How to estimate HVAC Equipment Pricing & labor cost

Estimating Wizard Youtuber has presented this useful construction video for HVAC estimators. This video will teach you how to make estimation for HVAC Equipment Pricing and labor cost into the estimating wizard spreadsheet.

HVAC Estimating Spreadsheet is useful for ductwork sizing, pressure drop calculations, and building load calculations.

Download the spreadsheet from www.estimatingwizard.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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SAFI Bridge is a useful construction program to Analyze & design 2D and 3D bridge models

The SAFI Bridge program is very useful for engineers to study, validate, assess, generate and design large and complicated 2D and 3D bridge models having different types and sizes on the basis of standard or non-standard moving loads. With this construction program, the engineers can validate and design steel, composite, reinforced concrete, bridges together with pre-stressed bridge girders.

The SAFI bridge analysis component of the program is based on the autonomous and customary code and it contains incomparable graphical user interface.

The SAFI Bridge program contains the following features :-

• The program accomplishes numerous simultaneous or non simultaneous standard and non standard moving  loads analysis with plain and complicated procedures.

• The program consists of a wide-ranging library containing more than 25 standard trucks and a moving load    editor for user defined trucks and trains.

• The moving loads can be transmitted to selected elements of the model.

• Impact factors are assigned for a whole truck load or following a per axle basis along with lane loads. Axles can    be expanded on the basis of some bridge design codes like the CAN/CSA S6-06 code

• Lateral distribution factors toward moment, shear and deflection are substantiated.

• Envelopes of response are procured with the integration of moving loads, lane loads and non moving loads.

• Incremental analysis is performed considering staged constructions.

• Load factors are established automatically by the program while analyzing a subsisting bridge.

• The advanced query engine is applied to determine the relevant forces and utmost values at any point of the      structure

• SAFI Bridge facilitates the query analysis results and associated results at any point of the structure

• SAFI Bridge can assess and design steel, composite, reinforced concrete, bridges together with pre-stressed bridge girders.

Download SAFI Bridge Sheet for visit to site

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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PROKON 3.0 for structural analysis, design and detailing

PROKON, a software suite that contains forty structural analysis, design and detailing programs to simplify the Structural Analysis and Design process. The PROKON programs were first introduced in 1989, and nowadays PROKON is recognized globally.

The suite is modular type, but its effectiveness remains in the tight assimilation amid analysis, design and detailing programs.

PROKON is evolved and supported by a team of professional engineers and designed for the sake of structural engineers and technicians. The software can easily resolve day-to-day structural engineering problems in least time.

This construction program offers the following functionalities :-

• Frame and finite element analysis.

• Steel member design.

• Steel connection design.

• Reinforced and prestressed concrete design.

• CAD and reinforced concrete detailing.

• Timber member design.

• Masonry design.

• Other structural applications like section properties calculation and section database.

A series of geotechnical analysis modules is also accessible as part of the PROKON suite.

The link for download the latest version alias PROKON 3.0 www.prokon.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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MITCalc Beam Calculation Software for analyzing stress and deflection of the beam

MITCalc Beam Calculation Software is a very handy excel based estimating program from MITCalc. Various constructional professionals like structural & mechanical engineer, design engineer, engineering draughtsman, technical employees can use this estimating program for creating estimation of straight, maximum three times static indefinite beams containing constant axis-symmetrical profiles. This construction application supports multi-language, Imperial and Metric units.

MITCalc Beam Calculation Software offers the following functionalities:

• Clear description of the type of beam and its loading with visual check.

• Estimation of area characteristics of 20 types of cross sections

• Computation of reactions in supports.

• Estimation of least / highest bending moment, stress and deflection of the beam.

• Calculation and graphic demonstration of the moment, stress, deflection and bending angle of the loaded beam.

The application consists of a table of materials and a table of area characteristics of W, S, C, L profiles acc. to ANSI/AISC and I, U, L a T profiles acc. to DIN/ISO. Used standards: DIN 1025, 1026, 1028, 1029, 1024, AISC W, S, C, L, LU. This module is a part of MITCalc - Mechanical and Technical Calculation Package for gear, belt and chain drives, springs, beam, shaft, bolt connection, shaft connection, tolerances and many others.

Link for download MITCalc Beam Calculation Software

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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How cement is used as useful construction materials in all through the globe

In recent time, cement is considered as the one of the most crucial construction materials in building and construction industries that is utilized extensively all through the globe to build up various engineering structures.

Generally cement is applied individually as a material for plastering but it can also be used with mortar as well as concrete by blending it with inert material called aggregate to develop a robust building material. Given below some diversified usages of cement :-

1. The most vital application is to form concrete and mortar.

2. Cement mortar is utilized with masonry work, plaster, pointing, etc.

3. Cement concrete is useful for placing floors, roofs, constructing lintels, beams, weather sheds, stairs, pillars, etc.

4. It is also utilized to build up endurable engineering structures like bridges, culvert, dams, tunnels, storage reservoirs, light houses, docks, etc.

5. It is also applied for structuring of water tanks, tennis courts, septic tanks, lamp posts, roads, telephone cabins, etc.

6. With cement, the joints can be developed for drains, pipes, etc.

7. All the precast pipes, garden seats, aesthetically designed urns, flower pots, dust bins, fencing posts, etc are built up with cement.

8. It is also a vital element for foundations, watertight floors, footpaths, etc.

9. It can also develop fire-resistant structures in the shape of concrete as well as acid-resistance and water-resistant structures.

10. Any color can be mixed with cement and used for beautifying or coloring the structures.

11. It is applied for concreting the tunnel or geological walls to increase the durability of the structure.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Process for shattering and roof binding of a concrete roof

This construction video is very useful for civil engineering students. By going through this vide one can gather crucial information on Shattering details (Roof, Column), Rod binding, Beam set instruction, Roof reinforcement binding details, Roof casting instruction, Construction joint instruction, Curing details which are required to construct a building.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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B2W Estimate – An exclusive bid management software

B2W Estimate is known as BID2WIN previously. It is a useful construction software toward heavy construction contractors that can be applied for construction cost estimating and bid management efficiently. With B2W Estimate, the construction contractors get the ability to estimate material & labor costs as well as track vendor and subcontractor correspondence, manipulate documents like requests for quotations (RFQs) and manage bids.

More than 5,000 users from different corner of the world have used this bid management software. B2W Estimate supports Excel, the Department of Transportation (DOT) electronic bidding system and its sister project management product, B2W Track. Besides, It can work with various other accounting and project management systems like Viewpoint, Oracle, Dexter + Chaney, Foundation, Maxwell Systems and lots other.

B2W Estimate is launched for the sake of earthwork, paving, utility and other types of heavy/highway contractors. It deals with a wide array of projects spanning from bridges and tunnels, to marine and railroad, to landscaping and golf course projects. It is specifically useful for midsized and large contractors handling $5 million to over $500 million in revenue per annum.

B2W Estimate is created on the basis of Microsoft .NET and SQL Server platform. These are Microsoft Gold Partner, Oracle Gold Partner and Viewpoint Development Partner.

This construction estimating software offers the following benefits :-

• It is useful for civil but inevitably vertical construction.

• Capacity to generate crews instantly.

• Capacity to figure out margin aside from markup.

• I reduced my bid time by 25%

• Capability to set up perfect and complete bids in a quickest possible time and decrease bid time by 25%

Link for download B2W Estimate - Estimating & Bidding Software

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Structural Mechanics: Modelling and Analysis of Frames and Trusses – An exclusive e-book for structural engineers

Karl-Gunnar Olsson and Ola Dahlblom both published an exclusive e-book for structural engineers. This book is known as Structural Mechanics: Modelling and Analysis of Frames and Trusses. The book is available in kindle edition. The book is written in English language and contains 320 pages.

The book analyzes the basic concepts of structural mechanics as well as the modelling and analysis of frame and truss structures.

This construction book consists of the following features :-

Focuses on modelling and analysis concerning trusses and frames by applying a systematic matrix formulated displacement procedure with the language and suppleness of the finite element procedure.

 

• Element matrices are set up from analytical solutions to the differential equations.

• Offers a robust toolbox that contains elements and algorithms toward computational modelling and numerical examination of truss and frame structures.

• Narrates the concept of stiffness to be a intuitive tool for analyzing structural behaviour.

• There are several exercises and some of them are supported with the leading computer software CALFEM. In order to accelerate the objective of learning. CALFEM offers the user detailed information on the matrices and algorithms applied in a finite element analysis

Buy the book from amazon Structural Mechanics: Modelling and Analysis of Frames and Trusses

Image Courtesy: amazon.in

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Calculate construction labor rates perfectly with this estimating spreadsheet

Construction Labor Rates Estimate Spreadsheet will help you to figure out labor rates efficiently. This construction estimating spreadsheet consists of sheet metal shop & filed labor rates, HVAC Piping shop and Field, as well as Plumbing Shop and Field labor rates.

This estimating spreadsheet is very useful for contractors as it provides guidance and assistance in working with the Hourly Labor Rate.

Download Construction Labor Rates Estimate Spreadsheet

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Design various types of reinforced concrete members with RCM ACI-Builder Software

RCM ACI-Builder Software is a simple tool for structural engineers to design several types of reinforced concrete members with adhering to ACI318M-11 code.

This useful structural engineering software can produce comprehensive design output report involving complete formulas and explanatory figures. This construction program can easily resolve practical issues associated with design. Besides, it can be applied for educational purpose as it facilitates the engineers to gather thorough knowledge on ACI code.

RCM ACI-Builder Software contains the following items:

A. Design of flexural members (Rectangular and T-Shape Sections):

A.1-Ascertain section characteristic under balance case, singly reinforced section & doubly reinforced section.

A.2-Estimate area of steel in accordance with applied moment.

A.3-Estimate moment as per alloted area of steel.

B. Design of Shear under following cases:

B.1- Members based on shear and flexure only.

B.2- Members based on shear and axial compression.

B.3- Members based on shear and significant axial tension.

C. Design of combined shear and torsion under both cases of compatibility and equilibrium torsion.

D. Design of punching for prestressed and non-prestressed members with all column geometry cases: interior, edge & corner columns.

E. Manage current and enduring deflection for beams and slabs.

F. Design of corbels and brackets.

Link for download Design various types of reinforced concrete members with RCM ACI-Builder Software

G. Deal with flexural cracking in beams and one-way slabs.

H. Design of pile-caps with most general geometry cases: 2,3,4,5 & Strip-Pile Caps.

I. Design of isolated footings under eccentrically and concentrically case of loading.'

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Characteristics and Classification of Bricks

Various types of bricks are found in the market which can be used in building construction. The bricks are classified on the basis of manufacturing process that range from Unburnt or sun-dried bricks and Burnt bricks. Given below the detailed lists of various types of bricks :-

Unburnt bricks: Unburnt bricks or sun-dried bricks belong to the types which are dehydrated through heat generated by the sun once the process of moulding is completed. These types of bricks are utilized for building the temporary and low-priced structures. It is recommended that these types of bricks are unfit for the areas uncovered to deep rainfall.

Burnt Bricks: Burnt bricks are formed after blazing the brick-mould in the drying oven within the factory. These types of bricks are generally utilized for construction processes. Burnt Bricks are segregated into the following four categories:

First class bricks: These bricks belong to table-moulded and contain customary shape. The bricks are parched in drying oven. The facades and edges of the bricks are sharp, square, flat and straight. These bricks maintain superior quality. The bricks are crack free. The brick contains least crushing strength of 7 N/mm2. This is used for the construction of superior work i.e. heavy foundation and structures.

Second class brick: These bricks belong to ground-moulded and they are burnt in kilns. The facade of these bricks is uneven to some extent and shape is also somewhat unequal. These bricks may contain fine hair cracks and little distortion. The edgings of these bricks are sharp and homogeneous. These bricks are generally applied in the areas where brickwork is supported with a coat of plaster. The minimum crushing strength of second class brick should be 70 kg per sq cm

Third class bricks: These bricks belong to ground-moulded and are moulded in drying ovens. These bricks are not so hard and include rough surfaces with uneven and distorted edges. These bricks provide dull sound if set collectively. The bricks are useful for minor and temporary structures and at areas where rainfall is normal. The bricks are formed with light color and are comparatively soft.

Fourth class bricks: These types of bricks are also known as over-burnt bricks which contain uneven shape and dark black or grey color. These bricks are used as aggregate for concrete in foundations, floors, roads, etc. owing to the over-burnt bricks consist of a solid structure and so they are strong enough as compared to the first class bricks. These types of bricks are generally used in substandard construction and as gravel for flooring. The bricks contain bulging surfaces. The compressive strength of this brick is very low.

The categorization can also be made on the basis of shapes to fit them for specific type of construction. Go through the following links to know various types of bricks available in diverse shapes.

Source: http://www.civileblog.com/types-of-bricks/

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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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The Construction Project Management Success Guide – An exclusive e-book for construction professionals

Andreas P has published the second edition of an exclusive construction e-book alias THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUCCESS GUIDE. The book contains 53 pages and written in English languages. The book is priced at Rs. 1948 for hard cover edition and Rs. 1193 for paperback edition.

This construction e-book will provide detailed information on Construction Contracts, Estimating, Planning And Scheduling as well as expertise to deal with Trades And Home Renovations. Besides, one can also explore how re-emergence of the real estate market sparked renewed optimism in construction.

The book mainly highlights the fundamental percepts essential for controlling the life concerning a construction job. Brief discussions are provided on the construction project management covering the phases like the initial phase, the planning phase, the execution phase, the controlling phase, the closing phase.

Other important aspects of construction like contracting & contract management, the participants in construction job, the current building code, self-managing a construction project as well as the vital factors for completing the contracting job successfully are also discussed in this book.

This book will provide useful guidance for the project managers and homeowners to construct any residential properties successfully.

Buy it now from amazon www.amazon.in

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Midland Asphalt Materials Inc is seeking a project estimator in Bloomsburg, PA location

Midland Asphalt Materials Inc, a renowned company that deals with road resurfacing technology and pavement maintenance, is inviting application for the post of Project Estimator for the office located at Bloomsburg, PA.

The candidate has to develop cost estimation for projects (from initial to completion stage), modify the construction projects, and analytics to help in managing project development process efficiently.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Scrutinize documents for creating time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Arranges and organizes logistics, acquisition, and allotment of materials.
• Evaluates cost effectiveness of projects or services, finds the true costs toward the progression of the project.
• Assesses constructability/production analysis of bid documents together with specifications, site conditions, contracts and building codes.
• Make estimates for the management team toward planning, organizing and scheduling work, choosing vendors or subcontractors.
• Get in touch with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments or construction operations to converse and prepare estimates and find solution for issues.
• Execute components of project plan that is essential prior to construction work crews visit the jobsites.
• Formulate estimates out of different types of bid documents and their major components together with components like bonding, insurance, indemnification, and damage clauses.
• Participate with pre-bid and job site meetings; Carry outs and/or joins pre-construction, progress and other project/activities and any staff meetings
• Locate and report real time cost data tracking real cost costs, schedules corresponding to bid proposals with the progression of the project.
• Make sure that any relevant federal/state prevailing wage rates guidelines are considered, supervised, enforced and retained per project bid requirements.
• Accomplishes other duties as necessary or assigned.

In order to submit your application, send CV and salary requirements tomidland.resumes@midlandasphalt.com 


Eligibilities:


• Posses BS Degree in Engineering or Construction Management preferred.
• Atleast 1-2 years’ experience of project cost estimating or working in a similar capacity.
• Must abide by the company Safety and Loss Prevention Program.


Other perks include medical, vision, dental and life & disability insurance.





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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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How to generate reinforcement drawing in Autodesk Advance Concrete 2016

Md Humayun Kabir has made this nice tutorial for construction professionals. In this tutorial, Kabir shows some useful tips for creating reinforcement drawing in Advance Concrete 2016 developed by Autodesk. Advance Concrete 2016 is used to model reinforced concrete structures instantly. It supports Windows 7 64-bit and Windows 8 64-bit.

This construction program contains the following features :-

• Modeling structural elements like Column, Beam, Slab, Isolated footing, Continuous footing, Pile as well as Stairs, Roofs.

• Contain material & section libraries with several concrete, masonry and full bricks materials as well as parametric sections.

• Create view automatically that includes plan views, elevation views, cross section views, isometric views, reinforcement views etc.

• Create reinforcement drawing efficiently for manual reinforcement like stirrups, straight bars, polygonal bars, meshes etc.

• Create documents like organizing drawings on layout, inserting frame & title block, generating BOM for concrete volume & formwork area.

• BIM integration with Graitec compatible software and Revit, IFC 2x3 export/import.

• Structural analysis for finite element.

Download a free trial Autodesk Advance Concrete 2016

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Detailed Process for effective slab reinforcement

This construction video will highlight the detailed process for complicated slab reinforcement. All steel bars are connected following the design details. Here the concrete ratio is 1:2:4. This video is very useful for Civil Engineering students as well as various structural engineering professionals.

The slabs containing ratio of longer length to its shorter length (Ly/Lx) larger than 2 is known as one way slab or else as two way slab. In one way slab main reinforcement is equivalent to shorter direction and the reinforcement equivalent to longer direction is defined as distribution steel. In two way slab main reinforcement is rendered alongside both direction.

Detailing Requirements of RCC Slab as per IS456: 2000

a) Nominal Cover:

For Mild exposure – 20 mm

For Moderate exposure – 30 mm

However, if the diameter of bar is less than 12 mm, or cover may be decreased to 5 mm. Therefore for core reinforcement up to 12 mm diameter bar and for mild exposure, the nominal cover will be 15 mm.

b) Minimum reinforcement: The reinforcement in either direction in slab must not be lower than

• 0.15% concerning the total cross sectional area for Fe-250 steel

• 0.12% concerning the total cross-sectional area for Fe-415 & Fe-500 steel.

c) Spacing of bars: The utmost spacing of bars must not surpass

• Main Steel – 3d or 300 mm whichever is lesser.

• Distribution steel –5d or 450 mm whichever is lesser Where, ‘d’ denotes the operative depth of slab. Note: The least clear spacing of bars must not be lower than 75 mm (Preferably 100 mm) even if code does not suggest any value.

d) Maximum diameter of bar: The maximum diameter of bar in slab, must not surpass D/8, where D denotes the total thickness of slab.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Detailed Process for effective slab reinforcement

This construction video will highlight the detailed process for complicated slab reinforcement. All steel bars are connected following the design details. Here the concrete ratio is 1:2:4. This video is very useful for Civil Engineering students as well as various structural engineering professionals.

The slabs containing ratio of longer length to its shorter length (Ly/Lx) larger than 2 is known as one way slab or else as two way slab. In one way slab main reinforcement is equivalent to shorter direction and the reinforcement equivalent to longer direction is defined as distribution steel. In two way slab main reinforcement is rendered alongside both direction.

Detailing Requirements of RCC Slab as per IS456: 2000

a) Nominal Cover:

For Mild exposure – 20 mm

For Moderate exposure – 30 mm

However, if the diameter of bar is less than 12 mm, or cover may be decreased to 5 mm. Therefore for core reinforcement up to 12 mm diameter bar and for mild exposure, the nominal cover will be 15 mm.

b) Minimum reinforcement: The reinforcement in either direction in slab must not be lower than

• 0.15% concerning the total cross sectional area for Fe-250 steel

• 0.12% concerning the total cross-sectional area for Fe-415 & Fe-500 steel.

c) Spacing of bars: The utmost spacing of bars must not surpass

• Main Steel – 3d or 300 mm whichever is lesser.

• Distribution steel –5d or 450 mm whichever is lesser Where, ‘d’ denotes the operative depth of slab. Note: The least clear spacing of bars must not be lower than 75 mm (Preferably 100 mm) even if code does not suggest any value.

d) Maximum diameter of bar: The maximum diameter of bar in slab, must not surpass D/8, where D denotes the total thickness of slab.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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