The evaluation and use of plastics in the construction industry are explained. The contributors offer extensive, timely, and thoroughly researched data on the chemistry, properties, functions, engineering behavior, and specific applications of plastics to building requirements. The major subjects discussed in depth are--(1) the role of plastics in…

The history, advantages, and disadvantages of component building systems are discussed. Application of the scientific method to the building industry forecasts the use of prefabrication and on-site erection of factory-made subsystems of buildings. Educational facilities in the United States, Canada, and England have made use of many different…

Text and illustrations show how to assemble furniture and toys out of cardboard tubes and sheets. Basic directions are provided, and the tools and materials necessary to the assembly of specific items are described. (MLF)

Estimates from an interagency labor-demand model of energy-related employment in the next few years indicate that coal mining and power plant construction will provide most of the new jobs. (MF)

To update a traditional construction shop program, students at Passaic Valley High School, New Jersey, developed a mock-up model of a solar-heated A-frame vacation house using prefab construction. The article describes the project and illustrates it with photographs of the model and a drawing of the solar collector. (MF)

The construction of an operational amplifier for use in a chemical instrumentation course is described. (CP)

Told by a sixth-grade student, the article details the construction of a two meter tall paper mache model of a stegosaurus dinosaur. (CP)

A statistical report on all public library building projects completed in the United States during the year ending June 30, 1977. (Author)

Describes construction process principles and discusses problems school owners experience: (1) laws that require selection of the lowest bidder, (2) decisions that must be made by the duly elected governing body, and (3) school board members who often lack knowledge about the construction process. Includes a quiz for owners and attorneys. (MLF)

A civil engineering professor would like to see civil engineers spend less time looking at broken structures and more time testing construction materials, and has founded a research center for that purpose. (MSE)

Cobb County, Georgia, which has been a planning-oriented county, has met urbanization with adequate park and recreation facilities and programs. (SK)

In 1996, a comprehensive project was introduced in the first course of Reinforced Concrete Design, CVEG 4303 at the University of Arkansas. The primary purpose of this project was to highlight issues related to the construction of reinforced concrete elements. This semester-long project involves the design, fabrication, and testing of 8-foot long…

This book is one of four books in the Science-by-Design Series created by TERC and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It offers high school students a challenging, hands-on opportunity to compare the function and design of many types of handwear from a hockey mitt to a surgical glove, and design and test a glove to their own…

One of the learning activities used in general construction classes today is for students collectively to build a house. Organizing, planning, and obtaining good school community cooperation are essential to such a project. Financing, land purchase, tools, insurance, and safety standards should all be integrated in the planning. (DS)