New publisher Bob Miodonski introduces himself to PME readers--by giving his views on three key industry issues and welcoming your feedback.

Last month, the author began a discussion of how tubing depth affects the thermal performance of heated slabs by noting computer simulations that show the effect is significant. This month he looks at bare slabs, as well as some details for protecting tubing where it passes beneath sawn control joints.

Through all of the discussions about a single plumbing code, the third code in the group, the PHCC-NA National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC), seems to be the forgotten code. The NSPC, however, is alive and kicking.

PM Engineer’s fire protection expert answers readers’ inquiries on a variety of topics.

Inconsistency reigned at this year’s ICC final code hearings.

Tubing depth DOES affect the performance of heated slabs.

A look back at the exciting rookie season of the editor of PM Engineer--and how readers can help him avoid the "Sophomore Jinx."

What doesn’t make the news, for some reason, are instances where fire sprinkler systems spare lives, prevent injuries and minimize property damage. And if reported, the existence of a fire sprinkler system barely makes it into the storyline.

The International Code Council (ICC) code change hearings in Rochester, NY, were abuzz over one change: Mandating residential sprinklers in all one- and two-family dwellings, including townhouses. When the proposed code change to the International Residential Code (IRC) was called to the floor, the hearing room was packed.

When designing a fire sprinkler system for a new or existing building, all kinds of fun little words seem to jump right off the page into the eyes of a fire protection engineer. Words like: rubber tires…plastics…petroleum…inks…nitrocellulose film…process vessel…oxygen tank…roll paper…propane…