The detailed method of highway construction

By making extensive surveys and subgrade groundwork, highway construction is normally conducted. The methods and technology for constructing highways are upgraded in due course of time and turns to be more advanced.

The improvement in technology has increased the grade of skill sets essential for dealing with highway construction projects.

This skill differs from project to project, on the basis of different factors like the project’s complications and type, the contrasts among new construction and reconstruction, and variations among urban region and rural region projects.

There exist various components of highway construction which are segregated into technical and commercial components of the system. Given below, some illustrations of them:

Technical Components -

a. Materials
b. Material quality
c. Installation systems
d. Traffic

Commercial Components -

a. Contract understanding
b. Ecological characteristics
c. Political characteristics
d. Legal characteristics
e. Public interests

Generally, construction starts at the lowermost elevation of the site, in spite of the project type, and moves upward. After evaluation of the geotechnical specifications of the project, the following information is provided:

Present ground conditions -

a. Necessary apparatus for excavation, grading, and material transportation to and from the site
b. Characteristics of materials to be excavated
c. Necessity of dewatering for below-grade work
d. Necessity of shoring for excavation protection
e. The quantities of water for compaction and dust control



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Some vital points required for construction bid formation

CAREFUL STUDY OF THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS: The contract documents which are provided to the contractor or delivered for his inspection comprise of general contract conditions, drawings, specifications, bills of quantities etc.

These documents should have been examined cautiously to ensure whether there are any unusual conditions, specifications as well as any feature of the work which should be taken into consideration throughout pricing.

Sub-contractor’s work: Make relevant quarries about prices with sub-contractors and material suppliers for their relative segments of the job.

Site visit: It is vital to determine the conditions under which the work should have been accomplished and their effect on pricing.

a. Complexity to get entry to the site
b. Restricted space on the site for vehicle movements
c. Type of soil and density of water table
d. Accommodation for space for preserving materials on site
e. Accessibility of materials, their sources and existing market prices
f. Local resources of skilled and unskilled labor, current wages for workmen
g. Source and cost of water required for construction
h. Power and lighting source, and the cost of arranging, preserving and serving power connection to the site.

TIME FOR COMPLETION: The bidder then works out the time period for executing the work and the number and category of permanent staff suitable for the nature of the work for construction management. It facilitates to compute the establishment charges.

TEMPORARY WORKS: The value of any temporary works required to set up the construction and to dispose of on finishing like temporary office necessary for construction management purpose, lay up sheds for building materials, access road, water supply, depreciation of construction equipments, insurances, taxes, etc.

Article Source: civilengineersite.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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How to choose perfect brand of cement for house construction

The cement is considered as one of the most vital materials in building construction. It enhances the stability of any construction. So, the proper should be taken regarding the selection of cement as wrong selection can hamper the quality of construction.

While going to select the cement, the following queries may appear in mind :-

What type of cement should be chosen?

If similar type can be applied for all cement applications?
Which cement brand should be perfect for work?
Accessibility of cement chosen during construction period?

Given below, the solution of the above query, so that the perfect brand of cement can be selected.

1. What type of Cement should be chosen: Diverse forms of cement can be found in building works for different purposes. So, it is vital to recognize the properties of each type of cement and their applications. Normally, three types of cements are applied in general construction purposes which range from Ordinary Portland Cement (43 Grade & 53 Grade), Portland Pozzolana Cement and Portland Slag Cement.

Given below, different applications of these cements: OPC 53 Grade cement is effective in all RCC structures like footing, column, beam and slabs, where ever primary and final strength are considered as the most important structural requirement.

PPC and PSC cements are mostly recommended for general construction works as well as Masonry, Plaster, Tiling works since primary strength is not a prime factor of performance in this application.

2. Can similar type of Cement be utilized for all Cement Applications?

Various types of Cement contain diverse properties which can save huge money and make the quality of construction better.

The type of cement suggested for all RCC works is OPC 53 Grade because they contain extreme initial and ultimate strength, which are primary conditions for structural requirement (i.e., in RCC Members).

It is suggested to utilize PPC or PSC, whichever is cost-effective, for non-structural/masonry purposes like Masonry, Plaster, Tiling works etc.. These cements contain slower rate of heat of hydration and produce less cracks and lower shrinkage). They have greater functionality and can be completed in a superior manner because of the existence of fly ash in PPC & GGBFS in PSC.

To get more information, go through the following construction article www.happho.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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A position is vacant for Senior Project Manager and Project Manager in construction sector (VIC – Melbourne)

A position is vacant for senior project manager in Melbourne, Australia. The prospective candidate has to report to the deputy general manager (construction) as well as supervise assistant project manager or project administrator.

Prime Activities:

• Make sure that the projects are going on in an well organized manner during the complete project management process from the preliminary brief, right through to the design process and on to fruitful construction management.

• Take responsibility so that the project can be delivered maintaining utmost standard of client satisfaction & quality.

• Create construction programmes to guarantee detailed planning of time, costs and quality of projects.

• Make communication efficiently with all the stakeholders of the project.

• Assign team leadership to your project team and retain commitment to render superior quality work.

• Sustain and manage cost, schedule and quality of project activities to carry on budget, time, and fulfill agreed customer requirements.

• Sell off and manage risk.

• Build relationship with senior staff inside client organizations concerning provision of services within negotiated contractual obligations for a program or projects.

• Retain and improve the company’s reputation in the marketplace.

Duties and responsibilities

Project management

• Concentrate on Residential Projects (Apartment) in Melbourne

• Consultant for team engagement & management.

• Project programming and status reporting

• Generate reports for project

• Evaluate plans & drawings

• Help out department management

Required Qualification:

• Sound local experience (in Melbourne) as a team leader and ability to deal with residential projects (Apartment) among $100M to $500M.

• Minimum 7 years working experience on the position of Project Manager in the local top tier Developer or Builder.

• Sound construction and project management work experience (Both Builder and Developer experience PREFER).

To apply for the post, click on the following link www.rfaustralia.com.au

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Variations among Plinth Area and Carpet Area

In this construction video tutorial, you will come to know the variation among carpet area and plinth area as well as types of area included and excluded in carpet and plinth area.

Carpet area means the actual utilized area of a building. Floor area is similar to carpet area. Built up Area is the carpet area along with the width of outer walls and the balcony.

Super Built Up Area means the built up area along with the proportional area of common areas like the lobby, lifts shaft, stairs, etc. Generally, carpet area is 75% of super built up area.

Plinth Area or Built-Up Area means total covered area of the building unit. It is measured by adding areas of utility ducts surrounded by property unit, internal and external walls to the carpet are. It covers 10 to 20% more area from carpet area.

In carpet area, included items are all rooms, kitchen and bathrooms, store and balconies and excluded items are porch, lift, corridor etc.

In plinth area, included items are carpet area, internal & external walls, cover of stairs, porch excluding cantilever and excluded items are balconies, curvature of building (curves & sheds to enhance the look of the buildings) etc.

To get more clear ideas, go through the following construction video tutorial.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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RS Mean’s 2015 Facility Manager’s Package offers new life cycle cost models for facilities

RSMeans obtained by the Gordian Group, the most recognized supplier of construction cost estimatinginformation in North America, just declared the availability of its totally new life cycle cost models for facilities which belong to its 2015 Facility Manager’s Package.

The RSMeans Facility Manager’s Package provides all the elements useful for facility managers and owners to precisely estimate the total cost of ownership and operation of diverse commercial, industrial and public buildings. 2015 Facility Manager’s Package consists of five modules ranging from FacilitiesConstruction Cost Data 2015; Facilities Maintenance & Repair Cost Data 2015; Assemblies Cost Data 2015; Square Foot Cost Data; and Life Cycle Costing for Facilities.

The newest module wiil help in computing the Life Cycle Costing for Facilities. The facility managers from all over the world will be able to prepare the long-standing cost plan forbuildings and facility assets efficiently.

Life cycle cost or sustainment is considered as the most important element in a far-reaching facility maintenance management program. It recognizes the frequently scheduled and forecasted maintenance and repair tasks required for maintaining one or more facilities in stable condition. These tasks comprise projected major repairs or component replacements which should be undertaken over the probable life cycle of a facility.

With the Life Cycle Costing for Facilities, the facility managers can make a comparison in computing initial installed costs against long-term facility costs.

The model produces a sustainmentcalculator on the basis of RSMeans’ square-foot estimating models by plotting RSMeans’ assembly data to facilities maintenance & repair cost data (FM&R) tables. The users will also get the ability to generate cost-detail spreadsheets, summary tables useful for computing sustainment costs and ratios as well as time cycle charts. The customized reports can be created to any location in the United States or Canada.

Reporting capabilities provides the following benefits to the users:-

• Instantly calculate total sustainment costs, completely tailored to a facility with amendments for quantity, capacity, design life, maintenance and repair and preventive maintenance costs, repair frequency, time cycle length, escalation rates, location, and site cost conditions.
• Create comparison reports in support of new construction and accessible facilities to find out short- and long-term maintenance requirements.
• Make sure the longest serviceable building life manageable for virtually any commercial building.
• Get better performance over the duration of building and equipment and make out scopes for savings.

Visit www.rsmeans.com, to get more details.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Spreadsheets for Civil Engineering

Estimators used columnar sheets of paper to organize the take off and the estimate itself into rows of items and columns containing the description, quantity and the pricing components. Some of these were similar to accounting ledger paper. They became known as green sheets or spreadsheets.

With the advent of computers in business, estimators began using spreadsheet applications like VisiCalc, Lotus 1-2-3, and Microsoft Excel to duplicate the traditional tabular format, while automating redundant mathematical formulas.

Many construction cost estimators (over 55%[citation needed]) continue to rely primarily upon manual methods, hard copy documents, and/or electronic spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel. While spreadsheets are relatively easy to master and provide a means to create and report a construction cost estimate and or cost models, their benefit comes largely from their ability to partially relieve estimators of mundane calculations. Accuracy, however, is not necessarily improved and productivity is not maximized. For example, data entry remains tedious and prone to error, formula errors are common, and collaboration and information sharing are limited.

In recent years as that access to information has been amplified, we have not seen the need to use all materials, all kinds of tools to gather information and why not to use such information on our behalf, the excel sheets are templates pre-designed than most professionals use in order to improve and accelerate their work, these excel sheets serve as templates, so you can use them again and again and it is only necessary to modify the input data, currently have prepared hundreds of templates excel for civil engineering, many of which are found in all versions of Excel.

Details: 120 Civil Engineering Spreadsheets in Spanish - File Contents

• Calculation of channel
• ACI square columns
• Area of Reinforcing
• Steel Pumps
• Calculation of bearing capacity
• Hydraulic Calculation
• Hydrological Calculation
• Calculation of pressures circuit
• Sewerage Network-Calculus
• Structural Equivalent Loads
• Diagram pressures Drinking Water
• Tanks Sizing
• Diseño Columns
• Design Line Driving
• Design Boards
• Design Blend
• Design Bridge Girder Slab
• Design Settler
• Septic Tank Design
• Retaining wall design

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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construction programs to reduce their project costs significantly

Prototype constructions are gaining popularity among the governmental entities in the United States. Prototype construction refers to a construction program and the model of it is based on replication. In Prototype construction some prototype designs are created maintaining fundamental or crucial features which are approved for several structures. In this concept the design become identical through replication procedure. The design costs are reduced to a great extent due to onetime investment.

This method is ideal for architects, construction companies and engineering firms who strive to capture big public sector contracting opportunities in the United States.

The public officials are trimming down public project costs significantly through the Prototype construction.

Some applications of prototype constructions in USA

The state officials in Pennsylvania have planned to prototype construction to lessen the costs associated with the repairing works for structurally damaged bridges through the state’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Program.

To execute this program, a private-sector partner should be employed to facilitate finance, design and construction of 500 new bridges over a six-year period. Under a prototype construction project, the private-sector partner has to take the responsibilities for preserving the bridges for the state for up to 40 years.

The public-private partnership agreement facilitates saving money on design, construction and maintenance through a prototype for each bridge. The 500 bridges are same in size and design and hence one rendering will be applicable to each structure. Costs will be minimized as the replication process facilitates various types of economies of scale and shorter construction timelines.

In the same way, a private-sector firm has made a prototype design for the construction of all future U.S. embassies. The federal government can save huge amounts through utilization of the similar model and the similar building materials even as reducing construction timelines with best practices and experience.

School districts all through the country are going to undertake prototype building programs. Lots of school districts require new buildings at once due to the increased population. As soon as the design process for a structure is finished, construction work is cut down 10-14 months to about 4 which result in considerable savings.

In Florida’s Miami-Dade County, a prototype procedure is used to a dozen new schools which bring $9 million saving for the district.

In the Wake County schools of North Carolina, the prototype design results in saving between $1.9 million and $6.6 million on design fees. The DeKalb County School District in Georgia has applied a prototype design for reconstruction of seven elementary schools and in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, two new elementary schools were created from a prototype design.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Electrical Takeoff

We help Electrical Contractors with the task of taking off precise materials lists from drawings or the original electronic plans for your estimates. Calculate distances, areas and volume quickly, and utilize the customizable bill of materialsto counts and calculate costs approximately. You'll be competent to adjust the labor price per item, per hour and the unit labor cost. You can cut off plan areas and generate individual counts for ducts, pumps, switches, controls or any other element you denote for just that area. You can be familiar with exactly what materials to bring to the job site.

Takeoff procedure for lighting (comprises indoor fixtures, outdoor fixtures, and site lighting):

Calculate light fixtures by type and at par with the Lighting Fixture Schedule. Fixture takeoff assemblies will consist of lamps and mounting hardware.

Take procedure for distribution (comprises switchboards, panelboards, transformers, MCCs, and connected equipment): Record switchboards by means of size (amperage), voltage, type, and number of sections. List panelboards by size (amperage), voltage, and type. List transformers by size (KVA), voltage (primary and secondary), enclosure rating, and type. List MCCs by size (amperage), voltage, type, and number of sections. Distribution takeoff will consist of all wire terminations, mounting hardware, and accessories.

takeoff procedure for devices (comprises receptacles, switches, and related equipment):

Calculate devices by means of size, type, rating, and location (indoor/outdoor). This contains boxes, plates or covers, and fastening hardware.

Takeoff procedure for branch circuits (comprises lighting and switching circuits, and receptacle power): List branch circuits by means of size and type, wire fill, and length. Branch circuits are repeatedly computed by length and count. Total length identical to 350 feet with 12 segments. Branch-circuit takeoff will consist of supports and any essential junction boxes.

Takeoff procedure for equipment circuits (comprises HVAC, motors, and other utilization equipment):

List equipment circuits by means of size and type, wire fill, and length. Equipment circuit takeoff will consist of fittings, pull boxes, flex whips, and supports. Besides it may also include, any disconnects, motor starters, or control stations.

Takeoff procedure for feeders (comprises single line diagram and all distribution circuits):
List feeder circuits by means of size and type, wire fill, and length. Feeder circuit takeoff will consist of field bends, fittings, pull boxes, and supports. In addition, it may list any core drill, wall/floor penetrations, sleeves, or fire stopping.

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Published By 

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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World's Longest Sea Bridge Construction

An engineering marvel the Jiaozhou bay bridge has finally opened up after four years of construction. The 26.3 miles long bridge links the port city of Qingdao to the island of Huangdao.

The road bridge, which is 110ft wide and is the longest of its kind, cost nearly £1billion to build.

A bridge over misty waters: The immense £1billion structure which is supported by more than 5,000 pillars stretches for 24 miles along China's eastern port city of Qingdao to the offshore island Huangdao.

It took four years to build the bridge, which is supported by more than 5,000 pillars across the bay, and it is almost three miles longer than the previous record-holder - the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana.

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Common Cost Estimation Practice Traits

There are various issues that must be considered to avoid construction risks and some of the common cost estimation practice traits that must be followed in order to enhance the entire process are given below-

Consistency- Methods that are consistent with the industry standard classification systems such as the UniFormatT or CSI MasterFormatT systems as well as in logical order should be employed. The methods that meet the specific requirements of the client should be used. Employing consistent methods helps different estimators to complete various parts of the quantity survey and can also be continued later by another cost estimator. Through consistency cost fluctuation throughout the different project stages can be easily identified. This survey helps in creating the final account summary.

Documentation- Documentation is a crucial part of cost estimation practice. Documentation of all the segments of estimation should be done in a consistent, logical, precise and legible manner. If any specific detail is found to be vague, estimators should review the original estimate for reference. Clarity in documentation enhances its importance to the reader and turns out to be of great help in matters like settlements of claims, change order preparation and review of past estimates.

Verification- For easy and accurate verification, the quantity survey must be carried in a logical and methodical form which works as proof of the accuracy of any portion of the survey.

Evaluation- Evaluation of the bids must be done whenever the estimate involves use of bids from subcontractors. This helps in the scope and responsiveness to the project. Past performance records of the subcontractors submitting bids must be over viewed in this context as this would aid in determining the level of competence as well as the standard of performance.

 

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Quantity Takeoff Sheet for Plumbing

A precise construction estimate details of every particular involved in construction including plumbing estimate. A plumbing takeoff is designed to acquire the necessary information about the plumbing materials required.

A proper plumbing estimate is very significant part of the construction estimate as it helps in preventing extra expenses and besides, it also helps in timely completion of the construction in the most cost efficient manner.

Takeoff sheet for plumbing includes size, schedule, material, connection, quantity, total length of the sewer pipes. The cost estimator requires following and adopting the listing in order to create an organized and accurate cost estimate.

  

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Classic Job Estimate Sheet for Contractors

Different types of business houses, contractor, painter or person can utilize the Classic Job Estimate Form for producing a brief estimate to a client for the services these companies offered. The job estimate is segregated into three diverse sections to get an overview for materials applied, labor charges, and other expenses. This form combines all three costs collectively for finding out the total on one form, and serves as a job estimate for the client before proceeding to the work.

The contractor can customize the Classic Job Estimate with their business name, address, phone number and website address if required.

Download this form and it is available in Microsoft Excel format.

 

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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