Kapitel der Systematik: Überblick, allgemeine Anforderungen, Planung, Ausführung. Das Werk bietet sowohl für Studenten der Architektur und des Bauingenieurwesens umfassendes Rüstzeug für die Bewältigung von Hochbaukonstruktionen, als auch den in der Praxis tätigen Bauingenieuren ein Nachschlagewerk zur Auffrischung des Wissens. Das Buch setzt gründliche Kenntnisse der Bauphysik sowie Grundkenntnisse in Tragwerksplanung, Baustoffkunde und Baukonstruktionen voraus.
Performance of Bio-based Building Materials
Author: Dennis Jones
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
ISBN: 0081009925
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 652
Book Description
Performance of Bio-based Building Materials provides guidance on the use of bio-based building materials (BBBM) with respect to their performance. The book focuses on BBBM currently present on the European market. The state-of-the-art is presented regarding material properties, recommended uses, performance expectancies, testing methodology, and related standards. Chapters cover both 'old and traditional' BBBM since quite a few of them are experiencing a comeback on the market. Promising developments that could become commercial in the near future are presented as well. The book will be a valuable reference resource for those working in the bio-based materials research community, architects and agencies dealing with sustainable construction, and graduate students in civil engineering. - Takes a unique approach to bio-based materials and presents a broad overview of the topics on relevant areas necessary for application and promotion in construction - Contains a general description, notable properties related to performance, and applications - Presents standards that are structured according to performance types
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
ISBN: 0081009925
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 652
Book Description
Performance of Bio-based Building Materials provides guidance on the use of bio-based building materials (BBBM) with respect to their performance. The book focuses on BBBM currently present on the European market. The state-of-the-art is presented regarding material properties, recommended uses, performance expectancies, testing methodology, and related standards. Chapters cover both 'old and traditional' BBBM since quite a few of them are experiencing a comeback on the market. Promising developments that could become commercial in the near future are presented as well. The book will be a valuable reference resource for those working in the bio-based materials research community, architects and agencies dealing with sustainable construction, and graduate students in civil engineering. - Takes a unique approach to bio-based materials and presents a broad overview of the topics on relevant areas necessary for application and promotion in construction - Contains a general description, notable properties related to performance, and applications - Presents standards that are structured according to performance types
Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
Author: American Society of Civil Engineers
Publisher: ASCE Press
ISBN: 9780784415788
Category : Buildings
Languages : en
Pages : 1046
Book Description
Standard ASCE/SEI 7-22 provides requirements for general structural design and includes means for determining various loads and their combinations, which are suitable for inclusion in building codes and other documents.
Publisher: ASCE Press
ISBN: 9780784415788
Category : Buildings
Languages : en
Pages : 1046
Book Description
Standard ASCE/SEI 7-22 provides requirements for general structural design and includes means for determining various loads and their combinations, which are suitable for inclusion in building codes and other documents.
Building Performance Analysis
Author: Pieter de Wilde
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119341922
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 628
Book Description
Explores and brings together the existent body of knowledge on building performance analysis Shortlisted in the CIBSE 2020 Building Performance Awards Building performance is an important yet surprisingly complex concept. This book presents a comprehensive and systematic overview of the subject. It provides a working definition of building performance, and an in-depth discussion of the role building performance plays throughout the building life cycle. The book also explores the perspectives of various stakeholders, the functions of buildings, performance requirements, performance quantification (both predicted and measured), criteria for success, and the challenges of using performance analysis in practice. Building Performance Analysis starts by introducing the subject of building performance: its key terms, definitions, history, and challenges. It then develops a theoretical foundation for the subject, explores the complexity of performance assessment, and the way that performance analysis impacts on actual buildings. In doing so, it attempts to answer the following questions: What is building performance? How can building performance be measured and analyzed? How does the analysis of building performance guide the improvement of buildings? And what can the building domain learn from the way performance is handled in other disciplines? Assembles the current body of knowledge on building performance analysis in one unique resource Offers deep insights into the complexity of using building performance analysis throughout the entire building life cycle, including design, operation and management Contributes an emergent theory of building performance and its analysis Building Performance Analysis will appeal to the building science community, both from industry and academia. It specifically targets advanced students in architectural engineering, building services design, building performance simulation and similar fields who hold an interest in ensuring that buildings meet the needs of their stakeholders.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119341922
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 628
Book Description
Explores and brings together the existent body of knowledge on building performance analysis Shortlisted in the CIBSE 2020 Building Performance Awards Building performance is an important yet surprisingly complex concept. This book presents a comprehensive and systematic overview of the subject. It provides a working definition of building performance, and an in-depth discussion of the role building performance plays throughout the building life cycle. The book also explores the perspectives of various stakeholders, the functions of buildings, performance requirements, performance quantification (both predicted and measured), criteria for success, and the challenges of using performance analysis in practice. Building Performance Analysis starts by introducing the subject of building performance: its key terms, definitions, history, and challenges. It then develops a theoretical foundation for the subject, explores the complexity of performance assessment, and the way that performance analysis impacts on actual buildings. In doing so, it attempts to answer the following questions: What is building performance? How can building performance be measured and analyzed? How does the analysis of building performance guide the improvement of buildings? And what can the building domain learn from the way performance is handled in other disciplines? Assembles the current body of knowledge on building performance analysis in one unique resource Offers deep insights into the complexity of using building performance analysis throughout the entire building life cycle, including design, operation and management Contributes an emergent theory of building performance and its analysis Building Performance Analysis will appeal to the building science community, both from industry and academia. It specifically targets advanced students in architectural engineering, building services design, building performance simulation and similar fields who hold an interest in ensuring that buildings meet the needs of their stakeholders.
Essential Building Science
Author: Jacob Deva Racusin
Publisher: New Society Publishers
ISBN: 1550926292
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 163
Book Description
Down and dirty – a complete step-by-step guide to making, installing and living with beautiful, all-natural earthen floors Poor heat and moisture management are the enemies of durable, comfortable, and efficient housing, and good building design and construction starts with a solid understanding of good building science. Essential Building Science provides a highly visual and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of building science for residential construction. Part one covers the rationale behind high-performance design and the fundamentals of building physics, including thermal dynamics, moisture transfer, and hygro-thermal dynamics such as vapor drive and condensation. Part two teaches the vital critical thinking skills needed to consider buildings as whole systems and to develop thermal and moisture control strategies regardless of the specifics of the design. Case studies and examples from across North American climatic zones illuminate real-life problems and offer builders, designers, and DIYers the insights and tools required for creating better new buildings and dramatically improving old ones. Good science plus critical thinking equals high performance buildings.
Publisher: New Society Publishers
ISBN: 1550926292
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 163
Book Description
Down and dirty – a complete step-by-step guide to making, installing and living with beautiful, all-natural earthen floors Poor heat and moisture management are the enemies of durable, comfortable, and efficient housing, and good building design and construction starts with a solid understanding of good building science. Essential Building Science provides a highly visual and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of building science for residential construction. Part one covers the rationale behind high-performance design and the fundamentals of building physics, including thermal dynamics, moisture transfer, and hygro-thermal dynamics such as vapor drive and condensation. Part two teaches the vital critical thinking skills needed to consider buildings as whole systems and to develop thermal and moisture control strategies regardless of the specifics of the design. Case studies and examples from across North American climatic zones illuminate real-life problems and offer builders, designers, and DIYers the insights and tools required for creating better new buildings and dramatically improving old ones. Good science plus critical thinking equals high performance buildings.
Enhancing Building Performance
Author: Shauna Mallory-Hill
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470657596
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 360
Book Description
Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) informs and enhances the usability and sustainability of building designs with lessons learned from evaluation of building performance throughout the building life cycle, from initial planning through occupancy to adaptive re-use. A key feature of BPE is that it examines design and technical performance of buildings alongside human performance criteria. That is, it seeks to examine facilities in order to determine whether they will work for the people that will use and occupy them. Rigorous BPE helps to improve design practice by providing feedback on the effectiveness of the choices made about the building to ensure that its design is optimised for stakeholders’ uses. The overarching theme for Enhancing Building Performance is to present the next generation of BPE work. The book provides an updated systematic approach for BPE as well as chapters written by experts from around the world who demonstrate how to apply BPE to enhance building design. Topics covered include: evidence-based and integrative design processes, evaluation methods and tools, and education and knowledge transfer. In addition, case studies provide specific examples of how BPE has been used to study such things as the impact of workplace design on human productivity and innovation. Written primarily for design professionals and facility managers who wish to use BPE to deliver improved building performance that is responsive to the needs of stakeholders, Enhancing Building Performance will also be of great value to researchers and students across a range of architecture and construction disciplines.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470657596
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 360
Book Description
Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) informs and enhances the usability and sustainability of building designs with lessons learned from evaluation of building performance throughout the building life cycle, from initial planning through occupancy to adaptive re-use. A key feature of BPE is that it examines design and technical performance of buildings alongside human performance criteria. That is, it seeks to examine facilities in order to determine whether they will work for the people that will use and occupy them. Rigorous BPE helps to improve design practice by providing feedback on the effectiveness of the choices made about the building to ensure that its design is optimised for stakeholders’ uses. The overarching theme for Enhancing Building Performance is to present the next generation of BPE work. The book provides an updated systematic approach for BPE as well as chapters written by experts from around the world who demonstrate how to apply BPE to enhance building design. Topics covered include: evidence-based and integrative design processes, evaluation methods and tools, and education and knowledge transfer. In addition, case studies provide specific examples of how BPE has been used to study such things as the impact of workplace design on human productivity and innovation. Written primarily for design professionals and facility managers who wish to use BPE to deliver improved building performance that is responsive to the needs of stakeholders, Enhancing Building Performance will also be of great value to researchers and students across a range of architecture and construction disciplines.
Performance-Based Building Design
Author: Hugo S. L. Hens
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 3433034397
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 597
Book Description
Performance-Based Building Design This third book in a series of three dealing with building physics and its application, looks to the impact a performance requirements linked approach has on building design and construction. It starts with a resumption of what’s expected from buildings, followed by discussing a range of materials needed to guarantee a correct heat, air, moisture response. Then, looked is to preparing the building site, the excavations needed, the foundations, the below-grade parts and spaces, the structural systems commonly used, the floors, different types of outer walls, different types of roof assemblies, inside walls, the glazing, windows, outer doors, glass façades, bal-conies, all kind of shafts, chimneys, stairs, timber-frame construction, wall, floor and ceiling finishes. Each time again, not only the heat, air, moisture related metrics but also structural integrity, durability, fire safety, acoustics, maintenance, sustainability and buildability are dis- cussed. The whole ends with looking to the risks deficiencies may cause. For this new edition, all chapters have been critically reviewed, actualized and gifted with additional figures where needed, so incorporating the experiences gained from 38 years of teaching to architectural and building engineering students, from 36 years of research, and from 53 years of practice, curing damage cases due to failing performance.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 3433034397
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 597
Book Description
Performance-Based Building Design This third book in a series of three dealing with building physics and its application, looks to the impact a performance requirements linked approach has on building design and construction. It starts with a resumption of what’s expected from buildings, followed by discussing a range of materials needed to guarantee a correct heat, air, moisture response. Then, looked is to preparing the building site, the excavations needed, the foundations, the below-grade parts and spaces, the structural systems commonly used, the floors, different types of outer walls, different types of roof assemblies, inside walls, the glazing, windows, outer doors, glass façades, bal-conies, all kind of shafts, chimneys, stairs, timber-frame construction, wall, floor and ceiling finishes. Each time again, not only the heat, air, moisture related metrics but also structural integrity, durability, fire safety, acoustics, maintenance, sustainability and buildability are dis- cussed. The whole ends with looking to the risks deficiencies may cause. For this new edition, all chapters have been critically reviewed, actualized and gifted with additional figures where needed, so incorporating the experiences gained from 38 years of teaching to architectural and building engineering students, from 36 years of research, and from 53 years of practice, curing damage cases due to failing performance.