Tropical Engineering

This handbook provides a general overview of information that directly relates to construction within tropical regions. The handbook focuses on construction components which are directly affected by the aggressive climatological and environmental elements found in these regions. Consequently, many traditional parts of the construction trade are not reviewed herein, unless they are adversely affected by the tropical elements.

The handbook defines tropical areas and briefly discusses the adverse environmental and climatological elements unique to them. It discusses various construction materials and systems commonly in use, recommendations regarding their selection and use, and highlights problems that have resulted in failures with suggestions and recommendations regarding their elimination or mitigation.