C O N T E X T 1 1 3 : M A R C H 2 0 1 0 47 Book reviews Creep and crash Learning from Failure: long-term behaviour of heavy masonry structures Edited by Luigia Binda,WIT Press, 2008, 256pp, hardback ISBN 978 1 84564 057 6, £84 This book can be seen as a leading compendium in the field of creep, the long-term deformations and timedependent behaviour of masonry structures subjected to heavy loads. The phenomenon, well known in engineering when related to other materials, was never considered a crucial factor in the safety of masonry structures. But the sudden collapse of some historical buildings in Italy in the past 30 years, such as the Civic Tower of Pavia in 1989 and the partial collapse of Noto Cathedral in 1996, highlighted a gap in understanding creep phenomena, and how to recognise the warning signs in standing structures. As a consequence, different approaches and expertise converged in this specific field of investigation, aiming at a better comprehension of the problem. The book collects these different approaches to provide a 360 degree view on this matter, resulting in a well-balanced reference for all those with interest in understanding the longterm behaviour of masonry structures. The experimental part of the book includes campaigns carried out mainly in Italy. It reports on the procedures and results of laboratory research on masonry samples retrieved from collapsed parts of the buildings and simulated test pieces. Mathematical models were developed to fit the experimental results, and to provide support in assessing the safety of a structure by predicting its behaviour. The mathematical part of the book uses the contributions of studies from Portugal, the USA and Canada. It is intended for academic research purposes, and results in a slightly hardto-understand account for the layman. Stress is mainly calculated using micro- and macro-modelling approaches, in particular homogenised continuum models for the former, and particle models for the latter. The level of abstraction is very high, but the results in terms of representing reality are very good, even if further developments are still required in the field. Professionals and companies involved in the field of conservation of historic structures might find a more useful part of the book in its exploration of creep monitoring. Different options are clearly presented, and some case studies of real structures being monitored in Italy and Spain. Another chapter is dedicated to repair techniques which can limit the possibility of creep-related collapse in damaged masonry structures. These techniques mainly involve the insertion of steel or carbon fibre bars into the mortar joints. This helps to reduce the deformation of masonry under constant long-term loads. The effectiveness of such interventions has been investigated in some experimental campaigns whose data and results are presented in the book. A final chapter discusses the probabilistic approach to prevent collapses, based on the long-term behaviour of the masonry. It reports the findings of a collection of data from a number of towers in Italy. The book is a well-structured collection of diverse contributions, and it is probably the first to be dedicated fully to the study of these phenomena. The style and target audience vary throughout, but both academic researchers and professionals will find valuable parts in their own approach to the problem. Brian Morton, consultant to the Morton Partnership A question of structure Specifications in Detail FrankW Macey, Donhead Publishing, 2009 (reprint of 1904 2nd edition, with a new introduction by Lawrence Hurst), 648pp, b&w, ISBN 978 1 873394 90 8, £55 hardback This well-produced book, hard bound with a cloth cover, is a reprint of Frank W Macey’s Specifications in Detail. It is the latest in Donhead’s commendable series of reprints of historic works on materials and construction technology. Frank William Macey (1863–1935) practised as an architect in London, before emigrating to Canada. An exponent of a British arts and crafts style, he obtained commissions in Burnaby, British Columbia, including private residences and a number of churches. The first edition of Specifications in Detail was published in 1898. A second edition followed in 1904, taking into account some of the criticisms levelled at the first, and cross-referencing the companion volume Conditions of Contract, which was first published in 1902. It is this second edition that Donhead has chosen to republish. Following a comprehensive and erudite introduction by Lawrence Hurst which sets Specifications in context, the reprint commences with general guidance on specification writing. Much of this advice retains its relevance today, for example: ‘A specification should not supersede the particulars given upon
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