This established textbook provides an understanding of materials' behaviour through knowledge of their chemical and physical structure. It covers the main classes of construction materials: metals, concrete, other ceramics (including bricks and masonry), polymers, fibre composites, bituminous materials, timber, and glass. It provides a clear and comprehensive perspective on the whole range of materials used in modern construction, to form a must-have for civil and structural engineering students, and those on courses such as architecture, surveying and construction.

It begins with a Fundamentals section followed by a section on each of the major groups of materials. In this new edition:

- The section on fibre composites FRP and FRC has been completely restructured and updated.

- Typical questions with answers to any numerical examples are given at the end of each section, as well as an instructor's manual with further questions and answers.

- The links in all parts have also been updated and extended, including links to free reports from The Concrete Centre, as well as other online resources and material suppliers' websites.

- and now with solutions manual and resources for adopting instructors on https://www.crcpress.com/9781498741101