Bridge pile cap construction details

This construction video is based on pile cap construction process for building up a bridge. The video is specifically designed for bridge engineer.

The video throws light on the following topics :-

a. Pile Head Breaking
b. Granular laying
c. CC work
d. Rebar Fabrication

The construction method of bridge is segregated into two parts :-

Substructure (pile foundation, pile cap, pier, pier cap)

Superstructure (bearing, girder, slab)

Definition of pile cap: It belongs to a structural member that is positioned and generally attached on the top of a pile or a group of pier to transfer the loads into the pile or group of piles to relate them into a bent.

Functions of pile cap
To disperse a single load evenly over the pile group as well as over a larger area of bearing potential.

To laterally strengthen separate piles and enhance complete durability of the group.
To arrange the required combined resistance to stress organized by the super structure and ground movement.
To transfer the loads of the building to the foundations and the ground soil layers despite the loads are vertical or inclined.
To facilitate the column or superstructure to stay on a consistent and solid core foundation rather than staying directly on ground.

To learn the detail pile cap construction process for a bridge, go through the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Construction Methodology

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Some useful tips for reinforcement detailing

Given below, some useful tips for reinforcement detailing :-

Create drawings perfectly. Try to mark every bar and demonstrate its shape for transparency.

Cross section of retaining wall that falls quickly as soon as soil backfill is arranged since ¼” dia is used instead of 1 ¼” dia. Errors happen as exact rebar dia is covered with a dimension line.

If required, generate bar bending schedule.

Denote perfect clear cover, nominal cover or effective cover to reinforcement.

Settle detailed location of opening/hole and provide sufficient information for reinforcement around the openings.

Utilize the size of bars and spirals which are easily accessible. For a single structural member, there should limited numbers of various sizes of bars.

The grade of the steel should be mentioned properly in the drawing. Deformed bars should not contain hooks at their ends.

The enlarge details at corner, intersections of walls, beams and column joint should be demonstrated at identical situations. There should not be congestion of bars at points where members overlap and ensure that all reinforcements are placed perfectly.

For bundled bars, lapped splice of bundled bars should be formed by connecting one bar at once; such separate splices inside the bundle should be staggered.

Ensure that the hooked and bent up bars are arranged and there is sufficient protection for concrete.

Specify all expansion, construction and contraction joints on plans and provide details for such joints.

The position of construction joints should be at the point of minimum shear roughly at mid or adjacent to the mid points. It should be created vertically instead of a sloped manner.

Article Source: onlinecivilforum.com



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Definition, causes and remedies of efflorescence in masonry & other building surfaces

Efflorescence stands for a fine, white or greyish, powdery deposit of water-soluble salts that is present on brick, concrete, stone, stucco or other building surfaces when the water vaporizes. Besides, efflorescence also exists on floors and walls and requires special attention. It is often mentioned as "whiskers”.

These efflorescent salt deposits is found at the worst times, normally about a month as soon as the building is developed, and sometimes as long as a year after finishing of structure.

Efflorescence is found in both indoors and exterior, and it can differ in frequency and intensity because of the existence of moisture and temperature.

The efflorescence happens for the following three factors :-

• Existence of water-soluble
• Salts are converted into a soluble solution because of moisture content.
• The transmission of salts through a material to its surface that leads to vaporization of the moisture and cause the salts to crystallize and thus efflorescence is formed.

Moisture is mainly formed due to water, rain and snow and may affect the extent of efflorescence. Condensation, groundwater tapering and interior activities also may influence the extent of moisture formation.

In several cases it is found that efflorescence may happen throughout home construction. If masonry units are left behind all through the night during construction, they can consume moisture from damp soil and rain. It is recommended that masonry units should be wrapped and left in pallets to reduce the risk of efflorescence during a construction project.

The following installation issues associated with building surface result in creating efflorescence

• Improper application of through-wall flashing
• Utilization of masonry devoid of adequate ventilation
• Utilization of masonry in areas where a perfect moisture barrier does not exist
• Joint material failure
• Imperfect ground storage

How to get rid of efflorescence - The following measures should be taken to avoid efflorescence:

1) Hydrophobic Sealant: Use a saturating hydrophobic sealant to a building material surface to resist the immersion of water. The sealant also will resist water from passing through a building material.

2) Capillary Breaks: Set up capillary breaks like polyethylene sheeting among a building material and soil to reduce the risk of salt penetrating the material.

3) Standard Masonry Construction: Apply overhanging copings, eaves and flashings will help in reducing the risk of entering water into a wall.

4) Better Emphasis on Landscaping and Sprinklers: Give concentration to landscaping and sprinklers will guarantee to avoid water from reaching permeable building materials.

5) Set up Grout with Mechanical Vibration: Compile grout with mechanical vibration will control the occurring of voids in the grout.

6) Apply Dense Tooled Mortar Joints: Provide dense tooled mortar joints to minimize the permeable nature of a wall, making it strong for salts to pass through it.

7) Utilizing Grout Admixtures: Various grout admixtures like chemical additives should be used since they can make flow of a grout mix better and minimize its water content all together to lessen voids in grout.

8) Preserve Masonry Materials Properly: Retain masonry materials off the ground and wrap them with water-resistance materials to safeguard these materials from groundwater and precipitation.

Article Source: www.nitterhousemasonry.com




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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Some useful construction tips to provide clear cover for reinforced concrete structure

This construction video tutorial will provide detailed guidelines on how to provide perfect clear cover in reinforcement concrete structure.

With the intension of safeguarding the reinforcement from corrosion as well as arranging fire resistance to bars implanted in concrete, clear cover is set for Reinforced Concrete Structures.

Clear cover stands for the distance among C.G of reinforcement bars and bottom most point of concrete.

The thickness of cover is dependent on ecological conditions and nature of structural member.

The depth of concrete cover is calculated by applying a cover meter.

The clear cover that should be provided is determined by Indian Standards. IS 456:2000.

Watch following youtube video to learn the complete process :-

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Civil Engineering – The newest construction app for engineering science students & professional

Civil Engineering is a powerful civil engineering app that includes the fundamentals of civil engineering.

There are various types of crucial topics, notes, materials, videos included in the app.

The civil engineering students can download the app and utilize it as reference material & digital book for civil engineering program & tech degree courses.

This app is very useful for the following sectors :-

a. Transportation
b. Coastal engineering
c. Structural
d. Environmental
e. Geotechnical
f. Construction
g. Architectural
h. Engineering mechanics

This handy Civil Engineering App involves 60 topics supported with detailed notes, diagrams, equations, formulas & course material. The topics are segregated in 5 chapters. The app is specifically designed for all the engineering science students & professionals.

The app offers quick revision and reference to some vital topics like a detailed flash card notes. With this app, the student or a professional can easily avail interview for jobs.

The app can be applied to track your learning, set reminders, edit the study material, adjoin favorite topics as well as spread the topics on social media.

All the topics are supported with diagrams, equations and other forms of graphical representations to simplify the process for learning and understanding.

Civil Engineering Basics is a vital portion of engineering education courses and technology degree programs at different universities.

One can download the app from google play store by clicking the following link play.google.com

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Brief overview of various building elements necessary for reinforced concrete structure

1st Floor: It belongs to the floor that contains 1 storey height over ground.

Basement Floor: The floor that is located at basement of the building. It is also known as cellar. The basement floor is situated either entirely or partly underneath the ground floor. A basement is utilized closely in the similar way like a supplementary above-ground floor of a house or other building.

The application of basements mainly based on several factors associated with a specific geographical area like climate, soil, seismic activity, building technology, and real estate economics.

The concrete floor in most basements is not included in the foundation structurally except the basement walls. With the surge of warm air, basements are normally cooler compared with the remaining part of the house. In summer, it makes basements damp, because of the greater relative humidity.

Basement Wall: The wall that encircles the basement floor is known as the basement wall and it considered as a vital portion of the foundation structurally. The basement walls stands for shear walls which have the ability to withstand the lateral loads also. Besides, these walls are considered as highly non-porous and water-defiant.

Column Bracket: Column Bracket is over hanged from the column and it is useful for hanging or affixing lamps, bulbs or other accessories to it similar to road signs.

Column Capital: Column capital belongs to an architectural element that is utilized for aesthetic purposes to develop the uppermost member of a column.

Drop Panels: The objective of drop panels is to solidify the slab around the column in flat slabs to get rid of punching shear. As flat slabs do not contain stirrups, shear is defended by solidifying the slab around the column to raise the concrete in shear. Beams are also applied, but normally drop panels are most effective to get rid of conflicts with the electro-mechanical works of the structure.

Exterior Columns: These are the columns which provide support to the primary structure of the building. Normally in frame structures, the exterior columns are very crucial and sustain the load of the building as well as withstand environmental factors like wind, rain, and other physical factors.

Flat Plate: These are the slabs to be attached with the columns directly. Flat plate system is mostly recognized by the engineers as it offers huge benefits. The system can curtail the height of the building, offer more flexible spatial planning as there are no beams. It also minimizes the material cost significantly. But the issue is that it can be easily broken and may collapse against punching shear. Because of the comparatively small floor loading and the tight column spacing, flat plate construction is getting popular.

To combat greater loading and larger column spacing, column capitals are necessary, and for even bigger spans to decrease the self-weight, waffle slabs are required.

To get more information, go through the following article www.aboutcivil.org

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Basic needs of a Building

The planning and construction of a building is undertaken on the basis of the following conditions :-

Strength and Stability – There should be proper arrangement for building to transmit the probable loads securely to the ground through it full lifecycle. Proper safeguard should be taken for designing various types of structural elements like slabs, beams, walls, columns and footing. All the structural components should be free from buckling, overturning and collapsing.

Dimensional Stability - The structural elements become instable due to extreme deformation that may lead to crack in walls, flooring etc. All the structural elements should have been designed in such a manner so that the allowable values mentioned in the codes should remain within limit.

Resilience to Dampness - Dampness in a building is a vital concern as it may endanger the life of the building. To get rid of dampness, proper precaution should be taken in planning and in the construction of the building.

Resistance to Fire: To maintain fire resistance capacity, the building should abide by the following basic needs mentioned in the codes:

• the structure should not be inflammable easily.
• there should be perfect building orientation to resist the scattering of fire quickly.
• to escape from fire, there should be ways of smooth access to depart from building rapidly.

Heat Insulation- A building should be properly oriented and designed to protect inside area from heat.
Sound Insulation – The planning for building should be done in such a manner to protect from outdoor and indoor noises.
Safeguard from Termite – Proper protection should be taken for buildings against termite.

Stability - Each and every element of the building should be stable enough.
Security against Burglary - This is the basic requirement that the owner of the building look forward to.
Lighting and Ventilation- To maintain a healthful life, there should sufficient natural light and ventilations.

Diffused light and good cross ventilation should be retained within the building.

Comforts and Amenities – Different types of units in the building should be perfectly grouped and incorporated ensuring the comfort and amenities of the user.

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www.constructioncost.co
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Various types of masonry Mortar

Mortar is extended in among the masonry, grouts, and stuffs the cavities of the masonry units. Mortar belongs to the material that is visible among the bricks. Mortar allows the masonry units to remain jointly. Mortar is very vital in masonry construction. It is always recommended to apply the proper mortar or grout.

The process is complicated to find out the exact mixture for the mortar or grout for maintaining proper strength. The mortar or grout should contain the perfect strength to get rid of over bearing issue (load bearing in this case). Besides, the mixture that retains the masonry sections together should not be considerably stronger that what the masonry units are, because it can transform the load bearing to gain extreme amount of stress.

If the mortar’s mixture is not provided properly it can lead to weighing over the masonry units themselves and results in damaging the structure with cracking and/or spakling.

The categorization is done on the basis of ASTM C 270 (Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry). Given below, various categories of mortar.

Mortar-Type M: Mortar (Type M) contains a minimum 2500 psi and suitable for areas to withstand a considerable amount of load bearing, wind forces, earthquakes, and etc. This specific type of mortar is normally applied with stone. If the Mortar is formed with any material that contains less strength, it may collapse the structure and its job positioning prematurely.

Application - This type of mortar is normally applied with stone as it closely simulates the strength of stone, it will not collapse prior to the stone itself collapses.

Mortar (Type S): This type of mortar contains a minimum of 1800 psi. It contains medium strength, and defined as (Type S). It is mostly utilized for outside structures like a patio as well as exterior walls which are assessed below grade as it is more durable as compared to (type N). Therefore, it is best suited to perform with mildly withstanding soil pressures below grade.

Applications - Below grade having normal to moderate loading. In some areas where the masonry touches the ground, like paving or shallow retaining walls.

Mortar (Type N) for general purposes: Mortar (Type N) is mostly recognized mortar. This type of mortar is utilized when there exist no other special circumstances which need a specialty for the load bearing of a structure. It has medium strength (minimum 750 psi) and is suitable for reinforced interior and above-grade exterior load-bearing walls. It is perfect for semi-soft stone or masonry as it will bend in excess of a high-strength mortar to resist prevents cracking of the masonry units.

Mortar (Type O): Mortar (Type O) refers to a mortar that contains a low strength (a minimum of 350 psi). This type of mortar is useful for interior usages where non-load bearing exist. It is frequently applied to patch mortar where the wall has strong structure. Type O mortar is occasionally applied with masonry units having a low compressive strength (i.e. sandstone or brownstone) to allow more flexibility for resisting cracks in the units.

Applications: Interior non-load-bearing areas with very restricted exterior use because of its low structural capacity and not suitable for the areas prone to high winds. Type O Mortar mix is perfect when repointing because of its stability. It is applied in above grade, non-load bearing situations preferably in interior environments.

Mortar (Type K): The (Type K) Mortar is not listed under the ASTM C 270 anymore, although it is still applicable to projects which have a pre-historic preservation need. This type of mortar will not produce any damage to a fragile structure, nor to any fragile stones as it contains the lowest compressive strength of any mortar.

Applications : Mortar (Type K) is useful for safeguarding pre-historic structures, which needs the use of a low strength mortar to get rid of any damage. Type K is not recommended for load bearing.

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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A position is vacant for Quantity Surveyor / Estimator

Introduction: A leading medium size business situated in Benoni and engaged with the manufacturing, and installation of Prefabricated Modular Buildings, together with structures and related services, like basic reticulation and civils, is inviting application for a young +- 30 years old Quantity Surveyor who possesses a degree of BSc or BTech (QS).

The candidate should contain at least 5 years experience and onsite experience with contracts with regard to residential housing / Offices / Warehouse construction.

Objective of the job:

• The candidate has to price all the submitted tenders which should contain the following:
• Rate all project costs along with P&Gs, project cash flows, project programmes.
• The candidate should also take responsibility to monitor to commercial prospects of alloted projects and carry out closeout reports.

Duties and liabilities:

• Costings and budgets formation for the allotted projects.
• Tender and contract documents formation together with the bills of materials for procurement.
• Advocating on the procurement policy.
• Accomplishing monthly valuations of work progress, along with forecasting of final costs.
• Estimate, value, submit and negotiate contract variations.
• Control and generate perfect formal reports with reference to the project timelines.
• Recognizing, analysing and developing responses to commercial risks.
• Providing support to general manager with a range of other duties as essential from time to time.

Skill Requirements:

• Technical qualification with a degree in B.Sc (QS) University Degree or B-Tech Degree.
• At least 5 years experience with quantity surveying in South Africa.
• Should contain sound practical organisation skills, planning of resources and programme scheduling.
• Should be capable of providing both summarised and detailed reports on current activities.
• Good knowledge in computer and have the capability to apply Microsoft Office and Microsoft Projects.

• Comprehensible experience in arranging tenders respecting construction.
• Personal Attributes:
• Motivated and determined individual.
• Good speaking power in English.
• Eagerness to travel.
• Good team player and effective communicator.

Salary:
• Negotiable based on experience

To apply online, go through the following link www.infomine.com

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Guidelines for site layout or job layout at construction site

Site layout refers to the plan of the construction site. It provides the area as well as the proper position for arranging the necessary resources in the construction work.

It specifies the place for offices, godowns, workshops, accommodation etc. It also illustrates the present relationship of the site with its surrounding with regards to communication, approaches and existing facilities.

Given below the importance of a systematic and technically organized site layout :-

1. Obtain an uninterrupted supply of materials in adequate amount.
2. Get a smooth access to material and test out its wastage and degradation.
3. Reduce the number of plants as well as the movement of heavy equipment.
4. Prevent confusion and minimize accidents.
5. Keep a systematic viewpoint for easy inspection of the materials.

The layout that fulfills most of these conditions enhances efficiency along with productivity. Such a layout is recognized as optimum layout. The site layout is mainly based on the following factors.

1. Position of the site, 2. Arrangement of space, 3. Access to the site, 4. Material volume, 5. Type of applicable equipment, 6. Ground conditions.

Fundamentals of jobs layout: The following fundamentals should be maintained for job layout.

1. If possible, there should be two openings in the site, one for entry and the other for exist to allow flow of traffic. For the existence of only one gate, then it is preferred to arrange a cross-over near the gate.

2. The general office should be situated adjacent to the main gate to stay away from confusion at construction site.

3. The godown should be situated just at the back of the general office so that the delivery of the material is accumulated in it. It also allows a tighter supervision of the stores.

4. Temporary roads should have been built up around the operation area. It makes the flow of material as well movement of equipment better. In reality, if such roads are essential to be built up in the project, it is suggested to build them initially in order that these can be utilized throughout the construction accurately.

5. The workshops for joiner, fitter, electrician etc should be determined and placed by balancing the easy and short access routes..

6. Staff accommodation should be far from noise. It should be centralized in one area to facilitate communication and trim down the cost of facilities and services.

7. The existing services should be used as far as possible.

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Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Various types of loads acting on building structure

The types of external loads, operating on building and other structures, are categorized as the following :-

1. Static loads belong to the forces which are applied sluggishly and then turns out to be almost constant.

2. One instance is the weight, or dead load associated with a floor or roof system.
3. Dynamic loads fluctuate with time. They comprise of repeated and impact loads.
4. Repeated loads are forces which are used several times. These types of loads can make a difference in the magnitude, and occasionally also in the sense, of the internal forces. A good example is an off-balance motor.

5. Impact loads stand for forces through which energy is occupied in a short timespan by a structure or its components time. An instance is the falling of a heavy weight on a floor slab, or the shock wave emerged out an explosion striking the walls and roof of a building.
6. External forces are also categorized as distributed and concentrated.
7. Uniformly distributed loads belong to a distributed load that contains a constant value like 1kN/m. It’s magnitude stays uniform all through the length. Uniformly distributed load is generally denoted by W and is stated as intensity of udl over the beam, slab etc. The instance of this load is dead weight of a rolled-steel I beam.

8. Concentrated loads belong to forces containing such a small contact area that is omitted corresponding to the whole surface area of the supporting member. As for instance a beam supported on a girder can be taken, for all practical purposes, a concentrated load on the girder.
9. Another common category for external forces which are labeled as axial, eccentric, and torsional.
10. An axial load pertains to a force whose resultant goes over the centroid of a section under consideration and stands upright to the plane of the section.
11. An eccentric load stands for a force that stands upright to the plane of the section under consideration but not going through the centroid of the section, therefore bending the supporting member.

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Published By
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www.constructioncost.co
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Brief overview of rolled steel sections in construction

Rolled steel sections are considered as the useful materials in steel construction. These are accessible in different forms.

Steel is one of the most vital building materials in construction industry. It has diverse applications.

On the basis of their utilization, various steel members are manufactured in the factories. The continuous casting molds devoid of any joints are used to cast rolled steel sections. Given below, details of various shapes or forms of rolled steel sections.

Types of Rolled Steel Sections:
• Angle sections
• Channel sections
• T- sections
• I-sections
• Round bars
• Square bars
Flat bars
Corrugated sheets
• Expanded metal
• Plates
• Ribbed bars (HYSD)
• Ribbed bars (mild steel)
• Thermo-mechanically treated bars
• Welded wire fabrics

Rolled Angle Sections: Angle sections are built in “L” shape. It comprises of two legs. Some angle sections include legs containing equivalent dimensions which are described as equal angle sections and some include dissimilar legs which are described as unequal angle sections.

Angle sections are mostly utilized for roof truss constructions and for filler joist floors.

Equal angle sections can be accessed with 20 mm x 20 mm x 3 mm to 200 mm x 200 mm x 25 mm along with their equivalent weights as 9 N and 736 N per meter length respectively.

Unequal angle sections can be accessed with 30 mm x 20 mm x 3 mm to 200 mm x 150 mm x 18 mm along with 11 and 469 N per meter length weight correspondingly.

Rolled Channel Sections: The channel section or C- section comprises of two equal flanges associated with web at both ends. Channel sections are widely utilized in steel framed structures.

They are presented with different sizes which vary from 100 mm x 45 mm to 400 mm x 100 mm. Equivalent unit weights belong to 58 N and 494 N per meter length relatively.

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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