What Is Block Cracking In Flexible & Rigid Pavement? Block cracking in pavement is a type of distress that occurs due to environmental factors such as temperature extremes, moisture, and ultraviolet radiation. In pavements, the stress or strain is usually caused by thermal stresses or curling of the concrete slab causing joint/crack misalignment or shrinkage […]
What Is A Corrugation In Pavement? A corrugation in pavement is an irregular wavy pattern that forms on the surface of asphalt or concrete roads. It is caused by several factors such as poor drainage, heavy traffic, and improper construction methods. Corrugations can range from small bumps to deep ruts that make driving difficult and […]
What Is A Transverse Cracking in Concrete Pavement? Transverse Cracking is a type of cracking caused by tension forces perpendicular to the direction of applied loads. It often occurs when normal traffic causes the pavement surface to flex in response to the loads and can be seen as parallel cracks running along the road surface […]
What Is The Purpose Of A Cavity In A Wall? The purpose of a cavity in a wall is to provide additional insulation against temperature and noise variations, prevent structural movements due to external forces and decrease air infiltration. Cavity walls also serve an important aesthetic purpose by helping create visual depth and dimension. They […]
What Is A Oriented Strand Board (OSB)? Oriented strand board (OSB) is a type of wood panel made by compressing and bonding together strands of wood with adhesives. It was first invented in California in 1963. OSB is often used in construction for load-bearing applications, such as sheathing in walls and floors, and roof decking. […]
What Is A Wythe in Construction? A Wythe is a single, continuous vertical section of masonry that is one unit thick. It can be an independent unit or connected to other Wythes. A Wythe made of brick that is not structural is called a masonry veneer. A multiple-wythe masonry wall may be made of one […]
What Is Considered A Non-Load Bearing Wall? A non-load bearing wall is a wall that does not support any structural load from the building above it, such as the roof or upper floors. These walls are generally used to provide privacy and divide rooms within a space. They may be built out of wood framing, […]
What is Depression in the Pavement? Pavement depression is a term used to describe a small area of the pavement surface slightly lower in elevation than the surrounding pavement. These depressions may not be noticeable until after it rains and water pools in the depression, creating a small “birdbath” area. These issues can occur due […]
What Is Shear Wall in Construction? A shear wall is a structural element designed to resist racking due to forces such as wind. It is typically made of masonry, concrete, cold-formed steel, or wood framing. It can significantly reduce the sway of a structure to minimize the potential damage caused by such forces. Shear walls […]
What Is Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete? Alkali-silica reaction (ASR), also known as “concrete cancer,” is a chemical reaction that can occur between the alkaline hydroxides in cement and certain types of aggregate. This reaction can cause damage to the concrete in a building and may require extensive repairs or even demolition. ASR is the most […]