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Recent Blog Posts - Materials and Testing

Sour Grapes

Here in Northern California, we find ourselves fortunate to live in the middle of Wine Country. Within a few miles of our homes, we find ourselves among rolling hillside vineyards and a multitude of wineries and tasting rooms. This proximity has resulted in our involvement with losses in the wine...

Creep

EDT

One day a homeowner exited his home to find water pouring down the driveway. Closer examination revealed water was coming from the water meter box and the plastic threaded connector attaching the transition pipe from the water meter to the house supply line had fractured due to continuous stress...

Understanding Weldments

EDT

It is very easy to take weldments (welded connections) for granted. After all, how hard can it be to join two metals together, and why does it matter? If we consider just how crucial weldments are to our everyday life, we may start to give those simple connections more credit. Weldments are what...

Defects Affecting the Structural Integrity of Wood Construction

EDT

Wood has been the construction material of choice for centuries. The wood structures listed in The National Register of Historic Places served as testament to the long-term serviceability, or durability, of properly constructed and maintained wooden structures. It’s flexibility of usage, high...

Expansive Soils and Construction Implications

EDT

Expansive soils, also known as soils with high shrink-swell potential, are common in various geographic regions, especially the central portion of North America.