Metric implementation in U.S. construction
Contributors: University of Florida
Publisher: University of Florida; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Gainesville, Florida; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 79
Subjects: METRIC SYSTEM; CONSTRUCTION
Description: Throughout the history of industrialization, people have been trying to develop a single system of measurement      with a worldwide acceptance. Since its inception two centuries ago, the metric system has been gaining ground      over the traditional "inch pound" system. Today, the United States remains as the sole user of the "inch pound"      system of measurements. The pressure for unification into the metric system has been mounting. With the      emergence of the "global economy," non metric products are becoming increasingly unacceptable in the world      markets. Individual industries, societies and organizations in the United States have, however, been making      steps to adopt metric for some time. Congress, understanding the need for adoption of the metric system in      trade and commerce, has taken steps to introduce metric system into the commercial market of the United      States. Federal agencies are now required to use the metric system in governmental related programs including      procurements, grants, and other business related activities. However, no nationwide mandate for metric that      includes the private sector has been established. This report contains background information on the      development of metric to date, status of metric conversion in the federal government, current metric activities      of professional and industry groups, planning for the metric change by the private sector, technical implications      in the construction industries, metric building products and services, as well as a general explanation of the key      aspects of metrication for the construction industry in the United States.
Notes: AD-A339 293.

Thesis (Master of Engineering) University of Florida, Summer 1997.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-69)

dk/dk cc:9116 08/28/97