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On site, the accepted way to gauge and control water content is the slump test. To do the test properly, use a standard cone 12 inches high, 4 inches wide at the small end, and 8 inches wide at the big end. You fill the cone up about 1/3 full, rod it 25 times, fill it up to 2/3 full, rod it 25 more times, and then finally fill it to the top and rod it again. Then you remove the cone and measure the slump from the top down. This picture shows a 9-3/4-inch-slump concrete - a very pourable...

Working on hands-on projects is a great way for parents and kids to spend time together, share skills, and create practical items that can be used for years. But which projects are the best for families to collaborate on? The Benefits of Sharing Projects Working on a constructive, useful project can benefit both kids and parents. Not only will there be a completed project in the end, but sharing tasks and ideas along the way will help improve communication and foster teamwork and helpfulness. Children can learn new skills and how to use tools properly, while parents can gain insights...

One of the latest trends in kitchen design is the integration of technology. This includes the use of smart appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers that can be controlled via a smartphone app. Additionally, touchless faucets, hands-free trash cans, and under-cabinet lighting controlled by motion sensors are becoming more popular. The goal of incorporating technology into the kitchen is to make cooking and meal preparation more efficient and convenient.Another trend in kitchen design is the use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and concrete. These materials offer a warm and organic feel to the kitchen and can also...

Updating a primary bathroom can be wonderful to meet changing needs, refresh for a modern style, or improve home sale prospects. But what bathroom remodeling ideas are best for different projects? Why Are You Remodeling? There are many reasons why a bathroom might need to be remodeled. Leaks or other damage may make the room unusable until it is remodeled, or changing needs of the family may require adjustments to fixtures, shower stalls, tubs, or entryways to make the room more accessible or practical. A poorly designed primary bath can be remodeled to improve functionality and efficiency, or it may...

When it comes to energy use in your home, only the kitchen rivals the bathroom. If your home has more than one bathroom, the energy use can increase even more. Large amounts of heat, water and lighting are used in the bathroom every day, by every member of the household.Obviously, it would be a benefit to both the environment and every homeowner’s wallet if considerations were taken to improve the energy efficiency of the bathroom. The EPA has estimated that if just one in ten homes were to upgrade their bathrooms with energy efficient fixtures (sinks, toilets and showerheads) over...