The 2005 volume of the ASHRAE Handbook covers basic principles and provides essential data for HVAC&R design. In all, the Fundamentals volume includes more than 1,000 pages and 40 chapters on a variety of HVAC&R topics, covering general engineering information, basic materials, load and energy calculations and duct and pipe design. Available for $155

Available for $100. (ACI 530-05/ASCE 5-05/TMS 402-05 and ACI 530.1-05/ASCE 6-05/TMS 602-05)This code covers the design and construction of masonry structures and is accompanied by specifications and commentaries. Design methods include empirical design, prescriptive method, and strength design.

Available for $35. The fifth edition discusses fundamentals of concrete masonry construction. Includes general and detailed information on masonry units, mortar, reinforcement, and grout; properties of masonry walls; design and layout of walls; hot- and cold-weather construction; construction techniques; finishes for masonry, such as coatings, paint, stains, and plaster; various applications of masonry; design details; inspection and testing of masonry ingredients and construction; and inspection and maintenance of masonry buildings. Helps building professionals design and construct fire safe, durable, and economical concrete masonry structures.

Available for download for free This report presents the results of the LCI of three concrete products: ready mixed concrete, concrete masonry, and precast concrete.

Available for $60. This software provides an alternative means of estimating heating and cooling system capacities for single-family concrete homes. The software calculates the system capacities based on the house dimensions, construction materials, location (U.S. and Canada) and thermostat set point.

Available for free download. This report is an update of Life Cycle Assessment of an Concrete Masonry House Compared to a Wood Frame House (Marceau and VanGeem 2002). It presents the results of an assessment of the environmental attributes of concrete construction compared to wood-framed construction. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted on a house modeled with two types of exterior walls: a wood-framed wall and a CMU wall. The LCA was carried out according to the guidelines in International Standard ISO 14044, Environmental Management - Life Cycle Assessment - Requirements and Guidelines. The house was modeled in five cities, representing a range of U.S. climates: Lake Charles, Tucson, St. Louis, Denver, and Minneapolis. The 228-square meter (2450-square foot), two-story, single family house has four bedrooms and a two-car garage. The system boundary includes the inputs and outputs of energy, materials, and emissions to air, soil, and water from extraction of raw materials though construction, maintenance, and occupancy. The house energy use was modeled using DOE-2.1E and the life cycle impact assessment was modeled using SimaPro. The results show that for a given climate, the life cycle environmental impacts are similar for the wood and CMU houses. The most significant environmental impacts are not from construction materials but from the production of electricity and natural gas and the use of electricity and natural gas in the houses by the occupants.

Available for $105. This book is one of the most popular design and teaching resources related to masonry because it provides comprehensive coverage, extensive code references, and numerous practical examples.

Available for $10. This document includes coverage of mortar properties and current masonry standards used in the United States and Canada. Discusses component materials, batching and mixing procedures, the use mortar in hot and cold weather, and special techniques of mortar production.

Available for $45. This report describes an investigation of the World Trade Center and surrounding buildings in New York City following the events of September 11, 2001. Based on the personal observations of a member of one of the investigative teams, which included people from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), masonry clad buildings appear to have performed extremely well. Published by The Masonry Society.

Many building codes require minimum sound transmission loss values, expressed as sound transmission class (STC), of 45 to 50. Tests of sound transmission loss were made on 8-in.-thick (203-mm) concrete masonry walls and on 6- and 8-in.-thick (152- and 203-mm) cast concrete walls finished with materials intended to increase sound transmission loss. Using furring, acoustic insulation, and wallboard attachments, STC values up to 59 and 63 were obtained for the masonry and cast concrete walls, respectively. Selected STC values, reported by other investigators, for a variety of walls are included for reference.

Available for $88 member, $110 non-member. Incorporates 34 new addenda covering a wide range of topics, as well as editorial changes and updates to the body of the standard. The new addenda contain information on minimum energy efficiency standards, building envelope requirements, zone isolation, floor, ceiling and roof insulation, and power allowance calculation.

Available for $40. Provides information on using fly ash, slag, silica fume and natural pozzolans in the manufacturing of blended cements and the effects of these materials on cement and concrete. This report is also found on CD019 and DVD019.

Available for $35. The first of a series of interactive distance learning programs specifically designed for training individuals on cement and concrete technology. This fully-narrated CD provides an intense self-contained course on supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) and their impact on the durability, workability, economy, and sustainability of concrete.

Available for $35. This 49-page report provides the thermal performance of eleven different structural wall systems: concrete masonry, insulated cast-in-place, insulated concrete forms, and AAC as well as wood and steel frame. The results illustrate the benefits of thermal mass, depending on climatic conditions for most of North America.

This project provides in-depth information on energy savings in mid-rise buildings due to additional thermal mass and for exceeding building envelope thermal performance requirements.

Available for free. Fire Resistant Walls - Beyond the Ratings discusses fire resistance performance of masonry walls, highlighting the fact that masonry walls often out perform other wall systems having equivalent fire resistance ratings. "New Standard for Calculating Fire Resistance" describes provisions of the new joint ACI and TMS standard, ACI 216.1-97/TMS 0216.1-97.

Available for free. This 17-page publication discusses how slag cement can help contribute to achieving 9 different points toward for LEED™-NC certification.

Available for free. This report presents the results of a series of sound transmission loss measurements carried out under contract for the Ontario Concrete Block Association. The test series was augmented for research purposes by measuring sound transmission losses at different stages in the construction and disassembly of the walls. The report that follows provides an analysis of the information obtained during the complete measurement series. Available as a free download at National Research Council of Canada's Institute for Research in Construction website.

Available for free. The brochure provides an introduction to sustainability solutions for site work, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, materials resources and innovation

Available for free. By utilizing a cement kiln's controlled combustion environment, scrap tires can be an environmentally-sound source of energy in the manufacture of cement. This fact sheet shows how the popularity of tire-derived fuel has increased over the past two decades and summarizes its environmental benefits.

This is a guide to building safe rooms within houses in high risk weather area. It has information on how to assess, plan, and build a safe room.

Free to download. This issue focuses on masonry performance in natural disasters starting with an introductory article titled, "Trial by Earthquake, Fire, and investigations. "Standing Up to the Storm Requires Taking It from The Top Down" examines lessons from hurricanes Andrew and Opal. California urban-wildland fires are reviewed in "Urban-Wind." "Hurricane Opal's Impact on Masonry Structures" summarizes the TMS Disaster Investigation Team findings and "TMS Disaster Investigation Teams Stand Ready" explains how teams are sponsored, selected, and trained for Wildland Fires - the Case for Non-Combustible Construction." In addition, a case study of an award-winning residential project titled "Safe and Sound Home" and an article on "New ASTM Standards for Cements for Masonry and Plaster" are included.

Architects, engineers, and builders are becoming more proactive in assuring the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of the buildings for which they are responsible. Concrete is the best building material for forestalling sick building syndrome. Concrete also reduces the outgassing of indoor air pollutants. Because concrete structures are more energy efficient, they lower emissions form furnaces. This document is available for free from Environmental Council of Concrete Organizations. To find this article: Follow the link provided, then click "catalog" and scroll half way down the page to find the article.

A website dealing with the use of coal ash in concrete products.

A web resource for general information on concrete homes.

Call The National Concrete Masonry Association Technical Inquiry Response at 703-713-1900 for a copy of this presentation.

Various industry case studies highlighting concrete masonry's contributions for sustainability. Call The National Concrete Masonry Association Technical Inquiry Response at 703-713-1900 for copies of these case studies.

Issue focused on sustainable development. Call NCMA Technical Inquiry Response 703-713-1900

In industry resource website.

An industry association website.

An industry resource website dealing with slag cement.