Building Construction Illustrated, 2nd Edition [Paperback]

Francis D. K. Ching (Author), Cassandra Adams (Collaborator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471288853 | ISBN-13: 978-0471288855 | Publication Date: March 1, 1991 | Edition: 2nd

This classic title has been completely revised and now incorporates new information on concrete, steel and glazing technology; energy efficiency in buildings; moisture and thermal protection; natural lighting; masonry; and other topics. The organization of the text is according to a building's major components and systems. Presents material and structural choices available to the designer, how these choices affect a building's form and dimensions, and its relationship to its site.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The original edition of this illustrated guide to building construction introduced the student of architecture and interested lay people to the basic principles of how buildings are built. It provided an overview of the major systems of a building, how each is constructed, and how each is influenced by its relationship to other systems. While this second edition retains this perspective, it updates information where appropriate, and includes coverage of basic structural steel, reinforced concrete, and curtain wall systems. It presents as clearly as possible the material and structural choices available to the designer, and how these choices affect a building's form and dimensions, and its relationship to its site. Since this visual imagery is implicitly a very important element in the presentation of the material, information in this second edition continues to be conveyed primarily through graphic illustrations. This handbook is organized according to a building's major components and systems. ·

The Building Site ·

The Building ·

Foundation Systems ·

Floor Systems ·

Wall Systems ·

Roof Systems ·

Doors and Windows ·

Thermal and Moisture Protection ·

Special Construction ·

Finish Work ·

Mechanical and Electrical Systems ·

Notes on Materials

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc.; 2nd edition (March 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471288853
• ISBN-13: 978-0471288855
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #335,121 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference material for architectural students, February 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Building Construction Illustrated, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

I am a professor at Pratt Institute's School of Architecture. I teach a construction documents class for wood frame. This book is an invaluable resource and my students use it exclusively for a reference guide for their project. It is one of the best books I have come across for its value.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful for understanding small-scale construction, February 18, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Los Gatos, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Building Construction Illustrated, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

The first edition was entirely hand-drawn (the 2nd ed. may be as well) and covers the difference between a hip and a gable roof, slabs, grade beams and other details of modern construction. If you want to know the difference between western platform and balloon framing, this is a fine book. It's primarily a reference book, but it could be read cover to cover.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provides the Foundation, September 4, 2000

By 

Michael Showalter (Mercer Island, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Building Construction Illustrated, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

I was first given this book by the architect of a home I was building over 20 years ago. The home involved curves and radiuses was built on a very steep slope. Integration of dis-similar materials and proper flashing was critical to it's performance. This book provided me with an understanding of how to tie many varied components together. Once completed, the home received international recognition (my first project to do so!).

I have purchased and given at least 5 copies of this book to key employees since then. Recently I gave a copy to a law firm I frequently act as expert witness for in commercial and residential construction litigation. The illustrations are very understandable and compelling. This book (and others by Ching) easily compliments any construction or design professional's library.