Posts by Kanwarjot Singh

Before undertaking a construction project it is necessary to know the expected cost and it is worked out by estimation. It is a computation of the quantities required and expenditure likely to be in the construction of the work.

The following are the different types of estimates:

1. Preliminary or Approximate Estimate:
This estimate is prepared to decide the financial aspects,policy and to give the idea of the cost of the proposal to the competent sanctioning authority.The calculation for approximate estimate is done in many ways. There are three types of approximate estimate
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INTRODUCTION
Self compacting concrete is a type of concrete that needs no mechanical vibration or any external source for vibration for its compaction. It can be placed under its own weight and it is cohesive much to be handled without bleeding or segregation. However, the circumstances under which it is made should be free from any kind of noise or any kind of vibration that may damage or alter the property of such concrete. Such concrete is used specially in places where compacting is difficult. Hence it has been gaining traction since its discovery and is more used in important works to ensure structural performance and safety. It is widely used in various important project sites, drilled shafts, retaining systems, pipes, conduits, columns, floor finishing and many more.
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Soil classification is the arrangement of soils into different groups such that the soils in a particular group have similar behavior under given set of physical conditions.Any soil classification system must provide us with information about the probable engineering behaviour of a soil.The most commonly used properties for soil classification are

i) Grain size distribution
ii) Plasticity of soil
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INTRODUCTION
Before coming to the design part, it is important to know the importance of lintels in structure. A lintel is a horizontal structural member that is present on top of doors, windows, etc. to support the top load falling on these openings. These are used for load bearing purposes, to transfer its load to the side walls and sometimes for decorative purposes. These can be made of wood or concrete; however, concrete is widely used due to its strength and durability. These can also be prestressed for better load carrying capacity.
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INTRODUCTION
A slab is a structural element that is used to support ceilings and floors. It is made of concrete and reinforcements are provided to support it. It is several inches thick and it rests on beams and columns. It is estimated that a concrete slab lasts for about 30 to 100 years if it is built with good grade of concrete and steel. Usually for residential purpose M20 is used.

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INTRODUCTION
Footings are the bases laid on the soil on top of which a structure is erected. Thus, it is the foundation on which a building or any such structure stands upon. They are made of concrete having reinforcements inside them and are poured into an excavated ditch or conduit. Before the foundation is built, a test is done to assess the strength ofthe soil bearing capacity to ascertain the type of foundation to be built.

Given below are the types of footing and the situation under which they are applied is defined for better understanding-
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INTRODUCTION
Admixtures are added to the concrete mix to reduce water content, accelerate or decelerate the setting property, make concrete light and modify concrete properties. They are added immediately before or during the mixing of concrete. Excessive amount of water may lead to excessive bleeding and segregation that is why admixtures are added to control such constituents of concrete. This imbalance makes the concrete weak and the strength will also be affected. Many admixtures provide the combination of Superplasticizers, plasticizers or air entrainers. In laboratories, the admixtures are added during concrete preparation but in field not much time can be given on mixing and making concrete appropriate for using quickly. Hence, admixtures are added in cement clinkers formation and then transported to the site for ready to use.
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INTRODUCTION
Contracts provide a legal framework or a set of protocols to be carried out to establish a legal settlement between the two parties involved. It avoids any such unnecessary confusion that may arise leading to disputes. These are the keys to guide business relationships across all sectors. Not only that, these are helpful for contractors to better estimate the time and money to be used up in the project. Also, it helps the contractors to utilise their powers for gaining maximum profit out of it.

When contracts are not met as per the requirements, then action has to be taken at the initial stages, otherwise conflicts may arise leading to unprofessionalism and disputes. Contracts address labour requirements, incentives involved, money matters, time of delivery, economic construction, choice of equipment, and so on. Thus, it is essential if the construction works are to be carried out smoothly.
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INTRODUCTION
Strength and workability are both dominating factors in the making of concrete. Strength can be increased by increasing cement content but this in fact reduces the workability. Moreover,the water content can be increased for better workability, but this affects the strength. Hence,a perfect balance is to be maintained for both strength and workability. Furthermore, besides cement and water content, some other factors contribute greatly, which will be discussed as follows.
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INTRODUCTION
It consists of various items of work in the form of a statement depicting quantities, description and rate per unit. It is used to define the quality and quantity of works to be carried out by main contractor for completing work. It is made in tabular format and is mainly used for inviting tender and supplied to contractors to fill up the rates. On receipt of tenders the rates are compared and decision is made regarding the work. It is prepared by quantity surveyors and building estimators to be handed over to contractor.

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