Earthquake Prevention in Construction Industry of India

Earthquakes are among the most devastating of nature’s curses, more scary than anything else because you almost never see it coming. Any country that goes through frequent quakes tries hard to find the solution. India is no exception either. Today, we will look into what is the situation about earthquake prevention in India.

Sitting right on top of one of the major fault lines in the world, the indian subcontinent suffers some of the greatest earthquakes. Those devastating seismic activities in the last century have motivated us to look into scientific solutions to earthquakes. This led to the creation of the first building codes specifically for earthquake resistant housing, in 1935, which were compounded with strengthening guides in 1941.

The Seismic Hazard

Most of the matter inside Earth is molten rock. Lava, that is. This molten sea has currents in it like the sea above, only slower, but just as sure. The hard crust of the earth floats on top of this lava ball. And the plates of the crust move with the lava flow underneath.

The problem is that this movement is not uniform across the world. Some plates move faster in one place and slower in another side. This causes friction and collision between plates. Indeed, one such monstrous collision is what gave birth to the Himalayas. Which incredibly is still going on.

And these frictions are exactly what causes the earthquakes.

As I said above, the worst thing about earthquakes is their unpredictability. We know the geological fault lines, yes, but we have woefully few data about the movement along the lines. So, we get to make next to no prediction about seismic activity, and their magnitude. 

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Design and analysis of Retaining Wall

This construction article presents some useful tips for designing and examining retaining wall for foundation.

Dimensions of base from stress considerations:

The base width b concerning the retaining wall must be selected carefully in order that the ratio of length of the toe slab to the base width should be maintained in such a manner that the stress p1 at the toe should not surpass the safe bearing capacity of the soil.

The topics covered:

1. Design for conventional retaining wall
2. Retaining Wall Design – Proportioning
3. Earth Pressure on Retaining Wall
4. Equivalent Fluid Method
5. Retaining Walls with backfill slope of finite distance
6. Earth Pressure on Retaining Walls with backfill Slope of finite distance
7. Stability of retaining wall
8. Check Against Overturning
9. Check Against Sliding
10. Alternatives for improving FOS against sliding



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Construct Earthquake Resistant Buildings by Simple Means

The engineering science is continuing to advance in response to seismic threats. There have been significant breakthroughs in the field. However, most of them are very complex and require exceptional machinery. Not to mention, expensive as well. However, there are some simple ways to build a structure that will be resistant to earthquake damages up to a certain level.

In areas where seismic activity is not too harsh, we can utilize these techniques to same money and complexity but make the building resistant to seismic activities.

Structure Stiffness: The most traditional way to fight quakes is to use stronger materials to construct the building. Stiffer or heavier members can be used to fight the lateral forces generated during seismic activities. For special quake-proof structures, ACI codes prescribe at least 10” thick members.

Geometrical Absorption: The building can be planned in such a regular and special geometrical shape that it disperses the seismic forces evenly so that no particular member experiences excessive force. This naturally fares much better than a poorly-planned unsymmetrical building.

For existing buildings that are structurally asymmetrical, you can use seismic joints and expansion points in places where the forces are dispersed unevenly. Providing extra columns, shear walls, and framing can make the weaker section withstand the extra forces to a good level. Parking levels should have extra reinforced columns in order to negate the soft story effect.

Lateral Force Resistance: Using three types of lateral force resisting systems, we can try to negate much of the seismic forces. These are:

1. Moment Resisting Frame System: it is designed to resist all types of earthquake generated forces acting on the structure. They can be customized to fit the seismic activity scale of the region.

2. Building Frame System: these are designed to resist gravitational loads only, but they function excellently in that. A shear wall is added to resist the lateral forces acting on structure.

3. Dual Frame System: this is a combination of the above two systems. Shear walls along with moment resisting frames work excellently to fight off the vibrations and displacements from an earthquake. But, of course, they are more complex and costlier to build.

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Some useful methods for estimating building works

The following method are useful for working out various building quantities like earth work, foundation concrete, brickwork in plinth and super structure etc.

a) Long wall – short wall method
b) Centre line method.
c) Partly centre line and short wall method.

a) Long wall-short wall method: Under this method, the wall along the length of room is treated as long wall whereas the wall that is situated vertically to long wall is called short wall. To find out the length of long wall or short wall, initially compute the length of centre line for separate walls. Then compute the length of long wall, (out to out) once half breadth at each end is added to its centre line length. Therefore, the length of short wall is calculated into in and is built by subtracting half breadth from its centre line length at each end. The length of long wall normally declines from earth work to brick work in super structure whereas the short wall enlarges. In order to obtain quantities, multiply these lengths with breadth and depth.

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Published By
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www.constructioncost.co
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Guidelines for rebar detailing of RCC structures

Reinforcement Detailing or Rebar detailing is a detailed construction engineering process normally accomplished by the Rebar fabricators, structural engineering consultants or the contractors for generating ‘shop/placing’ drawings or shop drawings and bar bending schedule of steel reinforcement for construction. Architect/Engineers(A/E) produce ‘Design Drawings’ with the purpose of adding strengths with rebar size, spacing, location, and lap of steel.

Rebar Detailing is also known as Rebar scheduling, RC Detailing and Bar Bending schedule predation, RC Drafting, etc in different countries.

Objective of Rebar Detailing - The rebar detailing is done for the following purposes :

a) To produce an error-free Bar bending schedule, when fabricated should be accommodated in the concrete formwork devoid of any issue. The similar Bar Bending Schedule should be utilized for accounting and invoicing.

b) To develop a detailed Rebar placing drawing (known as Rebar Shop drawings). This Rebar placing drawing assists an Ironworker to place rebar perfectly in the site efficiently.

c) To allow the structural engineer to verify and approve when the structural design intent is precisely transformed into the Rebar Placing drawings and Bar bending schedules.

d) To perform a Rebar wastage analytics and minimize probable scrap existing in the Drawing level.

Standard Hooks: The term “standard hook” is defined as follow -

1. 180o bend together with an extension of minimum 4 bar diameters, but not below 65 mm at the free end of the bar.
2. 90o bend together with an extension of minimum 12 bar diameters at the free end of the bar.
3. For stirrup and tie anchorage.

For 16 mm φ bar and smaller, a 90o bend along with an extension of minimum 6 bar diameters at the free end of the bar,

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Published By
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Details on Anti-termite Treatment in construction site

Use of Anti-termite treatment in construction site is very crucial. It should be performed prior to binding works. The following points should be taken into consideration for anti-termite treatment :-

1. Preconstruction Activities:

a. Detach all wooden pieces, concrete debris, plastic strips, tree stump roots, deleterious materials etc.
b. The soil should be leveled and compacted for bottom of the blinding prior to apply the treatment.
c. Before starting the treatment, all relevant tests should be conducted as per the approval of the site engineer.

2. Construction Activities:

a. Under PCC of Foundation
b. After getting the approval of engineering for further proceeding, the application should start instantly initially arranging and mixing the solutions of approved anti-termite material diluted with water at a rate of 1:49 Liter water according to the suggestions of manufacturer.

c. A solution of approved Anti-termite material diluted with water at a rate of 1:49 Liter should be sprinkled before casting of blinding of footing or any foundation type with the application rate of 4 to 5 liter per square meter.
d. After that, the treated area should be covered with polythene sheet, it should be opened free till 2 hours, and then casting should be conducted. Casting should be finished within 2 to 24 hours after the use of Anti-termite.

3. Trench Around the Foundation Wall

4. Backfill the sides up to the top level of the projected foundation (assuming that the height of the foundation will surpass over 1 meter ).

5. Create a 150mm wide and 150mm deep trench across the perimeter of the foundation.

6. A solution of Approved Anti-termite material diluted with water at a rate of 1:49 Liter should be sprinkled with an application rate of 5 -6 Liter per linear meter into the trench across the edge of the foundation.

7. The trench should be backfilled within 24 hours of treatment.

8. Under PCC of Tie Beam

9. A solution of Approved Anti-termite material diluted with water at a rate of 1:49 Liter should be sprinkled before starting casting of PCC of tie beams with the application rate of 4 to 5 Liter square meter.

10. The treated area should be instantly wrapped with polythene sheet, it will be opened for 2 hours prior to casting. And casting should be finished within 2 to 24 hours after using the Anti-termite.
11. Underground Slab and Along the Side of the Beams
12. The trench should be built up with a measure of 150mm by a 150mm depth across the border of the tie beams.
13. A solution of the Approved Anti-termite material diluted with water at a rate of 1:49 Liter should be sprinkled before casting ground slab with the application rate of 4 to 5 per square meter.
14. With the similar solution of Approved Anti-termite material, use 5 to 6 Liter per linear meter into the trench across the border of the tie beams. Backfill the trench after allowing the termiticide to be settled within 2 hours. The backfilling should be accomplished within 2 to 24 hours after using the anti-termite.
15. Along the Outside Perimeter of the Building.
16. Create a 150mm in wide and 150mm deep trench, across the outside periphery of the building at the similar level of the landscape.
17. A solution of Approved Anti-termite material diluted with water at a rate of 1:49 Liter should be sprinkled into the trench across the external perimeter of the building with an application rate of 5 to 6 Liter per linear meter.
18. Back fill the trench within 2 to 24 hours after the treatment.

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Published By
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www.constructioncost.co
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Some vital instructions to make your boundary walls stronger

Substandard foundations, poor design, scarcity of expansion joints and piers (support pillars) generally lead to cracks in masonry boundary walls.

If a subsisting wall is inclined, unsteady or contains severe cracks, then proper remedies should be taken immediately.

Given below, some vital guidelines while setting up a new boundary wall:

1. The design of the wall: Besides, adhering to local by-laws concerning height restrictions and set-backs on street corners, proper engineering principles should also be applied to the design of any freestanding wall.

Both the thickness of the wall and the spacing of piers control the maximum height of the wall over ground level.

2. Foundations: While creating the design of the foundations, soil conditions and slopes should be considered. Steel reinforcement of the foundations and of the wall itself are vital components. A general rule of thumb is that the foundation should be broader and deeper so that the support of the wall becomes more stable.

3. Retaining walls: When the boundary wall functions as a retaining wall and is susceptible to water and soil thrust, then the foundation footing should be expanded more beneath the upper side of the wall to make sure that the weight of the chosen soil further firm ups the foundation structure.

4. Adequate expansion joints and piers: If expansion joints are not set up perfectly without adequate piers, the walls can be cracked easily.

If there are cavities in the piers of freestanding walls (along with hollow units), they should be filled with concrete instantly.

5. Drainage: If the boundary wall is located on a slope, then sufficient weep holes should be installed to dispose of accumulated storm water.

When the wall also functions as a retaining wall, there should proper arrangement of sub-soil drainage. NHBRC (Part 3. 3:24) indicates that weep holes should be set up in all retaining walls at a height not greater than 300mm over the lower ground level at centres not surpassing1.5 metres. Weep holes should be created with a 50mm plastic pipe covered on the non-exposed end with a geofabric.

6. Damp: Boundary walls are generally freestanding as these walls do not usually build section of a structure (like a house), where the connected walls are self-bracing. Since the freestanding walls are not supported by a structure of other walls, boundary walls are normally constructed exclusive of a damp proof course (DPC), plastic membrane so as to make the bond stronger among the freestanding wall and its foundation.

A DPC can rupture the bond among wall and foundation that leads to instability. Without DPC, mounting damp is frequently found on plastered and painted boundary walls. To get rid of this issue, the harder (less porous) bricks should be used for the lower courses (first 150mm) and make sure that the plaster does not expand to the level of the soil, else the plaster will function as a wick and allow water going from the ground to wick upwards.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Top ten software for estimating and bidding

Sage Estimating

Sage Estimating can significantly accelerate the estimating process for several construction firms. Sage facilitates you to produce bids rapidly, precisely and positively with takeoff and cost databases. As soon as the project is procured, estimate details flow automatically into Sage business management software, removing unnecessary tasks and data entry errors. Sage Estimating also facilitates forecasting the labor, raw material and other overhead costs so that the contractors can arrange & deliver correct bids.

Download

Candy

It is a superb Construction Project Management Software to manage projects efficiently in the construction & engineering industry. It focuses on the need of the contractor ranging from quantity take-off, pricing and planning a project, controlling at the site level, analytical calculations, critical path planning, dynamic forecasting, Project cash flow through to the final certificate. Candy maintains an interactive link among the Bill of Quantity (BOQ) and the construction program or schedule of work under one construction project management solution.

Download

B2W Estimate

B2W Estimate is useful for heavy civil construction estimating and bidding. The software can generate and pre-populate comprehensive databases with costs along with default templates of crews and pay items. Estimators will be able to perform by accessing the resources and items even when the server is offline. Just reconnect, and the new estimates or alterations are included on the server. So, it becomes possible for the companies to work from any remote location or download a bid locally for closing throughout bid day.

Download

HCSS Heavy bid

This software facilitates the users to create estimates and control regular bids. The software can computerize repetitious tasks on the basis of tracking data from various sources like past estimates, standardized libraries, historical costs, performance data, and integrated RSMeans. Users will be able to form, review and edit estimates instantly as well as make automatically run price calculations to recognize errors. HeavyBid empowers the users to decompose complicated work into more controllable pieces, and arrange estimates to meet the requirements of the organization. Users can also evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes.

Download

CostX

CostX can instantly capture exact measurements from scanned, PDF and CAD drawings together with formation of automatic BIM quantities from 3D/BIM models. The live-linked hierarchical workbooks can be applied to make an estimating build up with links to user-defined rate libraries. Besides, customized reports can also be generated.

Download

Stack

Stack can generate bids with user-defined pricing so that it becomes easier to work out the costs more precisely. The users can perform their own takeoffs within the program, or send request to the STACK team to accomplish the work for them with a single click through the STACK To-Go tool. STACK Estimating also offers pre-built catalogs for some trades with comprehensive lists of equipment, labor, and materials which are necessary for the users depending on adjustable historical experience.

Download

ProEst Estimating software

It is a cloud-based construction estimating software with automated features for different types of construction companies. It allows the construction teams to check and control centralized estimates, takeoffs, reports and contracts, and all information can be obtained and distributed 24/7 from any mobile device with active internet connection. Users can compute, analyze and manage business performance during the project lifecycle, and construction databases offer current costing and productivity data. ProEst can also track pending projects, upgrade estimate pipelines and make perfect short- and long-term business forecasts.

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eSub

eSUB makes paperless projects providing one central storage for project information, photos, drawings, PDFs and any other documents that all team members can access practically. By logging in via a protected internet portal, eSUB’s project management module facilitates the subcontractors to produce, log, and track vital documents like requests for information (RFIs), change orders, and more. eSUB’s timecard module tracks subcontractors’ labor hours and costs, which can be delivered from the job site to accounting software. Get rid of tracking projects manually and automates labortracking and communication.

Download

Clear Estimates

It is a cloud-based construction estimating system useful for remodelers and contractors to make estimates, submit bid requests, draft proposals, manage customers and more. The system is adjusted to satisfy the requirements of most trades like homebuilders, design/build firms, finishing contractors, roofing and siding contractors and other speciality contractors. It is helpful for smaller companies that creates less than $5 million in revenue annually.

Download

On-Screen Takeoff

On-Screen Takeoff can produce and finish more bids correctly. There are various tools for estimating, managing bids and maintaining project visibility. A bid wizard assists the new users through all dialogues at the time of generating a new bid. The application supports digitizer integration, file integration (CAD, PDF, etc), and 2D takeoff. The estimating application comprises of electronic quote system, cost databases by trade, and accounting integration. The system is well matched with tablet technology that allows the users to access project data in the jobsite for cost and labor management.

Download

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Published By
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www.constructioncost.co
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Compaction Effects On Soil Structure

With compaction, the air is ejected from the existing voids in the soil. Compaction plays an important role in construction field since it make the engineering characteristics of soil better In the construction field to a great extent. In this exclusive civil engineering article, you will learn the impact of compaction on various characteristics of the soil.

It is found that the soil gets solid at the time of compaction. To make the compaction process smooth, some amount of water is included with the soil and the water content at which the highest dry density of soil can be sustained is defined as optimum moisture content.

Therefore, when the amount of water added remains under the optimum moisture content then it is defined as dry of optimum compaction. If the amount of water added remains in excess of the optimum moisture content then it is defined as wet of optimum compaction.

How does compaction influence the soil Properties? : The following properties of soil are affected with compaction -

1. Permeability
a. Compaction minimizes the existing voids in the soil and as a result permeability is also decreased.
b. At a specific density, for the similar soil sample, permeability becomes higher for soils which are compacted to dry of optimum as compared to those compacted to wet of optimum.

2. Compressibility
a. The Compressibility of compacted soil differs on the basis of the amount of pressure enforced.
b. For low-pressure range, compressibility is high for soils which are compacted to wet of optimum as compared to soil compacted to dry of optimum.
c. In the same way, for high-pressure ranges, compressibility is high for soils which are compacted to dry of optimum as compared to soil compacted to wet of optimum.

3. Shear Strength
a. Shear strength of soil compacted to dry of optimum remains in excess of those compacted to wet of optimum at lower strains.
b. At greater strain, soil compacted to wet of optimum will contain greater shear strength. o The shear strength of compacted soil is also impacted by the type of compaction, drainage conditions and type of soil.

4. Soil Structure
a. Soils compacted to dry of optimum have flocculated structure because of the attraction among soil particles caused by low water content.
b. Soils compacted to wet of optimum have scattered structure owing to the repulsive force among soil particles caused by high water content.

5. Swelling of Soil
a. When the soil is compacted to dry of optimum, the soil requires water and it swells quickly by getting in touch with water.
b. When water is compacted to wet of optimum, the soil particles are headed in a dispersed manner and no swelling happens.
c. To get rid of swelling, the compaction of soils should be made to wet of optimum.

6. Shrinkage of Soil
a. The scope of shrinkage is high for the soil compacted to wet of optimum than dry of optimum.
b. For dry of optimum compaction, soil particles are in random orientation and they remain in durable condition.
c. For wet of optimum, soil particles remain in parallel orientation and they become inconstant that streamlines the packing of particles producing shrinkage.

7. Pore Water Pressure
a. Pore water pressure is extreme for those soil whose water content is high. So, soils compacted to wet of optimum compaction will expose more pore water pressure as compared to soil compacted dry of optimum.

8. Stress-strain Behavior of Soil
a. Soils compacted to dry side of optimum will bear more stress for little strain and as a result, stress-strain curve of this type of soil is much sheerer and elastic modulus is high. Due to this, brittle failure may happen.
b. In the same way, soils compacted to wet of optimum will create more stress even for smaller stress. Therefore, Stress-Strain curve, in this case, is much flatter and plastic-type failure happens at a larger strain. These type of soils contain low elastic modulus.



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Brief overview of adjustable steel columns

Adjustable steel columns alias screw jacks or beam jacks, belong to hollow steel posts. The purpose of these columns is to provide strong support to the structure. A secured adjustable steel column threaded adjustment mechanism is employed to alter the height of the post with the help of a big screw.

They are frequently utilized in basements.

They are constructed as multi-part assembles, often known as telescopic steel columns, or as single-piece columns.

When a column is applied or set up improperly or its condition is damaged, the column becomes insecure. General faults occur due to persistent utilization of temporary columns, inappropriate installations and extreme exfoliating rust, all of which can cause abrupt collapsing of the column as well as the structure it supports. As a result injury and property damage will occur.

The following are possibly faulty conditions:

The diameter of the post remains under 3 inches as per 2006 International Residential Code (IRC), Section R407.3. Poles which remain under 3 inches go against the IRC, although they are not inevitably faulty. A 2½-inch post is sufficient to support the load over it, whereas a 4-inch post can buckle when the load goes beyond the structural strength of the post. Structural engineers normally take decision whether adjustable steel posts contain equivalent size.

Rust-inhibitive paint is not applied to safeguard the post. The IRC Section R407.2 defines:

All surfaces (interior and exterior) of steel columns should be provided with a shop coat of rust-inhibitive paint, exclusive of corrosion-resistant steel and steel treated with coatings to provide corrosion resistance.

Inspectors are unable to recognize paint as rust-inhibitive. In dry climates where rust is not happen, rust-inhibitive paint should not be applied. Visible signs of rust represent a possible deficiency.

The post is not straight. It should be checked that the highest lateral displacement among the top and bottom of the post should not go beyond 1 inch. However, endurable lateral displacement is influenced by several factors, like the height and diameter of the post. The post should not bend at its centre. Bending implies that the column is unable to endure the weight of the house.

The column is not mechanically attached with the floor. An inspector can’t identify whether a connection among the post and the floor subsists if this connection is wrapped with concrete.

The column is not attached with the beam. The post should be mechanically attached with the beam over to add extra resistance capacity against lateral displacement.

In excess of 3 inches of the screw thread are uncovered.

Cracks exist in upstairs walls. This condition may lead to the failure of the columns.

The following types of adjustable steel columns are commonly found - Single Piece Adjustable Columns, Telescoping Adjustable Columns

To learn how set up a adjustable steel column, go through the following link www.thespruce.com



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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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Some useful construction tips for becoming a successful rebar checker

While developing a big project, there should be a perfect technical engineering perception and cautious observation. Besides, other crucial examinations, Reinforced Cement Concrete should be verified for rebar toward the supplied construction drawings / shop drawings or technical specifications.

It should be remembered that the obstacle and cost associated with this activity may cause imperfection from the contractors end and it should be resolved / settled by a well-known consulting firm assigning on the inspection of execution.

One should have sound knowledge and well versed with the binding method of the steel rebar. Given below, some useful construction tips suggested by the top peers:-

a. Initially, one should have good knowledge on how to study a rebar drawing as well as communicate with it in the jobsite. In order to become a proficient rebar checker, you should have the capability to read drawing.

b. Carry a measuring tape with yourself so that you can verify the spacing and the splice length or development length.

c. Use a plastic glove, when checking the rebars as holding steel with bare hands may cause harm to the skin of of your body.

d. Should be familiar with the physical features of the construction component i.e. installing the drainage pipe or electrical conduit or replacing water stopper and any other pipes / embedded item.

e. Use vernier caliper to verify rebar diameter, rebar spacing, rebar development length, lap / splice length, alignment. Other important things range from no sag or buckling in the bars, perfectly fixed & tightened couplers, rust free bars, verifying clear cover, counting no of bars as per drawing specifications and must not be below or over 2 bars.

f. As a newbie in this field, try to keep in touch with contractor’s foreman or site engineer as they know well how to arrange these bars.

g. You should have good knowledge concerning the steel quality tests like tensile strength check or torsion failure strength or coupler tension strength check etc. Make sure that the steel are used after proper verification and poor quality steels are used.

h. Because of rough field conditions and difficultly in setting up / fixing of rebars, the proper design can’t be created. But you must be very careful about it as improper design may lead to collapse of a building.

i. One of the very crucial factors is to retain the exact orientation of bars like main rebars should be always arranged under the distribution or temperature rebars. It can be verified from the drawings submitted to you.

Ref.: www.iamcivilengineer.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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A Useful Demonstration On Reinforcing Detailing Of R.C.C Members

A design engineer should take liabilities for ensuring the structural security of the design, details, checking shop drawing.

Detailing is also a vital part of any construction as perfect detailing of engineering designs is required in the planning and engineering phase for proper accomplishment as well as safety of the structures. Defective connections or detailing may lead to collapsing.

Detailing plays an important role for the steel structures as well as for the RCC members as it remains the translation of all the mathematical expression’s and equation’s results.

For commonly used RCC members, the detailing can be segregated for Slabs-with or without openings.(Rectangular,circular,non-rectangular-pyramid slab,triangular etc) balcony slab, loft slab, corner slab etc

Beams – With or without openigs.(Shallow & deep beams)

Columns – (Rectangular,l-shape,t-shape, circular,octagonal,cross shape etc)

Foundations.

Detailing for gravity loads differs with the lateral loads particularly for the SEISMIC FORCES.

A different types of detailing is essential for the Rehabilitation and strengthening of damaged structures.

For perfect DETAILING, the following processes are necessary:-

DO’S-GENERAL

Make drawings perfectly and label each bar & show its shape for accuracy

Cross section of retaining wall is collapsed instantaneously due to placing of soil backfill that contains ¼” dia instead of 1-1/4” dia. The error may happen as proper rebar dia was covered with a dimension line.

• If required, generate bar-bending schedule.
• Specify perfect cover-clear cover, nominal cover or effective cover to reinforcement.
• Select detailed location of opening/hole and provide sufficient details for reinforcements just about the openings.
• Apply the bars and spirals which are generally available. For a single structural member, the number of various sizes of the bars should be lowest.
• There should be clear information in the drawing for the grade of the steel.
• Deformed bars should contain at their ends.
• Show distended details at corners, intersections of walls, beams and column joint and at parallel situations.
• Blockage of bars should be avoided at points where members intersect and make certain that all rein. Can be properly placed.
• In the case of bundled bars, lapped splice of bundled bars shall be made by splicing one bar at a time; such individual splices within the bundle shall be staggered.
• Make sure that hooked and bent up bars can be placed and have adequate concrete protection.
• Indicate all expansion, construction and contraction joints on plans and provide details for such joints.
• The placing of construction joints should remain at the point of minimum shear roughly at mid or near the mid points. It is developed vertically and not in a sloped manner.

To read the complete article, visit www.engineeringcivil.com

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Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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A position is vacant for Assistant Staff Project Manager - Construction Materials Testing

An award-winning consulting firm that provides geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing and environmental and facilities consulting services and has been ranked as one of the top 100 engineering and environmental firms by ENR, is seeking an assistant staff project manager for construction materials testing.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Mainly perform with management of construction materials testing projects. The candidate has to take liabilities for testing of soils, foundations, reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, masonry, structural steel, fire proofing and asphalt pavement. Besides, there are other project management liabilities which range from application of technical support, day-to-day assessment of field reports, checking progression of project for performance and budgetary conditions, support with collection efforts, planning for proposals and invoicing, participating with project site meetings and providing support with the resolution to technical and administrative problems.

Functionalities:

• Analysis of soils, foundations, reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, masonry, structural steel, fireproofing and asphalt pavement.

• Laboratory tests.

• Day-to-day field reports.

• Project meeting and providing support in project resolutions.

• Scheduling, training and oversight of field technicians.

• Special inspections of structural components.

• Development of proposals.

Qualifications: 

• BSCE from an ABET recommended college/university required; knowledge with MS Geotechnical Engineering will be an added advantage.

• 0-2 years working experience with associated field.

• EIT certification desired. Possibility for acquiring a PE license is essential for career development.

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

• Interest in project management and the ability to work effectively in teams, with clients, peers and subordinates, as required.

Notes: Please specify your compensation expectations [$$/hour] while sending application for this post otherwise your application will be disqualified. This position is non-exempt under FSLA. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Link for application

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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