Research

Calculating the amount of loam for isolation By calculating the volume (of hollow half dome) we can calculate the necessary number of litres (volume) of loam mortar. The volume of the loam layer is calculated by subtracting the volume from the half dome with the volume of the hollow part. This becomes clear when using the following formula: Volume = (D³ - d³) x (3,1416 / 12), with D = outer diameter and d = inner diameter. If you have calculated the volume in cm³ then you have to divide the result by 1000 to get the volume in litres. Multiply the necessary volume by the number of litre components knowing that you need for approx. 1 m³ (1000 litres) loam mortar and a proportion 3 : 1/2 : 1 : 1 : loam soil: approx. 860 litres chaffed lime: approx. 140 litres Rhine sand: approx. 285 litres Chopped straw: approx. 285 litres (Horse urine: approx. 14 litres) Example (by means of building plan): d = 140 cm (this is the length of the oven (100 cm) + 2 x the thickness of the vault) D = 160 cm...

Calculating the amount of concrete Foundation In order to know the amount of concrete, you will first need to calculate the volume of the foundation slots. You multiply: the length of the outer foundation wall the depth of the outer foundation wall the height of the foundation Do the same for the inner foundation wall and subtract both outcomes. Multiply the needed volume by the number of kg of components, knowing that you will need for approx. 1 m³ of concrete with concrete strength of 250 kg/m³ mortar and a proportion 1 : 3 : 4  you will need the following: Portland cement ( CEM I and class 32,5): approx. 250 kg Rhine sand 0/2: approx. 750 kg gravel (aggregate size 4/14): approx. 1000 kg Example (by means of building plan): length outer foundation wall = l(a) = 1,69 m length inner foundation wall = l(b) = 1,09 m depth outer foundation wall = d(a) = 1,69 m depth inner foundation wall = d(b) = 1,09 m height of the foundation = h = 0,60 m (l(a) x d(a) x h) - (l(b) x d(b) x h) = volume...

Concrete slab encasing This text can only be consulted in Dutch.

Making concrete and mortar This text can only be consulted in Dutch.

Broeck 22, Bever, Belgium

Guidelines for measuring a well

Water is vital for both people and animals, yet before the introduction of the well-known tap water, people had to resort to wells. This well water was used for a wide range of purposes: to drink, to prepare meals, to wash the dishes, to water the cattle, to clean, etc. But next to its domestic value, water was and still is a crucial component in the industry as well: just think of breweries, tanneries, ice- and lemonade factories, etc. You can also find wells in these industrial sites. Until recently, the water well was actually a very important aspect of daily life. It was only after the general distribution of modern water supplies in the second half of the twentieth century that the use of wells rapidly declined. Only a few decades ago, water well systems were still an integral part of the landscape. Unfortunately, more and more wells fell into disrepair and many of them were demolished. In many cases the well shaft remained, but the well was covered. Not only the architectural heritage...