NEW

Business case for knowledge management in construction.  J Palmer, S Platt. March 2005. Description: All organisations are awash with information and knowledge. The problem is that it is invisible and most people in organisations don't know what their colleagues know. The organisations don't know what their employees know and typically have even less grip on the knowledge available outside - such as that owned by competitors, suppliers, universities and the government. The role of knowledge management, or KM, is to identify what information and knowledge is important to the organisation, finding out where it is held, and mobilising it so that staff can apply it in their work. Anyone in construction who understands the importance of improving their organisation's management of knowledge needs this guide. It provides a stage-by-stage description of how to develop a structured argument for persuading senior decision-makers that it is worth putting effort into developing KM.

Included with the guide is a CD-ROM containing a PowerPoint presentation that will help the user make a convincing business for knowledge management in his or her organisation.
Contents: Introduction - 1 How to use the guide, 2 What is knowledge management?, 3 What are the benfits of KM?; Where are you now? - 4 What are your business objectives?, 5 What is your business like? 6 What can you do?; Where do you want to go? - 7 What is the best approach to KM for you?, 8 What have you already done on KM?, 9 What are the right measures of success for You?; How can you get there? Communication, time and cost - 10 Winning support from staff, 11 Winning top management support, 12 Estimating likely costs, 13 The way forward, References and further reading, PowerPoint presentation. Pages: 72. ISBN: 0-86017-642-8. $160.00

Benchmarking the performance of design activities in construction. R J Dent, D A Storey. December 2004. Description: This publication summarises the findings of a confidential report (CIRIA Funders Report IP/34) circulated to benchmarking club members in March 2003. It is aimed at those managing design teams in construction companies of all types who are interested in promoting the concept of performance management within their organisations. It describes the work that CIRIA has undertaken to investigate the key issues relating to performance measurement of design activities carried out by construction companies in the UK. The book concentrates on the conclusions drawn and recommendations for good practice. Some background information is also presented to help the reader put the findings into context. A benchmarking club of 15 of the leading design consultants and contractors in the UK participated in the benchmarking study, which took place between January and April 2002. The aims were to investigate how these organisations were managing design and to confirm the robustness of the framework of key indicators with which to measure performance of key design activities. Contents: Summary, Acknowledgements, Executive summary, 1 Intrtoduction and background, 2 Performance measurement of design activities, 3 The CIRIA CDAPT design KPI assessment tool, 4 Benchmarking project methodology and mode of operation, 5 Performance of design activities - KPI groups A-H, 6 The impact of project value on the performance of design activities, 7 The impact of procurement route on the performance of design activities, 8 The impact of client type on the performance of design activities, 9 The impact of project type on the performance of design activities, 10 The impact of project design fee value on the performance of design activities, 11 Conclusions and recommendations, Appendix A CIRIA CDAPT design KPI assessment tool. 69 pp. ISBN: 0-86017-618-5. $320.00

Buildings for all to use 2 - improving the accessibility of public buildings and environments. Code: C610. Author: K Bright, S Flanagan, J Embleton, L Selbekk,G Cook. Publication Date: May 2004. Description: This book provides guidance for designers and others, particularly building owners and managers, on altering and adapting existing non-residential buildings to provide better access for disabled people. By improving access for disabled people, access is also enhanced for all those who need to use the building. The first part of the book summarises the changing attitude to accessibility, the legislation driving the changes and the benefits to everyone of improved accessibility. It sets out a strategy for improving the accessibility and usability of existing buildings, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach, leading to pragmatic solutions within a program of refurbishment and maintenance, and highlighting the importance of management solutions to access issues. The second part provides detailed design guidance on providing full, or significantly improved, accessibility. The advice is supported by case studies illustrating ways of addressing physical and management barriers to accessibility. Specific reference is made to issues affecting historic buildings. The book helps designers, owners and managers of environments to make well-informed, pragmatic decisions about improving the inclusiveness and accessibility of their buildings, the services they offer and the employment opportunities they provide for their staff. Readers will benefit from increased awareness of what is needed and be better able to develop cost-effective solutions both in physical provision and in management practices. This, in turn, will enhance the built environment for everyone. 210 pp. ISBN: 0-86017-610-X. $100.00

Benchmarking knowledge management practice in construction. R J Dent, K N Montague. January 2004. Description: This book is designed for those managing knowledge management in construction services providers of all types and those interested in promoting the concept of knowledge management within their organisations. The primary objective is to provide a deeper understanding of successful knowledge management programmes, of approaches used to overcome the challenges successfully, and to identify effective ways to improve both the short-term and the long-term competitiveness of participating companies. Many variations were discovered between company knowledge management strategies and practices. Some initiatives were funded centrally, others at the business level. More hybrid approaches were also found. In other ways, the initiatives were generally alike. This study discovered that knowledge management systems have been developed very much on contingent, bespoke platforms. The level of emphasis on the various organisational and initiative sub-systems differs between the participant companies, even though the fundamental problem is essentially the same - how to generate and capitalise on knowledge. Knowledge management needs to be linked to business objectives. As successful businesses typically are driven by a focus on clear and defined objectives, knowledge management is likely to become more embedded when tied to strategic business objectives. Contents: Executive summary, Summary, Acknowledgements, 1 Introduction and background, 1.1 Introduction, 1.2 Delivering knowledge management, performance improvement and competitive advantage, 1.3 Difficulties in the theory, 1.4 Structure of this report, 2 The research process, 2.1 The research proposal, 2.2 A framework to benchmark knowledge management, 2.3 Auditing and prioritising current knowledge management practices, 2.4 Knowledge management questionnaire and interviews, 3 Knowledge management practices - strategy, 3.1 Awareness and commitment, 3.2 Strategy, 3.3 Culture, 3.4 Incentivisation and reward, 3.5 Security and protection, 4 Knowledge management practices - processes and tools, 4.1 Organisation of corporate resources, 4.2 Using and applying knowledge internally, 4.3 External knowledge management and learning, 4.4 ICT and information management, 5 Knowledge management good practices - measurement and application, 5.1 Measurement and application of KM, 6 Discussion and conclusion, 6.1 Lessons from the study, 6.2 Scope for improvement, 6.3 Future challenges, 6.4 Conclusion, References and further reading, Glossary, Appendix: Benchmarking audit tool (typical element). Code: C620.  54 pp.  ISBN: 0-86017-620-7. $160.00

Above-ground proprietary prefabricated oil storage tank systems. C535. 
A. Teekaram, S. Sterne, B. Abel & C. Elliott. 2002.
In 2000, there were 6,215 substantiated pollution incidents involving oil, a 15% increase on the number of incidents in 1999. Environment Agency data indicate that that a large number of these could have been prevented if the oil had been stored in adequately bunded tank systems. This report provides detailed guidance on the design, construction and use of proprietary prefabricated above-ground bunded oil storage tank systems for use in domestic, agricultural and industrial applications. Oil storage tank systems of steel or plastic construction up to 140,000 liters are reviewed and the use of mobile oil storage bowsers is also included. This report assesses the level of environmental protection offered by these types of systems against common causes of oil pollution and the preventative measures that can be taken to avoid them. It offers good practice recommendations, which are designed to minimize the risk of oil pollution. The report concludes by identifying several objectives that the oil storage industry needs to pursue. These include legislative requirements governing the manufacture of oil storage tank systems and fitting of overfill protection devices. Recommendations are also made for the development of manufacturing standards, test procedures and performance standards for overfill prevention devices. 
ISBN 0 86017 535 9  $144.00

Action in the case of non-conformity of concrete structures. C519. 
P.R. Ainsworth & C.J. Hopkins. 1999. 
As construction techniques become more sophisticated and the requirements of contract programs become more demanding, nonconformities that is, elements and materials that do not conform to the specification and the problems that they create are becoming increasingly commonplace and difficult to resolve. If such problems are not considered until they arise, delays and costs can escalate alarmingly. Remedying defects in concrete construction in the UK is extremely expensive and can lead to unproductive confrontation between the parties involved. The aim of this book is to help those involved in the construction process to arrive as quickly as possible at pragmatic, cost-effective solutions that are acceptable to all the parties concerned, i.e. to achieve the win-win situations advocated in the Latham report. Based on research initiated by CIRIA and the Concrete Society, this book encourages practical application of a spirit of mutually beneficial problem-solving. It will be of particular interest to designers, specifiers, constructors and supervisors involved in concrete construction, along with mediators and conciliators. Paperback, 124 pp. 
ISBN 0 86017 519 7  $144.00

Barriers, liners and cover systems for containment and control of land contamination. SP124. 
K.D. Privett, S. Matthews & R.A. Hodges. 1996. 
This invaluable technical resource document will be of interest to environmental engineers, contractors, consultants, project and development managers, land and building owners, central and local government, and other regulatory authorities. Effective treatment of contaminated land is imperative. One of the simplest means of dealing with contamination is to isolate it by constructing a physical containment structure. This book covers design criteria, theory and practice for the full range of physical barriers to contamination. It gives guidance on in-ground barriers, multi-layer cover systems and liners. Paperback, 280 pp. 
ISBN 0 86017 437 9  $144.00

Beach management manual. R153. 
Edited by J.D. Simm, A.H. Brampton, N.W. Beech & J.S. Brooke. 1996. 
The state-of-the-art publication on beach management! This manual provides comprehensive guidance for both the specialist and the non-specialist, focusing on the management of the beach as a coastal defense. It draws together existing knowledge and experience and the results of recent and current research. It does not reproduce material which is readily available from other sources. The manual has been designed for use by beach managers, and by consulting engineers and designers concerned with beaches characterized by non-cohesive sediments. It is structured so far as possible around the beach management process and contains detailed information on the design considerations and principles associated with the various management options, together with guidance on scheme implementation. Also see Beach recharge materials - demand and resources. Paperback, 448 pp. 
ISBN 0 86017 438 7  $180.00

Beach recharge materials - demand & resources. R154. 
B. Humphreys, T. Coates, M. Watkiss & D. Harrison. 1996. 
There is increasing pressure on the UK's marine sand and gravel resources. Planning constraints are tending to restrict the extraction of sand and gravel resources on land, while the exploitation of marine resources is encouraged, subject to environmental safeguards. In addition to the demand for aggregates from the construction industry, there is an increasing demand for marine sand and gravel beach recharge in coastal defense schemes. This report provides quantitative estimates of the national demand for beach recharge material and of the resources suitable to meet demand over the next 20 years. This information is presented regionally: for the south and east coasts, and the coasts of Wales and western England, respectively. The results are of particular relevance in the determination of policy regarding coastal defense and minerals planning, and provide coastal authorities and engineers with information on the resource options for recharge materials. The report considers potential for the use of beach recharge of materials other than marine sand and gravel, such as navigational dredging. While some of these alternative materials may offer attractive local or opportunistic options, they are unlikely to satisfy the requirements of most major schemes. Paperback, 176 pp. 
ISBN 0 86017 439 5  $108.00

Benchmarking for construction - a strategic review. PR069. 
P.S. Jones & G. Thomas. 1998. 
Benchmarking is a powerful tool for continuous improvement. Properly applied and given proper resources, it can deliver notable benefits to companies in many industries, including construction. This book aims to identify the opportunities for benchmarking within the construction industry and the ways of promoting its use. Policy-makers, industry bodies and senior construction managers examining the tools for continuous improvement will find it of considerable value. Read this book and be better informed about the applicability of benchmarking and its limitations in addressing both technical and business objectives and organizational goals. Paperback, 40 pp.
ISBN 0 86017 869 2  $80.00

Benefit trading - a practical guide for construction. C526. 
M. Potter & J. Connaughton. 2000.
You always expect a good deal from construction whether, as a customer, you buy from the industry or, as a supplier, you trade your services and products within it. Sadly, you don’t get always get what you expect. However, several recent initiatives have sought to improve the performance and reliability of construction, resulting in a radically improved method of business called 'benefit trading'. In this method, each of the key construction participants trade the benefits they can offer for fair reward. This publication outlines the simple and exciting essentials of benefit trading, and offers clear best practice guidance to all individuals or organizations which use or provide construction services. C526 is a best practice guide and toolkit, which demonstrates how to obtain value by negotiation and the application of benefit trading to the construction supply chain. It explains the fundamental principles of benefit trading, identifies the key steps, and shows how the process can be best used and then reviewed to ensure that valuable lessons are learned for future business. This guide is designed to be used in conjunction with C527, the accompanying tutorial and video pack. It includes an instruction booklet, notes for the six training modules, a video and a complete PowerPoint presentation and set of course notes on floppy disk. The best practice guide (C526) and training pack (C527) can together be used to provide comprehensive, customized and highly beneficial sessions for all types of trading organizations. Paperback, 78 pp.
ISBN 0 86017 526 X  $144.00

Bioengineering - the Longham Wood Cutting field trial. PR081. 
J.R. Greenwood et al. 2001. 
CIRIA’s Research Project 441 “Field trial and demonstration site for bio-engineering”, undertaken over the period 1991 to 1995 and Research Project 536 “Bioengineering: M20 - medium term monitoring”, from 1995 to 1998, followed CIRIA’s earlier publication, “The use of vegetation in civil engineering”. The project was conceived as a live trial, where the effects of vegetation on the stability of slopes could be demonstrated for the benefit of the engineering community and its clients. The research was not able to continue at Longham Wood as the site was taken over by the route of the Channel Rail Link in mid-1998. This report supersedes CIRIA Special Publication, “Bioengineering: a field trial”, and covers the following aspects of the project: Literature review to establish the required geotechnical attributes and vegetation types • Setting up the site, on a reprofiled cutting Gault Clay, adjacent to the M20 in Kent • The instrumentation installed to monitor the hydrological characteristics of the site • The tests carried out to monitor the geotechnical and vegetation characteristics • Final exploration to calibrate instrumentation and to determine the extent of root growth and effect on ground conditions • The effects of vegetation on the calculated factor of safety of the slope • The results of the monitoring and testing and conclusions to be drawn • The open publication will be supported by a large volume of numerical data, collected during the monitoring periods • This data will be presented in a separate Data • Appendix, which will be separately available from CIRIA on CD-ROM. Paperback, 128 pp. 
ISBN 0 86017 881 1  $80.00

Biological methods for assessment and remediation of contaminated land - case studies. C575.  
D. Barr et al. 2002. 
Biological processes to treat contaminated land (bioremediation) have had widespread use in North America, several countries in mainland Europe, and in the UK. The general technical consensus is that remediation (biological or otherwise) should usually take place in a risk management context to break pollutant linkages. Risk assessment is the defining discipline for this management approach. Conventional approaches to risk assessment are based on evaluations of contaminant toxicity and exposure to organisms (a function of bioavailability). The evaluations are informed by conceptual site models developed using site investigation data. Typically estimations of toxicity and bioavailability are generic in nature, based on overall assumptions, which have to be rather conservative in order to provide an acceptable level of protection for all types of site and contamination problems. Biological techniques have begun to be used as tools to provide site specific estimates of bioavailability and ecotoxicity, for use in risk assessment. There is great interest in developing these biological test methods further as they are seen as potentially offering a more direct appraisal of risks. Bioremediation techniques include monitored natural attenuation (MNA), biosparging, groundwater recirculation, landfarming, biopiles, bioreactors, phytoremediation, treatment beds and windrows. This report includes a series of case studies showing that bioremediation can cost-effectively treat a range of contaminants under redevelopment, transaction or proactive risk management scenario. The case studies selected are representative of many of the technologies in commercial use in the UK. Contents: Part A Overview • 1 Introduction • Part B Bioremediation • 2 Introduction • 3 Case studies • 4 Factors to consider in the selection and implementation of bioremediation technologies on contaminated sites • 5 Conclusions • Part C Biological test methods • 6 Overview • 7 Case studies • 8 Factors to consider in the selection and use of biological test methods to asses ecological risk on contaminated sites • 9 Conclusions • References • Appendix A Contacts • Appendix B Biological test methods. Paperback, 178 pp.
ISBN: 0 86017 575 8  $162.00

Bridge detailing guide. C543. 
M. Soubry. 2001. 
The UK highways bridge stock is exhibiting durability problems. While there are several causes of deterioration, many of the problems are attributed to poor detailing and a lack of appreciation of build-ability by designers. There are many sources of advice on bridge detailing but the advice is rarely collected together. Most available professional information comes as advice incidental to particular projects or subjects. The Bridge detailing guide gives guidance for engineers and technicians engaged in the preparation and development of details for highway and accommodation bridges, subways, culverts and retaining walls. The guide concentrates on the detailing issues that follow conceptual and analytical design. It also covers some design issues, such as access during and after construction and CDM requirements, due to their direct relevance to the detailing stage. The guide explores basic principles, that have proved to be reliable in everyday use, in terms of durability and ease of construction, inspection, maintenance and repair. The guide is intended as a live document and will be revised and extended as a result of feedback by the industry. A formal feedback procedure is, therefore, included. A CD-ROM is also provided with the report. This holds the ‘details’ in CAD format. This guide is essential reading for consultants, contractors, bridge owners and their maintaining agents. It will be of direct use to trainee engineers, technicians and incorporated engineers involved in detailing highway bridge designs and chartered engineers as they develop designs and to site staff, as it provides advice on the function and relative merits of various details. Paperback + CD-ROM, 272 pp. 
ISBN 0 86017 543 X  $270.00

Bridges - design for improved build-ability. R155. 
S. Ray, J. Barr & L. Clark. 1996. 
This substantial book guides bridge designers, working for either the owner or a constructor, on how to improve the build-ability of common highway bridge structures. Checklists of actions provide a useful reminder of "conceptual" and "specific" issues related to design for build-ability and can be extended to suit individual projects. Paperback, 162 pp.
ISBN 0 86017 440 9  $108.00

Brownfields. Managing the development of previously developed land. A client's guide. C578. 
D.W. Laidler, A.J. Bryce, P. Wilbourn. 2002. 
The UK Government's expressed policy of utilizing previously developed land provides a golden opportunity for developers to profit by developing such land. With a target for 60 per cent of new houses to be accommodated on previously developed sites, developers need to acquire the necessary know-how to manage such sites or they will be left behind in the move towards a more sustainable and cost effective approach to land resources in the UK. Many of the same issues face clients engaged in commercial, industrial and retail sector developments. This guide provides a framework for managing these issues logically and methodically. The issues are addressed using the normal stages of the development process, so that the client can readily incorporate the guidance into his own management systems. The guide can also help clients identify their own technical limitations, and equip them with the tools they need when appointing and managing a specialist team of advisers. The guide will instill confidence in those presently lacking the knowledge to handle such projects and assist clients in acquiring the skills necessary to handle what will become the mainstream of property development in the UK. Contents: 1 Opportunities for previously developed land • 2 Previously developed land - issues and interactions • 3 Preparing for redevelopment - setting objectives • 4 First steps - site appraisal and acquisition • 5 Interactions with planning • 6 Design phase • 7 Construction phase • 8 Completion of the development objectives • References • Abbreviations • Appendices • Index. Paperback, 166 pp.  
ISBN  0 86017 578 2  $198.00

Buildings for all to use - good practice guidance for improving existing public buildings for people with disabilities. SP127. 
S. Bone. 1996. 
Accessibility is an important issue for all concerned with the built environment. Until now most guidance has concentrated on new buildings, but this highly acclaimed publication provides much-needed advice on how existing non-residential buildings can be altered and adapted to improve access for disabled people and those whose mobility is otherwise impaired. The book sets out a strategy for improving accessibility and usability of existing buildings, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach and the benefits for the community as a whole. The design guidance is arranged in an innovative way, following a sequential journey into, through and out of a building. Each chapter is introduced by a checklist that can be used to ensure all the important issues are covered. Also contains a number of useful case studies with photographs. Paperback, 240 pp.
ISBN 0 86017 448 4  $162.00

Building on derelict land. SP078. 
B.A. Leach & H.K. Goodger. 1991. 
Gives detailed guidance on the investigation, appraisal and remedial treatment needed before building on derelict sites. Paperback, 232 pp. 
ISBN 0 86017 323 2  $144.00

Building response to tunnelling - case studies from construction of the Jubilee Line Extension, London. Volume 1: The project. Volume 2: Case studies. SP200.   
Edited by J.B. Burland, J.R. Standing & F.M. Jardine. 2001.  
The ability to predict the potential damage to buildings accurately and to have confidence in the chosen protective measures is of increasing importance for the viability of urban tunnelling. The Jubilee Line Extension Project (JLEP) presented a unique opportunity to capture reliable field measurements of the effects of tunnelling on a wide range of buildings. This book is the result of that work. Volume 1 describes the construction and protective works of the JLEP, the methods of settlement prediction and building damage assessment used on the project, and the objectives of the research. It provides accounts of the geology and historical development of the case study buildings (between Green Park and Canada Water stations of the JLE route) and full transcriptions of before-the-event and independent best-practice predictions of surface and at-depth ground movements for two greenfield sites and four buildings. These predictions were made specially for this research project. Volume 1 concludes with a contribution by Professor John Burland, which outlines the overall findings of the research to date. Volume 2 presents, in their geographical sequence, 27 case studies, from Green Park in the west to London Bridge and then eastward to Canada Water station. These case studies include two instrumented greenfield sites and several examples of prestigious buildings in London’s West End that were protected by compensation grouting. The sites studied include Big Ben clock tower, the Treasury building, the Ritz Hotel and the RAC building, plus many commercial and residential properties. The case studies present descriptions of the buildings, the works that affected them and measurements made to record their response. This valuable and informative work was written by the experts who participated in the research, and will be of great interest to tunnelling and geotechnical engineers and all those who have an interest in this successful and interesting underground project. Paperback, 800 pp.
ISBN 0 7277 3017 7  $243.00