Masonry & Concrete Construction

Rating:
Summary: Not for the beginner
Review: I wanted to learn how to build things out of brick and this book was a big disappointment. It uses terms that you would not know if you were not already involved in the construction industry. There are lots of technical discussions about masonry but not one "hands-on" example of laying brick. I went back and bought the Black and Decker book to learn how to actually work with masonry and I will keep this book for reference on different types of mortars, estimating materials, etc. If you made your living working with masonry this would make a good reference.

Rating:
Summary: Not the absolute authority...
Review: I was very dissapointed in this work. The project for which this book was purchased was a block basement and concrete foundation for a new home in southern California. I had hoped that there would be some help in developing techniques and other practical helps. This book was inadequate in these areas. I also discovered that the estimation formulas were inconsistent and inacurate for the project I used it on. I'm sure that this book is applicable in some areas of the country but not in the desert southwest. I also discovered that some of the materials and suggestions are unheard of by professionals in my area (like "Bitumen Modified Urethane"). I would not recommend purchasing this book unless there is no other alternative.

Rating:
Summary: Not the absolute authority...
Review: Nolan's Masonry and Concrete Construction is an excellent introduction to the many forms of brick, block, and concrete materials applications. Beginning with the theory and chemistry of concrete and mortar formulation, he then goes chapter by chapter into the various applications. The book is well illustrated with photos and drawings, as well as charts and tables to assist in computations of mixes, materials requirements, load capabilities of footings, etc. A look at the table of contents shows the wide range of subjects discussed. An appendix with regulations for job safety (OSHA) will be useful for those in the trades. The book is well-written in an easy-to-read style. If you have ever experienced the frustration of trying to lay brick with the wrong mortar mixture, (or want to avoid the problems!) this book is for you. The book deals with man-made materials (brick, block, concrete); there is little discussion of stone construction techniques, so that is better found elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Masonry and Concrete Construction; Nolan
Review: Nolan's Masonry and Concrete Construction is an excellent introduction to the many forms of brick, block, and concrete materials applications. Beginning with the theory and chemistry of concrete and mortar formulation, he then goes chapter by chapter into the various applications. The book is well illustrated with photos and drawings, as well as charts and tables to assist in computations of mixes, materials requirements, load capabilities of footings, etc. A look at the table of contents shows the wide range of subjects discussed. An appendix with regulations for job safety (OSHA) will be useful for those in the trades. The book is well-written in an easy-to-read style. If you have ever experienced the frustration of trying to lay brick with the wrong mortar mixture, (or want to avoid the problems!) this book is for you. The book deals with man-made materials (brick, block, concrete); there is little discussion of stone construction techniques, so that is better found elsewhere.