Calculations and Rules of Thumb – Book Review

Calculations and Rules of Thumb by Ruwan Rajapakse is a practical engineering reference that compiles commonly used calculations, approximations, and rules of thumb applied in civil and structural engineering practice. The book is designed to support engineers during preliminary design, quick checks, and engineering judgment, where rapid estimates are essential.

It serves as a valuable complement to detailed codes, standards, and numerical software.

Overview of the Book

In everyday engineering work, professionals often need to make fast, reliable estimates before performing detailed analysis. This book provides a structured collection of simplified calculation methods and practical rules that help engineers assess feasibility, dimensions, and expected behavior at early design stages.

The emphasis is on engineering intuition supported by experience, rather than replacing full analytical methods.

Key Topics Covered

The book covers a wide range of calculation approaches relevant to civil engineering, including:

• Preliminary structural sizing

• Load estimation and distribution

• Approximate analysis methods

• Material behavior assumptions

• Construction-related checks

• Design heuristics used in practice

• Engineering judgment and simplifications

These rules of thumb are particularly useful when verifying software output or comparing alternative design options.

Strengths of the Book

One of the major strengths of Calculations and Rules of Thumb is its practical orientation. The content reflects real-world engineering decision-making rather than purely theoretical derivations.

Key strengths include:

• Clear and concise calculation guidance

• Practical rules derived from engineering experience

• Useful for preliminary and verification checks

• Applicable across multiple civil engineering disciplines

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is especially useful for:

• Civil and structural engineers

• Design engineers performing preliminary studies

• Construction and site engineers

• Engineering students learning design intuition

• Professionals reviewing or validating software results

Where to Buy the Book (Official Sources)

To ensure access to the complete and authorized edition, the book should be obtained through legitimate channels such as:

• Elsevier / Butterworth-Heinemann – the official publisher

• University and academic libraries

• Reputable online bookstores (Amazon and other recognized retailers)

Obtaining the book from official sources ensures content accuracy and supports the author’s work.

Relevance in Engineering Practice

Even with advanced design software, rules of thumb and quick calculations remain essential for engineering judgment. This book helps engineers develop intuition, avoid over-reliance on software, and identify unrealistic results early in the design process.

Conclusion

Calculations and Rules of Thumb by Ruwan Rajapakse is a practical and valuable reference for civil engineers who need reliable estimation tools and design insight. Its focus on real-world application makes it a useful addition to any engineering library.