Tips to compute the quantity of cement, sand and aggregate in concrete & water cement ratio

In this construction video tutorial you will learn how to work out the quantity of cement, sand and aggregate in concrete and water cement ratio.

To do it, you should have clear conceptions on the following items :-

Grades of concrete Mix Ratio

M10 - 1:8:6
M15 - 1:2:4
M20 - 1:1.5:3
M25 - 1:1:2

Here, M means Mix and number means the compressive characteristics strength of concrete in 28 days.

Water Cement Ratio :- Grade of cement Water per bag (50 kg) cement (weight of 1 bag cement is 50 kg)

M5 - 60 litre
M7.5 - 45 litre
M10 - 34 litre
M15 - 32 litre
M20 - 30 litre

For calculation purpose, wet volume of concrete = 1 m3

Dry volume = 54% increase by weight volume
Wet volume = 100% + 54% = 154%
In order to covert it to numbers, just divide by 100
154/100 = 1.54

So, dry volume is 1.54 x wet volume
Now, you have to provide the density of cement, fine aggregates and course aggregates as follow :-
Cement = 1440 Kg
Fine Aggregate = 1450 to 1600 Kg/m3
Course Aggregate = 1450 to 1500 Kg/m3

Now, on the basis of the above dimensions, you can start calculation for the different grades of concrete. To know the detailed calculation process, watch the following video tutorial.

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Prestressed Girder SUPERstructure design and analysis

It is powerful open source software that is used for designing and analyzing of precast-stress free girder bridges and can handle easily. It allows creating models in a simple way and continuously stretches structures and designs as per with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.

It also has advanced Bridge Information Modeling or BrIM capabilities that help users to keep focused continuously on modeling, designing and analyzing real bridges.

PGSuper examines and designs formed girders for every critical stage such as: casting, lifting, carrying, building, service and final conditions. The automatic designer fixes the prestressing, solid strength, lifting, transportation and slab side requirements and this software has the broadest and detailed reports and every detailed calculation can be reviewed.

PGSuper 2.8.2 is created by the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Bridge and Structures Office and licensed under the Alternate Route Open Source License. The software file size is about 24.09 MB and works with the Windows only and is free to be used and can be modified by all; but it is not the most capable precast girder bridge design program. This software is mainly designed by Bridge Engineers to use n high-production design environments and supports a huge order of parametric shapes and has user defined filament, reinforment and stirrup layouts.

Here are some design specifications of PGSuper, such as:

• Has AASHTO LRFD 1998-2008
• It rectify all suitable specifications
• It is very much configurable

• Comes with User Input Stress Limits
• Can computed and has User-Input Distribution Factors
• Also has User-Input LRFD Load Modifiers
• Have five methods of Loss Calculations.

There is some other software that has the same features like PGSuper and here are some descriptions about them:

1. PGSPLIC 1.0: It is joined girder analysis software of Washington State Department of Transportation and has been developed for the Alternate Route Project.
2. BRIDGELINK 3.0: BridgeLink is an integrated bridge engineering software tool for analysis, design and load rating.
3. RSPBR2 1.3: It is a plane frame structural analysis program for supporting bridge engineers in design and checking beam bridges.

4. QCONBRIDGE 4.3.2: it is a live road analysis program to continuous bridge frames.
5. BARLIST: This program is used for calculating the weight of steel reinforcement bars which is used in a bridge structure and for assisting in the creation of barlist drawings for bridge project contract plans.
6. PSGSIMPLE: it is a spreadsheet that performs prior analysis of a precast prestressed bridge girder at the prestress transfer and service stages.

To gather more information, go through the following construction article pgsuper.com

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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The process of concrete by weight and volume

atching is defined as the method for computing & combining the various components (cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and water) for the formation of concrete prior to mixing following the mix design.

If this calculation is accomplished based on the volume, it is known as volume batching. Batching is categorized as follow :-

1) Volume batching
2) Weigh batching

Volume batching: In volume batching, the mass of each component is not calculated before batching, rather than there are some fabricated boxes(generally wooden) which are calculated in volume to retain the concrete components.

• This method is normally suitable for small jobs.
• Gauge boxes are applied for estimating the fine and coarse aggregate.
• The volume of gauge box has the similarity with the volume of one bag of cement.
• Gauge bow are also titled as FARMAS.
• They are formed with timbers or steel.
• Normally, they are created as deep and narrow.
• Normally, bottomless gauge boxes are not recommended for application.
• At the time of filling the gauge boxes the material should be filled loosely, no compaction is permissible.

Weigh batching: Weigh batching is the proper and most recognized method of estimating concrete ingredients. Weigh batching is performed in very vital modern concrete batching and mixing plants.

• Batching by weight is better than volume batching in terms of perfectness. Besides, it offers more consistent proportioning. It is always recommended professionally.
• It does not contain uncertainties related to bulking.
• Its equipment’s are divided into 3 general categories.
• Manual
• Semi-automatic
• Fully automatic.
• If batching is done by hand all weighing and batching of concrete are performed by hand. It is suitably for small jobs.
• For semi-automatic batching the aggregate bin gates are opened by operating switches with hand and gates are closed automatically when the material is delivered. This system also comprises of interlock that resists charging and discharging.



Read more

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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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Brief demonstration of Construction Cost Estimator

This construction video provides brief demonstration on cost estimator, an exclusive tool for precise construction cost estimation. This construction tool can work out the costs perfectly for any home building project. This tool will provide spreadsheet based three diverse estimates concurrently. So, it is not possible for you to view the discrepancies while obtaining each new estimate.

This estimating tool creates estimate on different phases which range from Preconstruction, site work, concrete stone brickwork, footing and foundation, subcontractors (wide list of probable subcontractors drywallers, painting, roofing and framing), miscellaneous like decks & outbuilding, custom built-ins, appliances, and contingency amount.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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A position is vacant for Construction Estimator/Project Manager in Toronto

Tony's Carpentry Ltd is seeking a construction cost estimator/project manager in Toronto (ON) on permanent basis. The yearly salary for this job will be min. $40000 max. $50000 for 40.0 hours per week.

The candidate should have 3 years to less than 5 years working experience in construction estimating and executing project worth $ 500,001 - $1,500,000. The candidate should also be well versed with Spreadsheets; Databases; Take-off packages; Scheduling packages.

Added advantage will be given to the candidates who have knowledge in preparing estimates of labour and material costs and master format estimates (Class : A) as well as organizing and retaining a directory of suppliers and contractors, creating estimates for general expenses and overheads, estimating pre-contract costs, applying quantity-take practices, exploring tenders and recommend awards, reading and understand blueprints, drawings and specifications.

If you thing that you are eligible for the post, then send your resume by attaching through e-mailinfo@tonysgroup.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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How to Create Excel Project Cost Estimator Template for Project Management

We generally prepare the project cost estimator and after the project imitation for requirement gathering.

It is important to both the development team and client to estimate the effort and cost to mange the project based on the budget. This will help to understand the different phases of project development and how much is costing the each phase.

The initial project plan will discuss about project responsibility and time line to deliver the each module of the project. But the cost estimator will explain how much time we spend in each phase and how much it costs to the client.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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The applications and advantages of construction cost estimating software

Presently, lots of contractors, architects as well as civil engineers utilize construction cost estimating software for determining the approximate cost of any construction project. Construction cost estimating software facilitates to prepare proper bid and budget. Construction cost estimating software is widely utilized to provide input concerning some fundamental data like size, material and finishes related to a building project. With this input data, the construction cost estimating software can produce a full pricing of the plan along with expenses of labor, materials as well as other overhead charges.

The construction cost estimating software allows a contractor to figure out how much material is necessary for the whole building. As for instance, for verifying the amount of board and piping needed to include a heat installer in a room, just put input size of room and based on this data the calculated amount will be generated automatically.

The construction managers extensively use it to appropriately find estimations of labor work, permit fees for different sub-jobs, and the final cost to arrival at estimation.

The construction cost estimating software can provide the following benefits:-

• The software can save huge time by allowing the users to put an estimate in shortest possible time. User only has to provide the input needed for the formula to execute job correctly.
• The construction cost estimating software even helps the managers and contractors to perform the repeated work of estimation setting and consequently no confusion is raised due to duplicate budgets. The construction cost estimating software supplies the project information one time and continues updating it as the project is going on.
• The most updated version of construction estimating software contains lots of scheduling tools for complex project work. So the contractor will be able to plan schedules properly and organize with subcontractors as well as inspectors to ensure that all works carry on efficiently devoid of any loss of time.
• The latest construction estimating software even works out the allowances for the contractor at the time of planning for project's final estimate. With this method the contractor get updated with all the expenses incurred from his pocket like gas for generator, etc.
• Some advanced versions of construction estimating software has the ability to download material and other costs from the particular websites associated with that project. This is the finest method to guarantee the most precise costs of material and other things.
• The most recognized characteristic of construction estimating software is material list generator which minimizes the wastage of the products.

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Published By

Tuhin Maity

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Roof Estimating Software for Contractors

Roof contractors to help them sell more, build happier customers, estimate faster, generate more accurate proposals and bring more to their bottom line profits. Roof contractors, re modelers, architects can create accurate flooring estimates and save time and money by utilizing this software. The software includes roofing cost database in CSI format with cost items and current unit prices. Add or edit items to suit your business. Use cost indexes to adjust for local prices.

Have you ever needed estimating software for roofing? I just search this fantastic software designed just for roofers e.g. AppliCad. While there are programs out there for general contractors, this roofing estimate software is tailored specifically for roofing contractors. Print out a clean proposal rather than a sloppy hand-written estimate and put yourself above your competitors.

Roof Estimate Pro software is complete with roofing materials, and photos your own photos that can be customize with your choice of roofing products. This program will automatically produce estimates after you enter a couple of measurements, and you can format the program to your own specialized products, and pricing.

Roof Cost Estimator allows for user entries such as job and billing information, progress payment schedule. Additionally, all cost data is user modifiable, too. Roof Cost Estimator generates instant, on-screen reports including estimate summary and bid quotation which is a formal document suitable for sending to customer for signup.

Most measurements are obtained from ground observations. There is no need to measure ridges or valleys; they are computer derived. Complex roofs are computed in sections, with a Job Summary Tabulation showing the job squares, and total feet for ridges and valleys.

Roof Contractor contains industry standard user-modifiable unit cost data for all cost categories covering roofing installation as well as local city indexes that automatically adjust costs for local geographic area. Roof Contractor instantly creates user-modifiable, on-screen or printed estimate reports including price quotation. Use Roof Contractor as an estimating and sales tool to maximize accuracy, increase productivity while saving your valuable time. 

Based on MS Excel, the program that you already know how to use; Roof Contractor will automatically improve accuracy and eliminate errors while saving time.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer

Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

360Value® enhance the property valuation system

Xactware and AIR Worldwide jointly launches 360Value®, a web-based replacement-cost estimator for residential properties, commercial properties and agricultural. The software is ideal for insurance agents, underwriters, inspectors, property owners and others to figure out the cost to rebuild properties, make property valuation, improve risk management and enhance business decisions.

360Value® is applied for the following purpose :-

To determine the replacement costs at the time of quoting, underwriting data analysis and management reporting
Rationalize workflow through property prefill
To update estimates for policy renewal
To accomplish periodic assessments of a portfolio to find out policies with obsolete estimates and property information.
Manage catastrophe risk
Enhance the policyholder experience
Consolidate underwriting data

This component based software is liable for all the material and labor components required to reconstruct the structure. 360Value obtains the underlying material and labor cost data, in part, by analyzing more than 3 million damage-repair estimates each year.

360Value connects the underwriting and claims functions to facilitate the insurers to predict the claim loses and speed up the claim process. The adjuster are able to bring the replacement cost up to date and evaluate the property details before a site visit.

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum 

The Cornerstone of Cost Estimate

The cost estimation is the rapidly growing trend in AEC industry. It helps both the contractors and the owners as a proper budget is really very assistive to them. On the basis of the estimated cost a proper bid will be prepared. A good estimate must start with a complete understanding of scope of work followed by an accurate quantity takeoff. In the process of an accurate estimation, the estimator has to do a vast and depth research. It’s very easy to miss out identifying items of work in the project. This may be for some ordinary reasons like missing drawings, details and specifications. Misinterpretation of the scope is another reason for miss out. That’s why besides updated technology, experience in conceptualizing is also very important in this field of cost estimation.

First of all he has to study the floor plan of the construction. After getting the idea clearly it’s the turn to on site field engineering. The estimator has to visit the spot and consult the geotechnical consultant to perform surface investigation to evaluate the land’s ability to provide the foundation of the structure. The estimator then has to make a proper report about all these factors.

Now the estimator has to get a clear idea about the resource of the construction and more importantly its cost which includes material suppliers, labor force, subcontractors, construction equipment, indirect cost, management and many other nitty gritty of the project. The estimator has to team up with comptroller, accountant, field superintend, project manager, purchasing manager to get all the updated data about the project.

After all the field works and reporting it’s the turn to take help of the estimating software. It will help the estimator to get all the relevant output of cost estimating like the cost, schedule and quantity of resources. In this way the estimator has to determine the cost of the project.

Cost Estimator: A Profession to Give Security

Cost estimating is a well formulated prediction of the probable construction cost of a specific building project. In the designing phase of the project, cost estimation is an important management tool for providing information about the facility and the project budget. The conceptual cost estimate is becoming more important to owners, architects, and builders. It is a tool for determining required funding and to gauge the needs of a project.

Licensed professionals known as cost estimators prepare cost estimates. An estimator cannot be trained entirely in a classroom. The theory and science of estimating is important, but it takes experience with construction, as well as experience actually quantifying and costing work, to complete the training of an estimator. A person possessing the “art of estimating” has a good feel for the effort required to produce work, good construction experience, and knowledge of the theory and science of estimating. The less information available about a project, the more experience is required to do a cost estimate. An estimator would typically have an engineering or architectural background and be qualified by experience.

The knowledge of building technology is essential to be able to break down a building into components in a structured way and then price the different components with applicable unit rates to derive the total cost. For state or public funded projects (e.g., public libraries) there will most likely be owner-mandated limits placed on the A/E firm to design within a set budget. A professional construction cost planning and management firm will generally contract to perform a cost estimating function as a consultant throughout the various pre-design and design phases of the project. Frequently, larger architectural and engineering firms will have in-house cost estimating departments. Large construction firms may also have in-house cost estimators. Many planners chose to have two cost estimates as a check against each other, but if a single cost estimate is to be utilized, then the use of an independent cost estimator is highly recommended.