From our earliest ancestors who created irrigation canals by scratching the ground to channel the water of a stream, to the appearance of the first technology, from the great engineering projects of Mesopotamia and China to the blossoming of the first great cities — civilization and hydraulics have always advanced hand-in-hand. Technique, power and society […]
Guidelines for FAST Diagrams
Figure 10.1 depicts the diagramming conventions to be used in preparing a FAST diagram. The relative positions of functions as displayed on the diagram are also levels of activity. The FAST diagram is a horizontal graphical display based on system functions rather than system flowcharting or components. Level 1 functions, the higher-level functions, appear on […]
LAYOUT, STARTER ROWS, AND BEYOND
There are two places to install a starter row. The first and most obvious place is along a long wall. The second place is down the center of the room, which is recommended when rooms are wider than 15 ft., when rooms are complex, when several rooms converge, and when walls are out of parallel […]
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING
Because HVAC system design is complex, judgement on system type, size, and location of ducts is often left to the expert — the HVAC subcontractor. But the builder should understand some basic facts to insure that the most efficient, cost-effective system available is being installed. Select the most appropriate economical system according to home design, […]
Hand Tools
Nail guns are one of a framer’s most commonly used tools. They are also one of the most dangerous. Most framers can show you a scar from having shot themselves with a nail gun. Fortunately, many of these injuries are not serious. However, there have been instances where serious injury or death has occurred. Following […]
Interior and exterior stairs
The basic structure of the stair depends primarily on whether the stairway is to be located inside or outside and whether it is to be protected from the weather or not. The wood-stair details discussed in this chapter can be employed for either interior or exterior stairways, although the location will suggest basic detailing differences […]
Control of Compliance with an SMA Mix Recipe
14.8.3.1 determination of the Operating compliance Level The principle of fixing frequencies of control testing depends on the number of deviations found and has been adopted in the standard EN 13108-21. With an established level of requirements (X, Y, or Z), the frequency of sampling is variable, depending on the production accuracy of the asphalt […]
Floor Nailing Schedule*
ing or air-conditioning so indoor conditions will be close to normal (60°F to 70°F) for a week before installing flooring. Open the bundles of wood flooring and allow them to acclimate indoors for 72 hours before installing them. Use a moisture meter to check interiors if your region has high humidity. Home centers and electronics […]
AN OVERFLOWING TOILET
Some homeowners associate an overflowing toilet with a problem in their septic system. It is possible that the septic system is responsible for the toilet backing up, but this is not always the case. A stoppage either in the toilet trap or in the drainpipe can cause a backup. If you get a call from […]
INTERIOR TRIM
Once the drywall is up and the painters have sealed and finished the walls, the task of installing interior trim, window surrounds, casing, baseboard, and aprons can be started. Years ago we used to trim with wide baseboards, fancy casings, and elaborate crown moldings. While big-budget houses still often have these material — and labor-intensive […]