Units of measurement used in surveying & construction works

Unit of measurement is also known as the International System of Units, or SI. Units of measure in the metric system. The units of length or linear size are derived from the metre. They comprise of the kilometre (km) that is 1000 meters, the centimetre (cm), and the millimetre (mm) which is 1/1000th of a meter.

A unit of measurement refers to a specific magnitude of a quantity, described and approved by convention or by law, that is used as a standard for measurement of the same kind of quantity.

Any other quantity of that type can be stated as a multiple of the unit of measurement. As for instance, a length is a physical quantity.

Standard unit of measurement :-

Type - U.S. Unit - Metric Unit
Length - Inches, Feet, Yards, Miles - Millimeters, Centimeters, Meters, Kilometers
Weight - Ounces, Pounds - Grams, Kilograms
Time - Seconds, Minutes, Hours - Seconds, Minutes, Hours
Volume - Ounces, Gallons - Milliliters, Liters

Given below, the details of measurements which are utilized in surveying and construction works :-

For construction work: feet, inches, fractions of inches (m, mm)
For most surveys: feet, tenths, hundredths, thousandths (m, mm)

For National Geodetic Survey (NGS) control surveys: meters, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 m

The following equivalents are used frequently :-

1 meter=39.37 in =3.2808 ft
1 rod =1 pole=1 perch=16.5ft(5.029 m)
1 engineer’s chain =100 ft =100 links (30.48 m)
1 Gunter’s chain= 66 ft (20.11 m) =100

Gunter’s links(lk)=4 rods=0.020 km
1 acre=100,000 sq (Gunter’s) links=43,560ft2 = 160 rods2 =10 sq (Gunter’s) chains=4046.87m2 = 0.4047 ha
1 rood=1011.5 m2 =40 rods2
1 ha= 10,000 m2 =107,639.10 ft2 = 2.471 acres
1 arpent=about 0.85 acre, or length of side of 1 square arpent (varies) (about 3439.1 m2)

1 statute mi=5280 ft=1609.35 m
1 mi2 = 640 acres (258.94 ha)
1 nautical mi (U.S.)= 6080.27 ft= 1853.248 m
1 fathom=6 ft (1.829 m)
1 cubit=18 in (0.457 m)
1 degree=0.01745 rad=60 min =3600 s
sin 1 =0.01745241
1 rad = 57.30 degree

For more information, go through the following link www.onlinecivilforum.com

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Some handy tips to examine the quality of cement in the construction site

Cement is considered as the most vital component in any construction. The cement plays the role of a binder that unites aggregate and sand jointly in concrete.

Though it is difficult to examine all the properties of cement, but there are some elementary field tests which provide a rough idea about the quality of cement.

Given below, the detailed lists of simple tests which can be easily accomplished devoid any equipment to determine the cement quality. These elementary tests involve examining the properties of cement upon which the strength and quality of Cement depend.

1. Date of Packing (MFG Date): It is found that the strength of the cement decreases as time passes. According to IS Specifications, cement should be reexamined if it is preserved in excess of three months in the mill.

The percentage of strength loss for various time gapping is provided below.

From the above mentioned table, it is found that the strength of cement is reduced over a period of time.

2. Colour of Cement: The color of cement should have been consistent. Grey containing a light greenish shade is considered as a standard color of cement. The quantity of surplus clay or line is determined with cement color.

3. Check for lumps: If moisture exists in cement, lumps may develop. Cement endures a chemical reaction if it gets in touch with the atmospheric moisture and it is called as hydration. Moisture is very harmful for cement. Cement becomes ineffective as soon as it is hydrated with water (liquid form or vapour form)

4. Rubbing Test: Choose a bit of cement rub within your fingers, if it remains smooth at the time of rubbing, the quality of cement is good. But if it is rough, it signifies that cement is blended with sand.

5. Float test of cement: Choose a bit of cement and put it in water, a good quality of Cement should be submerged and should not float on water.

6. Hand insertion: Put your hand into the cement bag. It you get cool feeling, then there is no hydration reaction in cement bag.

For more information, go through the following link civilread.com




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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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How to choose pile foundation on the basis of cost versus other foundations for construction project

Get detailed information on how to choose the pile foundations on the basis of cost vs. other foundations for construction projects and factors which impact the cost of pile foundation.

Sometimes, it becomes difficult for structural designer to take stable decision to select types of foundations like pile foundation or ordinary strip or mat foundation to be used for the structure.

The problem becomes acute while going to choose among pile foundation and traditional mat or strip foundation developed in a deeper level to fit a soil layer having desirable bearing strength.

There should be an indicator for all construction conditions under which the use of pile foundation is considered as inexpensive with reference to traditional strip and mat foundations.

This article will focus on the variations through which the decision for choosing of pile foundation over other foundation types can be taken without difficulty. This condition line is formed on the reasonably detailed cost appraisal of the foundation. The foundation cost is impacted by the following factors :-

Factors impacting the cost of Pile Foundation

Evidently, final decision for employing the type of foundation, cannot be taken on the basis of the calculation of excavation volume and concrete quantity of deep mat or strip foundation with regard to cost of piles that support the same load.

A cap is needed for Pile foundation. The density of the cap should be approx 45cm for two piles and 60cm to 120cm for two pair of piles. Plan dimensions of piling cap should be up to 2100mm2 for pile having diameter of 550mm.

With tie beams provided over one direction, the Pile caps are joined together using tie beams in more than one direction.

It is found that, the excavation cost of pile cap along with capping beams and tie beams is two times the cost of machine excavation in moderately large column bases. With the advancement of construction, the perfect structural design as well as stringent supervision is required for pile foundation.

To get more details, click on the following link theconstructor.org

Read Continue

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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How to make perfect bricklaying foundation walls

This is another useful construction tutorial by Durski Pawel. In this youtube construction video, Durski demonstrates step-by-step processes on bricklaying foundation walls that is a part of constructing any house.

Bricklaying is most likely the ancient and most suitable building methods. To make the process perfect, the exact admixtures and curing process must be followed. Brickwork must always be performed systematically; straight and level.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Different types of construction equipments for reinforcement steel bar bending

1779, 1780, 1782 - Rebar bending machines for building construction sites: FEAL PROGETT has developed the automatic rebar bending machines. These construction machines are specifically designed toward small building construction sites. The machines contain wheels for short displacement on site.

1783, 1784, 1785 - Rebar bending machines having 2 extended saddle for double bend: Besides containing wheels for short displacement on the construction site, these machine also contain 2 extended sliding saddleshaving holes for double bend.

1785B - Rebar bending machines having 4 sliding saddles for special bends: The machines automate the process toward rebar bending for large building construction site. The machines consist of wheels for short displacement on the construction site. Besides, the machines also contain 4 extended sliding saddles having holes for special bends.

1786, 1786B - Rebar bending machines which include computer 20 angles selector: These types of machines are intended for large building construction site and there are 4 extensive sliding saddles which contain holes to be utilized for special bends. These machines are provided with computer 20 angles selector.

1787 - Bar bending machines for high performances: These types of Rebar bending machines are used for large building construction sites for greater production. These machines are capable of bending reinforcement steel bar up to 60mm diameter.

All the above machines are developed by FEAL PROGETTI and useful for dealing with reinofrcement steel bar in construction jobsites. All the machines are furnished with wheels for short displacements.

Automatic SEAM rebar bending machines are supported with electric motor, gearbox having gears and pinions in hardened steel performing in a oil bath and having driving shaft toward the circulation of the working plate to handle all diameter of reinforcement steel bar suitable for various types of bends and/or stirrups.

There are control board having superior quality components, IP54 water proof, micro-switches, emergency push buttons as well as magneto-thermal switch & fuses for protecting overloaded motor ,within Rebar bending machines.

Different types of construction equipments for reinforcement steel bar bending download

Rebar bending machine 1779 contains three-phase or single-phase electric motor.

Rebar benders 1783, 1784 and 1785 are available with 2 extended sliding saddles containing holes for double bend.

Rebar benders 1785B, 1786, 1786B and 1787 comprise 4 extended sliding saddles for special bends.

Rebar bender 1786B is furnished with computer 20 angles selector.

All SEAM REBAR MACHINES contain the following features : Computer 20 angles selector, Measuring-bending stirrups device, Big radius equipment, Spiral and hoops equipment, Steel benches with rollers and All rebar bending machines are provided with set of bushes, pivots and remote foot pedal.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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How to construct a garden wall within 10 minutes through Marshall profile

Noel Marshall, the managing director of Marshall Tools Ltd and a pioneer in developing wall building tools since 2000, has presented an exclusive construction video that focuses on how to construction a L-shaped typical sized garden wall in quickest possible time (within 10 mins) maintaining standard as well as perfect accuracy & matchless competency through Marsahll Profiles.

Marshall profile is the brainchild of Noel. The length of the wall is 16 bricks and width is 10 bricks and height is 12 course from basement.

Bricky : Wall Building Tool - Buy

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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How to get the load distance of a crane over a building

Civil Engineering Academy presents a useful video tutorial that provides great benefit to the student who will appear in Civil PE Exam. Thisconstruction video is based on how to obtain the load distance of a crane across a building.

A crane having a 80’ book is applied to provide a load over a building. In this video point X denotes the nearest position of boom toward the building.

Now the question is that what will be the extreme distance that the load contains from the edge of the building if the boom is totally expanded (feet)?

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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How to estimate and construct your own house

What is the cost of building a house? It is around $80 to $120 per sq ft or may be more completely based on its size, design, quality, shape and location – the professional says. This cost is depending on location only.

The selling price:

• 25% material,
• 25% labor,
• 25% land cost,
• 12.5% builder profit,
• 12.5% builder overhead, which includes the cost of running their business, construction financing costs, and the new home's marketing and sales costs.

But the builders have to take it in mind that the material, labor, land, and overhead costs when estimating the costs ofbuilding a new home. For the costly roof and windows and other expensive building material, bid will be high. All this compromising and cost balancing is done in the planning stage of construction.

In Carl Heldmann’s page, the builders can get a great, user friendly FREE cost estimating software called Cost to Build Calculator that utilizes the latest in construction estimating software.

For more accurate cost estimating read Cost Estimating Explained page and spreadsheet page.

The cost to build calculator can compute cost per square foot is due to many variables, including different types of foundations, roof pitches, quality of building materials, home design, design and number of windows, and so on. The National Association of Home Builders in their most recent report shows the current average cost to build a house is $94.54 per sq.

There are some examples:-

Four examples are set here that ho

• 2,000 sq. ft., simple design = $80 per sq ft = $160,000. Built on a $80,000 lot. With an appraisal of $320,000, if you decide to be your own general contractor, you might save $80,000 or more (12.5% builder profit, and 12.5% builder overhead).
• 2,200 sq ft steeper roof, 3 car garage, stone trim, etc. = $90 per sq ft = $198,000. Built on a $100,000 lot. Appraisal of $398,000 = you might save $99,000 or more.
• 2,400 sq ft, more glass, porch, hip roof, etc = $100 per sq ft = $240,000. Built on a $120,000 lot. Appraisal of $480,000 = you might save $120,000 or more.
• 2,600 sq ft, more complex design & costs = $120 per sq ft = $312,000. Built on a $156,000 lot. Appraisal of $624,000 = you might save $156,000 or more.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Construction Cost Estimator App for the Mac, iPad, and iPhone

With the help of Construction Cost Estimator contractors can develop on-site estimates for construction projects. This application is not only cost efficient but also saves time and allows contractors to generate an estimate quickly and easily. After creating the estimate, contractors can also email it to the customer as a PDF.

3 different Craftsman Costbooks with detailed cost breakdowns for over 30,000 common construction items can be optionally installed by users in the U.S. and Canada. Available in a Mac version for $39.99, an iPhone version for $19.99 and an iPad version for $29.99, all the version of the application are available in the App Store.

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Published By 
Arka Roy
www.costestimationjournal.quantity-takeoff.com
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Special Interest Efforts to Subvert Energy Efficiency Bill in Federal Buildings Opposed by Groups

There is a new step in the approval process for developers who are looking to establish their business to Carrboro.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and more than 1,000 businesses around the country has asked the Congress to decline the special interest efforts to cancel the law setting goals for minimizing the use of fossil fuel in federal buildings by 2030.

The response is based on report regarding the incorporation of a repeal of Section 433 of the Energy Independence and Security Act, by the gas and oil lobby, in the bipartisan Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill.

The AIA CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA informed that the demand of removing federal energy laws through in the Shaheen-Portman bill by the fossil fuel industry is an unfortunate incidence. He also added that they are in support of the original bill with various admirable provisions as Sens. Shaheen and Portman has spent more than 2 years to craft a bipartisan energy efficiency bill. They cannot support the legislation that weakens the laws meant to support the federal government in saving taxpayers money by conserving energy.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee had earlier approved the bipartisan Shaheen-Portman bill that encouraged families, businesses and the government to conserve energy. It is still unknown if the revised bill advance any further in its current form. Ivy assured that they are committed to find a solution that would lead to the improvement of Section 433. But he also added that as long as the opponents ask for a complete repeal, the bill can probably not serve the interests of the public of America.

The design and construction companies in and around the country are designing buildings that meet and often exceed the present targets in Section 433. Due to Section 433, design companies are capable to generate new design strategies that are employed to support clients from private-sector to minimize their energy loads.

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published By

Tuhin Maity

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Caterpillar Forecast Tops Estimates with the Recovery of Construction

One of the largest producers of mining and construction equipment, Caterpillar Inc. predict earnings for 2014 that has topped the estimate of the analysts as the recovery in the U.S. building industry stimulates the sale of excavators and bulldozers.

As the statement of the company, sales are expected to be about $56 billion with a plus or minus of 5%. The average of 13 estimates compiled by Bloomberg was $55.5 billion. Caterpillar jumped 5.9% to $91.29 in New York, which was considered the biggest profit since November 2011.

It is also expected that profit will be $5.85 per share, excluding $400 million to $500 million in restructuring costs, which is more than the estimate of $5.77 average. Illinois-based Caterpillar, Peoria, also confirmed approving a $10 billion share buyback plan through 2018 and will repurchase about $1.7 billion in stock in the first quarter that will mark its previous authorization.

The shares had dropped by 2.6% on January 24 in the midst of a general decline in equities. A selloff in developing-nation currencies led to concern that financial markets will be more unstable.

Caterpillar forecasts the growth of world economic by 3% in 2014, which is about 2% up from last year. It expects sales in its power systems and construction industries units to rise by 5%. Besides, it said that the resources segment, which includes mining equipment, will see revenue fall of about 10%. Caterpillar also added that the sales in construction industries rose by 20% in the fourth quarter as dealers did not cut inventory like last year and also the deliveries to customers in Latin America, North America and China escalated.




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published by
Tuhin Maity
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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The world’s most leading Construction Projects awaiting to be completed in near future

Project: Puerto La Cruz Refinery Expansion and Upgrade

Location: Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela

Capacity: 214 Mbpd

Cost: $6 Billion

Status: Engineering

Completion: 2016

Scope: The project was undertaken for enlarging the Puerto La Cruz refinery from 180 Mbpd to 214 Mbpd, and reform the units to generate unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel from heavy crude. Technip Claremount will take the responsibility for designing and engineering of the hydrogen reformers.

Project: Sabine Pass LNG terminal

Location: Sabine Pass, Louisiana

Capacity: 25 MMtpy

Cost: $18 Billion

Status: Under Construction

Completion: 2019

Scope: At present the Project is under Phase 1 which involves the construction of 4 LNG trains (out of 6 total). The trains 5 and 6 will be constructed under Phase II. This phase is still under assessment by the US DOE. The initial LNG exports are anticipated to be launched along with completion of Train 1 in mid-2015. It is projected that in 2019 all 6 LNG trains will be ready for use.

Project: Garabogaz Chemical Plant

Location: Garabogaz, Turkmenistan

Capacity: 800 Mtpy

Cost: $10 Billion

Status: Planning

Completion: Undetermined

Scope: Japanese Toyo Engineering Corporation and the consortium of LG International Corporation - Hyundai Engineering Corp. Ltd will be liable for the construction of a gas-chemical complex producing polyethylene and polypropylene.

Project: Socar Turkey Aegean Refinery (STAR) Project

Location: Garabogaz, Turkmenistan

Capacity: 800 Mtpy

Cost: $10 Billion

Status: Engineering

Completion: 2017

Scope: The Azerbaijan's state oil fund will spend $475 MM as a financial aid towards the construction of the STAR oil refinery. The design for STAR Refinery will facilitate the progression of various kinds of crude oil like Urals, Azeri Light Crude Oil and Kirkuk.

Project: Coal-to-Olefin (CTO) Project

Location: Ordos, China

Capacity: 800 Mtpy

Cost: $4 Billion

Status: Study

Completion: 2018

Scope: The project was undertaken to obtain the huge amounts of coal China produces and transform the plentiful resource into precious petrochemicals, primarily polyethylene and polypropylene. Besides, the scope of the project is to minimize the amount of imported oil that is utilized as the raw material for producing such products.

Project: Mina Al Ahmadi Refinery Clean Fuels Project 2020

Location: Mina Al Ahmadi, Kuwait

Capacity: 50 Mbpd

Cost: $5 Billion

Status: Feed

Completion: 2017

Scope: The project was initiated to focus and raise refining capacities, enhance the operating performances and the energy efficiency of the refineries, upgrade KNPC's hydrocarbon products production amid the refineries, generate transportation fuels involving small sulfur content and corresponding to Euro 4 standards, decrease the carbon dioxide discharges, broaden Kuwait petrochemical portfolio involving new and high added value by-products and close/disassemble the obtainable Shuaiba refinery.

Project: Kitimat LNG Terminal Project

Location: Kitimat, British Columbia (Canada)

Capacity: 10 MMtpy

Cost: $15 Billion

Status: Feed

Completion: 2017

Scope: Kitimat LNG awarded the EPC contract to a joint venture comprised of Fluor and JGC in January 2014. Project includes natural gas liquefaction, LNG storage and marine on-loading facilities. Feed natural gas will be provided by Apache's Horn River and Liard fields in British Columbia. Environmental approvals are in place, as is a 20-year export license from Canada's Government. Apache has spoken of a $US7.9 billion start-up cost for Kitimat's first processing train, with a first production target of 2016.

Project: Ingleside Ethylene Project

Location: Ingleside, Texas

Capacity: 550 Mtpy

Cost: $1.5 Billion

Status: Engineering

Completion: 2017

Scope: The plant is situated at Oxychem's site. The two companies each contain a 50% share in the joint venture. Most of the ethylene formed by the cracker would be utilized by Oxychem to generate vinyl chloride monomer, or VCM, one kind of raw material useful for the production of PVC plastic, which it then would supply to Mexichem.

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published by

Tuhin Maity

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Fundamentals of Construction Management - a free eBook is just launched

Abimbola Olukemi Windapo has written an exclusive book titled as ‘Fundamentals of Construction Management’ for construction professional. The book contains 182 pages and price is free.

Introduction of author: Abimbola Olukemi Windapo has completed PhD in Building and gathered experience more than twenty five years along with teaching and research in the built industry . She performs as a senior lecturer at the Department of Construction Economics and Management, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

The Fundamentals of Construction Management is a vital book very useful to the construction professionals who wants to enhance their knowledge for dealing with the construction process.

Abimbola Olukemi Windapo has written this book after conducting a thorough research with up to date construction management and management literature, and the individual work experience. The book also follows a series of lecture notes utilized by the author for educating the following subjects: Management of Building Projects (University of Lagos), Construction Management I and II (Caleb University, Lagos), and Construction Management (University of Cape Town) between 1996 and 2012 (a sixteen year period).

The book offers a foundation for the distribution and incorporation of important knowledge essential for acknowledging the construction management practice and what it comprises of. Topics provided in the book range from introduction to construction management studies; theories applicable to construction management; the construction enterprise and its environment; the construction project and its environment; and construction management processes and practices applicable to small projects.

Download it free

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Published by Tuhin Maity
CAD Drafter & Designer
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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Construction Takeoff and Estimating Software

If you are in the construction industry then you should consider using construction estimating and takeoff software to help you come up with a more accurate estimate for the cost of a project. When you are working in construction, building, and making estimates as to the cost of any building project then you will really benefit from software with on screen takeoff, and digital takeoff capabilities.

Construction estimating software can help you gain a competitive advantage by facilitating your preparation of detailed, profitable bids while managing job costs and subcontractor bids. Construction Takeoff Software for estimating has not been around forever and there are still a lot of construction companies doing estimates, and takeoffs the old fashioned way, by hand or with maybe an excel spread sheet. 

Features of the Estimating software include:

- Excel integration

- Excellent customer support & training

- Takeoff prints with a color coded legend

- Easy to set-up parts & assemblies for materials and labor

- Easy plan navigation for zooming and panning, including sort cut keys

- Powerful reports

- Fully customizable

A quality construction estimating program can prepare and monitor outgoing bids as well as many other tasks that constitute the daily business functions of a busy contractor.

Download for Construction Takeoff and Estimating Software:

http://www.planswift.com/takeoff-estimating-software/request-trial.html?sr=1&button=text_link

For more information about the Plan Swift, please visit http://www.planswift.ie/

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
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