WHAT IS SUPER ELEVATION ?

SUPER ELEVATION:
 

When a vehicle travels in a circular path or curved path, it is subjected to an outward force which makes a vehicle to overturn and skid due to Centrifugal Force. To overcome this force and for safe travel of  a vehicle, the outer edge of the road is raised above the inner edge.This is known as Super elevation or Banking of road.

Super Elevation / Banking of road reduces the effect of centrifugal force on the running wheels. If the super elevation is not provided, the entire centripetal force is produced by the friction between the vehicle's tires and the roadway, thus the results in reducing the speed of the vehicle.

ADVANTAGES: 

• Super elevation is provided to achieve the higher speed of the vehicles.It increases the stability of the fast moving vehicles when they pass through a horizontal curve, and it also decreases the stresses on the foundation.
• In the absence of super elevation on the road along curves, potholes are likely to occur at the outer edge of the road.
• The Indian road congress (IRC) has prescribed the max value of super elevation as 1 in 15.

Super Elevation Formula:

                         Super Elevation = e + f = V² / 127R

• e = Rate of Super elevation in %
• f = Lateral friction factor = 0.15
• V = Velocity of vehicle in m/s
• R = Radius of circular curve in meters.  

 

HONEYCOMBS IN CONCRETE-CAUSES AND REMEDIES

Fig.1

Honeycombs are hollow spaces and cavities or voids which will happen when the concrete cannot reach the Full mass. The fig.1 shows us the honeycomb which is present outside the column. 

Below are some reasons for honeycombs in concrete,

• Improper vibration to concrete (Fig.1)
• Use of hardened concrete (i.e.,) the concrete which is going to attain its setting time.
• Less cover to the reinforcement (Fig.2)
• In places like junction of beam-column-beam because, these area contains more number of reinforcement and hence it has less cover to the rods.

Honeycombs are formed generally due to the improper vibration to concrete but, in some cases, these honeycombs wont be visible for that we have to use Ultrasonic testing,etc. 

Fig.2

Invisible cavities can be seen in Concrete Slab. These invisible cavities can be found on curing because, it causes leakage in slab. If it is not found earlier it may lead to corrosion of main reinforcement and hence causes the slab to failure.

The normal honeycombs on outer region should be strictly broken with a hammer until we get a Hard Surface and the portion should be concreted with grouting chemical to old surface but, in most of the cases normal cement slurry is used with mortar.

If proper cover to the reinforcement is provided most of this problem will be prevented. The Site Engineer should take more care towards clear cover to the reinforcement and in Junction, the beam rods should be placed in column with more clear cover to the reinforcement.

For Column=25 m

  For Beam   =25 mm

 For Slab     =12 mm

If clear cover at junction portion is unavailable, it should be bent to some extent and should be placed with proper clear cover. On concreting, the outer side of the shuttering at the junction portion can be tapped to minimize the formation of honeycombs and the concrete mix with addition of water can be increased slightly.  

For Invisible cavities, it should be broken and cleaned out and then it should be filled with waterproofing concrete.

STEEL COLUMN FORMWORK Vs PLYWOOD COLUMN FORMWORK

fig.1 Plywood Column Formwork

Many of you may seen in Small buildings, the usage of Steel Column box for casting column is more compared to Plywood. The reason behind this one is the cost difference between them. But, the absolute quality and look is always better when using Plywood box.

  fig.2 Steel Column Formwork   

In most of the small buildings, the contractors always go for steel formwork because to save few bucks but in the same sense that the steel column box will not give the desired results as expected. However, it is then covered in plastering. In some worst cases, this type of work leads to increase in thickness of plastering. Below figures shows us the effect of Steel Column Box

fig.3(a)

In fig.3(a), the top portion of column shows the deviation in actual placement of beam, this is due to the bend in the Steel Column box. To prevent such things, the Site Engineer should take more responsibility and there should be proper selection of formwork material. These types of errors should be taken more care. Each and every Steel Column Formwork should be properly checked for Right Angle at site, if it is not it must be replaced with good ones. 

In Other hand, after Unboxing of column we can also see the undulation in the surface of the column, these undulations shows the real quality difference between both the formworks. These type of errors wont happen in Plywood Column Formwork that's why we should always prefer Plywood Formwork. In High rise and Big Buildings, we wont able to see the use of Steel formwork for column why because, the cost of Plywood wont make much difference there.  

WHY YOU SHOULD GO WITH ORACLE PRIMAVERA P6 ? - 10 ADVANTAGES OF PRIMAVERA P6

PRIMAVERA P6:

The word Primavera is now sound everywhere in the field of Project management. Primavera provides project and product management for the construction , IT , manufacturing , oil and gas industries. It makes the large and complex projects into easy manageable ones by efficiently planning, managing and reviewing of the project. 

Primavera was launched by Primavera Systems Inc in 1983 and it was acquired by Oracle corporation in 2008. 

WHY YOU SHOULD GO WITH PRIMAVERA P6 ?

1.PRIMAVERA P6 REDUCES RISK

When your schedule has inconsistencies, errors, or overrun issues, project expenses will grow. this could mean cutting more vital aspects of the project to compensate for the excess costs.Using Primavera P6 helps identify and mitigate risks in the course of planning, managing, and completing a project.

2.EASY TO USE SOFTWARE

Primavera P6 offers many complex analyses and processes; however, accessing and managing the schedule remains simple. Simply input your information, and wait for the software to determine if any problems exists. For example, worker shifts may be uncovered, have too many employees, or additional raw materials may  be needed. P6 may be used throughout an entire project, even large, multi-tier projects.

3.OPTIMIZED RESOURCES

Primavera P6 allows all involved in a project to carefully monitor resource availability and adjust such resources to meet project demands. Furthermore, the software can help identify areas where resource costs may be reduced by analyzing resource trends and costs.

4.ENHANCED VISIBILITY

Visibility and Compliance with political and environmental regulations are among the top priorities for the project managers and business executives. Since Oracle Primavera P6 allows all data to be entered, tracked, and analyzed in one location, you can ensure your project does not pose any possible violations.

5.FORECASTING OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES

As a project evolves, the project may require additional resources, activities,and tasks to meet stakeholder demands. Within Oracle Primavera P6, project managers can create forecasts, activities, and other project needs.

6.TRACKING FEATURES

The tracking features of Primavera P6 allow users to rapidly generate reports, ensure all projects are completed as requested and maintain baseline adherence.

7.ENHANCED COMMUNICATION

Some project may span large geographical areas, require hundreds of workers, and involve many different parties. Primavera P6 enables executive-level staff to communicate with other workers, project managers, and planners easily. Furthermore, notes can be made to the schedule in the software to ensure all users see the message.

8.IMPROVED COLLABORATION

Since communication is enhanced throughout a project, it's easy to see how improved collaboration. This is especially important when projects span large areas. For example, projects in the energy production industries may require collaboration between many different parties.

9.GIVES EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY IN SCHEDULE CREATION

Primavera P6 makes the scheduling and planning easier by allowing users access to the schedule. Additionally, you may allow workers to create their schedules within the software from their location. Workers may also make schedule requests within the software, turn in timesheets, and perform other scheduling functions.

10.BREAKDOWN COMPLEX PROJECTS

The size of a project can be overwhelming. Oracle P6 allows project managers to break large projects into smaller, achievable projects, tasks, and activities.

Oracle Primavera P6 popularity is rapidly growing for its ability to plan, manage,and control all facets of a project. Once you have obtained Primavera training, you may able to gain access to better career opportunities. Ultimately Primavera P6 is like a door to make a successful future. 

 Download the software here:

HOW TO CALCULATE CONCRETE VOLUME?

In this post, we are going to discuss "How to calculate concrete volume and it's ingredients?"

How to Calculate Concrete Volume?

If it is a volume, then we know there must be 3 dimensions, Length, Height, Width or Breadth.

For Slab, If we need to calculate the concrete volume,

<sup>Volume = Length x Breadth x Width / Thickness = 5 x 3 x 0.125 = 3.75 cu.m

For Beam,  If we need to calculate the concrete volume,</sup>

<sup>Volume = Length x Breadth x Width = 5 x 0.6 x 0.3 = 0.9 cu.m

For Column, If we need to calculate the concrete volume,</sup>

 <sup>Rectangular Column, Volume = Height x Breadth x Width = 5 x 0.6 x 0.3 = 0.9 cu.m

Circular Column , Volume = 𝛑r˄2h = 3.14 x (0.15)˄2 x 5 = 0.35 cu.m

CONCRETE INGREDIENTS CALCULATION:

For cement, sand and coarse aggregate.

This is a volumetric calculation.

Assuming we need 2 cu.m of concrete for M20 mix,(Mix ratio, M20 = 1:1.5:3)

Total part of the concrete = 1 + 1.5 + 3 = 5.5 parts

Therefore, Cement Quantity = (Cement Part / Concrete Parts) x Concrete Volume

= (1 / 5.5) x Concrete Volume = (1 / 5.5) x 2 = 0.3636 cu.m

Density of Cement = 1440 kg / cu.m = 0.3636 x 1440 = 523 kg = 10.5 approx.bags

Sand Quantity = (Sand Part / Concrete Parts) x Concrete Volume = (1 / 5.5) x 2 = 0.5454 cu.m

Coarse Aggregate = (Coarse aggregate part / Concrete parts) x Concrete Volume = (3 / 5.5) x 2 = 1.09 cu.m

WATER CEMENT RATIO:

According to IS 10262 (2009), Assuming Water-Cement Ratio for the concrete as 0.45

Required amount of water = W/C ratio x Cement volume 

Therefore, Water = 0.45 x 0.3636 = 0.16362 cu.m

[Unit Weight of Water = 1000 liters/cu.m] 

Required amount of water = 0.16362 x 1000 = 163.32 liters

Therefore,we need 10.5 bags of cement , 0.5454 cu.m of sand , 1.09 cu.m of coarse aggregates and 163.62 liters of water.</sup>

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLASTERING AND POINTING

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLASTERING AND POINTING:

Plastering and pointing or two common terms in building construction. However, both are not same. The difference between plastering and pointing are as follows:

1. The main objective of plastering is to protect the exposed surface of the masonry. That's why motor is applied to the total surface of the masonry. But in pointing only joints are filled with mortar.

2. Cement, sand, lime mortar is used in plastering. But only cement mortar is used in pointing.

3. Plastering is done both the inside and outside surfaces. Pointing is done only on the outside parts.

4. Large amount of materials is required for plastering work. On the other hand less amount of materials is required in pointing work.

5. After plastering the surface becomes smooth and plain. It gives better appearance to the structure. But after Pointing the surface do not become plain as plastering.

6. After plastering the defects of masonry are not visible, but the defects of masonry can be seen in case of pointing.

7. Plastering can be done in all types of brick surface. But pointing is only suitable for first class bricks.

SITE ENGINEER'S CHECKLIST FOR QUALITY BRICKWORK

BRICKWORK CHECKLIST FOR SITE ENGINEERS:

While on site, a site engineer must ensure that the brickwork is going on as per quality requirements. Some of the general requirements of quality of brickwork are mentioned below. Use this as a checklist while executing brickwork.

 1. The thickness of joint in brick masonry should not exceed 1 cm.

 2. The face joints should be raked to a depth of 15mm by raking      tool when the mortar is still green so as to provide proper key for plastering or pointing.

 3.Brick work should be taken up in layers not exceeding one meter height at a time.

 4.Check that the brick work is in plumb.

 5.Check that the brick courses are in level.

 6.Check the quality of bricks with specific reference to

• Strength
• Efflorescence
• Dimensional accuracy
• Water absorption

 

 7.Check that no brick bats are used as queen closer.

 8.Check strength of mortar by scratching with sharp instrument like screw driver.

 9.Check the quality of sand in mortar.(Test for fitness modulus and silt content).

10.Check mixing of  mortar whether done by hand or by machine, whether mixing is done on a proper platform.

11.Check arrangements for curing.

12.Whether raking of green joints done or not.

13.Whether soaking of bricks done or not.

14.Check general quality of works with reference to lines, levels, 
thickness and trueness of the joints.  

15.Whether brick corners are provided properly by a proper brick closer and not by pitting brick bats.

16.Whether top courses in plinth, in window sill and below RCC slab and parapet are provided with brick on edge.

17.Whether joints of brick work are filled with mortar fully, check especially vertical joints.

18.Check type of scaffolding and whether tied and braced properly.

19.Check reinforcement in brick partition wall, whether provided.

20.Check bonding of cross wall with long walls.

21.Whether holes left in the brick work while execution for supporting scaffolding are filled with concrete and not with dry bricks.