Product Description

Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers, 3/e is ideal for courses in Civil Engineering Materials, Construction Materials, and Construction Methods and Materials offered in Civil, Environmental, or Construction engineering departments.

This introduction gives students a basic understanding of the material selection process and the behavior of materials — a fundamental requirement for all civil and construction engineers performing design, construction, and maintenance. The authors cover the various materials used by civil and construction engineers in one useful reference, limiting the vast amount of information available to the introductory level, concentrating on current practices, and extracting information that is relevant to the general education of civil and construction engineers. A large number of experiments, figures, sample problems, test methods, and homework problems gives students opportunity for practice and review.

Customer Reviews (6)

Civil Engineering Materials
Though it has a lot of valuable information, this book was a little less descriptive and harder to follow along.

Good book for solid knowledge without much flare
I used this book in class. It isn't the most modern-looking or modern-feeling book by any means. However, the information is provided in a straight forward and simple way. There isn't too much unnecessary elaboration like many other textbook authors try to do to prove their credentials to the reader. At a personal level, I personally found the book really interesting. The information presented here was different than the average engineering book. This was a more of a guideline for design and explanation for why things the way they are - not a list of equations that you blindly follow. The examples are worked out clearly and everything seems to make sense right away. The book is relatively basic (at least my understanding of what basic is) but not boring. Good for people that want to understand whats going on. Its also not too math involved. As I said before, the different sections tend to outline the basics of a topic (concrete for example) and then the author goes step by step explaining how to design a mix for a specific purpose and how every property you choose will affect the outcome. Chances are you don't have a choice in whether to buy the book or not since its for a class, but if not, for what its worth, I recommend it.

Very good for beginers
I liked the subjects covered for beginers but more in depth and solutions are needed for future civil engineers.

Easy to read.
This book was easy to read and follow along with.The information is mostly well laid out and the example problems are ok, could use more.Biggest downside was that the answers were not in the text.

Great
The seller was good about replying to my message, and the book got here in adecent amount of time in good condition.Would purchase from this seller again. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

As Expected !!!!
Very pleased with the purchased. Got exactly what I expected. I recommend buying this book from the seller.

Helpful and allowed in exam room
If you look at the PE exam website for CA, this is specifically mentioned that it is allowed. I quote, "Published reference materials entitled, "120 Solved Surveying Problems" for the California Special Civil Engineers Examination (CSSP) and "Civil Surveying Samples Examinations" for the California Special Engineering Surveying Examination (CSSE2) will be allowed." I used this book and thought it was very helpful. I passed the surveying exam on the first try using this book. [...]

Not allowed in the CA Surveying Exam
Because this book is bound with staples, it is NOT allowed at the Surveying portion of the California State specific Civil PE exam, a fact I discovered today. If you try to take it in, it will be confiscated. While the book itself helped me understand the surveying concepts, it was very disappointing to have it taken away moments before the big test.

Deficient
Please see my review of the 3-book series in which this book is typically purchased in the reviews of "Surveying Principles for Civil Engineers."

Okay
There are many other sources were we can get problems and solutions for surveying.I thought for just 120 problems the price was a bit high. ... Read more

Product Description
A revision of the classic reference covering all important principles and techniques needed by practicing civil engineers.The 5th Edition incorporates changes in design and construction practices, especially in design specifications for construction materials, buildings and bridges, safety and health concerns, and the most current codes changes including ACI, AISC, ASTM, NDS for wood structures, etc.The Handbook covers systems design, community and regional planning, the latest design methods for buildings, airports, highways, tunnels and bridges.It includes sections on construction equipment, construction management, materials, specifications, structural theory, geotechnical engineering, wood, concrete, steel design and construction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

What I needed
The book came within a couple days and was fairly priced and new.

It's just a desk, of field, reference.
I've read several other of the reviews, and feel the need to add a little to the conversation.

This book will not make you into an engineer if you don't have the foundation knowledge required.It is a desk reference, useful mainly for a quick review, of principles outside your primary area of engineering practice, when you need a quick refresher.

I am a degreed and licensed Civil Engineer, but I am primarily a Construction Engineer.I use this book to get myself back upto speed on topics that I haven't dealt with in a while, and to do field checks on designs I'm trying to build before I call the Design Engineer.I've got several hundred text books, and years worth of journals, and technical reports available in my office.They don't fit in my breifcase and travel to the field well.The handbook does.

I wouldn't rely on the knowledge contained in this book alone, to execute a design for any complex or critical project.I doubt that any competent professional would, or should.

All said, it is worth every penny you spend on it.

excelent andgood reference
I found it most complete reference for civil engineers ,I always carry this book in my travels ,I found it complete in this fields: safety and health concerns, and the most current codes changes including ACI, AISC, ASTM,
and you find powerfull data in covers systems design, community and regional planning, the latest design methods for buildings, airports, highways, tunnels and bridges. It includes sections

what do you want else ,buy it and carry all knowlege you can have.

Still the bestCivilHandbook
The fifth edition update mainly reflects changes in code requirements for structural engineering.Other sections seem barely changed from the fourth edition.The water resources chapter has several misprinted tables.Use the corresponding tables out of the fourth edition.

Generalle well-written and easy to follow.Useful as a supplemental study reference for the Civil PE Exam.

Could use a good bibliography.

Great Review/Reference Book
I'm a senior in CE this year and I have been using the 2nd edition of this book (1976) more or less daily as I work on my senior design projects.Not really in depth on any one subject, but its great if you just need to look up a formula or technique that you forgot from some class.I plan to ask for the new edition as a graduation present. ... Read more

Product Description
Thomas Dion's Land Development has become a standard reference for the engineering information needed in site development. This revised edition brings the work completely up to date with current practices and procedures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Decent, but Boring
This book was required for my Civil Engineering senior design class. The book went into a lot of detail and explained a lot about the entire process of land development, but it was also boring.We hated it because we were all Structural and Construction student, not land development.I think an engineer in land development might like this book.

Land Development for Civil Engineers
Having studied under Tom Dion as a civil engineering student in college, I can speak from personal experience that he is extremely knowledgeable about the subject of land surveying and especially land development.I strongly recommend this book as a very necessary addition to any would be civil engineer, or land surveyor reference library. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides practical, step by step information on a broad array of engineering processes. Packed with 900 informative illustrations. This guide will add a world of invaluable insight to how you do your work! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good intention
Good intention, but a bunch of maps without any explanation does not mean much. Moreover, in my case, I need to use a magnifying lens to see the small words because of the maps reduction.

The best illustrated Civil Engineer source
This is the best illustrated Civil Engineer book I ever seen, it's amazing. Everybody should have it. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (15)

Love it!
I used this book to study for the April 2009 PE exam, and I passed the first time.This is much more helpful than the bigger PE study guides that only have short sections on Surveying.This book is still small and has an easy learning curve.I highly recommend this book to study for the PE.

Good for the person in Engineering survey parctice.
This book is not the ultimate reference for the preperation for the California section of the PE exam. Study material provided by other sources like "PES" from Freson California,have served me better since I am not in the practice of Engineering Survey. I have no doubt that the author is a professional, yet the delivery is some how complicated for some of the topics, specially the DMD, and error of closure.The coverage of the Engineer's Act and Surveyors Act are also limited compared to other resources. Inclduing "Como",I have obtained study material from 4 reputable sources, but this reference was not the one that I had to depend on taking the statetest. This is my personal input.

Great review book for California Engineering Surveying Section exam
I took the California special seismic/survey exam fall 2008, and used this book as the sole source for preparing for the surveying exam and as the only reference for the open book surveying exam.This book was great in preparing me for the exam, there was nothing on the exam that wasn't covered by this book.The content and the example problems do a wonderful job in relearning or refreshing you to surveying, even if it has been several years.I haven't received my results yet so I am not a 100% sure if I passed, however I am confident that I did well on the survey exam because of this book.

Great Resource for Passing the CA PE Surveying
Don't believe the old reviews previously posted.They are for the old version.This resource is perfect for the CA PE Surveying exam.I was surprised at how closely the problems matched up.The California Acts and things like that were key, as there is limited resources to find that information.Obviously, not all the information in this book was useful, but the horizontal, vertical curves, leveling, photogrammetry, and parcel map sections were clutch.I would recommend that anyone taking this test buy it.Work through it and feel confident for the test.

Decent Review Text
Having recently taken the PE, I found this to be quite a useful reference for the principles of surveying (together with the surveying textbook by Kavanagh).The major topics are covered in this text, and as long as the test taker using other reference materials to go more in depth, there should be no problem.However, I could have been lucky this time around and your mileage may vary (most of my colleagues have had problems with the surveying portion of the PE).

Word of warning for future PE exam takers:NCEES and the state board do not allow loose or stapled sheets during the exam, and during the October 2007 exam, this book (and other similar reference materials) was disallowed as it is stapled.People who had inserted it into 3-ring binders didn't have a problem. ... Read more

Product Description
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the best-selling chronicle of ASCE history by former Executive Director William H. Wisely, The American Civil Engineer 1852-1974, has been updated to provide an overview of the Society as it exists today. This new edition, edited and expanded by Virginia Fairweather, former Editor-in-Chief of Civil Engineering magazine, presents 150 years of fascinating history, and is a tribute to the rich heritage of the civil engineering profession and its professional society. This historical account reveals the parallels between the Society’s evolution and the need for engineers in a growing nation. The Society has always played a key role in creating and fostering the professional environment of civil engineering. The proud tradition of public service continues with the recent ASCE sponsored teams that investigated the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers and the damage sustained by the Pentagon. As the Society evolves into a global leader in civil engineering and looks forward to the opportunities of the 21st century, this volume allows us to look back and pay tribute to the founders of the Society, the growth of civil engineering, and the history, traditions and development of the American Society of Civil Engineers. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (9)

A MUST TO HAVE BOOK
I found this book to be very helpful and useful in preparing for your California Special Seismic Examination.
Though the problems are not exactly identical to the board problems,following the chapter sequence by solving each problems will enable you to be more familiarize with the important sections and equations of ASCE 7-05 and IBC 2006.

This isA MUST TO HAVE BOOK!Thank you, Mr. Baradar.

-Jose E. Mendoza

Problems are filled with errors.
I was using this book to prep for the October 2009 Seismic Exam in California, and the example problems are filled with errors.It is maddening trying to evaluate yourself when you're finding mistakes in half the problems.For how much they charge for these guides, I'd have expected them to at least work through the problems and perhaps proof read the answers.

Inadequate
This book, and the accompanying "345 Solved Seismic Design Problems" and "Seismic Principles Practice Exams" were very insufficient to prepare me for the April 2007 CA seismic Exam.I took the PE exam several years ago, and did quite well, therefore I feel that these books were very inadequate.

They are very poorly written, I spent most of my time trying to figure out what the author was talking about because few complex concepts were defined.Additionally in the example computations, he often did not reference which equations and code sections he was using, and did not explain his assumptions.Therefore, it was very difficult to understand the solutions, and almost impossible to apply the concepts to another questions.Allowable stress increases and strength reduction factors were glossed over in the text, but used in some example problems, but not others, with no explanation of why they were used sometimes and not in other cases.The book had few informative figures, and no figures that showed basic principals.

These three books were fairly expensive, but were riddled with errors, and did not explain the material in enough detail to answer the application-based exam questions.For instance, why would you choose one type of allowable building structure over another?

The actual exam focused mostly on computational questions that were much more difficult than the practice problems or practice exams. I felt like I was prepared going into the exam having done all the practice problems, and scoring well on the practice exams.When I saw the exam questions, I could not believe how much more complex they were than practice problems.

Don't buy these books, buy the Hiner Book at[...]even if you can't take the class.It is much cheaper, and from what I have heard, very complete and clear.

Not Satisfied
There was little help available from this book on the seismic exam, held on April 21, 2007.Most of the questions were outside the scope of this book, or even the other Lindberg's books on seismic course. The book is ok, but if I didn't pass the seismic exam, I certainly would buy some other book, as I can't rely on this book alone.

Helpful Reference for the Seismic PE Exam
I purchased this book to help me pass the Seismic Principles secion of the PE Exam.After taking the exam a couple days ago I must say that this book was very helpful in preparing me for the exam.This was the third time I took the Seismic Principles exam and this book helped me solve the many problems I had no clue how to solve on the previous two Seismic exams I took.If I had this book the first or second time I took the exam I probably would have passed.I am crossing my fingers that 13 weeks from now I get the good news that I passed the Seismic Principles section.My thanks go out to the people who wrote the helpful reviews and Mr. Majid Baradar. ... Read more

Product Description
Professional Communications: A Handbook for Civil Engineers provides practical, comprehensive advice on best practice for professional engineering communications. The purpose of this handbook is to convey information to the reader accurately and simply. Presented are in-depth coverage of the requirements for many forms of documentation, along with editorial conventions, editing and proofreading, writing style, conference or display posters, and oral presentations of technical material. Readers can choose a specific topic and read that chapter; this resourceful handbook does not have to be read sequentially. Engineering professionals and students will benefit from the concise information listed in this handbook about what is needed in an effective engineering document. This handbook is based on Dr. Silyn-Roberts' 15 years of experience as an expert consultant in documentation for many engineering organizations. Since 1997, she has also run annual programs in scientific communication for international graduate schools in Germany. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Reference
I like this book. It contains all the templates for reports with some pointers for day to day communication on engineering projects. I constantly keep it on my side as a quick go over to ensure that I have covered all relvant matters as it relates to the jobs I am working on. I highly recommend this book to add to your engineering library collection. ... Read more

Product Description
Machu Picchu: A Civil Engineering Marvel takes readersinside the Lost City of the Incas for a groundbreaking perspectivenever before seen by tourists or archeologists. Built high in theAndes on a seemingly impossible site, Machu Picchu stands as atestament to Early Native Americans and their ability to plan andbuild. How was it possible to create a mountain-top city complete withrunning water, drainage systems, food production, and stone structuresso advanced they have endured for over 500 years? Authors KennethR. Wright and Alfredo Valencia Zegarra explain these and othermysteries, based on their original engineering and scientificresearch. A fascinating book, Machu Picchu: A Civil Engineering Marvelis a must-have for civil engineers, archeologists, armchair travelers,and tourists alike. An illustrated walking guide and detailed mapallow readers to become familiar with each building and pathway, andnumerous photographs take readers on a breathtaking pictorialadventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

This Book Enhanced Our Trip!
For the University of Denver Water Law Review,
Vol. 6, Issue 1, Fall 2002

Coloradans Ken and Ruth Wright have teamed with Peruvian archeologist Alfredo Valencia to place back in working order the sixteen fountains of Machu Picchu.You can see for yourself.

The Inca were master water handlers.They chose Machu Picchu as a ceremonial center because the mountains and the river spoke to them of life-giving power.The Urubamba River far below snakes triangular around the base of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains.A saddle between these peaks cradles the temples, rock shrines, dwelling places, and agricultural terraces that dance between the clouds in early morning and emerge to sunlight by Noon.

Water at the center of it all.The paleo-hydrologic studies of the Wrights and Valencia reveal how the Inca predicated the design and construction of Machu Picchu upon the flow of a spring.From high on the side of Machu Picchu Mountain, a canal brings water across an agricultural terrace to the first fountain just above the Temple of the Sun.From there, sixteen fountains splash, spout, and sing down a staircase to the Temple of the Condor.

The May 2002, issue of National Geographic Magazine contains yet another map of Machu Picchu deriving from the Wright-Valencia partnership.This map shows how magnificent Machu Picchu must have looked with its thatched roofs uplifted to the condor sky.
Underneath your feet at every turn is the invisible sixty-percent of Machu Picchu.In their Civil Engineering book, Ken and Alfredo describe the genius of Machu Picchu's foundational structure.The Inca edifices and agricultural terraces stand the test of time because of careful drainage and methodical trenchwork.The visible forty-percent of Machu Picchu rests on mountain bedrock and the skill of people who learned through ancestral experience how to counter earthquake and erosion's despoiling effect.

Ken and Alfredo deduce from their studies that the Inca did not irrigate the agricultural terraces at Machu Picchu, though they did elsewhere.Here, the rainy season and supplemental importation of agricultural products met the needs of the small resident population and the influx of those attending rituals.The Inca ruler Pachacuti began Machu Picchu as a ceremonial retreat in A.D. 1450.It likely ceased normal operation by A.D. 1540 due to the collapse of the Inca Empire under Spanish invasion.

Ken and Alfredo explain that Machu Picchu's durability stems from high quality professional workmanship:

"Machu Picchu's technical planning is surely the key to the site's longevity and functionality.The Inca's careful use of hydraulic, drainage, and construction techniques ensured that the retreat was not reduced to rubble during its many years of abandonment.These techniques, combined with a strong knowledge of hydrology, were what made it a grand and operational retreat high in the most rugged of terrain."

The Civil Engineering book is easily readable, yet contains much study and analysis of Machu Picchu's structural accomplishment.Ken and Alfredo devote chapters to (1) setting, geology, climate, and site selection; (2) city planning and engineering infrastructure; (3) hydrogeology, collection works, water requirements, and water supplies; (4) hydraulic engineering, water supply canal, and fountains; (5) drainage infrastructure, surface runoff and drainage criteria, agricultural terraces, and urban sector; (6) agriculture, hand-placed soil, crop water needs, and adequacy of nutrient production; (7) building foundations and stone walls; (8) construction methods, rock quarry, transporting and lifting rocks, using wood and vegetation, roof structures, canal stones, floors and plaster, bridges, and tools of the trade; (9) cultural background and Inca heritage; and (10) a walking tour of the engineering works (Ruth's contribution).

Dr. Gordon McEwan, excavator of Pikillacta and Chokepukio, illuminates the cultural background of the Inca in a fine chapter he contributes to the Civil Engineering work (chapter 9).He further explains in a June 2002 National Geographic Magazine article how the Inca culture built upon the Wari culture (A.D. 600-1000).At Pikillacta, the Wari relied on an aqueduct whose portals also served as their gateways and guardways to the Cusco Valley.Before the Wari, dating from B.C. 200, the Pukara and the Tiwanaku peoples conducted water for pragmatic and religious purposes.

The Inca were religious and practical people.They revered the earth, the mountains, and the sky, as their descendants the Quechua still do.On mountain torsos they saw visages of the serpent, the puma, and the condor.Rocks and dead ancestors were equally alive to inform and inspire them by daily consultation in community.They were expert engineers, architects, and water workers.Joseph and Pharaoh-like, they dreamed of drought and famine; so, they stored the plentiful crop against the certitude of impending scarcity.The Inca exacted a tax in the form of labor.In return, the community benefited from stored food and ritual celebrations.

In the third summer of a North American western drought (A.D.2002), with the published work of Ken, Ruth, and Alfredo in hand, I could see it too--how water works at Machu Picchu for domestic water supply, aesthetic, and spiritual needs.The Inca water containment and delivery structures join those of the Mayans at Tikal, the Anasazi at Mesa Verde, and the Hopi at their mesas in a centuries-old mosaic of water use in the Western Hemisphere.

In scarcity lies the opportunity for community.The native peoples of the Americas practiced the art of water works construction out of ingenuity and necessity, praying to the gods for rain to fill their earth-constructed hope against despair.The native peoples also demonstrated that water supply planning and infrastructure is a core responsibility of those who would govern in the public interest.Westerners always come round to the practical and symbolic value of water for people and the environment.

Get it before you go, take it with you
Great book that goes way beyond the standard guide book fare.It inspired me to make the trip after reading it, to see first hand how the ancient Inca Empire created a complete fortified city in the sky, to trace the old Inca trails by the watchtower, the drawbrige and into the main gate with the view of city and the peak beyond. Other travel books have beautiful pictures and "where to eat and where to stay" for this citadel but very little information on how the city itself came into being and survived.

City maps and commentary in the book are far better than you can get on-site.Don't leave home without it.Even if you are just an armchair traveler you will be amazed with the accomplishments of the Inca Empire.

Machu Picchu - A Civil Engineering Marvel
Abandoned for centuries and overgrown by dense subtropical forest, this awesome city in the sky has been the subject of speculation and conjecture since Hiram Bingham first disclosed it in 1911.Now, for the first time, the wonders of Machu Picchus' construction and water supply are revealed in a new book by Kenneth R. Wright and Alfredo Valencia Zegarra. Anyone who has read Bingham's Lost City of the Incas, or who has visited this ancient city of the Incas or who yearns to journeythere, should read this new and searching volume that delves into and solves many of the mysteries of Machu Picchu. Why was it built, how the site was selected, and what were the critical criterial criteria that were met to make the ridge top site suitable for an alternate home for the Inca Pachacuti? Machu Picchu served as a residence, a fortress and a holy place. The developement of a water supply, the construction of terraces for agriculture and the remarkable and enduring granite structures were well concealed by its unique location. Near vertical cliffs, the roaring Urubamba river all contributed to the concealment of Machu Picchu from the Spanish invaders How an ancient people, without the written word, without instruments and steel tools so capably built and prospered there for more than a century is now revealed in this landmark book that will increase both the awe and respect of the reader for the Inca people.

Skilled Ancient Civilizations
Don't let the title scare you if you are not an engineer.Reading through the book is like taking a stroll with the ancient men who planned, designed and built this great site.It is a "must take along" if you are planning a visit.Even if you cannot afford to visit,the book is worth the read to be able to admire the skills of ancient people.

The Miracle of Machu Picchu
The story of Machu Picchu is a tribute to the prehistoric Native Americans who planned and built this mystical mountaintop royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti between AD 1450 and 1540.The authors have, at last, defined for scientists and layman alike what makes Machu Picchu such a beautiful and special place:the innumerable details of Machu Picchu, when combined into a whole, create a visual and spiritual experience that is unparalleled in the New World.

Properly, this book is dedicated to the young Yale explorer Hiram Bingham, John Rowe and Pat Lyons of the University of California/Berkeley, Richard Burger and Lucy Salazar of Yale University, and several others who had a hand in supporting the research work in both the United States and Peru.

Ten chapters, 160 photographs, many sketches and maps, in conjunction with a detailed index, provide both the scholar and casual tourist with a description of Machu Picchu that is a must-read before leaving Cusco for the trip down the Urubamba River to see this most important archaeological ruin of the Western Hemisphere.The book is designed so that much of the story can be appreciated even if one only looks at the photographs and reads the captions; much like a National Geographic magazine.

Chapter 1 explains the when, where and why of Machu Picchu along with it ancient climate.Site selection reasons are described; here you will learn why the Inca chose such a difficult site for construction and how the mountain and water played a major role in its choice.In Chapter 2, you will learn about the Inca-period planning that went into the royal estate so that it would function.For instance, based on engineering evidence, the Inca spring and canal layout details were established before the Inca Royal Residence and the Temple of the Sun locations were chosen.It is no coincidence that the one-half-mile-long canal ends near the Royal Residence and Fountain No. 1 so that the emperor would have the first use of the domestic water supply.

Without the Inca Spring on the north side of Machu Picchu Mountain, there would be no archaeological ruin here.The Inca water source is described in Chapter 3.The hydrology of the spring and its flow are presented in an easy-to-understand manner; the reader will learn why the water supply is a child of the geologic faulting, upthrusts and related cracking of the granite bedrock and that the spring flow rises and falls throughout the year with a several-month lag time between the rainfall.But most of all, the chapter describes the original spring works and its water supply so that its technical significance to the Inca engineer can be fully appreciated.For water quality aficionados, a detailed water quality table of constituents is described; you will learn that the water supply of Machu Picchu was and is clear and pure.

Also in Chapter 3, the remarkable recent discoveries of long lost water supplies are explained.A previously unknown extension of the Inca Trail down to the Urubamba River is also described.One fountain is shown flowing in 1999 after nearly five centuries of being buried under the forest floor.

Chapter 4 explains the hydraulic engineering of Machu Picchu and the meticulous fountain work that delivered water to the heart of Machu Picchu.Hydraulic works such as the Abandoned Canal are pictured to show that even when Machu Picchu was left to the forest in AD 1540, the royal estate was still under construction.Machu Picchu represented a pinnacle of the Inca architectural and engineering achievements.

The author explains in Chapter 5 that, without good drainage, Machu Picchu would not have endured through the centuries.The drainage system is analyzed using modern methods to prove the type of planning and engineering that preceded the actual building construction, all with figures and photographs so that the drainage components can be examined in the field to provide a greater appreciation.Discovery of the first and only gold at Machu Picchu in 1996 is a story that illustrates the Machu Picchu mysteries that still await discovery; a gold bracelet was found in and amongst the stone chips that underlie the Playa.A photograph of the gold bracelet shows its graceful curves.

The agriculture of Machu Picchu is amply illustrated and described in Chapter 6, along with the nutrient producing capabilities of the hundreds of terraces.It was determined that the terraces would provide food for no more than 55 people and, therefore, food was brought into Machu Picchu from elsewhere.Actually, the terraces were used mostly for growing corn, probably to produce the ceremonial Inca beer known as chi cha.

Chapters 7 and 8 satisfy one's need to know about how the Machu Picchu stonework was built and why it has endured.Eighteen types of stonework wall patterns are illustrated and lintel beams are described along with many special-use stones.Methods of construction are analyzed to show how large stones were moved, shaped and placed.Evidence of potential Inca renegade stonemasons is shown on page 77, a controversy on which Inca scholars still disagree.

One of the best descriptions of how the Inca were able to do so much in such a short time is given in Chapter 9, prepared by scholar Gordon McEwan, in a chapter on cultural background and the Inca heritage.

The final chapter of the book provides a capstone in the form of a walking tour that takes the reader to each and every Machu Picchu highlight, complete with 44 figures and photographs.The four pages of Machu Picchu mapping helps the armchair traveler know just where he or she is at all times.

This book, parading as a civil engineering guide to Machu Picchu, is actually a detailed guide that covers the scientific aspects of the archaeological site in a way that any and all readers can appreciate.I recommend it to all.Don't miss it if you are planning to visit there. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Good Reference Across Generations of Engineers
My father who was an engineer, pointed out this boodk for me as a reference for quick fix designs. That is how it helped me as an engineer since I myself graduated 1962 from the American University in Beirut. I strongly recommend it especially for construction site engineers.Its contents might be outdated in some ways, nevertheless it remains a handy tool when an engineer is asked to provide on the spot construction designs and details.

My Go-To Reference for 30 years
I began using Design in 1968 when I was in the USAF as a Civil Engineer.The wealth of information compiled by Mr. Seelye is staggering.Even though some of the materials are archaic, the formulae are timeless.I find the tables and nomographs particularly useful for quickly checking the work of my consultants.I've found it useful and I'm sure any Civil Engineer will as well.It would make a great graduation gift for your favorite CE.Computers will need upgrading but this book won't.

Helpful book for practical engineering
I bought Seelye's book on design in 1971.I am sure that it has gone through some updates since, but for the last three decades it has been a ready source of quick usefull and practical engineering data.Granted, an in depth design problem will require other references and checks of current codes, but there is plenty in Seelye's book to find a direction and to solve "shirtsleeve" problems.

One problem that I do have with the book that I bought is that several pages are blank.The blank pages are scattered throughout the book.I don't know if this was a publishers error or something intentional that was left out.The table of contents lists information that is supposed to be on these pages, so I suspect it is a bad book.

All in all, it is a worthwhile investment, even if I did pay $26.50 29 years ago.

Broad range of detail and hard to find info, with calc's.
This is a collection of years of work detailed by a civil engineer dealing with many types of materials and projects.His formulas and charts are well documented with an excellent index. Great for structural and generalcivil engineering type of work.

Dubious Value
Don't be fooled by the date (May 1996) in the book's description.This book was last updated in 1959.It, therefore, does not reflect the requirements of any modern building codes or take advantage of any of thelatest research.For instance, the referenced ACI code is dated 1947,AASHO 1949, etc.The book still has a lot of practical information andhistorical significance but will require care in its use. ... Read more

Product Description
If you are looking for a book to help you get ready for the fast paced and exciting field of technical engineeringýthis is the book to have. This handbook has been written by an author who has been thereýworking in the field. Gain technical and first hand knowledge of civil engineer technology. This is a must have in your collection of technical knowledge. Finallyýa technical handbook that also acknowledges God's awesome place in the field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Really Good Technical Book...
My college guidance counselor suggested I read this book along with some other technical books, in order to get ready to take the state exam for technicians. I did and I passed! The material I had to study was complicated, this book included, but it was worth it, because the exam was really hard. But like I said, I passed the exam so I'm really happy. I also thought the bilibical quotes added a touch of class and inspiration to my reading, good job!

Wonderful Book...My Students Use It!
I teach drafting at a private technical high school and one of the many books I am requiring my students to read is the Christian Civil Engineer Technician Handbook. This is a religious school that offers a wide area of education, tempered with the grace of God. I found the biblical quotes at the beginning of each chapter quite refreshing. It seems that in these days of fading faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, with the media, music, science, etc. turning away from true faith, it is good to find books that I can use to help in both my teaching of the technical applications of civil engineer technician along with other text, but this book, while quite technical, still manages to inspire a positive faith in God. And in these days that is very helpful.

Really Good Book...Loved It!
My Dad and brother are engineers and I'm getting ready to enter college this year--they suggested that I read this book and I found it very helpful. One of the things I like about it is that it addresses issues that are unique to the engineer "technician"--who is not an engineer--but part of the support staff. It is complicated--but the whole field of engineering is complicated and this book is not for dummies--you should already have a strong background in science before reading this book. I also liked the fact that the author is a Christian--my family is of the Christian faith--and it is good to see that there are authors who understand this and adjust their work to the glory of Jesus Christ. I like the Biblical quotes and the other Christian nuances. They seemed to subtly complement the technical text of the book. If anyone out there is thinking about getting their feet wet in the civil engineering technician field--this book is a great one to cut your teeth on. The science is good and the faithful nuances makes it just all the better! I liked it!

Should have an option for ZERO stars
I bought this book because of its title.But once I received it and attempted to read the first two chapters, I could not find any reason to keep it.I am returning it as fast as I can.There is no mention of Christ.The only thing that seems to be biblical about this writing is that each chapter opens with a verse from the bible.I could not even made any sense of the content.I have scanned the thirty-five chapters looking for any information of value and I have found none.Amazon should include their "Search Inside" option for this book, it might help their return rate for this book.

Should have an option for ZERO stars
I bought this book because of its title.But once I received it and attempted to read the first two chapters, I could not find any reason to keep it.I am returning it as fast as I can.There is no mention of Christ.The only thing that seems to be biblical about this writing is that each chapter opens with a verse from the bible.I could not even made any sense of the content.I have scanned the thirty-five chapters looking for any information of value and I have found none.Amazon should include their "Search Inside" option for this book, it might help their return rate for this book. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

It was good. I enjoyed sample tests.
I took PE exam. I passed the Civil Survey Exam at once with this book and another material. But this is a sample test. Real exam can be different from this book. This can be one of your study materials for survey.

Not allowed at the test, false sense of hope
The problems in this book are not as difficult as those presented on the exam. The exam's problems are much more tedious.

Also, because this book is bound with staples, it is NOT allowed at the Surveying portion of the California State specific Civil PE exam, a fact I discovered today. If you try to take it in, it will be confiscated. While it may not have actually helped me since the test is actually much harder than this, it was very disappointing to have it taken away moments before the big test.

Not a good reference (Pathetic!)
I just tooke the Engineering Survey section of the PE Exam two days ago and used this book as a reference.I DEFINITELY would NOT RECOMMEND this book as a reference.It will not help you prepare for the exam and will give you a false impression of how the exam is going to be like.The practice problems that are on the PE are a thousand times harder then what is in this book.If you want to pass the Engineering Survey section this book will not help you at all!The only use I have for this book now is for toilet paper.If Amazon did not require a minimum star rating of 1 star I would have give it zero. ... Read more

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An essential tool in the fields of structural geology and geotechnics, stereographic projection allows three-dimensional orientation data to be represented and manipulated. This revised edition presents a basic introduction to the subject with examples, illustrations and exercises that encourage the student to visualize the problems in three dimensions. It will provide students of geology, rock mechanics, and geotechnical and civil engineering with an indispensable guide to the analysis and interpretation of field orientation data. Links to useful web resources and software programs are also provided. First Edition published by Butterworth-Heinemann (1996): 0-750-62450-7 ... Read more

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Stereonets
A really useful text. Very well set out and simply explained. Definitely recommend for undergraduate and beyond. ... Read more

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Covers all materials used in civil engineering. The text discusses the engineering performance of soil, aggregate, cements, concrete, timber, asphalt, metals, and plastics, as well as environmental considerations. ... Read more

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This E. & F. N. Spon title is now distributed by Routledge in the US and Canada ... Read more

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The Business and Problem-Solving Skills Needed for Success in Your Engineering Career!

Customer Reviews (1)

Compact & Factual
In my opinion, Structural Engrs Professional Training Manual does not seek to exhaust all fields of structural/civil engineering knowledge but concisely touches on key items in brief but acceptably complete paragraphs and sentences and providing satisfactory guidance to the reader. ... Read more

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For nearly two decades, design-build (DB) contracting has become increasingly the method of choice in public and private construction projects. Many designers and builders are now drawn to design-build projects and must alter their business practices to accommodate the changed relationships within DB contracts. Preparing for Design-Build Projects: A Primer for Owners, Engineers, and Contractors is a professional reference that covers the basics of developing a design-build project. The authors focus on learning modules that break down the decision-making process and reassemble it as a straightforward method for DB projects from the owner’s standpoint. This book acts as a timely guide on developing DB requests for qualification and requests for proposals. It also assists the reader in interpreting these documents in order to prepare a responsive DB proposal or to evaluate a series of proposals and make a source selection decision. ... Read more

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This book explains the process of ground formation what it is made of and how it behaves as an engineering material. This enables the civil engineer to work from a few first principles to determine if the ground is an asset or a hazard. ... Read more