There are some field tests that can be carried out in the field in order to check the quality of sand used for construction. Following tests may be carried out to ascertain the properties of sand: Field Test on Sand Take a glass of water and add some quantity of sand in it. Then shake … Read more
Concrete blocks are available in different forms to be used as construction material, such as Solid concrete blocks Hollow concrete blocks Solid & hollow light weight concrete blocks Autoclave aerated concrete blocks Concrete stone masonry blocks While storing these concrete blocks at site, following guidelines should be followed. Guidelines to Follow While Storing Blocks on … Read more
The cement should be stored carefully. Otherwise it may absorb moisture from the atmosphere and may become useless for the structural work. Following precautions are to be taken for the storage of cement. 1. Moisture If moisture is kept away from cement, it is found that cement will maintain its quality for an indefinite period. … Read more
Following are the properties of a good mortar: Properties of Good Mortar It should be capable of developing good adhesion with the building units such as bricks, stones etc. It should be capable of developing the designed stresses. It should be capable of resisting penetration of rain water. It should be cheap. It should be … Read more
The trees are the tallest living things and the man chops down forests without replanting for tomorrow. The forests are vital for the economic prosperity of land. The man and trees are closely linked and without trees, the life on our planet would be endangered. Importance of Trees It conserves soil moisture It precipitates rainfall … Read more
A concrete is said to be of good quality, if it is strongest, densest, most workable and most economical for the job for which it is prepared. Amount of cement used in concrete should be low and that of aggregate should be high. If the following general requirements are fulfilled, then we can produce the … Read more
Following precautions are to be taken while making use of mortar Consumption of Mortar After preparation, the mortar should be consumed as early as possible. The lime mortar should be consumed within 36 hours after its preparation and it should be kept wet or damp. The cement mortar should be consumed within 30 minutes after … Read more
The knowledge about the site forms a vital role in the safe and economical development of a site. A thorough investigation of the site is an essential preliminary to the construction of any civil engineering works. Objectives of Site Investigation Work To access the general suitability of the site. To achieve safe and economical design … Read more
Based on Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation, there are three components in contribution to the bearing capacity: (i) Surcharge pressure Foundations are normally not placed directly on the ground level. Instead, they are installed at a depth below the existing ground level. The soil pressure arising from the depth of soils serves as a surcharge imposing … Read more
Shallow foundation is commonly accepted as foundation with founding level less than 3m from ground surface. In case surface loads or surface conditions could still affect the bearing capacity, the foundation which sits on it is called shallow foundation. Pad Foundation Pad foundation refers to the foundation which is intended for sustaining concentrated loads from … Read more