Building Construction Illustrated (Paperback)

by Francis D. Ching (Author)
Key Phrases: unit masonry, roof section, structural concrete, Accessibility Guidelines, Optimize Energy Performance, Door Hardware (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...does exactly what it says on the cover...skilfully detailed illustrations, comprehensive definitions and general construction advice on practical matters".Building Engineer August 2008

Product Description
The classic visual guide to the basics of building construction, now with the most current information

For nearly three decades, Building Construction Illustrated has offered an outstanding introduction to the principles of building construction. This new edition of the revered classic remains as relevant as ever-providing the latest information in Francis D.K. Ching's signature style. Its rich and comprehensive approach clearly presents all of the basic concepts underlying building construction and equips readers with useful guidelines for approaching virtually any new materials or techniques they may encounter.

Laying out the material and structural choices available, it provides a full under-standing of how these choices affect a building's form and dimensions. Complete with more than 1,000 illustrations, the book moves through each of the key stages of the design process, from site selection to building components, mechanical systems, and finishes.
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Illustrated throughout with clear and accurate drawings that present the state of the art in construction processes and materials
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Updated and revised to include the latest knowledge on sustainability, incorporation of building systems, and use of new materials
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Archetypal drawings offer clear inspiration for designers and drafters
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Reflects the most current building codes and CSI Master Format numbering scheme

With its comprehensive and lucid presentation of everything from foundations and floor systems to finish work, Building Construction Illustrated, Fourth Edition equips students and professionals in all areas of architecture and construction with useful guidelines for approaching virtually any new materials or techniques they may encounter in building planning, design, and construction.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 4 edition (March 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470087811
• ISBN-13: 978-0470087817
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (76 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,872 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Architecture > Reference
  #2 in	Books > Home & Garden > Home Design > Buildings & Construction
  #2 in	Books > Home & Garden > Home Design > Design & Construction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

110 of 110 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars easy to understand for constuction novices, November 1, 2000

By	L Lucas (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Building Construction Illustrated (Paperback)

I teach construction technology to future General contractors and Interior Designers...and this is the best reference book I have found for beginners. When they ask me the size of a door or height of a kitchen cabinet I tell them to look it up...and I have the utmost confidence that it is both in this book and so well illustrated that the students can easily understand it. I call this book the Beginners Graphic STandards. And at about 1/3 the cost. I also reccomend KaffeeKang' book called Graphic Guide to Frame Construction for residential framing.

62 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just enough to make you dangerous, January 23, 2003

By	James Ferguson (Vilnius, Lithuania) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Building Construction Illustrated (Paperback)

As an architect I worked for noted, this book gives you just enough information to make you dangerous. Ching provides a beautifully illustrated guide to basic concepts of building construction. It is a great introductory book filled with much useful information, but one can't necessarily build from this book. I use it mostly to explain construction ideas, especially when it comes to wood-frame buildings, than I do as a set of graphic standards. Ching does offer some specific information, such as thermal resistance of building materials and a general span guide for roof and floor trusses, but much of this information is general and should be verified with more precise data books. However, Ching didn't set out to create another "Standard Architectural Graphics" book, but rather an affordable guide to building construction which would provide some useful information to the design student and home builder alike.

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Pretty but Light on Detail, December 4, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Building Construction Illustrated (Paperback)

While I agree with others that this book is comprehensive in scope, and while it is beautifully illustrated, it is lacking in the details. Our Building Construction class used it as a primary text, and nowhere does it tell you basics. For example, the drawings have few if any dimensions, which are pretty critical to one's understanding of basic construction (e.g., studs spaced 16" on center). Like all of Ching's books, they at first appear chock full of helpful information, but more often than not, I find them beautifully illustrated and light on content.