What Is A Septic Drain Fields? Septic drain fields, also known as leach fields or leach drains, are underground facilities used to remove impurities and contaminants from the liquid that comes out of a septic tank after anaerobic digestion. This liquid contains organic materials that are broken down by a microbial ecosystem. A septic drain […]
What Is Liquid Wood? Liquid wood is a bioplastic composite made from lignin, cellulose, and plant fibers such as flax or hemp. It was developed by German company TECNARO in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology. The material has properties similar to wood and can be processed like a thermoplastic polymer. It is […]
What Is A Buttressed Retaining Wall? A buttressed retaining wall is a type of retaining wall that uses triangular beams, known as buttresses, on the front side of the wall instead of on the backfill side. These buttresses are visible and add significant strength to the wall system. Unlike a counterfort wall, in order for […]
What Is A Door Header? A header is a structural component that is installed over an opening, such as a window or door, to distribute the weight placed on top of it to the sides. The header is supported by framing members called king and jack studs, which transfer the load to the foundation. Headers […]
What Are Winch Cables Used For? Winches pull objects, like boats and cars, using a cable, chain, or rope. Winches are most commonly found on the bumpers of off-road vehicles or trailers for loading boats or ATVs. Winches use a drum that pulls the cable in or lets it out. The cable can be attached […]
What Is A Flitch Beam? Flitches are a type of timber made up of two or more pieces joined together to form one piece. Flitches come in several different varieties, depending on how the individual pieces are joined together. Some examples include a multiple-piece ladder beam, a double-faced flitch, and an edge-glued flitch. What Is […]
What Is Galvanized Steel? Galvanized steel is a type of steel that has been coated with zinc. It’s also known as hot-dip galvanized steel, which means that it was dipped in molten zinc at a high temperature. Zinc offers protection against rusting and corrosion when exposed to moisture or water in outdoor environments, making it […]
What Is A Brownstone Building? Brownstone buildings are a type of row house that originated in New York City. They’re made from brownstone, a dark sandstone quarried primarily from New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maine. The stone is soft and easy to carve, which lends itself to ornate ornamentation. In the 19th century, brownstones became famous […]
What Is King Stud And Jack Stud? A jack stud and a king stud are both important structural elements that are used in post and beam construction to support an opening such as a door or window. The jack stud is a vertical structural element that sits below and supports a header, transferring its loads […]
What Is A Sheave? A sheave is a pulley that has grooves in the side surface. The grooves allow the cable to run more smoothly through the sheave. Sheaves are used to increase or decrease line speed and tension. They can be used with stationary or moving loads, such as hoists and elevators. The grooves […]