V. Find in the text the most important information about:

• Canals in Holland;

• Canals in Egypt;

• Corinth and Kiel Canals;

• Canals in Venice

• Suez Canal;

• Saint Lawrence Canal.

VI. Retell the text “Interesting facts about canals” unit 6 lexical material: concrete panels

I. Read and translate the text

Concrete facing panels can be attractive and economical means of cladding many different types of multi storey structure. They have been widely specified in recent years in the construction of blocks of flats, offices and school buildings. Although they form an integral part of a number of proprietary building systems, large quantities are also purpose made. Concrete facing slabs are also used as in filling panels below windows and as an external cover to brickwork, lightweight blocks.

As both concrete and aggregate can be obtained in different colors, many varieties are possible. Variations in texture depend on the size of aggregate used and on the final treatment given to the face of the slabs. For example, by grinding with carborundum, a smooth face is obtained and a medium texture is possible if, before hardening, the surface of the concrete is sprayed with water.

Panels should not weigh more than 120 lb, unless mechanical lifting aids are available. When framed slabs are used, the thickness of the material between the stiffening ribs should not be less than 2 in.

Where large concrete panels are used there are four types of vertical joint in common use:

1. open drained joints;

2. Joints sealed by cover strips;

3. Gap filled joints;

4. Lapped joints.

A great deal of importance should be attached to the choice of a suitable joint. It doesn’t just only resist rain and wind, but it must provide a degree of insulation equivalent to the panels themselves. Horizontal rebated joints are generally adopted for both light and heavy forms of construction.

There are numerous methods of fixing concrete panels to the framework. The fixing device must allow for a certain amount of movement, without impairing the efficiency of the joint.

II. Give translation of the following words and phrases:

Concrete facing panels, cladding, a number of proprietary building systems, concrete facing slab, lightweight block, aggregate (n), to be obtained (v), texture (n), by grinding with carborundum, to spray (v), mechanical lifting aids, stiffening ribs, open drained joints; joints sealed by cover strips; gap filled joints; lapped joints, insulation equivalent, horizontal rebated joint.

III. Answer the questions

1. What can be attractive and economical means of cladding?

2. Where have concrete panels been widely specified in recent years?

3. How are concrete facing slabs also used?

4. How do variations in texture depend on?

5. What should the weigh of panels be?

6. What are the four types of vertical joint in common use?

7. What properties does a suitable joint have?

8. Why are horizontal rebated joints generally adopted?

9. Are there many methods of fixing concrete panels to the framework?

10. What must the fixing device allow for?