What Is Cement Milling? Cement milling is the process of grinding together cement clinker, gypsum and other additives to produce a fine grey powder. The resulting material, called “cement meal”, is then heated in a rotary kiln to around 2,000°F to produce the finished product known as Portland cement, which can be used for many […]
What Is Solar Passive Architecture? Solar passive architecture is a set of building design techniques that use the sun’s energy and thermal mass to reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. It takes advantage of natural ventilation, daylighting and shading principles to create comfortable indoor environments while minimizing energy consumption. These strategies vary from […]
What Is Meant By Pit House? A pit house is a type of underground dwelling, usually with an oval or circular shape and sometimes featuring a substantial roof. It is dug into the ground with a series of steps leading down to the entrance. The floor of the pit house is often packed earth and […]
What Is A Berm And How Is It Formed? A berm is an elevated mound of soil, usually located along a shoreline or the edge of a river bank. It is formed by waves eroding the land over time, sometimes in conjunction with wind and water flow patterns that pile up sediment on the shoreline. […]
What Is The Meaning Of Earth Sheltering? Earth sheltering is a sustainable building technique that uses the earth’s thermal mass to maintain comfortable interior temperatures. Earth is employed as an insulation material, with walls and floors surrounded by or built from earth, resulting in reduced energy costs and improved energy efficiency. The thermal mass of […]
What Is Frost Heave In Concrete? Frost heave in concrete is a form of damage caused by the freezing and expansion of water within the porous structure of the concrete. It is primarily caused when moisture gets trapped between particles of soil beneath the concrete, freezing during cold temperatures and expanding to lift the surface […]
What Is Damper (Flow)? A damper is an essential component of any air-handling system, as it helps regulate and control the flow of air within a duct, chimney, VAV box, air handler or other air-handling equipment. It functions like a valve, controlling the amount of airflow in each area by allowing or blocking airflow. Dampers […]
What Is Cordwood Construction? Cordwood construction, also known as stackwall or stackwood, is a type of wall construction in which logs or short pieces of wood are laid horizontally over vertical posts and secured together with mortar or cement. The result is an attractive and durable wall that can provide insulation benefits and unmatched rustic […]
What Is Passive Cooling? Passive cooling is an energy-efficient cooling system that uses natural forces, like the flow of air and shading provided by trees, to regulate temperatures indoors or outdoors. It relies on circulating fresh air through openings in walls and roofs, or by using natural materials such as stone or concrete to absorb […]
What Is A Passive Solar Building Design? The passive solar building design is an energy-efficient building design that utilizes the natural environment to reduce the energy demand of a building. This is achieved by strategically placing windows, walls, and floors to maximize their ability to collect, store, reflect and distribute solar energy in the form […]