The Sopro Technical Guide has firmly established itself as a clearly structured, well-illustrated and user-friendly reference manual for architects, clients and tradesmen.

The correct choice of tile adhesive is governed by various criteria. Key parameters include the nature of the substrate, possible live loads, temperature fluctuations and related movement (expansion and contraction) of the overall structure, and time pressure on site.

The correct choice of tile or paving grout is crucial in ensuring the durability of ceramic, natural stone or other coverings and pavements.

The building regulations of the German federal states require structures and building elements to be designed and constructed in such a way as to prevent damage or unreasonable nuisance due to water or moisture action. Provision should therefore be made for suitable waterproofing and damp-proofing measures to protect the building fabric.

Swimming pools are heavy-duty constructions featuring a wide variety of geometries and complicated details. The incorporated ceramic coverings, joints and waterproof membranes are permanently exposed to mechanical loads (hydrostatic pressure, high-pressure cleaners etc.) along with weather action, aggressive media (chemical cleaning agents) and, in some cases, brine and thermal water. This makes a carefully co-ordinated design, correct material specification and high-quality workmanship all the more vital to prevent failures in the long term.

Problematic substrates not readily amenable to trouble-free ceramic floor installation are frequently encountered on refurbishment schemes and even on isolated new-build contracts.

Today, an immense variety of natural stones from across the globe (well over 6,000 different types) are specified for construction projects throughout Germany. Modern cutting and processing techniques have facilitated production of high-precision natural stone units in practically all sizes and thicknesses, and these products are now available at affordable prices.

The design and installation of screeds, where these are incorporated, are governed by the following standards.

Special measures are required to provide antistatic functionality for floor coverings in areas where mixtures of explosive substances, gases, vapours, fogs, dusts or sensitive measurement equipment are handled or processed.

Structural and stainless steels, in their many different varieties, feature prominently in practically all fields of building construction and civil engineering – whether in the structural shell (concrete reinforcement, columns, beams etc.), as an architectural feature (elaborate stairways) or in building services systems (lift installations etc.). Indeed, many modern-day structures would be impossible to erect without steel.

Failures traceable to voids and hollows below ceramic/ natural stone coverings, screeds and bonded-construction (vibrated floor) coverings are regularly encountered in everyday practice. The necessary remedial works, which frequently amount to wholesale refurbishment, with accordingly high costs, disruption and downtimes, place an enormous burden on clients and contractors.

The assessment of substrates and their preparation for the subsequent work stages are essential for the durability of the finished construction.

The increasing rationalization of construction programmes, which is aimed at minimizing unproductive time on site and ensuring that scheduled opening dates are met, imposes ever tighter deadlines on today's applicators.

The use of segmental units (setts, pavers and flags) to pave roads, paths and squares is one of the oldest forms of construction. Today, this method is employed for both vehicular and pedestrian areas in the public realm and hard landscaping in private gardens.

Reliable protection of the building fabric against water and moisture infiltration not only helps to preserve the structure, but also constitutes a statutory requirement enshrined in the German federal state building regulations.

The particular properties and reliable performance of concrete have established it as an indispensable material in all fields of construction.