Digest 463 - Selecting building sealants with ISO 11600

This paper describes how ISO 11600 classifies sealants and how the classification scheme relates to use in service and to British Standard methods for joint design (BS 6093) and sealant selection (BS 6213). Changes that are likely to be introduced in the revised version of ISO 11600 are included. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 466 - EN 927: the new European Standard for exterior wood coatings

A comprehensive set of new European standards for exterior wood coatings is now available. It is in five parts: a guide to selection and classification, a specification for assessing the performance of different types of wood coating systems in relation to end-use, and test methods for natural weathering and water absorption. This group of standards forms part of the range of construction-related European standards intended to reduce technical barriers to trade and advance the development of the single European market. This Digest, which will interest buildings users and specifiers, architects and paint manufacturers, describes these standards. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 161 - Reinforced plastics cladding panels

Outlines briefly the materials and moulding techniques used in the manufacture of glass-fibre reinforced plastics cladding panels and compares some of the finished panels with those of other materials. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 162 - Traffic noise and overheating in offices

A brief guide on how to deal, through design, with the problems of traffic noise while maintaining acceptable temperature and ventilation standards. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 163 - Drying out buildings

Describes methods of drying out new buildings and of testing the condition of walls, floors and joinery. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 208 - Increasing the fire resistance of existing timber floors

Gives general guidance and simple examples on increasing fire resistance for periods of up to one hour by adding protection to the underside of ceilings, over the floor boarding and between the joists. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 217 - Wall cladding defects and their diagnosis

Deals with non-loadbearing cladding and gives guidance on spotting latent defects likely to lead to rain penetration or dislodgement. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 223 - Wall cladding: designing to minimise defects due to inaccuracies and movements

Describes the factors influencing rain penetration and dislodgement of non-loadbearing cladding and facings, and the critical points to consider in design. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 227 - Estimation of thermal and moisture movements and stresses: part 1

Considers movements in building materials and components, their sources and design strategies for accommodating them, and the causes of deformation and stress.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £14.00 |

Digest 228 - Estimation of thermal and moisture movements and stresses: part 2

An analysis of thermal and moisture effects including tabulated data for assessing the change of size and shape of materials.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 229 - Estimation of thermal and moisture movements and stresses: part 3

This part of the digest (See Digests 227 and 228) provides expressions for the assessment of thermal deformations, forces and stresses in those cases that are amenable to reasonably simple analysis. All the expressions are to some extent approximate, either with respect to the geometry of curvature, or the estimation of forces and stresses, or both. Also, they deal with curvature in only one plane and may therefore be inadequate for the analysis of members whose breadth is of the same order as their length. Some guidance on two-dimensional stress analysis is given in Ref (1). However, the expressions will generally enable these effects to be assessed with sufficient accuracy for the purposes of building design, bearing in mind the underlying uncertainties about the precise properties of many materials and the conditions to which they are subject.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 240 - Low-rise buildings on shrinkable clay soils: part 1

Describes the behaviour of clay soils and shows the general location in the UK of the more common shrinkable clays. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 241 - Low-rise buildings on shrinkable clay soils: part 2

Describes designs which should provide stable foundations in the most adverse circumstances. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 245 - Rising damp in walls: Diagnosing & treating

Considers causes of dampness in walls and offers a positive method for diagnosis of rising damp, and several remedial measures including the repair of damaged plaster.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 248 - Sanitary pipework: part 1 - design basis

Digests 248 and 249 consider the design of unvented above-ground drainage systems for high and low-rise domestic, public and office buildings, based on performance criteria given in BSI Code of Practice, BS 5572:1978. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 249 - Sanitary pipework: part 2 - design of pipework

Digests 248 and 249 consider the design of unvented above-ground drainage systems for high and low-rise domestic, public and office buildings, based on performance criteria given in BSI Code of Practice, BS 5572:1978. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 254 - Reliability and performance of solar-collector systems

Advice for design and installation of systems using liquid heat transfer. This Digest describes some of the more common problems and their possible solutions, and gives guidance on methods of checking the operation of systems. 8 pages

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 273 - Perforated clay bricks

A review of the production, performance and economic advantages of perforated clay bricks over wholly solid units. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 282 - Structural appraisal of buildings with long-span roofs

Explains why periodical structural appraisal of buildings with long-span roofs is especially important. It also indicates the commonly occurring defects and gives guidance on appraisal of structure and components. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 288 - Dust explosions

Explosions involving seemingly innocuous dust can seriously damage buildings. Industries at risk need to assess the explosibility of the dust they handle and incorporate appropriate levels of explosion protection. This Digest identifies the hazards and considers methods of explosion protection. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 292 - Access to domestic underground drainage systems

Examines the requirements for access to underground drains and recommends typical drainage systems. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 293 - Improving the sound insulation of separating walls and floors

The Digest suggests methods of improving the sound insulation between adjoining dwellings. It indicates the improvement in insulation likely to be achieved by such methods as adding an independent leaf to one side of the wall, or constructing an independent ceiling or floating floor. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 294 - Fire risks from combustible cavity insulation

Reviews tests by FRS on masonry walls filled with combustible insulation materials, describes the performance of different insulating materials, and offers a guide to selection. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 295 - Stability under wind load of loose-laid external roof insulation boards

Gives guidance on the uplift pressures to which loose-laid roof insulation boards can be subjected, and how they can be restrained using ballast or mechanical fixing. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 297 - Surface condensation and mould growth in traditionally-built dwellings

Condensation and mould growth are widespread problems in all housing sectors. This Digest considers the circumstances that lead to surface condensation and mould growth, and suggests ways of reducing their incidence in dwellings of traditional construction. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 298 - Low rise building foundations: the influence of trees on clay soils.

Soil shrinkage caused by the removal of water by trees and other vegetation can result in foundation subsidence. Soil swelling caused by the recovery of moisture following tree removal can result in foundation heave. This Digest gives simple guidance on minimising these effects in clay soils and points to some dangers in current foundation practice. It should be read in conjunction with Digests 240, 241, 251 and 412.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |  Out of Stock*

Digest 299 - Dry rot: its recognition and control

Decay of timber occurs only when wood is allowed to remain wet over long periods. In buildings the most serious type of decay is dry rot, which is caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans. This Digest explains how to recognise dry rot and how to eradicate it. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 301 - Corrosion of metals by wood

This Digest summarises the present state of knowledge and gives advice on good practice for the protection of metal in contact with wood. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 302 - Building overseas in warm climates

This Digest provides an introduction for those new to designing for warm climates and summarises the main sources of information now available. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 305 - Zinc-coated steel

Zinc corrodes slowly relative to steel; in most atmospheres and many waters, the average rate of attack is about one twenty-fifth that of steel. This Digest explains how zinc coating protects steel galvanically and provides sacrificial protection. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 307 - Identifying damage by wood-boring insects

A number of insects are able to use wood as a food source and some of these may cause serious damage to building timbers in the UK. This Digest introduces wood-boring insects and illustrates the types of damage which are serious enough to require remedial treatment, distinguishing them from other, less significant types of damage. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 308 - Unvented domestic hot water systems

This Digest summarises the differences between vented and unvented systems, explains how, in the absence of a vent, there is a need for safety devices and controls, describes the new Building Regulations procedures, and advises on the inspection of installations. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 308 - Unvented domestic hot water systems

This Digest summarises the differences between vented and unvented systems, explains how, in the absence of a vent, there is a need for safety devices and controls, describes the new Building Regulations procedures, and advises on the inspection of installations.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 309 - Estimating daylight in buildings: part 1

The two linked Digests (309 and 310) present daylight prediction methods that can be used as a first stage in assessing the visual and energy impacts of window design and the effectiveness of daylight-linked lighting controls. Part 1 (Digest 309) covers the calculation of sky component and externally-reflected component. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 311 - Wind scour of gravel ballast on roofs

This Digest gives a method of estimating the threshold wind speeds for scour. It is based on published information from wind tunnel tests conducted for this specific purpose and should be used in conjunction with Digest 346, Parts 1 to 8. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 312 - Flat roof design: The technical options

Summarises the requirements which must be considered when designing a flat roof and outlines the technical options available to designers, describing the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the costs and other considerations.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 318 - Site investigation for low-rise building: desk studies

An initial desk study forms an important part of the site investigation process to assess the suitability of a site for development. This Digest describes how to make use of various sources, and gives a number of examples of typical desk studies. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 320 - Fire doors

This Digest describes the role played by fire doors, the methods of assessing their performance, and requirements made under regulations and codes of practice.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 322 - Site investigation for low-rise building: procurement

If reliable results are to be obtained, site investigation must be arranged only after careful preparation. This Digest considers the steps that should be taken and provides guidance on contractual methods. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 324 - Flat roof design: thermal insulation

The need to conserve energy in buildings has led to improved standards of insulation, including those of flat roofs in domestic, public and industrial buildings. This Digest describes the properties required of thermal insulation in flat and low-pitched roofs with continuous waterproof coverings. It reviews the wide range of products available and suggests criteria for selection. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 324 - Flat roofs: Insulation

The need to conserve energy in buildings has led to improved standards of insulation, including those of flat roofs in domestic, public and industrial buildings. This Digest describes the properties required of thermal insulation in flat and low-pitched roofs, reviews the wide range of products available and suggests criteria for selection.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |  Out of Stock*

Digest 327 - Insecticidal treatments against wood boring insects

A strategy for remedial treatment of damaged building timbers is outlined in this Digest; it describes the types of treatments available and gives practical advice on their relative advantages and limitations in eradicating infestations by specific wood-boring insects. It complements Digest 307 which identifies the major wood-boring insects in the UK.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 329 - Installing wall ties in existing construction

Describes how to assess wall tie condition by using metal detectors, radar, infra-red thermography or optical probes (boroscopes). Then the Digest covers assessing the condition of ties and choosing a repair strategy. Tying systems and repair techniques are described in detail. 16 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £20.00 |

Digest 335 - Electrical interference in buildings

Electrical interference has been identified as a main cause of malfunction in electronic building services equipment. A description is given of the types of electrical disturbance causing interference and suggestions are provided on techniques to minimise its effects. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 338 - Insulation against external noise

This Digest explains how windows, walls and roofing affect the level of noise that is transmitted into a building from the outside. Various factors are involved, and certain planning measures will reduce exposure to outside noise. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 340 - Choosing wood adhesives

Most wood adhesives are based on the resins of urea, melamine, phenol or resorcinol, or polyvinyl acetate emulsions. This publication provides advice on the selection and specification of adhesives for use with solid woods. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 343 - Simple measuring and monitoring of movement in low-rise buildings. Part 1: cracks

Discusses methods of measuring and recording movement and cracking in low-rise buildings. Part 1 of a two-part Digest. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 344 - Simple measuring and monitoring: Part 2 settlement, heave and out-of-plumb.

Discusses methods of measuring and recording movement and cracking in low-rise buildings. Part 2 of a two-part Digest. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 345 - Wet rots: recognition and control

A description of the main types of wet rot generally found in buildings, how to distinguish them from dry rot, and the strategy for their control. It complements Digest 299 which gives guidance on identifying and controlling dry rot. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 346 part 1 - The assessment of wind loads. Part 1: background and method

The principal part in a series compatible with the forthcoming British Standard BS 6399:Part 2 which incorporates several changes from the previous CP3 Chapter V:Part 2:1972. Part 1 of this Digest series considers the assessment of wind loads on domestic and industrial buildings, and associated constructions. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 346 part 2 - The assessment of wind loads. Part 2: classification of structures

This Part deals with the methods developed to categorise structures according to their sensitivity to dynamic behaviour when subjected to wind loading. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 346 part 3 - The assessment of wind loads. Part 3: wind climate in the United Kingdom

Part 3 deals with the derivation of the hourly mean wind speed for sites in the UK. This site wind speed is then used in Part 4 as the basis for determining the appropriate wind speed to be allowed for in the design of a structure. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 346 part 4 - The assessment of wind loads. Part 4: terrain and building factors and gust peak factors

The ’full’ method of BS 6399:Part 2 is used to derive the appropriate gust wind speeds from the site hourly mean wind speed when designing static and mildly dynamic structures. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 346 part 5 - The assessment of wind loads. Part 5: assessment of wind speed over topography

The assessment of wind speeds over topographic features such as hills, ridges, escarpments and cliffs for wind load calculations. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 346 part 6 - The assessment of wind loads. Part 6: loading coefficients for typical buildings

Data is given on pressure coefficients for the walls and roofs of bluff-shaped buildings to enable loads to be calculated. The procedure outlined in this Digest is limited to rectangular buildings with flat, gabled or hipped roofs, but can be applied to those of more complex shape. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 346 part 7 - The assessment of wind loads. Part 7: wind speeds for serviceability and fatigue assessments

The assessment of more frequent parent wind speeds in the UK from the extreme wind speeds given by Part 3. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 346 part 8 - The assessment of wind loads. Part 8: internal pressures

This is the eighth in a series of Digests which is compatible with the proposed British Standard BS 6399: Part 2. Internal pressures do not affect overall wind loads on an enclosed structure because their contributions cancel out over all internal faces. However, they do affect the overall loading on external wall or roofs and on internal walls. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 348 - Site investigation for low-rise building: the walk-over survey

The walk-over survey is an important part of site investigation. Used with desk studies (see Digest 318), it provides valuable information which cannot be gathered any other way. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 350 part 1 - Climate and site development. Part 1: general climate of the UK

The factors of climate as they affect buildings, and how planning a climatically sensitive site layout can benefit building performance by reducing energy consumption and improving durability. References are listed in Part 3. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 350 part 2 - Climate and site development. Part 2: influence of microclimate

The factors of climate as they affect buildings, and how planning a climatically sensitive site layout can benefit building performance by reducing energy consumption and improving durability. References are listed in Part 3. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 350 part 3 - Climate and site development. Part 3: improving microclimate through design

The factors of climate as they affect buildings, and how planning a climatically sensitive site layout can benefit building performance by reducing energy consumption and improving durability. References are listed in this Part. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 351 - Re-covering old timber roofs

How to assess the condition of old timbers in roofs that might be subjected to potentially higher loads imposed by new tiles or slates. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 352 - Underpinning

About £80 million is spent annually in Britain on repairs to foundations following subsidence, heave and landslip. This Digest presents the background to the causes of foundation movement, and explains when and why underpinning may be necessary.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 355 - Energy efficiency in dwellings

Levels of energy efficiency required for new dwellings by the Building Regulations and improvements to the efficiency of existing buildings, particularly considering the opportunities created by major refurbishments, are described. This Digest identifies the factors determining energy requirements and the methods used to assess energy efficiency. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 357 - Shrinkage of natural aggregates in concrete

Discusses the effects on concrete of using shrinkable natural aggregates, recommends suitable uses for concrete made with particular aggregates and offers guidance on the design precautions to be taken. It should be used in conjunction with BS 812: Part 120 Method for testing and classifying drying shrinkage of aggregates in concrete. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 359 - Repairing brick and block masonry

This Digest lists causes of damage (through accident or long neglect) to small, generally domestic, masonry buildings and summarises methods of repair. It indicates certain avoidable risks and suggests special precautions to be taken in the course of repair work to prevent recurrence. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 360 - Testing bond strength of masonry

Covers the technical background, calibration and interpretation of results for bond wrenches and features the use of the BRENCH - a powerful in-situ tool used for investigating suspect masonry, for quality control of new work and for laboratory investigation of bond. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 361 - Why do buildings crack?

Examines the causes of cracking in buildings. Describes with illustrations the results of a wide range of problems. Broadens understanding of the factors responsible, increases the likelihood of correct diagnosis and repair and provides a key to more specialised BRE publications. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 361 - Why do buildings crack?

Examines the causes of cracking in buildings. Describes with illustrations the results of a wide range of problems. Broadens understanding of the factors responsible, increases the likelihood of correct diagnosis and repair and provides a key to more specialised BRE publications.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |  Out of Stock*

Digest 362 - Building mortar

Recommends the composition and use of a general purpose mortar and other specialised types of mortars, including those for resisting sulfate attack, in the light of changes to British Standards and impending changes from British to European standards. The increasing use of ready-mixed mortars is recognised. Describes sulfate and frost attack on mortar, their cause and effect, diagnosis and remedial measures. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 364 - Design of timber floors to prevent decay

Describes how to prevent decay in timber species most commonly used in modern building construction. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 366 - Structural appraisal of existing buildings for change of use

Deals with structural appraisal of traditional buildings - constructed using rule of thumb and experience for the layout and sizing of structural members - and those whose structure has been designed, calculated and specified according to engineering principles. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 369 - Interstitial condensation and fabric degradation

Discusses the occurrence of interstitial condensation and its possible damaging effects on the structural integrity of buildings. Gives advice on preventative and remedial measures. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 370 - Control of lichens, moulds and similar growths

Occurrence and detrimental effects of lichen, moss, algae, mould, bacteria. Explains how to treat affected exterior surfaces with biocides and how to deal with mould on internal walls. 4 pages

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 374 - Relocatable buildings: structural design, construction and maintenance

Presents some of the factors to be considered in the design of relocatable buildings and offers guidance on suitable details and procedures. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 375 - Wood-based panel products: their contribution to the conservation of forest resources

One of a series of Digests on issues of environmental significance, this publication describes how an increase in the use of wood-based panel products could make a major contribution to the conservation of forest resources. 4 pages

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 377 - Selecting windows by performance

Poor or inadequate specification is a common cause of unsatisfactory performance of windows. Reliance on sales literature, or on claims to meet British Standards, can be inadequate without sufficient understanding of the performance required. This Digest identifies performance requirements and assessment tests for windows. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 377 - Selecting windows by performance

Poor or inadequate specification is a common cause of unsatisfactory performance of windows. Reliance on sales literature, or on claims to meet British Standards, can be inadequate without sufficient understanding of the performance required. This Digest identifies performance requirements and assessment tests for windows.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 379 - Double Glazing for heat and sound insulation

Discusses double glazing design to meet the need for improved heat insulation and protection against external noise. Looks at practical considerations peculiar to the various systems now available.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |  Out of Stock*

Digest 379 - Double glazing for heat and sound insulation

Discusses double glazing design to meet the need for improved heat insulation and protection against external noise. Looks at practical considerations peculiar to the various systems now available. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 380 - Damp-proof courses

Water penetration is the prime cause of deterioration in building structures and materials. The presence of excess moisture encourages the growth of moulds and wood-rotting fungi. This Digest discusses moisture exclusion, selection of materials, and installation of damp-proof courses in walls and chimneys. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 380 - Damp Proof Courses

Water penetration is the prime cause of deterioration in building structures and materials. The presence of excess moisture encourages the growth of moulds and wood-rotting fungi. This Digest discusses moisture exclusion, selection of materials, and installation of damp-proof courses in walls and chimneys.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 381 - Site investigation for low-rise building: trial pits

Shallow trial pits can provide an economic and versatile way of examining and assessing the in-situ soil conditions. This Digest gives the advantages and disadvantages of trial pits compared with boreholes. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 382 - New materials in hot climates

Gives guidance on the selection and use of building materials and products that are available for use in tropical countries, including plastics, roofing membranes, sealants, thermal insulating materials and external wall finishes and coatings. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 383 - Site investigation for low-rise building: soil description

Explains how to make an accurate description of soil, the most important part of any site investigation of the ground where a building is to be constructed. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 386 - Monitoring building and ground movement by precise levelling

Discusses precise levelling techniques and equipment which can monitor vertical movements with an accuracy consistently better than 0.5 mm. It is intended for surveyors, engineers and others who are conversant with normal levelling techniques but who may wish to monitor movement in structures. 10 pages. Please note: Some publications, while containing useful information and guidance, may not represent current best practice and as such should be used with caution. It is suggested that information and guidance held within publications carrying this note is considered alongside other current professional advice provided by suitably qualified personnel.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 390 - Wind around tall buildings

Describes wind flow around tall buildings, shows how to decide at an early design stage whether a building is likely to give a satisfactory environment, and suggests measures to achieve safe and comfortable conditions, particularly in open air pedestrian areas. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 395 - Slurry trench cut-off walls to contain contamination

This Digest discusses materials and specification of cement bentonite mixes and geomembranes in contaminated land. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 398 - Continuous mechanical ventilation in dwellings: design, installation and operation

This Digest deals with ducted extract systems and balanced supply and extract systems, with and without heat recovery. It considers the characteristics of dwellings and their heating systems, and the design, controls, fire precautions, installation, cleaning and maintenance of such systems. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 399 - Natural ventilation in non-domestic buildings

Gives designers and building users design guidance for using natural ventilation in energy-efficient non-domestic buildings. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 402 - Static load testing: concrete floor and roof structures within buildings

This Digest gives guidance for professional engineers on how to conduct and interpret the results from load tests on concrete floor and roof structures within buildings. It is based on experience gained testing different types of concrete floor construction both in the laboratory and in the field. The Digest brings together and summarises the results of work which have already been published.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 403 - Damage to structures from ground-borne vibration

Ground-borne vibrations from civil engineering, blasting or traffic often cause noticeable vibrations in buildings. Householders are occasionally worried that vibrations might damage their property and this can be a significant cause of distress. Guidance levels for damage from ground-borne vibration were introduced in two British Standards in 1992 and 1993. This Digest gives information on the current UK position (1995) concerning damage to buildings. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 404 - PVC-U windows

This Digest draws on BRE research into the durability of PVC-U windows and their performance in service. It compares the key characteristics with those of alternative materials and will make specifiers aware of standards and other requirements that might influence their choice between competing makes of PVC-U windows. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 404 - uPVC Windows

This Digest draws on BRE research into the durability of PVC-U windows and their performance in service. It compares the key characteristics with those of alternative materials and will make specifiers aware of standards and other requirements that might influence their choice between competing makes of PVC-U windows.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 405 - Carbonation of concrete and its effect on durability

This Digest discusses the carbonation of normal dense concrete which results from the reaction of atmospheric carbon dioxide gas with hydrated cement compounds. It relates particularly to the assessment of the risk of corrosion to embedded steel. The Digest describes the carbonation process and how the depth of carbonation can be measured. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 406 - Wind actions on buildings and structures

This Digest provides information for engineers and architects about the nature of wind action on and around buildings and structures. It describes common types and causes of wind damage, and shows how good design can minimise wind actions on buildings. The Digest also discusses the principal differences between BS 6399: Part 2 and the previous wind loading Code of practice. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 407 - Timber for joinery

From the wide choice of timber types, it is important for the user to be able to specify the quality of wood and its moisture content appropriate to the end use. This Digest provides information on timber used in joinery and gives guidance on selection. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 409 - Masonry and concrete structures: measuring in-situ stress and elasticity using flat jacks

This Digest describes how compressive stress in members and local stress-strain behaviour can be measured with a flat jack (a flat, flexible envelope filled with hydraulic fluid which can be pressurised with a pump and works on the lever principle). 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 411 - Site investigation for low-rise buildings: direct investigations

This Digest describes the field techniques most commonly used during site investigations for low-rise buildings and provides guidance on how to select the appropriate method for a specific location. As part of the process of investigating ground conditions at a site, for example in order to ensure the adequate performance of foundations, it will often be necessary to carry out this kind of work. It should be preceded by a desk study (Digest 318), and a walk-over survey (Digest 322). 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 412 - Desiccation in clay soils

Desiccation in clay soils can result in shrinkage of the soil and subsidence of the ground; this may lead to damage to buildings. As the soil re-hydrates, it can swell, resulting in ground heave; this may also cause damage to buildings. This Digest describes the most commonly used techniques for detecting desiccation and gives guidance on how to use the results of some of these techniques to estimate heave potential. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 415 - Reducing the risk of pest infestations in buildings

Describes the pests that can be found in and around buildings and the problems they cause. It explains the principles for reducing pest infestation by exclusion and reduction of harbourage and food supply. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 416 - Specifying structural timber

Offers guidance in the preparation of concise and unambiguous specifications for timber, for both materials and workmanship and the proper use of Standards and codes of practice. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 417 - Hardwoods for construction and joinery: current and future sources of supply

Presents information about changes in the supply of hardwoods in the UK, particularly types of wood and relative amounts from tropical sources. Suggests that greater use could be made of lesser-known species but that can happen only if adequate areas are available on their properties. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 418 - Bird, bee and plant damage to buildings

This Digest provides guidance on the prevention of damage to external surfaces by birds, ’masonry bees’, climbing plants and creepers, and biological growths. It describes how these animals and plants can cause deterioration in surfaces and mortar joints, and suggests both preventative measures, and methods of treating affected surfaces. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 419 - Flat roof design: bituminous roofing membranes

A wide range of materials can be used to form a waterproof membrane on a flat roof. Bituminous roofing sheets are the most widely used waterproofing materials for flat roofs in the UK. This Digest will help the designer, specifier and flat roofing contractor to specify durable bituminous sheets. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 419 - Flat roof design

This Digest will help designers, specifiers and flat roofing contractors to specify durable bituminous sheets. This is one of a series of Digests giving guidance on design and specification of flat roofs. Other Digests in the series are: 312 The technical options; 324 Thermal insulation; 372 Waterproof membranes.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 420 - Selecting natural building stones

One of the attractions of natural building stone is the wide variety of colours and textures available to designers. Unlike colour and texture, durability is difficult to define and even more difficult to measure. This Digest summarises tests that can be applied to natural building stone. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 422 - Painting exterior wood

Explains the principles underlying the successful painting of exterior wood, with details of paint systems and of the initial and maintenance painting process. It discusses: the structure of wood and its effects on the application and durability of paint, moisture content and dimensional changes, effects of surface finish and end grain sealing, and external influences such as water, solar radiation, micro-organisms and the risk of decay. 8 pages. Replaces Digest 354.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 423 - The structural use of wood-based panels

Discusses available approaches to structural design with wood-based panels. Also explains the difference between the UK and the European approach, in advance of the European standards being adopted in 2004. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 424 - Installing BMS to meet electromagnetic compatibility requirements

Advises on avoiding electrical interference to Building management systems (BMS), which like all electronic products are inherently susceptible to it. With the recent implementation in the UK of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive, there is now a legal requirement for BMS to have an adequate level of immunity to electrical interference. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 425 - Lists of excluded materials: a change in practice

Explains the background to the use of lists of excluded materials in contract documents and gives examples of the negative effects such lists may have. It then provides an alternative, positive approach to specification. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 427 part 1 - Low-rise buildings on fill: Classification and load-carrying characteristics

Digest 427 brings up-to-date the information contained in Digests 274 and 275 which are now withdrawn. The scarcity and cost of suitable land is leading to the development of sites where there are deep deposits of fill. Occasionally cases are reported where serious failures have occurred. These reports should not obscure the fact that many buildings have been successfully built on fill; they emphasise the importance understanding the behaviour of fills, identifying potential hazards and adopting measures that will ensure successful development of these sites. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 427 part 2 - Low-rise buildings on fill: Site investigation, ground movement and foundation design

Digest 427 brings up-to-date the information contained in Digests 274 and 275 which are now withdrawn. The scarcity and cost of suitable land is leading to the development of sites where there are deep deposits of fill. Occasionally cases are reported where serious failures have occurred. These reports should not obscure the fact that many buildings have been successfully built on fill; they emphasise the importance understanding the behaviour of fills, identifying potential hazards and adopting measures that will ensure successful development of these sites. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 427 part 3 - Low-rise buildings on fill: Engineered fill

Digest 427 brings up-to-date the information contained in Digests 274 and 275 which are now withdrawn. The scarcity and cost of suitable land is leading to the development of sites where there are deep deposits of fill. Occasionally cases are reported where serious failures have occurred. These reports should not obscure the fact that many buildings have been successfully built on fill; they emphasise the importance understanding the behaviour of fills, identifying potential hazards and adopting measures that will ensure successful development of these sites. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 428 - Protecting buildings against lightning

The average number of days each year during which thunder storms may occur across the UK is between 5 and 20. This figure can double over an 11-year period due to the sunspot cycle. The number of lightning strikes to a square kilometre of land each year in England and Wales ranges from 0.1 to 0.6 depending on geographical location. A lightning protection system (LPS) for any structure must be considered to be a sensible precaution, but its installation is particularly important where there is a clear risk to life, the structure or its contents are irreplaceable, or essential services could be affected. This Digest gives guidance on calculating the risk of a building being struck by lightning. It describes the principles of designing LPS for new and existing buildings. However, as stated in BS 6651, even where an LPS is provided, it can never be completely effective in eliminating the risk of damage to a structure or its contents. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 429 - Timbers: their natural durability and resistance to preservative treatment.

Timber exposed to moisture for any length of time is at risk from attack by wood-rotting fungi. To obtain a good service life, it is important to select a timber species that is either naturally durable or amenable to preservative treatment. This Digest explains the classification of durability and treatability for timber, and classifies these properties for over 150 species. It is concerned with natural durability only in relation to fungal decay and not to resistance to attack by insects and marine borers. This Digest replaces Digest 296 which is withdrawn. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 430 - Plastics external glazing

Discusses the types and applications of plastics glazing materials as well as the factors which influence their durability, especially the combination of ultraviolet light and thermal effects. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 431 part 1 - Hardwoods for joinery and construction: Technical assessment methods

Digest 417 lists 16 lesser known species of timber that show potential for new or wider application in construction. This set of Digests gives the results of tests carried out on each of these species and also recommends end-use applications for each of them. Part 1 describes the technical assessment methods used. Subsequent parts describe in detail the findings and recommendations for each type of timber. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 431 part 2 - Hardwoods for joinery and construction: Test results and recommendations

Digest 417 lists 16 lesser known species of timber that show potential for new or wider application in construction. This set of Digests gives the results of tests carried out on each of these species and also recommends end-use applications for each of them. Part 1 describes the technical assessment methods used. Subsequent parts describe in detail the findings and recommendations for each type of timber. Part 2 gives results and recommendation for bintangor, hevea, kamarare, niove, taun, and Ghanian plantation teak. 16 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £20.00 |

Digest 431 part 3 - Hardwoods for joinery and construction: Test results and recommendations

Digest 417 lists 16 lesser known species of timber that show potential for new or wider application in construction. This set of Digests gives the results of tests carried out on each of these species and also recommends end-use applications for each of them. Part 1 describes the technical assessment methods used. Subsequent parts describe in detail the findings and recommendations for each type of timber. Part 3 gives results and recommendation for andiroba, dahoma, gmelina, American red oak, Tanzanian plantation teak, and vitex. 16 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £20.00 |

Digest 432 - Aircrete: thin joint mortar systems

Thin mortar joint systems are used in various parts of Europe and in recent years aircrete producers have introduced the idea to the UK building market. So far in the UK, the system has been used mainly in commercial or industrial building projects. Based on the use of aircrete units with a rapid setting mortar, the thin joint system allows masonry construction at a high productivity rate without adversely affecting quality. Some aspects of thin joint construction differ from traditional masonry construction and they must be understood in order to gain the maximum benefits from the system. This Digest explains the technical background, properties and benefits of thin joint mortar systems. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 433 - Recycled aggregates

Recycled aggregates (crushed concrete and brick masonry) have long been used in the UK and overseas construction industries. However, due to a lack of suitable specifications, there has been little basis for applying quality control. Because these materials are often thought to be inferior to natural aggregates, they are mainly used in lower grade applications. Undoubtedly, recycled aggregates of suitable quality may be used successfully in higher grade applications such as structural concrete. Recent international advances in the drafting of specifications now enables greatly improved guidance to be given in the UK. This Digest covers the use of crushed concrete and masonry, but not the recycling of bituminous-bound aggregates used in road construction. It will be of interest to architects, structural engineers, specifiers, and professionals in the aggregates and recycling industries. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 434 - Corrosion of reinforcement in concrete: electrochemical monitoring

This Digest, which is aimed at building owners, lessors and engineers, describes three techniques for assessing reinforcement corrosion using electrochemical methods: measurements of resistivity, half-cell potential and corrosion current. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed together with criteria for the interpretation of collected data. Finally, three examples of the practical application of embedded and retrofitted corrosion probes are briefly described. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 436 part 1 - Wind loading on buildings: Brief guidance for using BS 6399-2:1997

Since BS 6399-2:1997 was published, some users have felt that guidance was needed to apply the Standard correctly. Queries raised by engineers also suggested that some background information might prove useful. This is the first of a three-Part Digest, using a question-and-answer format with the guidance arranged, as far as possible, in the same order as the Standard. The guidance in this Part will help the user to select the choices in BS 6399-2 that are equivalent to previous practice. It will also assist the user to eliminate conservatism in the standard method by considering wind direction, even when the orientation of a building is unknown, as shown in Table A. This Digest is aimed at architects, engineers and professionals who need to know the effect of wind on buildings, and design options that minimise it. 16 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £20.00 |

Digest 436 part 2 - Wind loading on buildings: BS 6399-2:1997 worked examples - effective wind speeds for a site, and loads on a two-storey house

Second of a three-part Digest giving brief guidance on the use of BS 6399-2. Part 1 gives advice and guidance on implementing BS 6399-2 and suggests certain options. This Part demonstrates the recommended options by example calculations for the case of a two-storey timber framed house. Part 3 gives example calculations for a further two building types: a steel portal-framed building, and a 15-storey office tower surrounded by a two-storey podium. This Digest is aimed at architects, engineers and professionals who need to know the effect of wind on buildings, and design options that minimise it. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 436 part 3 - Wind loading on buildings: BS 6399-2:1997 worked examples - loads on a portal frame building and on an office tower on a podium

Third of a three-part Digest giving brief guidance on the use of BS 6399-2. Part 1 gives advice and guidance on implementing BS 6399-2 and suggests certain options. Part 2 demonstrates the recommended options by example calculations for the case of a two-storey timber framed house. This Part gives example calculations for a further two building types: a steel portal-framed building, and a 15-storey office tower surrounded by a 2-storey podium.This Digest is aimed at architects, engineers and professionals who need to know the effect of wind on buildings, and design options that minimise it. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 437 - Industrial platform floors: mezzanine and raised storage

This Digest has been prepared in response to difficulties being experienced with the design and Building Regulation control of mezzanine raised storage platform floors. It aims to ease such difficulties by providing specific authoritative guidance on these specialised structures which are not especially addressed in current Codes of practice. It gives guidance on imposed loading and chipboard decking; these are the two principal issues that cause the most commonly experienced difficulties. 16 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £20.00 |

Digest 438 - Photovoltaics: integration into buildings

Electrical power generated directly from solar energy has been discussed, investigated and made practicable in a number of small-scale applications for many years. Environmental considerations now make it imperative to apply the technology to buildings. This Digest describes photovoltaic options and installations in relation to Standards and regulations, compatibility with other building elements, safety and ease of maintenance. It will help architects, designers of building components, specifiers and owners to identify the main issues and practicalities of using photovoltaic systems to supplement conventional means of electricity generation for buildings. 6 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 439 - Roof loads due to local drifting of snow

British Standard BS 6399-3:1988, presented snow loading data independently of other imposed roof loads, and a more sophisticated approach than the uniform imposed roof load allowance previously used in design. The complexity of the design method and the magnitude of local drift loads for some cases, was criticised. Following a review of some areas of difficulty, BS 6399-3 was amended.The main changes relate to determining load shape coefficients for local drifting of snow, and using the snow load statistical factor to produce estimates of loads with probabilities of exceedance different from 0.02. This Digest presents background information and design requirements for local snow drift loads on roofs in accord with the amended British Standard. It is aimed at architects, structural engineers, contractors, and manufacturers and suppliers of roofing systems. Digest 332 is now withdrawn. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 440 - Weathering of white external PVC-U

PVC-U is one of the most widely used plastics materials for building components. Compared though, with other materials used in the construction industry, it is relatively new. This Digest describes the weathering qualities of self coloured PVC-U used externally. White is by far the most common colour for most applications, having the advantage over dark colours of remaining much cooler in strong sunshine. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 441 part 1 - Clay bricks and clay brick masonry Part 1

Digests 164 and 165 were published in 1970s. They covered performance, specification and general design issues for clay bricks and appropriate mortars used in a wide range of building elements. Since then markets and products, Codes and Standards have changed and will change further. ’Sustainability’ and ’Green’ issues increasingly are being advocated as key criteria in the selection of Building materials. This part covers the main technical issues, especially the specifications and testing of key performance criteria: strength, size, shape and durability in the light of current and future Codes and Standards. Part 2 covers appearance, the important environmental issues, and in-service performance of composite brickwork. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 441 part 2 - Clay bricks and clay brick masonry Part 2

Digests 164 and 165 were published in 1970s. They covered performance, specification and general design issues for clay bricks and appropriate mortars used in a wide range of building elements. Since then markets and products, Codes and Standards have changed and will change further. ’Sustainability’ and ’Green’ issues increasingly are being advocated as key criteria in the selection of building materials. This part covers appearance, sustainability and environmental issues, and in-service performance of composite brickwork. Lime popping or blowing, lime staining from mortar leaching, efflorescence, iron staining, and other forms of staining are discussed. Criteria, equations and standards for properties such as fire resistance, sound insulation, thermal expansion, moisture expansion, movement, resistance to rain penetration, and thermal performance are briefly covered. A table lists typing and connecting devices for use in masonry walls. Remedial measures for damaged masonry are covered in other digests and these are listed. (Part 1 of Digest 441 covers the main technical issues, especially the specifications and testing of key performance criteria: strength, size, shape and durability in the light of current and future Codes and Standards). 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 442 - Architectural use of polymer composites

This Digest deals with various aspects of polymer composites from the point of view of the properties of the materials and the architectural uses to which they are put, the design of the composites, the in-service properties of the materials and the construction and erection of the components. It primarily discusses glass-reinforced plastics but also highlights uses and potential uses of other polymer composite systems. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 443/1 - Termites and UK buildings: Biology, detection and diagnosis

The unintentional importation and subsequent establishment of subterranean termites in a localised area in Saunton North Devon has provided definitive evidence of the ability of at least one genus of termite to survive in the UK climate and to present a risk to UK buildings. This Digest describes the biology of the termites, their likely significance as potential structural pests in the UK, and gives diagnosis and infestation, recognition and the key principles of termite detection and management. The Digest concentrates particularly on species of the genus Reticulitermes, because this genus is well established in continental Europe and poses the most significant threat to UK buildings and related structures. Part 2 deals with control an management, including colony elimination for eradication purposes. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 443/2 - Termites and UK buildings: Control and management of subterranean termites

The unintentional importation and subsequent establishment of subterranean termites in a localised area in Saunton North Devon has provided definitive evidence of the ability of at least one genus of termite to survive in the UK climate and to present a risk to UK buildings. This Digest describes the biology of the termites, their likely significance as potential structural pests in the UK, and gives diagnosis and infestation, recognition and the key principles of termite detection and management. The Digest concentrates particularly on species of the genus Reticulitermes, because this genus is well established in continental Europe and poses the most significant threat to UK buildings and related structures. Part 1 deals with biology, detection and diagnosis. 4 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 446 - Assessing environmental impacts of construction - Industry consensus, BREEAM and UK Ecopoints

For construction to play its part in making society more sustainable, industry decision-makers must confront social, economic and environmental implications of sustainable construction. This Digest first describes the methodology and results of a study of the relative weightings of sustainability issues arising from buildings and construction. These are interim results but they provide a sound basis for analysing environmental effects and setting priorities for further action. In order to undertake consistent holistic analysis of the environment, it is useful for different impacts to be compared on a single scale or score (such as Ecopoints). A consensus view between all levels of decision-makers about the relative importance of different environmental issues is necessary for such a score to be calculated. The weightings determined by BRE can now be used for this purpose. Two examples of environmental analysis are described. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 447 - Waste minimisation on a construction site

Although individual building material producers and building contractors are establishing waste minimisation schemes, the full benefit of these schemes will not be realised until the waste arisings from the construction process are independently examined and quantified. Also, the rising costs of raw materials and the cost of waste disposal due to the introduction and ramping up of landfill tax will increase interest in waste minimisation schemes. This Digest demonstrates the level of savings that can be achieved through the implementation of a properly designed and managed waste minimisation system. The results challenge the commonly held view that construction waste minimisation is cost inefficient by showing that an effective waste minimisation system on a construction site is an efficient and cost-effective way of operating. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 448 - Cleaning buildings: legislation and good practice

Cleaning buildings is an industrial process which should be handled by specialists. Often, though, general building operatives (and even householders) have attempted cleaning without understanding many of the health, safety and environmental implications. This Digests sets out to provide building owners, contractors, operatives, building designers and local authorities, with basic advise on three important issues relevant to building cleaning (especially matters relating to health and safety): legislation, procedures and good practice, and discharging waste to the environment. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 449 - Cleaning Exterior Masonry (Part 1)

Cleaning the exterior masonry of buildings presents issues for owners, their advisors and contractors. This Digest describes these issues, often presented as risks because of the materials and methods used, and the conditions encountered. It is especially relevant to public and historic buildings. Part 2 categorises a range of widely used cleaning methods, highlights key issues, and describes the problems and risks associated with each method.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 449 - Cleaning Exterior Masonry (Part 2)

Cleaning the exterior masonry of buildings presents issues for owners, their advisors and contractors. This Digest describes these issues, often presented as risks because of the materials and methods used, and the conditions encountered. It is especially relevant to public and historic buildings. Part 2 categorises a range of widely used cleaning methods, highlights key issues, and describes the problems and risks associated with each method.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 449 part 1 - Cleaning exterior masonry. Part 1: Developing and implementing a strategy

This digest is relevant to all types of buildings, including private, public and historic buildings. Part 2 categorises a range of widely used cleaning methods, highlights key issues, and describes the problems and risks associated with each method. 8 pages

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 449 part 2 - Cleaning exterior masonry: Part 2 : Methods and materials

This digest is relevant to all types of buildings, including private, public and historic buildings. Part 2 categorises a range of widely used cleaning methods, highlights key issues, and describes the problems and risks associated with each method. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 450 - Better building - Integrating the supply chain: a guide for clients and their consultants

There is a growing awareness in the UK construction industry that the development of integrated supply chains and construction processes is potentially the means by which the industry will prosper in the twenty-first century. One of the principal mechanisms identified to achieve this goal is the early involvement of the construction supply chain in the design and construction process. This Digest describes the benefits to be obtained by implementing early involvement, gives guidance on how best to facilitate it and explains the methodology and tools required. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.63 |

Digest 451 - Tension tests for concrete

This is a review of tension test methods for concrete. Although not used as often as standard compression tests for concrete, tension tests are needed in order to fully assess structural performance. Because of the difficulty in performing axial tension tests on concrete, many different alternative methods have been adopted over the last century. Only a few of these are specified in Standards.This review deals with non-Standard as well as Standard methods and covers the five principal categories of tension tests, namely: axial, splitting, flexure, fluid pressure and torsion. Within each of these categories there are variations, all of which are described, discussed and compared. All the test methods have their uses: the choice depends upon the application and the particular structural context, as well as the practical considerations of performing the test. Includes a bibliography of 39 references. 16 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £20.00 |

Digest 452 - Whole life costing and life-cycle assessment for sustainable building design

The integration of Whole Life Costing (WLC) and Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) presents a powerful route to improving the sustainability of the construction industry. Combining economic and environmental assessment tools to obtain ’best value’ solutions in both financial and environmental terms has the potential to make a significant contribution to achieving sustainable building design. This Digest describes the issues relating to the use of the two tools and goes on to provide examples from a number of recent projects. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 453 - Insulating glazing units

Insulating glass units (IGUs), otherwise known as sealed double- or triple- glazing units, are now commonly installed in all types of windows. They can be installed in appropriately designed timber, PVC-U, aluminium, steel and composite frames. They have better thermal insulation properties than single panes of glass and therefore enable reductions in energy use in buildings and allow designers to meet the requirements of building regulations. This Digest covers good practice in glazing with IGUs, with particular emphasis on ensuring long-term durability. It covers the main standards for glazing, general principles of good glazing, site and factory glazing, and specific requirements of different types of frames. It also gives a maintenance checklist for ensuring continued sound performance of the system. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 454 part 1 - Thermal mass in office buildings - Part 1: An introduction

This Digest describes how thermal mass can be designed into a building - in particular, the options available, and the strategic decisions that may be made during the early design stages that require common understanding of purpose between members of the design team. Although mainly relevant to non-domestic buildings, the information it contains is also appropriate to refurbishment schemes. This first Part (8 pages) defines thermal mass and outlines its effects in a number of scenarios. The second Part (8 pages) discusses the effective incorporation of thermal mass into building designs. A companion document, Information Paper IP 6/01, deals with modelling the performance of thermal mass to minimise annual energy use while maintaining occupant comfort.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 454 part 2 - Thermal mass in office buildings. Part 2: Design criteria

This second part discusses the effective incorporation of thermal mass into building designs. 8 pages. A companion document, Information Paper IP 6/01, deals with modelling the performance of thermal mass to minimise annual energy use while maintaining occupant comfort

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £14.00 |

Digest 455 - Corrosion of steel in concrete: service life design and prediction

Complements Digest 444 Parts 1 to 3. Discusses issues relevant to the service life design of new concrete structures and the prediction of residual service life of existing structures. It also provides an overview of service life design and whole life costing, and gives references to more detailed guidance and tools for carrying out service life design and prediction. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 456 - Prefabricated power cabling for buildings

Prefabricated cabling systems for lighting and small power distribution in buildings present significant opportunities for improvements in the speed of installing systems and equipment. Building owners, consultants, electrical contractors and suppliers of electrical fittings cannot afford to ignore the technologies and products now available.This Digest presents guidance on procuring and installing prefabricated cabling systems, including a suggested procedure for on-site inspection and testing of products that have been pretested in the factory. 6 pages

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 458 - Safe as houses?

This Digest highlights the potential for accidents in the home and where this potential can be reduced by good design. The main locations and building features in the home where building-related accidents are likely to happen are considered. Design features that may reduce the likelihood of building-related accidents are presented as design checklists. Some of this guidance is based upon existing Building Regulations but it goes beyond the minimum recommendations associated with these regulations, to propose homes that are even safer. 8 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 459 - Construction logistics: an introduction.

Good site logistics practice is more than just ensuring that delivery vehicles turn up on time; it is about ensuring that design, procurement and construction practices are optimised to facilitate the efficient delivery, movement and installation of materials and components. This Digest is based upon research that BRE, in association with The Logistics Business Limited, is undertaking for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It introduces the concept of construction logistics and explains the benefits to be gained by adopting good logistics practice. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 460 - Bricks, blocks and masonry made from aggregate concrete - 2 part set

This Digest covers the main technical issues and answers the frequently asked questions on the specification, performance and problems in the light of current regulations and guidance. It also looks forward to the expected future posistion. The green credentials are evaluated on the basis of the available data on energy and resource usage published by the manufacturing industry.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £16.80 |

Digest 465 - U-values for light steel-frame construction

This Digest gives a method for assessing U-values of light steel-frame constructions. The method has been validated using the procedures in BS EN ISO 10211-1 and enables U-values to be calculated by means of a simplified method. It is similar to the one given in BS EN ISO 6946 but with some important differences. It can easily be incorporated into software tools used by designers, builders and enforcers of the Building Regulations wishing to calculate U-values of light steel-frame constructions. The method was developed jointly by BRE and The Steel Construction Institute. This Digest supports the 2002 editions of Approved Documents L1 and L2 for the Conservation of Fuel and Power. It is addressed to designers and others concerned with energy efficiency in buildings and assumes that they are familiar with the procedure for calculating U-values given in BS EN ISO 6946. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 467 - Slate and tile roofs: avoiding damage from aircraft wake vortices

The pressures generated by aircraft trailing wake vortices can greatly exceed the normal design load for roofs. Damage is generally confined to small-format roofing elements, such as tiles and slates, on buildings near the ends of runways in urban areas. This Digest, which replaces Digest 391, helps building owners, occupiers, roofing specifiers, contractors, installers, and local andairport authorities, to identify and avoid damage to tiled and slated roofs from aircraft trailing vortices by suggesting minimum safe fixing standards. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 468 part 1 - AAC 'aircrete' blocks and masonry

This digest covers the main technical issues and answers the frequently asked questions on the specification, application and performance of AAC masonry in the light of current regulations and guidance. It also looks forward to the expected future position and evaluates the green credentials on the basis of available data on energy and resource usage published by the manufacturing industry. This Digest is in two parts; figure, table and reference numbering continues into Part 2 which contains the full list of references, documents mentioned in the text, and further reading. Part 1 covers standards and codes for autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, their composition and manufacture, physical properties (density, strength, shrinkage, water absorption, resistance to freeze-thaw) and durability. 8 pages. Digest 342 is now withdrawn.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 468 part 2 - AAC 'aircrete' blocks and masonry

This digest Part 2 covers the main technical issues and answers the frequently asked questions on the specification, application and performance of AAC blocks in masonry in the light of current regulations and guidance. The topics include: appearance (avoidance and treatment of staining), thin-joint (or thin-bed) AAC masonry, and the physical properties of AAC walls (fire resistance, thermal performance, sound insulation), cutting and fixing, plastering and rendering, repair and remediation are mentioned briefly. It also evaluates the green credentials on the basis of available data on energy and resource usage published by the manufacturing industry. The full list of references, standards, etc for both parts of this Digest is given ONLY in Part 2. Digest 342 is now withdrawn. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 469 - Selecting gaskets for construction joints

This guide advises on the selection of gaskets for fixed joints (not opening joints) in the external envelope of buildings. Gaskets are the main alternative to sealants for sealing joints in construction. Gasketted joints can provide effective weathersealing, but this requires appropriately designed joints and gaskets coupled with the use of suitable gasket materials. This Digest covers the physical properties of gaskets that need to be considered, including durability under various conditions. General principles for the design of gasket joints and typical applications are described. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 504 - Modified wood - an introduction to products in UK construction

Modified wood products add to the architect’s and design engineer’s resources by offering aesthetically pleasing materials with enhanced performance characteristics that extend maintenance intervals and hence add value for the building owner. This Digest reviews the modified wood products that are already being used in the UK construction market and the technologies that create them. It discusses the future for modified wood products, particularly in cladding, decking and flooring for domestic and commercial buildings. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £17.00 |

Digest 505 - Access to buildings

An accessible environment is one that a disabled person can enter and make use of independently or with help from a partner or assistant. This Digest sets out basic requirements for accessible buildings which in making buildings more functional will be to the benefit of all users. It outlines the requirements of national building regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act, and summarises access requirements inside and outside domestic and non-domestic buildings. Communication devices, access auditing and assistive technology are also discussed. 12 pages.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £18.00 |

Digest 506 - Security fog generators

Security fog generators are designed to protect premises and contents during the vulnerable period between the activation of an intruder alarm and the arrival of security personnel. They do this by rapidly creating a thick shroud of fog in the protected area so that intruders cannot see or locate and remove items. This Digest provides an overview of security fog generators and discusses aspects of their operation and performance that should be taken into account when considering their use.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £11.00 |

Digest 508 Part 1 - Conservation and cleaning of masonry: Part 1. Stonework

The use of appropriate conservation techniques is critical to the preservation of buildings. Part 1 of this 3-part Digest gives advice on how to apply safe, effective, appropriate and enduring conservation techniques to stonework. It outlines how to identify the stone and associated mortars, and how to diagnose the causes of soiling and deterioration. It advocates avoidance of cleaning to optimise the life of masonry but outlines its use where appropriate. The other parts will cover conservation of terracotta, brickwork, renders, plasters and stucco. The companion Digest 502 explains the principles of the conservation of masonry in historic buildings.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £22.50 |

Digest 508 Part 2 - Conservation and cleaning of masonry - Part 2: Brickwork, blockwork and terracotta

The use of appropriate conservation techniques is critical to the preservation of buildings. This important Digest gives advice on how to apply safe, effective, appropriate and enduring conservation techniques to brickwork, blockwork and terracotta. It outlines how to identify the units and associated mortars, and how to diagnose the causes of soiling and deterioration. It advocates avoidance of cleaning to optimise the life of masonry but outlines its use where appropriate. Appendices list standards for testing masonry units and describe two methods of testing the strength of masonry and stress in masonry. The first part of the Digest (published in 2008) dealt with conservation of stonework, and the third part (in preparation) will cover renders, plasters and stucco. The companion Digest 502 explains the principles of the conservation of masonry in historic buildings.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £25.00 |

Digest 509 - Fire engineering in tunnels

Pressure on the use of land and environmental protection increasingly mean that new road and rail transport infrastructure is being placed underground in tunnels, with all the inherent fire challenges that this presents. This Digest provides good practice guidance on the application of fire safety engineering principles to tunnels. It briefly covers a range of issues related to tunnel fire safety, fire safety engineering and consideration of some tunnel-specific issues related to the sub-systems of fire safety engineering. It also lists references for further reading and where to obtain further information. Helps identify safe and cost-effective design solutions for fire safety in tunnels. Explains fire safety engineering and particular issues for tunnel safety

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £16.50 |

Digest 510 - Concrete structure management: Owners’ guide to good practice

This Digest provides guidance to owners of concrete structures on how they can maximise the benefits to be gained from their structures, whilst minimising through-life cost and sustainability impacts. It gives owners an insight into their responsibilities, what they should do and seek to achieve in the context of concrete structure management. It describes stages in the life of an asset, potential deterioration mechanisms to be avoided and actions to be taken.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £22.00 |

Digest 511 - Fire modelling with computational fluid dynamics

Fire modelling is used increasingly to enable fire safety engineering solutions to meet performance-based regulatory requirements. There are many fire models, but perhaps the most useful are those based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Such tools in competent or expert hands are extremely powerful, but can be misused by those with limited knowledge of fire science and numerical modelling. Presentation of CFD results (often using video animation) can be very convincing, but the results must be assessed with some knowledge of the principles and awareness of any shortcomings of the model. Currently, CFD models employ either Reynolds-averaged NavierStokes (RANS) or large eddy simulation (LES) methodologies for application to practical fire problems.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £16.50 |

Digest 512 - Developments in fire detection and fire alarm systems

Fire detection and fire alarm systems protect lives and property by detecting and warning of fire. To be effective such warnings should be both reliable and timely. Recent developments in sensor and electronic technologies have led to great advances and innovations that have improved the performance of these systems. This Digest reviews the technologies and state-of-the-art products that have emerged, underlines the importance of using approved products and systems to ensure that they operate reliably and do not generate false alarms, and takes a brief look into their future.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £18.00 |

Digest 513 - Fixed gas extinguishing systems for fire protection

This Digest provides an overview of fixed gas extinguishing systems for specifiers, users, insurers and approving authorities. It introduces and outlines the common systems, and explains the key standards, regulations, approval and certification schemes. Planning, specification, and other issues related to selecting and specifying a fixed gas extinguishing systems are discussed, and temperature, pressure and oxygen concentration data from a range of full-scale room tests is presented.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £16.50 |

Digest 514 - Drying distortion of timber

Timber that has become distorted after delivery (due to incorrect storage for example) can be very expensive to rectify. This Digest provides guidance on selecting, conditioning and handling timber, with the emphasis on how to avoid drying distortion. It lists measures to reduce problems of timber distortion and identifies types of wood where drying distortion can be a problem. Several drawings and photographs are used to help identify potential problems and to give guidance on the suitability of particular types of timber.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £12.00 |

Digest 517 - Assessment of timber structures

Timber is a capable and widely used construction material, but is vulnerable to degradation when exposed to moisture. Neglect, together with poor building practices in the past and later modifications, may result in unsatisfactory structural conditions. This Digest considers the structural role of the timber element which can give an indication of its adequacy. It covers the inspection and appraisal of timber structures (roofs and floors) for signs of deterioration, modification and defects. It also provides information about biological attack of timber (insects and fungal decay).

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £16.50 |

Digest 518 - Sprinkler systems for fire protection of commercial and industrial buildings

Automatic sprinklers have been used in commercial and industrial buildings for over 150 years. Sprinklers stop a small, unexpected fire from escalating into a large, uncontrolled fire. Historically, sprinklers have proved successful at reducing the cost of fires for building owners and/or occupiers and insurers. This Digest summarises the key information needed by business managers/operators, specifiers, users, insurers and approving authorities to select, design and maintain sprinkler systems.

Price (inc. P&P to UK): £18.00 |