Preface to the First Edition
The primary purpose of writing this book is to give engineering students up-to-date information
on building materials. The book has been prepared after referring to a number of text books,
references and standards. S.I. units have been used throughout the text as far as possible.
The author has tried to incorporate essential information concerning manufacture/fabrication
of the various building materials; the data covering the more important mechanical and
physical properties, influences of various factors on these properties; the causes of defects,
their prevention and remedies; testing of materials. An attempt has also been made to present
to the reader some of the more general uses and applications of the different materials.
The author gratefully acknowledges the considerable encouragement, splendid help and
valuable suggestions received form his colleagues. Appreciation and thanks are also due to
those students who went through the preliminary and final scripts.
Finally thanks are due to my wife Suman and children Swati and Shashank for their tolerance
during this trying time. Efforts have been made to keep errors to a minimum. However, they
are inevitable. Suggestions are welcomed from all concerned pointing out any oversights.
S.K. Duggal