Over 90% of framed structures in Uganda are built from reinforced concrete. It’s no shocker as to why this is so considering the environment and the lack of awareness from the common citizen of other types/substitutes of implementing something similar to serve the same purpose. It’s only in recent years that a few Architects and/or […]
Damp proofing in Construction is a type of moisture control applied to building walls and floors to prevent moisture from passing into the interior spaces. Damp problems is one of the most frequent problems encountered in majority of homes in Uganda. Damp proofing is a material that resists the passage of water with no hydro-static
Water proofing is the process of making an object or structure waterproof or water resistant so that it remains relatively unaffected by water or resisting the ingress of water under specified conditions. “Water resistant and “water proof” often refer to penetration of water in its liquid state and possibly under pressure, whereas: “damp-proof” refers to
A wall is a structure that defines an area, carries a load, provides shelter, security and also divides spaces. Walls can be constructed in various ways like cavity and solid walls using a variety of materials like stones, bricks, blocks or any other like material. Walls have numerous functions and these include; · Support upper
This is the exterior material applied to the walls of a house or other building meant to shed water, protect the walls from the effects of weather, insulate and is key in the aesthetics of the structure. Some walls such as; ‘solid brickwork’ and ‘masonry veneer’ aren’t covered with siding, but some buildings such as;
Timber is one of the most important building materials in use today and this mainly because of its strength compared to volume ratio and its workability. Timber is divided into softwood (coniferous) and hardwood (broad leaf). This grouping is based solely on its structure. Softwood trees characteristics include the following; · A trunk which is
Different ways in which Timber can be converted! Read More »
Moisture occurs in timber in as free water in the cell cavities or as bound water in the cell walls. When all of the free water in the cell cavities has been removed, the fibre saturation point is searched and at this point the timber normally has a moisture content of between 25-30%. And any
These are boards used in the building industry and are produced by gluing wood layers or wood fibres together. These boards often made use of waste wood materials and have been developed mainly for industrial production as they can be made in very large sheets of consistent quality. They are available in many thicknesses and
Considering the numerous challenges faced in securing a safe and desired piece of timber, preservation techniques come in handy. Preservation is the positioning of the food supply in the timber (especially in the sapwood) by applying a toxic liquid to it. This is intended to prevent the fungi and insects from attacking the timber. The
Timber is subject to many defects, which should, as far as possible, be cut out during its conversion. These defects can be divided into 2 groups; Seasoning defects; these are a result of poor seasoning of timber. They include the following; I. Bowing; this is a curvature along the face of a board; and often
