New Technical Resources: Concrete, Masonry and Energy Management

The International Code Council and the U.S. National Concrete Masonry Association are publishing the third edition of Inspection and Testing of Concrete Masonry Construction. It is updated to include the 2003 and 2006 editions of the International Building Code (IBC). www.ncma.org
The Portland Cement Association has published the Sixth Edition of its “Concrete Masonry Handbook for Architects, Engineers, and Builders.” Special emphasis is given to the 2006 International Building Code and 2005 Building Requirements and Specifications for Masonry Structures.
PCA has also published an updated version of “Concrete Floors on Ground.” See www.cement.org
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has issued, “The ASHRAE Guide for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates.” The book is intended to help HVAC designers design and operate air-conditioned buildings in these climates in a more sustainable way. www.ashrae.org
Another new ASHRAE publication is “Best Practices for Datacom Facility Energy Efficiency.” Data centres use of energy is large and concentrated, up to 100 times the watts per square foot of an office buildng, with operations running 24/7. The book provides a list of best practices in relation to all the different equipment and systems used in these centres. www.ashrae.org