Let’s give the first link to Alice the Architect as she explains what happens to most pieces of modern articture that are considered news worthy.
In the actual news department, did you know that the world’s most heavily endowed prize for architecture only goes to architects who build in areas with a lot of Muslims? That Click Here to continue reading.
Found this comment on a civil engineering forum where people were discussing nail guns….
Gun nails are often marketed with different shank diameters for the same length, just like in the USA you buy “box” or “common” nails. The tests to determine pull-out strength and lateral strength of a joint between two pieces of wood result Click Here to continue reading.
I hate architecture that deliberately sets out to defy gravity. For one thing, gravity has a tendency to win.
But that is really just a side issue. After all, gravity will eventually pull any building to the ground. But I still don’t derive any pleasure from seeing buildings challenge their ultimate fate. They just seem Click Here to continue reading.
I came across a description of Previous Concrete here. Apparently it is a kind of concrete that is designed to let water pass through. There is picture on the site of someone pouring a glass of water right through a chunk of this concrete. This extreme permeably is necessary as the primary proposes of this Click Here to continue reading.
I always thought that the way you should treat your rechargeable batteries should depend on the type of battery that you are using. I thought that Nickel-Metal Hydride and Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable batteries should be completely drained down before reusing. On the other hand, Lithium Ion should never be drained all the way because that Click Here to continue reading.
This is the type of thing that is important to keep in mind when buying a chainsaw…..
One design feature you need to look at very carefully is the handle bar and how it is mounted to the saw. I own an 046 Magnum Stihl, which is supposed to be one of Stihl’s upper end, “pro” Click Here to continue reading.
We have gone from this….
Click here for the picture in its original glory.
And this….
Click here for the picture in its original glory. It broke my heart to cut it down to reasonable size.
To this….
Click here if you to see the original size.
Part of the blame for this decline lies with the architects. But the biggest problem is that there are not that many skilled tradesmen left. And without skilled tradesmen, it is hard to make fine buildings.
I am deeply indebted to the above photographers for putting their work out on a creative commons license. Also check out Curious Expeditions awesome collection of photos of beautiful libraries (h/t Marginal Revolution).
How many buildings designed by the over admired Mr. Wright have a structure that can last? Seems like every time I turn around I read about another one of his building that has a structural flaw. This from the Construction Equipment Blog….
Concrete repair contractors are currently focusing on numerous cracks in the facade of New Click Here to continue reading.
We have gone from this….
Click here for the picture in its original glory.
And this….
Click here for the picture in its original glory. It broke my heart to cut it down to reasonable size.
To this….
Click here if you to see the original size.
Part of the blame for this decline lies with the Click Here to continue reading.
The answer that I have in a book called Plumbing a House is four wraps. I have seen this rule applied in real life by real people and their work has not leaked. So all is cool right?
Well, the issue is more complicated than that. Some people argue that for the bigger diameter pipes you Click Here to continue reading.