Best Concrete Materials Engineering Books of 2025

The Seventh Edition of Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods by Edward Allen and Joseph Iano is a must-have reference for architecture, engineering, and construction technology professionals and students. This edition has been updated with the latest advancements in the industry, including new illustrations, photographs, and discussions of sustainability standards, environmental impacts of materials, and mass timber construction. The book covers all major construction systems, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone in the field. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those seeking a working knowledge of building construction.

Foundations & Concrete Work is an essential guide for builders who want to form and pour high-quality foundations. With 17 new articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine, this revised edition offers expert advice, tips, and tricks to help builders succeed. The book features more than 375 photos and drawings, making it easier to understand the concepts discussed. The contributing authors are seasoned professionals with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. Overall, Foundations & Concrete Work is a must-have for anyone involved in home construction, and its comprehensive coverage makes it the only book on the subject that builders will ever need.

Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone is an informative book that covers various aspects of masonry materials. The book starts with an overview of careers in the industry and then provides a comprehensive guide to working safely with brick, block, and stone. It also includes coverage of concrete form construction and flatwork. One of the unique features of the book is its focus on the impact of masonry on the environment. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for students and professionals interested in masonry home improvement.

The PPI PE Structural Reference Manual, 10th Edition, is a must-have for anyone preparing for the NCEES PE Structural Engineering (SE) exam. This comprehensive guide covers all exam topics and provides a thorough review of structural analysis and design methods. With new content covering the design of slender and shear walls and up-to-date codes for the October 2021 exams, this book offers 270 example problems and 52 end-of-book practice problems to strengthen your problem-solving skills. The inclusion of both ASD and LRFD/SD solutions and explanations for masonry problems makes this book unique. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to pass the PE Structural exam the first time.

A Place of My Own: The Architecture of Daydreams by Michael Pollan is a captivating memoir that explores the art of architecture, the craft of building, and the significance of modern work. The author recounts his journey of designing and constructing a small one-room structure on his rural Connecticut property where he hoped to read, write, and daydream. Pollan's unmatched ability to connect our everyday experiences with the natural world is evident in this book. This updated edition of A Place of My Own is an inspired and intelligent story of Pollan's realization of a room of his own. It is an excellent read for anyone interested in architecture, building, and personal growth.

Print Reading for Construction is a combination text and write-in workbook designed to assist students in reading and understanding residential and commercial prints. This practical text is suitable for students, apprentices, and building trades workers who want to increased their knowledge of construction print reading. The text presents a thorough discussion of print reading techniques, starting with the basics of reading prints and progressing to specialized prints and advanced topics. . The text is supplied with 140 C-size (17" x 22") foldout prints from residential and commercial construction. The print reading activities at the ends of units in the text provide realistic on-the-job experience. Advanced print reading projects are provided at the end of the text for expanded practice and study.

"Working with Concrete" is a part of Taunton's For Pros/By Pros series and has sold over 1.2 million copies. The book is authored by Rick Arnold, who resides in North Kingstown, RI. It falls under the category of Home Design & Construction Books and is published by Taunton Press. This book is a go-to reference for anyone who wants to work with concrete. It provides comprehensive information and practical tips for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Arnold's expertise in the subject shines through the pages, making it an essential addition to any builder's library. Overall, "Working with Concrete" is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their concrete skills.

The DEWALT Building Code Reference is an essential resource for anyone in the construction industry. Based on the 2018 International Residential Code, this comprehensive guide covers all the common code requirements, violations, and installation concerns. With over 70 pages of photo-quality illustrations and clear, concise text, it provides a compact, easy-to-use reference guide for wall, floor, and roof framing, foundations, and footings. The book is packaged in a durable, conveniently-sized format that will withstand the wear and tear of job sites. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone in the construction industry and is an excellent addition to the DEWALT series.

This text is a review of the book "Print Reading for Construction: Residential and Commercial" by Goodheart-Willcox. The book is a combination text-workbook that teaches the interpretation and visualization of residential and commercial construction prints. It is ideal for career and technical students, apprentices, and building trades workers, as well as for self-study. The book contains 140 foldout prints from residential and commercial construction, along with green building and careers in construction features, applied math and measurement content, assessments, and four advanced projects. The addition of a set of residential prints for a basic project in this edition makes it an excellent resource for learning and mastering the skill of print reading for construction.

The Black & Decker Complete Guide to Patios - 3rd Edition is a comprehensive DIY guidebook that teaches readers how to design and build custom patios, walkways, and outdoor steps. With step-by-step instructions and photo illustrations, the book covers planning, materials, excavation, and installation for a variety of patio options such as flagstone, interlocking pavers, and more. The book also includes a section on earth-friendly patios that use recycled materials and minimize water runoff. This book is a great resource for anyone looking to create the perfect outdoor space for their home.