Angle iron
Angle iron is formed in a specific shape to be extremely stable and able to bear excessive amounts of pressure and weight. Normally bent into an L-shape (always 90 degrees), angle iron is often used to frame or build various pieces of furniture, supporting structures, walls or shelves.
The thickness of the angle iron will determine the type of jobs it is suited for. Smaller pieces are normally used for jobs where the amount of pressure and weight will be minimal, while larger thicker pieces of steel are used on walls and supporting beams of buildings that must constantly bear massive amounts of weight.
Asphalt (bituminous concrete)
A black cementing agent. Asphalt is a constituent of most petroleums and is isolated through the refining process of distillation. One of the characteristics and advantages of asphalt as an engineering construction and maintenance material is its great versatility. Although a semi-solid at ordinary tempera- tures, asphalt may be liquified by applying heat, dissolving it in solvents, or emulsifying it. Asphalt is a strong cement that is readily adhesive and highly waterproof and durable, making it particularly useful in road building. It is also highly resistive to the actions of most acids, alkalis, and salts.
Flexible pavement layers: Asphalt wearing surface Asphalt binder (intermediate layer) Asphalt base layer Aggregate base (compacted) Subsoil (compacted)
Brass pipe
high dimensional accuracy, good mechanical properties, easy cutting, excellent thermal conductivity, high strength and good seawater corrosion resistance. High-precision brass tubes are widely used in electric power (thermal power, nuclear power, etc.)
Brick
Characteristics of good bricks:
- Bricks should be uniform in color, size and shape. - Standard size of brick should be maintained.
- They should be sound and compact.
- They should be free from cracks and other flaws such as air bubbles, stone nodules etc. with sharp and square edges.
- Bricks should not absorb more than 1⁄5 of their own weight of water when immersed in water for 24 hours (15% to 20% of dry weight).
- The compressive strength of bricks should be in range of 2000 to 5000 psi (15 to 35 MPa).
- Salt attack hampers the durability of brick. The presence of excess soluble salts in brick also causes efflorescence. The percentage of soluble salts (sulphates of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) should not exceed 2.5% in brunt bricks.
- Brick should not change in volume when wetted.
- Bricks should neither overburnt nor under-brunt.
- Generally, the weight per brick should be 6 lbs. and the unit weight should be less than 125 lbs. per cubic ft.
- The thermal conductivity of bricks should be low as it is desirable that the building built with them should be cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Bricks should be sound proof.
- Bricks should be non-inflammable and incombustible.
- Bricks should be free from lime pitting.
Butt hinge
Most common type of hinge. It’s so named because the two leaves are mortised into the door and frame, allowing the two to butt up to each other. There are three different types of butt hinges: plain, ball bearing, and spring-loaded.
Builders generally use plain butt hinges for lightweight interior doors. A pin, that may or may not be removable, joins the two leaves (or plates) at the hinge’s knuckles.
Caulk
Caulk is used as a sealant for filling cracks or gaps around windows, doors, plumbing and pipes. When applied properly, it can prevent water, bugs or air from entering your home.
Ceramic tile
- Durable, resistant to scratch, dent, stain, scuff, water, fade, mold and mildew, and flame
- Slip resistant options
- Resistant to freeze and thaw cycles
- Environmentally-friendly building material
Types:
- Porcelain tile is “impervious” ceramic tile, fired at a higher temperature and to a lower absorption than regular ceramic tile. These qualities make porcelain tile an outdoor choice for areas with repeated freeze/thaw exterior applications.
- Quarry tile is extruded from a clay mixture into a tile shape before being fired, whereas other types of ceramic tile are pressed into shape. As with porcelain tile, quarry tile is especially suited for freeze/thaw outdoor applications.
Concrete
Two categories:
- Cast-in-Place Concrete: CIP Concrete that is mixed near or on the construction site and poured into formwork. Reinforcing is placed prior to pouring the concrete mixture. The concrete cures on site and finishes are applied at the site. Most site flatwork, curbs and walls are cast in place.
- Pre-Cast Concrete: Concrete that is formulated and cast into molds at a fabrication shop. Cured units are delivered to the site for installation.
Components:
PCC (Portland cement) Concrete contains a mixture of cement, aggregate, and water. Cement contains lime, silica, aluminum and gypsum. The cement acts as the binding agent. Water is the catalyst of the chemical reaction. Aggregates (fines and course) provides much structural strength and constitutes the main volume of the mixture.
Aggregate size must be coordinated with rebar and score joints. Too large of aggregate will impede placement of rebar and creation of joints by not allowing ample clear space.
Size, texture, color, and abrasive property of aggregate must be coordinated in a concrete mix to be poured as a walking surface.
Weight of aggregate must be considered when used in concrete for on-structure plazas, paving and walls.
Too much water reduces the strength of concrete.
Heat of Hydration is the heat released during curing process.
Admixtures alter the basic attributes of concrete, allowing specialized uses. By definition, an admixture is added before or during the mixing of concrete. They can be added in order to:
• Improve workability
• Reduce water requirement thereby increasing strength.
• Entrain air. This improves durability and resistance to thermal (freeze / thaw) degradation
• Make more liquid for easy pouring
• Alter the setting time either accelerating or retarding
• Integral color
Reinforcing: Reinforcing concrete (usually with steel) is important because concrete is very strong in compression, but weak against tension forces. Tension forces with concrete slabs, walls, etc. usually arise with temperature change. As temperature increases, the concrete structure will try to elongate and it will crack. The reinforcing tends to reduce this tendency. When greater loads are placed on concrete structures and/or the temperature changes dramatically over the year, the better a concrete structure needs to be reinforced.
Finishes:
Understand the slip resistance and technique of each treatment
Float Finish: Rough preliminary leveling pass
Tooled/Trowelled Finish: Concrete is worked with a masonry tool to achieve a smooth, even finish. Too slick for outdoor surfaces.
Broom Finish: specified as light, medium and heavy. Medium is a common texture for outdoor walking surfaces.
Top-seeded Exposed Aggregate: Aggregate is sprinkled onto wet slab, brushed and washed to expose. Can be slippery if stones are polished or smooth.
Sandblast: A designer finish that does provide texture. Specified as light, medium or heavy. Can be used to expose aggregate.
Exposed Aggregate can also be achieved by washing away the top surface of cement after a certain amount of curing has occurred. A curing retarder can be applied to the top surface. Dilute hydrochloric acid can also be used.
Salt Finish: Another finish with a distinctive look. Fine pits increase surface area, cooling the paving in hot
Concrete masonry units (CMU)
A hollow or solid concrete masonry unit used in building. Larger in size than 12 inches by 4 inches by 4 inches (305 mm by 102 mm by 102 mm) made of cement and suitable aggregates.
Concrete pavers
- Versatile, lower cost than other types of pavers, denser and stronger than poured concrete, low-maintenance
Copper pipes
Benefits of Using Copper Plumbing Pipes
Copper Plumbing Pipes Are Durable
Copper Piping Does Not Contaminate Water
Copper Pipes Are Lightweight
Copper Piping is Less Harmful For the Environment
Copper Plumbing Pipes Are Fire Resistant
Drawbacks of Using Copper Piping
Copper Pipes Are Expensive
Copper Piping May Add a Metallic Flavor to Water
Copper Pipes Cannot Withstand Acidic Water
Epoxy sealer
Epoxy sealers form a high-build protective film on the concrete surface, producing a hard, long-wearing, abrasion-resistant finish. They also offer excellent water repellence. They are available clear or pigmented, if you wish to add color. Most products impart a glossy finish. Tends to be more expensive than acrylic sealer, suitable only for interiors, but good for high-traffic areas and chemical-heavy environments (e.g. manufacturing)
Acrylic sealers are less expensive, faster to dry, and suitable for both exterior and interior uses.
Expansion joint material
Options:
- Wood. This is the most common type of expansion joint filler for concrete. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stand up well to moisture and temperature extremes.
- Flexible vinyl. This extruded, tube-like material comes in predetermined heights and widths, and it may not completely seal the joint.
- Polyurethane. This material may harden to form a complete seal of the joint, but the seal may be broken if the slab heaves or settles.
- Silicone. It is flexible and durable, allowing it to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the slab without cracking or breaking its seal. This provides you with a long-lasting expansion joint filler that goes a long way in keeping water out to prevent sinking concrete surfaces. Because it is resistant to mold and mildew, silicone expansion joint filler provides a clean, beautiful appearance for much longer than other materials.
Filter fabric
Filter fabrics allow water to flow through while filtering out substances like sediment, silt, and dirt, and they are typically used in the construction process during drainage processes. Nonwoven Filter fabrics typically consist of needle-thin pores that help with effective filtration and help with controlling erosion with moderate strength while woven monofilament filter fabrics are woven fabrics with lower water flow rates but higher strength relative to their weight.
Filter fabrics come in lightweight, heavy duty, or even medium heavy versions. This allows a higher amount of control and choice when choosing a filter fabric for applications such as pipes, French drains, retaining wall drainage zones and driveway, parking lot, and laydown yard underlayment.
Flagstone
Flagstone (flag) is a generic flat stone, sometimes cut in regular rectangular or square shape and usually used for paving slabs or walkways, patios, flooring, fences and roofing. It may be used for memorials, headstones, facades and other construction.
As a form of sandstone, flagstone is extremely porous and as such is vulnerable to picking up stains, namely from salt, chemicals, oil, and most commonly for patios with a social function – red wine.
Flashing
Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from a joint or as part of a weather resistant barrier system. In modern buildings, flashing is intended to decrease water penetration at objects such as chimneys, vent pipes, walls, windows and door openings to make buildings more durable and to reduce indoor mold problems. Metal flashing materials include lead, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc alloy, and other materials.
- Aluminum: Aluminum flashing is durable and cost-friendly. However, it can corrode if it’s in contact with concrete or fiber cement siding.
- Copper: Copper is more difficult to form than aluminum and most costly, but it’s incredibly durable. It’s also compatible with the newer types of wood preservatives used on roofing.
- Galvanized Steel: Although less expensive than other flashing materials, it’s not as durable either.
- Lead: Lead is often used for chimney flashing because of how soft and easy to bend it is. It’s also quite durable.
- PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride is inert and relatively easy to work with.
Flat steel
Flat-rolled steel refers to a type of processed metal that is generated via melting and stretching under an applied force. This force is used to create metal pieces in the form of sheets, strip or tin plates. These steels have flat surfaces allowing for easy treatment with zinc to help prevent corrosion of the substrate.
Flat-rolled steel is manufactured by rolling, which is performed by starting and ending with a material that has a rectangular cross-section. The metal is placed between two working rolls, moving in opposite directions. The final product is usually less than 6 mm thick. When heavy plates in the form of a press are used to mold the metal, rather than rollers, the process is referred to as forming.
The following steps are performed to produce a flat metal finished product:
- Reduce the material by the same percentage across its width
- Preserve uniform mass flow of the metal during processing
- Use corrosion preventative initiatives during processing
Floor drain
Whether indoors or outdoors, floor drains are designed to efficiently and safely direct water to a sewer or municipal storm drain so that the floor stays dry and rooms don’t flood. The purpose of traps is to prevent sewer odors and gasses from making their way through the drain and into your home.
Foam insulation
Layer in between exterior wall face and interior wall (dry wall) that adds thermal protection to structures. Spray foam insulation deters moisture, improves comfort (eliminates drafts), improves indoor air quality, and reduces noise.
Galvanized electrical conduit
Galvanized Rigid Steel Conduit (GRC, RMC) is the heaviest weight and thickest wall of electrical conduits. It is typically hot-dip galvanized for corrosion resistance and is considered non-combustible. Galvanized Rigid Steel Conduit (GRC, RMC) can be used indoors, outdoors, underground, concealed or exposed.
Electrical conduit is a raceway or piping system that protects wires and cables from impact, moisture, and vapors. It is a path for either power or communication (low voltage) electrical wiring. It is usually tubular and made of metal (galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum) or non-metallic materials (plastics) and is either rigid or flexible. Types:
- Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC), which is the most popular form of RMC, is used in commercial and industrial buildings.
- PVC-coated aluminum, which is suitable where chemical fumes that are corrosive to steel are present.
- Bronze alloy, which is suitable for coastal areas, chemical plants, oil refineries and underwater situations.
- PVC-coated rigid steel, which is resistant to oils, grease, acids, alkalis, and moisture and is flame-retardant.
Gate latch assembly
Categories:
- Gravity latches: gravity gate latches depend on gravity to close the catch. This means that gravity forces the latch down into the barricading strike plate. Once the latch falls into the strike plate, the gate is closed and locked. Since the latch must fall into the strike plate for the lock, these models are always two-sided. This means that you will be able to open the latch from either side of the barricade in most cases. In most designs, there is a hole for the padlock.
- Spring-loaded: Spring loaded latches differ from gravity latches in that the latching mechanism is motivated by springs. This spring makes a smoother closing action and causes these latches to be more expensive.
- Slide bolt: It has a traditional deadbolt design that works by sliding the rod into a securing bolt. That bolt then holds the door in place. More protective option.
Types:
- Thumb: This model works because of a thumb depressor and the latch. When you push down on the thumb depressor, the latch lifts and allows you to open the gate. When the thumb depressor is not activated, the latch falls and locks the gate.
- Ring: This ring option has a two-sided design that you will be able to operate from both sides of the fence. On the outside, you can put a backplate with a ring on it, while the inside has a backplate and ring that is attached to the latch arm. To open the door, all you will need to do is turn the ring. Once the ring is turned, the arm is lifted out of the catch, allowing the door to swing open. You will be able to open the door from either side of the fence.
- Lever: The lever gate latch type is extremely similar to the ring type. The only difference is that this lever option has a lever handle instead of a ring on both sides of the fence.
Geotextile grid (geogrid)
Geotextiles and grids, or geosynthetics, are commonly used to support civil engineering projects such as roads, retaining walls, reservoirs, etc. They’re also used in smaller-scale hardscaping projects to improve strength, stability, and overall design.
Granite
Very hard and durable, used for street and pedestrian pavements, curbs where regionally available, building sheathing, monuments. It will reasonably maintain its frictional coefficient throughout its life. Can be finished to varying degrees of smoothness, from mirror-polish to rough cleft. Difficult and expensive to shape, cut and finish. Impermeable.
Gravel (crushed stone, granular material, aggregate, pea gravel)
Used in foundation or footer support, as base layer for pavement, as mulch substitute, erosion and drainage control, for walkways or driveways, in between pavers as pervious material.
