What Is A Waffle Slab Or Two-Way Joist Slab? A waffle slab is a type of reinforced concrete slab that has concrete ribs running in two directions on its underside. This creates a grid pattern, hence the name “waffle.” These slabs are used for spans greater than 40 feet and are stronger than other types […]
What Is A Filigree Slab Construction? A filigree slab is a type of manufactured stone that is used for many decorative purposes. It is composed of different materials including marble, granite, or other natural stones such as limestone and sandstone. Filigree slabs are unique in their design because they come with intricately carved patterns using […]
What Is A Foam Concrete in Construction? Foam concrete is a lightweight, cement-based material made by mixing cement, sand or fly ash, water, and foam. It is typically in the form of a foam grout or foam mortar, and has a dry density ranging from 300 to 1600 kg/m3. The compressive strength of foam concrete […]
What Is A Autoclaved Aerated Concrete? Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a type of lightweight, precast concrete made from a mixture of quartz sand, calcined calcium sulfate, lime, cement, water, and aluminum powder. It is cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave and is used to make blocks, wall panels, floor and roof panels, […]
What Is A Superplasticizer in Concrete? Superplasticizers, also called high range water reducers, are chemicals used to make high-strength concrete with less water. These additives, which include purified lignosulfonates, carboxylate synthetic polymers, sulfonated synthetic polymers, and synthetic polymers with mixed functionality cementitious materials, are used in small amounts to improve the flow of concrete mixtures […]
What Is A Mass Concrete in Construction? Mass concrete is a type of concrete that has large dimensions and requires special measures to prevent cracking due to the heat generated from the hydration of cement and the resulting volume changes. The temperature within a mass concrete structure can vary greatly, leading to potential cracking, due […]
Is Truss Uplift A Structural Defect? No, truss uplift is not a structural defect. Truss uplift occurs when the structure, such as a roof or floor joists, has inadequate bracing and/or footing support, leading to elevation of the framing members due to applied loads from the environment. This can happen over time or it may […]
What Is A Dissolution Weathering? Dissolution weathering is a chemical weathering process in which water dissolves minerals from rocks resulting in the breakdown of the rock. This happens when water dissolves away the minerals in the rock, leaving behind fragments of sand and silt that can be washed away. Dissolution weathering is a slow process, […]
What Is A Rainscreen in Construction? A rainscreen is a type of building a wall that has siding or cladding that is set off from the moisture-resistant surface of an air/water barrier by a small gap, known as a capillary break. This allows for drainage and evaporation, which helps to prevent the wall from getting […]
What Is Damp Proofing in Constructions? Damp proofing is the process of treating dampness in walls and floors by applying a water-resistant barrier or membrane that prevents moisture from coming into contact with building materials or entering a property. Damp proofing can involve coating, injecting, or tanking walls and floors with chemical additives, waterproof membranes, […]