As a consulting architect, I found this book a terrific addition to my technical library.
You would have a long search to find a book on this subject with better elements of sequencing, logical arrangement and text. The author presents his material in the same manner in which a structure is designed and constructed. This avoids the need to refer to crossinformation among several sections as you read, and guides the reader easily through the concerns applicable to each heading and the standards that apply. Although seemingly aimed as a comprehensive reference instrument at the hands-on project manager the book, therefore, is excellent as a teaching tool for anyone in the industry, from owners to superintendents. The summations at the end of certain chapters are particularly useful, as are the sample documents shown or cited for each section.
Also of particular interest for this edition is the material in Chapter 4, presenting the Consensus Docs and Lean Construction. Here again the author's direct, conversational style puts the reasons for, and the preparation of, this new family of documents in a way that goes beyond merely listing regulations to follow.
To reflect the present economy and realities of vacancies I would have liked to find a section dedicated to restoration and upgrading of existing structures. I retired as an architect after 54 years in construction, and found that these always presented special challenges requiring adaptation of what applies more readily to new construction.
Years ago I read Sid Levy's book on Japanese construction, and kept a copy of his Superintendent's Handbook in our field office. I hope he dedicates his next book to expanding his chapters 16 and 17, dealing with the cutting-edge culture and technology of green buildings and BIM.
