- Email: [email protected]
Building on fill
Books and Publications
New damp-proofing digest
Building on fill
Water penetration is a prime cause of deterioration in building structures and materials, and can pose a health risk to occupants. BRE Digest 380, 'Dampproof courses', gives practical guidance on providing an effective waterproof protection system through the correct selection, siting and installation of damp-proof courses (DPCs) and cavity trays in walls and chimneys. Because the installation of a DPC may introduce a plane of weakness, the Digest identifies structural considerations affecting selection. It describes the categories of materials suitable for use as DVCS and explains their physical properties and performance levels. Step-by-step instructions cover the appropriate locations and correct installation procedures for DPCS and cavity trays. The Digest will provide an invaluable source of reference for anyone involved in the design, selection and installation of DPCS. Copies of Digest 380, 'Damp-proof courses', from the BRE Bookshop, Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford WD2 7JR, price £4.50 each (plus 45p p&p).
Building development increasingly takes place on waste fills because of the scarcity and cost of good building land. An important new BRE report, 'Building on fill: geotechnical aspects', presents a detailed account of BRE's findings in monitoring the field performance of fills with particular emphasis on long-term settlement problems. It characterizes the main types of filled sites, so assisting the selection of foundation solutions, and assesses the effectiveness of various ground treatment techniques. Part A of the report describes the engineering behaviour of fills and reviews the origins of the main types of fill in the UK. It analyses their load-carrying characteristics and considers the causes of volume changes. Part B examines important aspects of construction on fills, describes the identification and classification of a fill through appropriate investigation and monitoring, and reviews gound treatment techniques and foundation solutions. The report makes extensive reference to 27 case studies, mainly researched by BRE, which are individually detailed in Part C. While the report covers all types of fills, it concentrates on those which behave least like natural soils, for example fills containing waste materials, and rockfills. The findings are based on research undertaken in the UK, but have relevance to similar material found in many other parts of the world. Copies of BR 230, 'Building on fill: geotechnical aspects', from the BRE Bookshop, Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford WD2 7JR, price £65 each (plus £5 p&p).
Adhesion of coatings: theory and practice PRA is pleased to announce the publication of a specialist review, The Adhesion of Coatings." Theory and Practice, by Dr John Prosser. Adhesion is a crucial property in ensuring coating integrity and service performance. It is also a highly controversial subject which continues to attract a vast body of literature. John Prosser's critical overview puts this complex subject into perspective. Its six chapters cover: • • • • • •
The basics of adhesion Adhesion measurement Constitutional and formulation aspects The role of the substrate Adhesion failure Perspectives
The specific subjects discussed include test methods, the effect of binder and other paint constituents on adhesion, the role of surface treatment and such parameters in adhesion failure as internal stress, water and weathering and the interval between painting and pretreatment. The study contains numerous chapter references as well as additional literature sources. Further information from Dr Helma Jotischky at PRA on 081-977 4427, extension 224. 188
Sealants as a remedy for radon The use of sealants can be a simple and cheap means of preventing the ingress of radon into houses with solid floors, particularly for householders carrying out their own remedial treatment and for moderate radon levels. However, the results achieved are often poor and this may be due to the use of incorrect sealants or poor diagnosis of the crack to be sealed. A new report published by BRE gives guidance which will help builders and householders achieve better results with sealants. The report contains advice on the types of solid floor where sealants can be used, the types and likely positions of cracks, the treatment of service entries, recommended sealants for particular types of crack and treatment for perimeter cracks around rooms. A list of potential suppliers of the different types of sealants is included.
Construction and Building Materials 1993 Volume 7 Number 3
The report is one of a BRE series giving practical advice on methods of reducing radon levels in existing dwellings. Copies of BRE Report BR 239, 'Sealing cracks in solid floors: a BRE guide to radon remedial measures in existing dwellings', from the BRE Bookshop, Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford WD2 7JR, price £7 (plus 70 p p&p).
New BSI publications BS 7583: 1992: Specification for Portland limestone cement. £28 (£14 members). BS 8202: - - : Coatings for fire protection of building elements. BS 8202: Part 2: 1992: Code of practice for the use of intumescent coating systems to metallic substrates for providing fire resistance. £28 (£14 members). BS EN 301: 1992: Adhesives, phenolic and aminoplastic, for load-bearing timber structures: classification and performance requirements. £23 (£11.50 members). BS EN 302: -: Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures: test methods. BS EN 302-1: 1992: Determination of bond strength in longitudinal tensile shear. BS EN 302-2: 1992: Determination of resistance to delamination (laboratory method). BS EN 302-3: 1992: Determination of the effect of acid damage to wood fibres by temperature and humidity cycling on the transverse tensile strength. BS EN 302-4: 1992: Determination of the effects of wood shrinkage on the shear strength. £23 each (£11.50 each members). BS 6319: : Testing of resin and polymer/cement compositions for use in construction. BS 6319: Part 12: 1992: Methods for measurement of unrestrained linear shrinkage and coefficient of thermal expansion. £23 (£11.50 members). BS EN 120: 1992: Wood based p a n e l s Determination of formaldehyde content - Extraction method called the perforator method. £28 (£14 members). BS EN 20140: - - : Acoustics - Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. BS EN 2014010: 1992: Laboratory measurements of airborne sound insulation of small building elements. £28 (£14 members). BS 5669: - - : Particleboards. BS 5669: Part 3: 1992: Specification for oriented strand board (OSB). £28 (£14 members).
New damp-proofing digest
Building on fill
Water penetration is a prime cause of deterioration in building structures and materials, and can pose a health risk to occupants. BRE Digest 380, 'Dampproof courses', gives practical guidance on providing an effective waterproof protection system through the correct selection, siting and installation of damp-proof courses (DPCs) and cavity trays in walls and chimneys. Because the installation of a DPC may introduce a plane of weakness, the Digest identifies structural considerations affecting selection. It describes the categories of materials suitable for use as DVCS and explains their physical properties and performance levels. Step-by-step instructions cover the appropriate locations and correct installation procedures for DPCS and cavity trays. The Digest will provide an invaluable source of reference for anyone involved in the design, selection and installation of DPCS. Copies of Digest 380, 'Damp-proof courses', from the BRE Bookshop, Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford WD2 7JR, price £4.50 each (plus 45p p&p).
Building development increasingly takes place on waste fills because of the scarcity and cost of good building land. An important new BRE report, 'Building on fill: geotechnical aspects', presents a detailed account of BRE's findings in monitoring the field performance of fills with particular emphasis on long-term settlement problems. It characterizes the main types of filled sites, so assisting the selection of foundation solutions, and assesses the effectiveness of various ground treatment techniques. Part A of the report describes the engineering behaviour of fills and reviews the origins of the main types of fill in the UK. It analyses their load-carrying characteristics and considers the causes of volume changes. Part B examines important aspects of construction on fills, describes the identification and classification of a fill through appropriate investigation and monitoring, and reviews gound treatment techniques and foundation solutions. The report makes extensive reference to 27 case studies, mainly researched by BRE, which are individually detailed in Part C. While the report covers all types of fills, it concentrates on those which behave least like natural soils, for example fills containing waste materials, and rockfills. The findings are based on research undertaken in the UK, but have relevance to similar material found in many other parts of the world. Copies of BR 230, 'Building on fill: geotechnical aspects', from the BRE Bookshop, Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford WD2 7JR, price £65 each (plus £5 p&p).
Adhesion of coatings: theory and practice PRA is pleased to announce the publication of a specialist review, The Adhesion of Coatings." Theory and Practice, by Dr John Prosser. Adhesion is a crucial property in ensuring coating integrity and service performance. It is also a highly controversial subject which continues to attract a vast body of literature. John Prosser's critical overview puts this complex subject into perspective. Its six chapters cover: • • • • • •
The basics of adhesion Adhesion measurement Constitutional and formulation aspects The role of the substrate Adhesion failure Perspectives
The specific subjects discussed include test methods, the effect of binder and other paint constituents on adhesion, the role of surface treatment and such parameters in adhesion failure as internal stress, water and weathering and the interval between painting and pretreatment. The study contains numerous chapter references as well as additional literature sources. Further information from Dr Helma Jotischky at PRA on 081-977 4427, extension 224. 188
Sealants as a remedy for radon The use of sealants can be a simple and cheap means of preventing the ingress of radon into houses with solid floors, particularly for householders carrying out their own remedial treatment and for moderate radon levels. However, the results achieved are often poor and this may be due to the use of incorrect sealants or poor diagnosis of the crack to be sealed. A new report published by BRE gives guidance which will help builders and householders achieve better results with sealants. The report contains advice on the types of solid floor where sealants can be used, the types and likely positions of cracks, the treatment of service entries, recommended sealants for particular types of crack and treatment for perimeter cracks around rooms. A list of potential suppliers of the different types of sealants is included.
Construction and Building Materials 1993 Volume 7 Number 3
The report is one of a BRE series giving practical advice on methods of reducing radon levels in existing dwellings. Copies of BRE Report BR 239, 'Sealing cracks in solid floors: a BRE guide to radon remedial measures in existing dwellings', from the BRE Bookshop, Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford WD2 7JR, price £7 (plus 70 p p&p).
New BSI publications BS 7583: 1992: Specification for Portland limestone cement. £28 (£14 members). BS 8202: - - : Coatings for fire protection of building elements. BS 8202: Part 2: 1992: Code of practice for the use of intumescent coating systems to metallic substrates for providing fire resistance. £28 (£14 members). BS EN 301: 1992: Adhesives, phenolic and aminoplastic, for load-bearing timber structures: classification and performance requirements. £23 (£11.50 members). BS EN 302: -: Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures: test methods. BS EN 302-1: 1992: Determination of bond strength in longitudinal tensile shear. BS EN 302-2: 1992: Determination of resistance to delamination (laboratory method). BS EN 302-3: 1992: Determination of the effect of acid damage to wood fibres by temperature and humidity cycling on the transverse tensile strength. BS EN 302-4: 1992: Determination of the effects of wood shrinkage on the shear strength. £23 each (£11.50 each members). BS 6319: : Testing of resin and polymer/cement compositions for use in construction. BS 6319: Part 12: 1992: Methods for measurement of unrestrained linear shrinkage and coefficient of thermal expansion. £23 (£11.50 members). BS EN 120: 1992: Wood based p a n e l s Determination of formaldehyde content - Extraction method called the perforator method. £28 (£14 members). BS EN 20140: - - : Acoustics - Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. BS EN 2014010: 1992: Laboratory measurements of airborne sound insulation of small building elements. £28 (£14 members). BS 5669: - - : Particleboards. BS 5669: Part 3: 1992: Specification for oriented strand board (OSB). £28 (£14 members).