What is a peat sampler?
A peat sampler (Russian peat corer) is a hand auger with a half-cylinder chamber that takes little-disturbed samples from soft peat and sludge.
What is peat?
Peat is a very wet, soft soil made of plant remains. When drained it shrinks and oxidises, causing ground subsidence and damage to foundations.
What is a soot door?
A soot door is a sealable access door at the base of a chimney or flue through which soot is removed after sweeping and the flue can be inspected.
What is VCA?
VCA is the Dutch and Belgian safety, health and environment standard for contractors, with personal diplomas and company certification, known as SCC in Germany.
What is a verblijfsobject (vbo)?
A verblijfsobject (vbo) is the smallest self-contained unit of use in a building in the Dutch BAG register, such as a flat or shop, with its use and floor area.
What is a load-bearing sand layer?
A load-bearing sand layer is the firm stratum of sand on which piles or foundations bear, a key idea in Dutch foundation practice. Depth, investigation and tips.
What is a tapered levelling course?
A tapered levelling course is a course of brickwork that varies in thickness to take up a setting-out error or settlement, so the courses above run level again.
What is false set?
False set is the premature stiffening of cement paste, mortar or concrete minutes after mixing, which disappears on remixing. Causes and how it differs from flash set.
What is racking back?
Racking back is a temporary stepped end to brickwork, with each course set back from the one below. Method, tips and how it differs from toothing.
What is a drop-down door seal?
A drop-down door seal, or automatic door bottom, sits in the base of a door and drops to seal the gap to the floor as the door closes, with no threshold needed.