Asphalt mixtures are construction products and the standards EN 13108-1 to 13108-7 are harmonized with the Construction Products Directive 89/106/EEC. The system “2+” has been adopted to evaluate conformity of asphalt mixtures. It consists of the following: • Initial type testing of each mix produced by its manufacturer • Certification of a Factory Production Control […]
From Locks to Smoke Detectors
IT WAS THE GREAT YANKEE CATCHER, Yogi Berra, who said of baseball, “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” The same is true of building a house. Even as you finish the interior painting, install the cabinets, and complete all the plumbing and electrical work, there’s still plenty to do before a new house is ready […]
Development Phase
Objective. In the development phase, the alternatives that have survived the selection process are developed into firm, specific recommendations for change. The process involves not only detailed technical and economic testing but also an assessment of the probability of successful implementation. Key Questions. Several questions must be answered about each alternative during the development of […]
Design of Drainage Systems
The construction of new roads can cause impacts on the water resources of affected regions, causing irreversible effects in some cases. Surface and subterranean water resources are finite and irreplaceable natural resources for survival, therefore their protection against abnormal flow and against pollution is of great importance, nowadays making their preservation an indispensable part of […]
Dishwashers: Less Hot Water Equals Less Energy Use
WHAT TO LOOK FOR • The Energy Star label. Energy Star- qualified dishwashers are at least 41% more energy efficient than the federal minimum. Keep in mind that some models exceed the standard significantly more than others; check the EnergyGuide label or the list of qualifying dishwashers at www. energystar. gov for high-performing machines. • […]
Evaluation Phase
Objectives. The purpose of this phase is to select the most promising alternatives from among those generated during the previous phase. During the creativity phase there is a conscious effort to prohibit any judicial thinking so as not to inhibit the creative process. But in the evaluation phase, all the alternatives must be critically evaluated […]
FITTING BASEBOARD IN IMPERFECT CORNERS
PREVENTING BASEBOARD FROM TOEING IN The joints in baseboard should be close to perfect. Minor touchups with latex caulk can be done before painting. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make perfect joints at corners when the drywall is not straight or a corner is not square. On inside corners, drywall can be tipped […]
APPLYING A WATER-BASED FLOOR FINISH
Applying a water-based polyurethane does not differ much from applying an oil-based finish and, as noted in the preceding section, water — based finishes are more benign. Although "Finishes, Cleaning Solvents, and Applicators,” on p. 494, offers general guidance, consider the can label as the last word on drying times, recommended applicators, and so on. […]
Cross-sighting a door jamb
Cross-sighting ensures that a door fits accurately in its frame because the jambs are parallel to each other. You can cross-sight with strings, pulling two from corner to corner diagonally across the frame. If the strings just touch in the middle, the jamb sides are parallel. A faster way to do this is by eyeballing. […]
SELECTING A FLOOR FINISH
Floor finishes are often divided into two categories: penetrating sealers (penetrants) and surface finishes. Penetrating sealers usually contain plant-based oils, such as tung oil or modified linseed oil, and soak into wood fiber. In time, they harden to seal and protect the wood. Because penetrating sealers form a hard outer shell, they can be easier […]