In developing countries building costs must be kept to a minimum by using appropriate materials and techniques. The fibre or micro-concrete tile is one such example.; This memorandum gives detailed information for small and medium-scale contractors on the raw materials, equipment and production methods used, as well as a simplified way of estimating production costs. It also offers advice to planners on the socio-economic effects of adopting this technology.

This book provides technical information on how to control the quality of Fibre or Micro Concrete Roofing Tiles testing new materials, the production process and the final product. The Quality Control Guidelines are one element of the FCR/ MCR Toolkit. This kit mediates the entire know-how required in the field of the FCR-technology, covering technical aspects as well as the economical, organizational, management and marketing aspects.

Those committed to helping economically disadvantaged people in less developed communities will find all the information they need to provide basic needs such as water systems, food sources, medical supplies and anything else that enables a community to learn to sustain itself successfully.

This book provides a novel approach to building pathology in current buildings. Drawing on the available literature, hands-on experience and fieldwork inspections, it presents a systematic perspective on the pathology of the building envelope. The book addresses natural stone claddings, adhesive ceramic tiling, renders, painted surfaces, External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), architectural concrete surfaces, windows and doors framing, and claddings for pitched and flat roofs. In addition to highlighting selected materials and construction elements, the book proposes a global classification system for defects and their probable causes, together with in situ diagnosis methods and repair techniques. It also identifies the relationships between defects and causes, diagnosis methods and repair techniques, and the interdependence between different defects, presenting these relations in the form of correlation matrices. Support files with detailed information and an inspection form are also provided. Selected case studies are presented to illustrate the value of a guidance system in fieldwork. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide, particularly for researchers, building inspectors, civil engineers, architects and maintenance planners.