AZoBuild
How do I search AZoBuild?
AZoBuild provides the site visitor with both the traditional Keyword Search option, including additional search features, and with a state-of-the-art neural technology in the Ask AZoBuild function.
Ask AZoBuild
AskAZoBuild uses the latest neural network search techniques to try and find the information that is most relevant to your question. It is a very powerful tool as it “learns” which information relates to specific questions and “understands” the key content of any document.
Typical Questions
“I need a masonry material which is eco-friendly and thermally efficient”
“What are the up-to-date developments in fire protection”
The search results returned by AskAZoBuild are ranked by an accuracy percentage. At levels below, 55%, the system is unsure of the answer and needs your feedback to let it know if a suitable answer has been provided.
If you are still unsuccessful and you would like some further assistance, please complete the feedback form.
If your question is primarily a single word keyword search to find information on a product e.g. “masonry” the keyword search may be more effective.
How are the "AskAZoBuild" Search Results Ranked?
The search results returned by “AskAZoBuild” are ranked by an accuracy percentage. At levels below 55%, the system is unsure of the answer and needs your feedback to let it know if a suitable answer has been provided.
If you are still unsuccessful and you would like some further assistance, please complete the feedback form. We try to find answers to your commercial questions by directing you towards existing AZoBuild content or contacting AZoBuild suppliers and partners. We never disclose your details during this process; it is your confidential decision to decide which suppliers or research organisations you would like to contact to pursue your enquiry.
Searching By Keyword
This option includes a global keyword search, which as the name suggests searches all content for word matches on
- headline text
- article summary
- keywords which include products, tradenames, names of Suppliers and Experts, and any process or property
The search function also includes search boxes for processes and properties. All of these search functions can be used in conjunction with each other. For example, a keyword search on ‘masonry’ can be combined with a property search for ‘cracking’.
Multiple properties and process keywords can also be combined in the Keywords Search box together with the available range of keywords. Boolean operations such as AND, OR or NOT can be used in the Keywords box, but not in the Properties or Process Search boxes.
Searches are not case sensitive. Also, it is possible to search on part of the keyword,
eg ventil will return ventilation systems
eg durab will return durability
However, take care: cement will return cements but also reinforcement.
In a case such as this use the whole keyword, cements, or search on cement NOT reinforcement.
Products, Properties & Process
Terms relating to products, properties and process can be found by clicking on the appropriate item on the left hand menu. Terms are listed alphabetically. Further details on each of these are covered in the following sections.
Products
Use the terms in this index to help you in your search for any content relating to products, materials and systems in the Building Industry.
Use any combination of products in the in the Keywords Search Box.
eg Keyword Search: Walls and Ceramic Tiles and Cladding
The search may be combined with Process and Properties.
In the Keywords Search box you may also use certain synonyms and terms which are closely associated with any of the terms in the index.
eg. Heat Insulation instead of Thermal Insulation
Sandlime Bricks instead of CalciumSilicate Bricks.
Properties
Use the terms in this index to help you refine your search by specifying properties and behavioural characteristics associated with a building process or product.
Use any one of the terms from the index below in the Properties Search Box, or use one or more in the Keywords Search Box.
eg: Properties Search: durability
or Keyword Search: durability or weather resistance
Either search may be combined with Process and Products.
In the Keywords Search box you may also use certain synonyms and terms which are closely associated with any of the terms in the index.
eg absorption instead of absorbency
Process
Use the terms in this index to help you in your search for any content relating to processes and operations in the building industry. These include:
| Manufacturing processes
and treatments |
eg Heat Treatment, Coating,
Sintering |
| Building activities and operations |
eg Construction, Installation, Production |
| Design, Analysis and Testing |
eg Design, Modelling, Performance Analysis |
| Environmental issues |
eg Environmental Management,
Sustainable Development |
| Standards, regulation, guidelines |
eg Standardisation, Regulation, Best
Practice |
| Other processes which are part of,
or impact the Building Industry |
eg Project, Training, Market Analysis,
Climate Change |
Use any one of the terms below in the Process Search Box, or use one or more in the Keywords Search box.
eg: Process Search: Environmental Management
or Keyword Search: Environmental Management and Best Practice
Either search may be combined with Properties and Products which are listed in the Properties Index and the Products Index pages respectively.
In the Keywords Search you may also use certain synonyms and terms which are closely associated with any of the terms in the index:
eg Standards, Guidelines
Some terms are grouped under headings for look-up purposes,
eg Testing: Non-destructive Testing , Testing: Infrared Testing.
You may omit the heading when using the keyword in a Search box.
How some terms are used
We have tried to adopt a consistent approach to environmental terms:
| Environmental Management |
relates to the interaction
between buildings and the external environment |
| Ecological Construction |
relates to the operations and materials
used in construction |
| Sustainable Development |
according to content, relates to sustainability
as defined by Rethinking Construction |
| Lean Construction etc |
refers to process productivity, efficiency
and elimination of waste |
What is the idea behind the General and Technical check boxes?
If you check the general box, your chosen search parameters will focus on topics of general interest to the building industry, for example
- Current affairs
- project and company profiles
- updates on regulations
- product information and reviews
These will be sourced from original articles or from journal abstracts.
Checking the technical box will return abstracts or articles relating to the more in-depth research based content. Checking both boxes will provide the whole range of information available.