Marvin Young

The production of nano-scale devices has drastically increased with the rise in technological applications, yet a major drawback to the functionality of nano-sized systems is the need for an equally small energy resource. To address this, researchers have been modeling new piezoelectric energy harvester technology at the nano-scale level.

Structural design engineer performs various roles and responsibilities in a construction project providing technical details for construction works...

Roles and responsibilities of a civil site engineer depends on the nature of construction works in a project. Civil site engineers performs various...

In an extensive renovation of this large house on the north shore of Boston, Siemasko & Verbridge Architects gave a lot of attention to details. Looking through this upstairs doorway […] The post Stained Glass, Glass Finials, and Beautiful Balusters appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Communicating your construction specialty to the ideal clients within your niche market will enable you to work for fewer more profitable clients instead of many less profitable ones. Your ideal […] The post Constructing Clear Communication with Your Market appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Fine Homebuilding editor Justin Fink joins design editor Brian Pontolilo and FHB editorial director Rob Yagid in this episode. The guys talk about spray-foam adhesive for ceiling drywall and the […] The post Podcast Episode 71 — Spray-Foam Adhesive, Drywall, and Housewrap appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Regarding insulation, the ProHOME is definitely different from a code-built house. It is about 25% to 30% above the base requirement. We chose to hit R-20 under the slab, R-45 […] The post ProHOME 2017: Insulation appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

I love it when builders think outside the box to solve problems. In the case of this shed dormer (detailed in FHB issue #200, and available here as a pdf: […] The post Shed dormer details: change your framing to gain some window height appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

When it comes to framing the roof, Paul and Tim Biebel aren’t wed to any one method. For their production spec houses they compare the cost of stick framing to trusses and let […] The post ProHOME Framing in Pictures — Roof System appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

The double-wall construction of the ProHome looks much like any framed wall; it’s just that there is an outer and inner wall. Connecting the two walls at the top plate […] The post ProHOME Framing in Pictures — Walls and Floor appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Spaces are always more fun to shoot (and more fun to live in) when the homeowner is not afraid of bold color and design decisions. Playful choices are rewarded in […] The post Living Room Design with Bold Color and Style appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

The windows of choice for the ProHOME are by Mathews Brothers. We like triple pane windows because they provide more R-value than a double pane, are less likely to have […] The post Triple-Pane Windows for Performance and Comfort appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Relationship between maximum dry density of the soil and the water content can be obtained by soil compaction test. This relationship helps in...

I love it when builders think outside the box to solve problems. In the case of this shed dormer (detailed in FHB issue #200, and available here as a pdf: […] The post Shed dormer details: change your framing to gain some window height appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

When it comes to framing the roof, Paul and Tim Biebel aren’t wed to any one method. For their production spec houses they compare the cost of stick framing to trusses and let […] The post ProHOME Framing in Pictures — Roof System appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

The double-wall construction of the ProHome looks much like any framed wall; it’s just that there is an outer and inner wall. Connecting the two walls at the top plate […] The post ProHOME Framing in Pictures — Walls and Floor appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Spaces are always more fun to shoot (and more fun to live in) when the homeowner is not afraid of bold color and design decisions. Playful choices are rewarded in […] The post Living Room Design with Bold Color and Style appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

The windows of choice for the ProHOME are by Mathews Brothers. We like triple pane windows because they provide more R-value than a double pane, are less likely to have […] The post Triple-Pane Windows for Performance and Comfort appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

InSoFast’s continuous insulation panels are engineered to accomplish more by doing less, and is in sharp contrast to the piecemeal approach most insulation strategies follow. The panel with its built-in […] The post InSoFast Continuous Insulation Panels appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Boral Bevel siding looks really sharp. The lines are crisp and blind nailing makes for a clean appearance. Other than blind nailing, it is installed just like wood clapboards. Chalk […] The post Traditional-Looking Clapboard Siding appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

When windows come from the manufacturer with the flanges folded down, how do you handle the open corners? Mike Guertin has a suggestion for using peel-and-stick membrane to solve the […] The post Window Flange Open Corner Repair appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

For the last several years German power tool maker Festool has been hosting a customer appreciation and media event called Festool Connect. Over the weekend I attended this year’s event […] The post Festool Connect 2017 appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

While football-related concussions have been top of mind in recent years, people have struggled to create technology to accurately measure them in real time. Engineers have now developed and tested a nano composite smartfoam that can be placed inside a football helmet (and pads) to more accurately test the impact and power of hits.

A new analysis done to support the investigation into the 2015 sinking of the El Faro cargo ship has calculated the likelihood of a massive rogue wave during Hurricane Joaquin in October of that year – and demonstrated a new technique for evaluating the probability of rogue waves over space and time.

Next-generation concentrating solar power (CSP) plants require high-temperature fluids, like molten salts, in the range of 550-750 degrees Celsius to store heat and generate electricity. At those high temperatures, however, the molten salts eat away at common alloys used in the heat exchangers, piping, and storage vessels of CSP systems. New research is aimed at mitigating corrosion levels in CSP plants with nickel-based coatings.

Selection of pile foundations based on cost vs. other foundations for construction projects and factors affecting pile foundation cost is...

Researchers are looking at advanced materials for roads and pavements that could generate electricity from passing traffic. Engineers are working on smart materials such as 'piezolectric' ceramics that when embedded in road surfaces would be able to harvest and convert vehicle vibration into electrical energy.

Backfilling of sewer sanitary trench is required after installation of sewer pipes. Methods of compaction and equipments for sewer trench backfilling...

Quality checking, handling and installation of sewer sanitary pipes requires utmost care. Evaluation of sewer pipe quality and installation practices...

What affects almost everything made of metal, from cars to boats to underground pipes and even the fillings in your teeth? Corrosion -- a slow process of decay. At a global cost of trillions of dollars annually, it carries a steep price tag, not to mention, the potential safety, environmental and health hazards it poses.

Effect of environmental conditions on selection of foundation types for bridges over water such as ship collision, floating ice, earthquakes are...

A new drone uses cutting-edge technology to deliver parcels weighing up to 500 grams. The device will never get stuck in traffic, it’s programmed to avoid obstacles, and it can reach destinations on steep or uneven terrain. Its protective cage and foldable design mean that it can be carried around in a backpack and used in total safety.

Helping bacteria become more efficient when breaking down fibrous plant waste into biofuel could result in more affordable biofuels for our gas tanks and sustainable products such as bioplastics. One way to achieve this goal is to re-engineer the bacterial enzyme complexes, called cellulosomes, which serve as catalysts in the degradation process.

Towers of bridges are vertical concrete or steel structures extended above bridge decks. Functions and conceptual design of bridge towers are...

There are various types of flexible pipes used in of sewer sanitary system. Design and construction of such sewer pipes with calculations are...

Sewer sanitary system consists of network of pipelines to carry wastewater from houses to wastewater treatment system. Setting up layout for sewer...

There are different types of movable bridges used for the passage of vessels and ships underway. Advantages and disadvantage of these bridges are...

Movable bridges are designed and constructed to change its position and shapes to permit passage of vessels and boats in waterway. Types of movable...

Different methods of earthen wall construction, its categories, material properties and tests, earthen construction for seismic prone areas are...

Designing curtain walls to water penetration plays critical role in keeping the safety, thermal performance and comfort of the structure and...

Pile foundations are likely to experience liquefaction and its effects on such foundation are in several forms or ways. Effects of liquefaction on...

Researchers have created a printable structure that begins to fold itself up as soon as it's peeled off the printing platform.

I use safety glasses whenever I’m working with power tools, and then I lay them down and sometimes forget where I put them. I use a retractable key chain to […] The post Hidden Straps for Safety Glasses appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

When I’m caulking trim with a latex caulk, I like having a wet sponge nearby. It not only makes for a neat job, but it lubricates my tooling finger, leaving […] The post Caulking Sponge appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Drilling holes in walls to install anchors for paintings or mounting flat-screen TVs means producing drywall dust. Rather than letting the dust settle on the floor and vacuuming it up […] The post Wall-Hole-Dust Collection appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Instead of bending over to screed a footing form, we have a site-built rake that enables us to screed from an upright position. The rake consists of a 2-in.-square handle […] The post Concrete Rake appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Luke Gaffney likes working with steel “because it scares people.” He says, “My job is to stand calmly, welding overhead with a 10,000° stick, while it’s raining fire. And if […] The post Keep Craft Alive: Luke Thomas Gaffney, Welding Foreman appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Whether it’s to meet code or to adhere to a “green” target, more and more builders are adding a layer of rigid foam insulation on the outside of homes. The […] The post Is Your Exterior Rigid Foam Too Thin? appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

When designing and decorating the rooms in our homes, we often think about the many ways to embellish our walls and ceilings with decorative trim details, interesting painting techniques, and […] The post Project Gallery: Four Fabulous Floors appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

When the heat dies down, this home opens its doors to the evening breezes. The glowing center kitchen/ living area has a glass slider wall that connect the house to […] The post Open To The Desert Evening appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

  The rubber collar on plumbing vent boot flashings don’t seem like they’re made to last as long as today’s long-lived asphalt roof shingles. I’ve had two collars split in […] The post Plumbing Vent Boot Flashing Repair: Method 1 appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Bridge bearings are structural equipment or devices installed between bridge substructure and superstructure. Types of bridge bearings are...

Certain conditions may be encountered during sewer sanitary pipe system construction. So, special methods and considerations for sewer pipe...

Principles of conceptual design of earthquake resistant building structures deals with load transfer and shapes of structures for desired behaviour...

Marston-Spangler theory for analysis of loads on sewer sanitary pipes is applicable for most of the loading conditions encountered at construction...

Sewer sanitary system consists of network of pipelines to carry wastewater from houses to wastewater treatment system. Setting up layout for sewer...

There are different types of movable bridges used for the passage of vessels and ships underway. Advantages and disadvantage of these bridges are...

Movable bridges are designed and constructed to change its position and shapes to permit passage of vessels and boats in waterway. Types of movable...

Different methods of earthen wall construction, its categories, material properties and tests, earthen construction for seismic prone areas are...

A stretchy miracle material has been discovered that could be used to create highly resistant smart devices and scratch-proof paint for cars, report investigators.

Groundwater causes extreme problems in excavations such as sand running for most of construction projects. Methods of groundwater control in...

There are various types of masonry wall which may be suitable to construct in areas prone to earthquakes. Types of these seismic resistant masonry...

The windows on the ProHOME project are triple-glazed with a vinyl frame assembly and an insulated core. Windows in a deep double-stud wall can be installed in two locations: flush […] The post ProHOME 2017: Windows appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

In a house targeting 1.0 ACH50, mechanical ventilation is necessary. And the ventilation system’s efficiency is important both to help the house reach net zero and to keep occupants comfortable. […] The post High-Performance ERV appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Like many high-performance houses, the ProHOME relies on a minisplit system for heating and cooling. In this case, the Biebels chose a Mitsubishi M-Series unit designed with an emphasis on […] The post Comfort Dictates Heating and Cooling appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Windows in a deep double-stud wall can be installed in two locations: flush with the exterior wall or inset in the wall. These installations are often referred to as “outies” […] The post Triple-Pane Windows Balance Performance and Cost appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

With the 2017 ProHOME framed and dried-in, the attention turns to the components that will make the house net-zero capable, including different forms of insulation and the mechanical systems. Because […] The post Homeowner Comfort Determines Envelope and Mechanical Decisions appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

When possible, we like to spray paint the exterior trim of a house because it is a lot faster. Of course, no roofing can be in place and additional prep […] The post Exterior Trim Painting appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Yesterday, while sitting around at coffee break, a couple of the guys where remarking how long they’d been working for us. One guy mentioned he had been with the company […] The post Trimming the Windows appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

The ProHOME has been our first experience with Boral TruExterior Siding and Trim. Because I hadn’t used the product before, I called up our local supplier to hear his thoughts […] The post Boral TruExterior Trim — A First Look appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Twenty years ago I bicycled about 500 miles along the Oregon / Northern California coast and marveled at the number of asphalt shingle roofs carpeted with lichens and moss. The […] The post Lichen and Moss Roof Remediation appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Several methods are used for calculation of engineering consultant services cost in construction projects at different phase of consultant...

Services provided by engineering consultants in construction are consultation, investigations and studies, design and construction and special...

Rotary intersection of roads is also called as traffic rotary which is nothing but enlarged intersection of roads where vehicles cross roads or...

Painting on a surface is not same for all surface types. Some precautions are to be taken before and after painting. Methods and process of painting...

Design of each elements for the construction of sedimentation tank is necessary for effective treatment of wastewater for removal the suspended...

Stamped concrete is a very intelligent and innovative innovation in concrete widely applied for floor in patios, car porch, driveways and sidewalks....

Objective of Vee-Bee test is to determine the workability of freshly mixed concrete using consistometer. Apparatus, procedure, precaution and...

Various components of bridges such as superstructure, substructure, bearings of concrete and steel bridges, their types, importance, functions and...

Building adaptation in construction is also called building refurbishment, rehabilitation, restoration or renovation. Objectives, importance are...

Each nation has employed its own methodology for maintenance and repairs of trains and subways, but new, daunting challenges created by climate change -- extreme heat, extreme cold, and severe flooding -- require yet more rigorous solutions.

Soil-structure interaction is a study of response of soil and structure during earthquake. Its effects, analysis and applications in structural...

Concrete as a construction material are grouped as normal concrete or high strength concrete based on its compressive strength. Difference and...

Shrinkage compensating concrete is an expansive concrete that expands by an amount equal or greater than the volume change anticipated for drying...

Aluminium is used as a construction material in different forms for both residential as well as industrial applications. Engineering properties of...

Applications of soil engineering are on the different principles of soil mechanics. Soil engineering have greater application compared to soil...

Insulation for buildings facilitates retention of energy to make it energy efficient and cost saving. Types, Materials and methods of building...

The building cost estimates can be classified in many ways. The three major and significant ways in which the building cost estimates can be...

Packing tiny solar cells together, like micro-lenses in the compound eye of an insect, could help scientists overcome a major roadblock to the development of perovskite photovoltaics.

Fine Homebuilding associate editor Matthew Millham and design editor Brian Pontolilo join FHB editor Justin Fink in this podcast episode. The guys tackle a reader question on rot on the […] The post Podcast Episode 68 — Drywall, Cedar Shingles, and Heat Pumps appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

As the people of the Houston area begin the tremendous task of rebuilding after a category 4 hurricane, recovery experts are starting to look at the implications for the building […] The post Harvey Aftermath: Dramatic Affect on Building Trades Is Expected appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Whether you need to form a deck footing that falls between the 12 in. diameter cardboard forms stocked at lumberyards and the 24-in. to 36-in. plastic spread footing forms; or […] The post Garbage Bag Spread Footing Form appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

A project manager’s job begins with building the building in his head, dividing the construction process into the trades required and in what order. Next, he confirms the sales estimate, […] The post Self-Taught MBA: Filling the Void of Cost Overruns appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

The open shelves, white walls and a new corner window seat bring light and a open feeling to this kitchen. Marble counters are a great surface to bake on, and […] The post A Victorian Kitchen Sees the Light appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

For people who can’t live without their daily espresso, cappuccino, or latte, Miele has struck the perfect balance between indulgence and convenience with their top-of-the-line built-in coffee maker. Keep the […] The post Your Own Personal Coffeehouse appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

Architect Paul Krueger had an unusual request when approached by clients to design their Martha’s Vineyard guest house. They owned a large and dynamic piece of artwork by Andy Goldsworthy […] The post Show and Tell appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

In his book, Ownership Thinking: How to End Entitlement and Create a Culture of Accountability, Purpose, and Profit, Brad Hams states, “In the absence of information, people make stuff up.” […] The post Constructing Clear Communication with Your Employees appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .

In this podcast episode, host Justin Fink is joined by editorial director Rob Yagid and design editor Brian Pontolilo. The guys tackle reader questions on topics including flashing to avoid […] The post Podcast Episode 67 — Siding Next to a Stepped Foundation appeared first on Fine Homebuilding .