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Building a Library
4

Building a Library

Building a Library

(OP)
I have taken a job with a firm that is really just starting a facilities type engineering group.  There is currently virtually no library, codes, standards, etc.

I want to make a list of items management should buy.  Kind of a wierd situation, generally when you need something you go look for the book, not "what books do I need in case I want to look something up".  Off the top of my head, I came up with the following list:

ASHRAE Standards
International Mechanical Code & International Building Code
NFPA
ACGIH industrial Ventilation
Means Estimating Guides


Any suggestions about what you would ad when starting off an MEP library?

Thanks.

RE: Building a Library

Most of the ASME standards, especially B31.1 through .9 that should cover most of the piping you will see. Also, start calling vendors and have them send over technical catalogs, those tend to be a big help. Especially if you can get the big HVAC companies to send them (Trane, YORK, etc), they tend to be hard bound and full of usefull info.

I would also look into what the local jurisdiction is and get a copy of the local plumbing code. Also get a copy of the local seismic codes as well.

If you plan on working outside the IBC area, then get a copy of BOCA as well.

RE: Building a Library

Add: Mechanical Engineer's Handbook, Piping Handbook, Plant Engineering Handbook.

RE: Building a Library

I forgot to add the MCA Labor Estimating Manual. I know they have it on a CD version now, it makes it a lot easier to look up non-common things like schedule 80 seamless Carbon pipe that is threaded.

And the MCAA Tool and Equipment Rental Guide

RE: Building a Library

Carrier System Design Manuals
Mcquay design manuals (available in PDF form online)

RE: Building a Library

This topic was discussed earlier many times and this thread404-115792 can be one reference to you.

RE: Building a Library

(OP)
Thanks I did do a search and got no hits.

RE: Building a Library

In addition to the mentioned:

"HVAC Eguations, Data and Rules of Thumb" is full of useful tips and data for designer.

"Building Construction Illustrated" is good for preparing detail desingn, construction details - it gives some roundness to HVAC library.

sunshine

RE: Building a Library

ARI standards
SMACNA standards
Local building codes
Refrigeration book by Dossat
All the ASHRAE books.  They have 4 which gets issued once a year and gets repeated after 4 years with latest additions.  A set of handy books to have.

HVAC68

RE: Building a Library

try ebaying for old ashrae books

the newer ashrae left alot of knowledge out

RE: Building a Library

(OP)
Compiling what has been stated, the following has been suggested:

Codes:
International Mechanical Code & International Building Code
BOCA
NFPA
Local building codes

Standards:
ASHRAE Standards
ASME standards, especially B31.1 through .9
ACGIH industrial Ventilation
SMACNA standards
ARI standards

Design Books:
All the ASHRAE books
Carrier System Design Manuals
Mcquay design manuals
Mechanical Engineer's Handbook
Piping Handbook
Plant Engineering Handbook
HVAC Equations, Data and Rules of Thumb
Building Construction Illustrated
Refrigeration book by Dossat.
Vendor’s technical catalogs


Estimating:
Means Estimating Guides
MCA Labor Estimating Manual

Did that jog an additional suggestion from anyone?

RE: Building a Library

ASHRAE STD 55
ASHRAE STD 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
ASHRAE STD 90.1
Energy STD Bldgs
ASHRAE STD 129
Building Construction Cost Data
Ground-Source Heat Pumps – Design of Geothermal Systems for Commercial and Institutional Buildings
Guidelines for Hospital and Health Care Facilities
Hospital Blue Book
IECC
IFGC
IPC
IRC
Mechanical Cost Data
NFPA 13 (Installation of Sprinkler Systems)
NFPA 13R (Installation of Sprinkler Systems Residential Occupancies Up to and Including 4 Stories in Height)
NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities)
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
NSPC (National Standard Plumbing Code)

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