What is camber?
Camber is a deliberate upward curve built into a beam, floor or roof to offset deflection under load. How it works, where it is used and what to watch out for.
What is a grading curve?
A grading curve or sieve curve is the graph that shows the particle size distribution of sand, gravel or soil. How it is made, how to read it and what it is used for.
What is zavel?
Zavel is a Dutch soil type between sand and clay: a clayey soil containing 8 to 25 percent lutum. Classification, properties and what it means for building and gardening.
What is a sand trap?
A sand trap is a tank or chamber in which sand and other heavy particles settle out of water, for example when pumping out an excavation or in a wastewater treatment plant.
What is sandstone?
Sandstone is a natural stone made of cemented quartz grains. Composition, well-known types, use in facades and historic buildings, and tips for maintenance and repair.
What is sand?
Sand is a loose, granular soil with grains from 0.063 to 2 mm. Properties, types of sand and its use as a foundation soil and as aggregate in mortar and concrete.
What is a subsidence crack?
A subsidence crack forms when part of a building sinks unevenly. Why such cracks are almost always serious, how to monitor them and what to do next.
What are bagged materials?
Bagged materials are building materials supplied or removed in bags or bulk bags, such as sand, gravel and cement. Explanation, bulk bags and practical site tips.
What is a settlement plate?
A settlement plate measures how much the subsoil sinks beneath an embankment or fill. Construction, how it works and tips for monitoring settlement.
What is a saddle ridge?
A saddle ridge is a ridge tile that closes off the roof ridge and engages on both sides with the head interlocks of the top row of pantiles. How it works, the difference from a half-round ridge and fixing tips.