Welcome to the ICE Library news page. Here you can find the latest news about developments in library services, as well as details of our recent additions and reviews of books that we think are especially useful.
Over 100 new publications a month are added to the Library’s collections and we are always interested in your suggestions or comments. Please contact us on library@ice.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7665 2251.
Accessing electronic books
One of our suppliers of electronic books, Taylor & Francis, has made changes to their platform which will affect members’ access to content. Also, an agreement has been made with Wiley, another publisher of electronic books, for access to a selection of their publications.
In both cases, please contact the library to obtain the new password by emailing library@ice.org.uk or calling +44 (0)20 7665 2251.
Emerald Journals – online access
An agreement has been made with publishers Emerald, which allows members remote access and unlimited downloads to two of their journals – Engineering, Construction & Architectural Management and Structural Survey.
iPhone Application
The library is experimenting with an iPhone app called BookMyne, which is free to download and allows members to search the library catalogue, check their account and renew their loans. It is hoped that with further development, members will be able to make lending requests and that access will be extended to iPad and Android devices.
Further details can be obtained by contacting the library at library@ice.org.uk or calling +44 (0)20 7665 2251. We would also welcome member feedback on any of the services listed above.
Book reviews
Title: Egypt in England
Author: C Elliott
Year: 2012
Egypt in England describes the impact of the rediscovery of ancient Egypt, through military campaigns and travellers’ accounts, on English architecture over the past two centuries.
While essentially a work of greatest value to architectural historians, Egypt in England still offers insight for engineering historians, particularly its extensive description of the re-erection of Cleopatra’ Needle in London.
Ancient influences
Elliot’s account provides valuable context for, in particular, factory design in that period. This includes Marshall’s Mill in Leeds, the Carreras factory in London and other structures.
While much of Elliot’s focus is on cemeteries and their monuments, he does cover some civil and mechanical engineering in Brunel’s Egyptian embellishments to his Clifton bridge design and similar decoration of steam engines.
Moving monuments
The renewal of Cleopatra’s Needle and its re-erection on the Embankment is likely to be of most interest to technology historians.
The monument and the tale of its transportation in an iron cylinder by the civil engineer John Dixon are well known. However, most people are less familiar with the historical and diplomatic background, and Elliott also gives plenty of detail on the other engineers involved.
Egypt in England is beautifully produced and illustrated, and well worth the read for engineers and architects alike.
Reviewed by Mike Chrimes, ICE Director Engineering Policy and Innovation
Title: Which contract: choosing the appropriate building contract. 5th ed.
Author: H Clamp and others
Year: 2012
The book is aimed at those involved in contract and project management. It provides guidance at the starting point of a new project and a quick overview of the contemporary procurement landscape.
A practical, hands-on guide
Given the complexity of the topic (currently, over 40 standard forms of building contracts are used in the UK), a short clear introduction to the whole procurement process sets a good, clear basis. It includes flowcharts to illustrate key points, and uses a question and answer approach to help determine the suitability of the right procurement method.
The main content has been split into short overviews of the main contracts for each procurement method such as lump sum, design & build or partnering agreements.
The layout is clear and includes a brief background and bullet-points on:
- payment
- time delays
- dispute resolution
- statutory obligations
- insurance
It also includes a short review and list of references for further information.
An updated version
This updated 5th edition takes into account many of the changes that took place since the 4th edition was printed in 2007 such as:
- The JCT contracts were updated in 2011
- New parts were added to the NEC3 suite of contracts
- ICE withdrew its support from all its contractual forms apart from the New Engineering Contract
- Then contractual forms are now produced solely by the ACE and CECA and have been republished as the Infrastructure Conditions of Contract
This version also provides insight into new government initiatives and changes in law, such as the introduction of Business Information Modeling (BIM).