Variations among Wet, Moist, and Damp Subgrade

Subgrade is taken as the most vital element of the pavement structure as it functions as a foundation for other pavement elements which are developed upon it and resist detrimental influences of weather and various traffic loads.

The performance of subgrades is significantly impacted with unstable water content. Hence, it is essential to examine the behaviour of subgrade under several conditions. Under this condition, wet, moist, and damp subgrade are identified on the basis of the water quantity in the subgrade components.

The concerned engineers should have clear conceptions on the variations among wet, moist, and damp condition and how the strength of pavement structure is influenced by them. The bearing strength, shrinkage, and swelling of subgrade are mostly affected by the moisture content. Given below, the detail information about the variations among wet, moist, and damp subgrade.

Wet Subgrade

1. As per ACI 116R-90, wet condition happens when the material comprises of apparent free moisture.
2. It is the indication of maximum level of moisture.
3. Wet subgrade is majorly damaged under loads.
4. Wet subgrade tolerates severe swelling and shrinkage and due to this pavement deforms and cracks.
5. Wet subgrade is not recommended for pavement construction. Therefore, so it should be upgraded with proper method.
6. When the roads are built up on such subgrade devoid of correct advancement, then future maintenance work is necessary.

Moist subgrade

1. As per ACI 116R-90, if the material is mildly coated with moisture, the moist condition occurs.
2. There is mild moisture among wet and dump.
3. Bearing strength performance is superior as compared to wet subgrade but lower than damp subgrade.
4. Swelling and shrinkage of moist subgrade and flaws of pavement above occurs to some extent among damp and wet subgrade.
5. It is suitable for pavement construction but a slight advancement is required.
6. Less costly improvement is applied to get rid of future maintenance.

Damp subgrade

1. As per ACI 116R-90, damp condition happens if the material is marginally dump but not gets dry to the touch Specifies lowest level of moisture.
2. Damp subgrade functions well with regard to load bearing strength as compared to wet and moist subgrade.
3. It is not affected with swelling and shrinkage significantly, and therefore the damage is not adequate to the pavement.
4. It is ideal for pavement construction.
5. It does not need any improvement and future maintenance is inexpensive.

To get more detail, go through the following link theconstructor.org

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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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6 helpful tips to avoid common construction delays

Construction area is a risky and high alert area. Any minor injury or accident can happen for a moment of distraction. Sometimes construction works get delayed and as a result the cost and problems create. There are many reasons of this delay; it can be happen for the communication gap, wrong planning, poor management or the unwanted raised blockers. Whatever may be the reason the result is same, the unwanted delay. This article is an overview of the problems and their solutions.

Most of the construction projects go out of control and costs back for the inability to finish the work on time. So it is important to be in schedule for maintaining the budget, but the industry is full of uncertainties so it is not possible. There are few tricks that can be used by the managers to avoid the crippling delays. The tricks are described below:

1. Minimize construction delays and blockers: The two types of problems prevent projects from finishing on time are delays and blockers. A construction delay happens generally when the things don’t go with plans; and as the construction is sometimes consecutive, it is often unavoidable. The cause of delay can be the absence of the subcontractor in the case of longer time work or delayed material shipments. Blockers are not like delays as it is a work whose completion is needful before other tasks could be completed. The best thing of avoid delaying is careful planning and the blockers should be identified at first.

2. Improve your management method:Inefficient management is another big reason for any project failure. Project managers are given the responsible to create that kind of project plan which has all the necessary elements and also deliver the completed project by the deadline. Sao the construction manager has several responsibilities and has to coordinate with the labors and materials in the job site for completing the work on time.A manager becomes great only when he can do the work before time with the problems and blockers.

3. Plan, plan, plan:A great project plan can be done when the project manager is always updated with the planning and enable quickly diagnose potential challenges and solve problem instantly before any delay. Many contractors start their projects without clear timeline or prior communication etc. and it is a big mistake. The project should always contain with the details and variables to avoid the delays. A successful plan always has unforeseen circumstances, clear guideline to finish it in right time. The software like eSUB or other software options can maintain the project planning.

4. Assign clear roles and responsibilities:The commercial construction projects have contractors, employees, subcontractors, managers and other peoples. And for any kind of failure, each party is equally responsible. Avoiding critical tasks lead the projects in delay. By establishing roles, responsibilities and focusing on the goal, the unwanted delays can be avoided. To get buy-in from everyone before beginning any project plan is essential. By talking with all the key players in a project, the involvement of the members in the project can be seen.

5. Schedule contractors far in advance:Two co creators of HGTV’s hit TV-show Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott have launched a venture called Dream Homes that addresses the problem about the timing for settle down a new project. Bridget McMullin of McMullin Design Group also warned that the contractors, designers and architects often delayed their work for the setting of the first meeting. To avoid delays and costs, you need to determine the time and the contractors. To complete all the process from arranging meeting to choosing contactors and making schedules, you need 3 months. So it is always better to be active in doing this entire works.

6. Establish clear communication between parties: The poor communications between two parties can turn the little problems into big delays. In the certain created challenges it becomes crucial to contact directly between the contractors and project management team. So as a contractor you must quickly diagnose asses and communicate with all eth members to make a solution. A guide of timely project completion by Design Blendz shows the benefits of good communications. The active participation of all the employees makes any project successful and completed in time.

Though the construction project management software has made it easier than earlier to deliver the right updates from the site to all the key stakeholders but this should be maintained properly. This practice can bring everyone in the same page and the production of work can be done faster.

For more information please follow the link: blog.capterra.com

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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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HVAC Take off

We provide HVAC take off services including piping and sheet metal takeoff to be completed on digital drawings for plumbing, piping and mechanical contractors estimating the cost on Commercial, Industrial, and Residential HVAC projects.

We utilize state-of-the-art HVACEstimating software and 3D Modeling tool to ensure that each piece of ductwork is precision fit to its space, connections, and supports.

We can easily find out materials and labor needs for any job using pre-built and customizable database which is adapted to HVAC and based on industry standard labor units. Contractors can get better profitability by getting the lowest-cost materials which meet up contract specifications, and check fluctuating prices for commodity products to stay on.

  

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Sheet Metal Manufacturing and Estimating Software

PractiCAM - Best in the world automated sheet metal manufacturing and estimating system. Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, Construction, Custom fabrication, Machine building, Ship building, Kitchen equipment, Architecturals, Signmaking, Metal art and any other sheet metal product you can think of.

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.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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Decisive Political Support Required for Crossrail 2

It is often considered that the UK construction industry lacks expertise in managing risk on major infrastructure, and incurring high construction costs.

Like the High Speed 2 which is expected to the biggest infrastructure project in the country is facing an unforeseen expenditure of £14.4bn added upon its overall cost of £42.6bn. Though its leaders say that such contingency are not similar to expenditure, yet critics feel that if this added expense is taken away, a £28.2bn north-south link will certainly appear to be a lot more appealing.

As far as the proposed Crossrail 2 link is concerned, the Treasury expects a budget of almost £8bn for emergency situations for this scheme that is estimated to cost around £12bn. Strict and able guidance is required to reduce actions and incidents that could lead to uncertainty and cost inflation on projects. Detailed design and precise cost estimation can minimize the cost of Crossrail 2 as it is in its initial stage.

Decisive political support is required to continue with the scheme of Crossrail 2 to ensure that designers and contractors can work on minimizing its risks and overall cost.

The London rail capacity is expected to be full at the seams when Crossrail 2 opens in the latter part of this decade. Only then the ordinary Londoners may find the advantage of having its building sites on their doorsteps.

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published by

Tuhin Maity

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Some biggest upcoming worldwide construction projects related with entertainment industry

Get updated with some biggest upcoming global construction projects related to the renowned entertainment industries. These projects consist of Shopping centers, hotels, office buildings, medical buildings, educational buildings, libraries and museums, sports and entertainment complexes, industrial projects as well as government buildings. The projects also may include maintenance works like additions as well as alterations.

These projects can significantly impact the total economy of worldwide construction projects. These projects will also greatly focus on the construction market overview with the size and timing.

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Published by Rajib DeyContent Writer

www.quantity-takeoff.com (Get all types of estimating sheets, softwares, directory, news, building codes)

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Construction Contract - General Overview

A construction contract is a contract purposely carried off for the construction of an asset or a group of interdependent or interrelated assets relating to the design, technology and function or ultimate purpose or use.

A fixed price contract denotes to a contract where the contractor consents to a fixed contract price or a fixed rate per unit of output, which may be subject to cost escalation clauses in some incidents.

A cost plus contract denotes to a contract where the contractor is recouped for permissible or otherwise defined costs in addition percentage of these costs or a fixed fee.

Under IAS 11, if a contract addresses two or more assets, the construction of each asset reported for individually if (a) separate proposals were submitted for each asset, (b) portions of the contract regarding each asset were negotiated independently, and (c) costs and revenues of each asset can be evaluated. If not, the contract is reported for in its entireness. [IAS 11.8]

Two or more contracts are accounted for as a single contract if they were negotiated together and the work is interconnected. [IAS 11.9]

If a contract provides an alternative to order one or more extra assets, construction of every extra asset is accounted for as a separate contract if either (a) the additional asset dissents considerably from the original asset(s) or (b) the price of the additional asset is separately negotiated. [IAS 11.10]

Schedule of Quantities
A schedule of quantities is formed for all the projected works after the creation of architectural and engineering design. The true project cost will be determined by putting estimated unit rate adjacent to each work item. In order to keep the design intact the cost of budget should be amended with the change of building material or lower requirement of specification.

Estimation / Cost Planning
An estimate of capital cost along with direct & indirect cost and an estimate of capital expenditure containing plant , labor , material , temporary works , fixed overhead , subcontractors , suppliers , operation and maintenance etc. should be prepared for financial schedule to evaluate the economic viability. Simultaneously, an income schedule must be set up for a commercial project to anticipate the profitableness and rate of return.

Financial Support
Financing of a project, particularly for a commercial project, may significantly affect the choice of project size and type of contract to be selected by the client. In case the financial status mainly governs the size and sequence of the project, the client itself should know well about the financial schedule of its capital investment and expenditure. If short of funding, it should look for supports well in advance from outside parties or banks when necessary.

Contingency
In spite of preliminary investigations in engineering design stage, there are always possibilities of experiencing unanticipated problems after the commencing of work. With the purpose of doing away with the situation of running out of budget, the client or its engineer frequently take into accounts a contingent sum of money to cope with the unpredicted additional works.

Preparation of Contract Documents
During the design phase the engineer should have arrange for the right form of contract documents to be utilized with construction to the client. Sincere attention and sufficient time should be given to organize the contract documents failing which may cause sudden additional expenditure. Now-a-days some common forms of contract known as FIDIC Contract are available.

Preparation of Tender Documents
At the time of submitting tenders some vital information like represent the full design , detailed requirements , stage completions of works , contractor’s responsibilities , terms of payment and any other special conditions should be included into tender drawings , specifications , bills of quantities , works programme and the contract documents so that the renderers’ can easily understand the value of work to render a competitory but precise quoted price to cover the whole of the work. Inadequate information in the tender documents will cause disputes and claims accordingly throughout and at the end of the contract.

The following documents should be included into a tender:
a) Instructions to tenderers
b) Form of Tender
c) General Condition of Contract
d) Special Condition of Contract
e) General Specification
f) Particular Specification
g) Bills of Quantities
h) Methods of Measurement
i) Tender Drawings
j) Additional appendices
k) Form of Agreement

Preparation of Bills of Quantities (BoQ)
The bill of quantities contains a schedule of predetermined work items for item-by-item portion of contract works. It presents the brief description of the necessitated work and with estimated quantity taken off from the tender drawings. To get over the complete work the contract may include a series of bills which constitute a part of the tender documents for the renderers to estimate against each item with a unit rate or unit price. On the ground of the total offered price will then be developed. Assessment of the BoQ items will be based on the “preamble” and compliant with the process described in the “Standard Method of Measurement (SMM)”. A brief examination must be carried out to resolve the errors related with the “BoQ unit” and the numerical figures of the “ BoQ quantity”.

Though construction contracts are considered as the systems for evaluation construction cost, they also constitute the allotment of risk to the different parties involved in the construction. The owner is empowered to select the type of contract to be utilized for a specific facility to express the terms in a contractual agreement.

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