Concrete is the most used man-made material in the world and is the fundamental physical medium for most of the world’s architecture and construction. The character of concrete is largely the product of the rigid moulds that have shaped it since its invention in antiquity. The advent of flexible moulds, however, marks a radical break from conventional practice – and conventional concrete architecture. The Fabric Formwork Book provides the first comprehensive handbook on the emerging technology of flexible moulds for reinforced concrete architecture. Written by the foremost expert in the field, this book takes a comprehensive and generous approach that includes technical, historical and theoretical aspects of the subject. The book: concentrates on simple flat-sheet formworks contains detailed technical descriptions of how to construct a wide range of formworks for various applications features case studies from around the world critiques the difficulties and advantages in each case it covers provides instruction and guidance on how to model and design fabric-formed structures includes the most comprehensive history of fabric formwork yet published features essays from guest expert authors, which explore the theoretical, historical, and poetic significance of flexibly formed architecture and structures discusses fabric formwork as an exemplary approach to sustainable construction through its simplicity and efficiency. Beautifully designed and illustrated with a superb range of images, diagrams and technical drawings, the book both informs and inspires. Speaking directly and plainly to professionals, students and academics, the language used is both clear and precise, and care is taken to avoid opaque technical or academic jargon. Technical terms, when used, are clearly described and a special glossary is included to make the book as widely accessible as possible.

Fabric-cast concrete involves casting concrete in forms made with flexible formwork. This provides the potential to produce forms that are both structurally efficient and architecturally exciting in a relatively inexpensive and practical manner. By careful shaping of the fabric it is possible to produce complex shapes that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to produce using conventional formwork systems. This book contains six essays that describe the collaboration between the Universities of Edinburgh and East London, together with the Centre for Architectural and Structural Technology (CAST) at the University of Manitoba, in their detailed and practical research into concrete casting and formwork. Richly illustrated with photographs and diagrams and containing new and innovative research this book offers the architect, engineer and student inspiration and technical guidance in this re-emerging material.

Offers insights on currently-used concrete formwork structures, from classification, system components and materials' properties to selection and construction requirements and procedures, while considering product quality, labour, safety and economic factors throughout. The text details hand-set, crane-dependent and crane-independent systems.

Successful Training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Teaches trainee gastroenterologists the endoscopic skills needed to meet the medical training requirements to practice gastroenterology and helps clinical specialists refresh their skills to pass their recertification This book provides all gastroenterologists with the exact set of skills required to perform endoscopy at the highest level. Featuring contributions from internationally recognized leaders in endoscopy education and an endorsement by the World Organization of Digestive Endoscopy, it examines the specific skill sets and procedure-related tasks that must be mastered when learning a particular technique, including: specific descriptions of accessories required; standard training methods for the procedure; optimal utilization of novel learning modalities such as simulators; quality measures and objective parameters for competency; and available tools for assessing competency once training has been completed. Successful Training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Second Edition features 400 high-quality, outstanding color photos to assist with comprehension. It is also complemented by a website containing over 130 annotated teaching videos of both actual procedures and ex-vivo animal model simulations. These videos illustrate, step by step, the proper techniques to be followed, highlighting clinical pearls of wisdom from the experts and the most common mistakes to avoid. Offers comprehensive and practical training guidelines in all the endoscopy procedures and techniques trainee gastroenterologists are required to learn Provides trainees with the skills required to perform endoscopy to the level required by the ACGME in order to practice gastroenterology Presents seasoned gastroenterologists with an outstanding tool to brush up their endoscopy skills and to familiarize them with new trends in safety and competence Includes website with video clips visually demonstrating all the endoscopic procedures step-by-step highlighting common mistakes Endorsed by the World Organization of Digestive Endoscopy Successful Training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Second Edition is an excellent book for all trainee gastroenterologists (particularly endoscopists and colonoscopists) training for board exams. It will also greatly benefit gastroenterology specialists (especially those training for re-certification), as well as internal medicine physicians and trainees.

Concrete has been used in arches, vaults, and domes dating as far back as the Roman Empire. Today, it is everywhere—in our roads, bridges, sidewalks, walls, and architecture. For each person on the planet, nearly three tons of concrete are produced every year. Used almost universally in modern construction, concrete has become a polarizing material that provokes intense loathing in some and fervent passion in others. Focusing on concrete’s effects on culture rather than its technical properties, Concrete and Culture examines the ways concrete has changed our understanding of nature, of time, and even of material. Adrian Forty concentrates not only on architects’ responses to concrete, but also takes into account the role concrete has played in politics, literature, cinema, labor-relations, and arguments about sustainability. Covering Europe, North and South America, and the Far East, Forty examines the degree that concrete has been responsible for modernist uniformity and the debates engendered by it. The first book to reflect on the global consequences of concrete, Concrete and Culture offers a new way to look at our environment over the past century.