Consumption of plastics by the building and construction sector in Western Europe is predicted to rise by more than 60, to almost 8 million tonnes in 2010. Construction is already the second largest market for plastics after packaging, accounting for 20 (4.89 million tonnes) of total plastics consumption in 1995.

This increase reflects a trend over the last 25 years, which has seen the building industry increasingly use plastics. In the future, there will be few construction needs that plastics and advanced resins will not meet.

As well as providing the materials for innovative design, plastics also make a significant contribution to other long-life applications such as pipes, insulation, windows, cables and floor coverings - which are often taken for granted. The use of plastics in gas, sewage and water piping has tripled in the last 25 years.

Plastics are used very effectively for various structural and non-structural applications in construction, because they provide long-lasting and easy solutions.

This new handbook is designed to provide a wealth of information on the use of plastics in construction. The chapters are all written by acknowledged experts in their fields.

This book is designed to give insight both to newcomers to the industry and to personnel already working in the construction sector.

About the editor...
Gneri Akovali received his bachelor and master degrees in chemical engineering from Ankara University, whereas his doctorate was completed at the Middle East Technical University (METU). He obtained his Chair at METU in 1980 and founded the Polymer Science and Technology Department at the same institution in 1993. Similarly, he founded the Polymer Science and Technology Society at Ankara University in 1994. Presently, he is Professor Emeritus of the Department of Chemistry, METU. Currently, he is the President-elect of the Turkish Polymer Science and Technology Society.

He has written over one hundred papers in international refereed journals and six books, three of which have been edited by him. He is on the Advisory Board of POLYCHAR Symposia (University of Texas) and of the Journal of Polymer Materials.

1 Introduction

2 The Use of Polymers in Construction: Past and Future Trends

3 The Use of Plastics in Building Construction
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Structural Applications of Polymers in Building Construction
3.2.1 Sandwich Panels (SWP) and Sandwich Panel Applications in Housing Construction
3.2.2 All-Composites Housing
3.3 Secondary Structural and Non-Structural Applications of Polymers in Housing Construction
3.3.1 Piping, Electrical Cables, Wiring and Conduit Applications of Polymers in Housing Construction
3.3.2 Cladding and Profile Applications of Polymers in Housing Construction
3.3.3 Insulation Applications of Polymers in Housing Construction
3.3.4 Sealant, Gasket and Adhesive Applications of Polymers in Housing Construction
3.3.5 Roofing and Flooring System Applications of Polymers in Housing Construction
3.3.6 Glazing, Plastic Lumber, Paint, Wall-Covering, and Other Applications of Polymers in Housing Construction
3.4 Coatings
3.4.1 Polymers Used for Coatings
3.4.2 Solvent-Based Coatings
3.4.3 Water-Based Coatings
3.4.4 Curing Techniques
3.4.5 Powder Coatings
3.4.6 Intumescent Coatings
3.4.7 Durability of Coatings
3.5 EPDM Membrane: Application in the Construction Industry for Roofing and Waterproofing
3.5.1 Introduction
3.5.2 Chemistry of the EPDM Elastomer
3.5.3 Process of Manufacture of EPDM Membrane
3.5.4 Process of Preparation of Adhesive
3.5.5 EPDM Polymer Characteristics of Crack Resistance
3.5.6 Distinctive Waterproofing Properties of EPDM Membrane
3.5.7 Maintenance Free, Temperature Endured Roof Sheathings
3.5.8 Installation Engineering of EPDM Membrane
3.5.9 Effluent Treatment Plant Lining
3.5.10 Ecological and Decorative Gardening Applications

4 Systems for Condensation Control
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Standard Condensation Control
4.2.1 Standard Assessment Methods
4.2.2 Standard Condensation Control in Building Practice
4.3 Controlling Air Leakage
4.3.1 Moisture Accumulation Due to Air Leakage
4.3.2 Thermal Effects of Air Movement
4.3.3 Air Barrier Systems and Requirements: The Canadian Example
4.3.4 Air Leakage Control in Building Practice
4.4 A Systems Approach to Condensation Control
4.4.1 Warm Roof Designs
4.4.2 Condensation Control Systems

5 Use of Polymers in Civil Engineering Applications
5.1 Geotechnical Engineering Applications
5.1.1 General
5.1.2 Geosynthetic Properties and Testing
5.1.3 Use of Geosynthetics in Roadways, Pavements, Runways and Railways
5.1.4 Use of Geosynthetics in Drainage and Erosion Control Systems
5.1.5 Use of Geosynthetics in Soil Reinforcement Applications
5.1.6 Use of Geosynthetics in Waste Disposal Facilities
5.1.7 Miscellaneous Applications of Geosynthetics
5.2 Polymers in Concrete
5.2.1 Polymer Concrete
5.2.2 Polymer Portland Cement Concrete
5.2.3 Polymer Impregnated Concrete
5.2.4 Polymer Based Admixtures for Concrete
5.2.5 Polymeric Fibres in Fibre Reinforced Concrete
5.3 Use of Polymeric Materials in Repair and Strengthening of Structures
5.3.1 Types of FRP Composites
5.3.2 Methods of Forming FRP Composites
5.3.3 Mechanical Properties of FRP Composites
5.3.4 Bond Strength of FRP-to-Concrete Joints
5.3.5 Bond Strength Models
5.3.6 Flexural Strengthening of RC Beams
5.3.7 Shear Strengthening of RC Beams
5.3.8 Strengthening of RC Slabs
5.3.9 Strengthening of RC Columns
5.3.10 Strengthening of Masonry Walls and Infills

6 Plastics and Plastics Composites: A Perspective on their Chemistry and Mechanics
6.1 Chemistry of Plastics
6.1.1 Molecular Weight
6.1.2 Synthesis of Polymers
6.1.3 Classification