Harmful Effects of Dampness Dampness is the presence of hygroscopic or gravitational moisture. Dampness gives rise to unhygienic conditions apart from reduction in strength of structural components of the building. Dampness causes the following harmful effects. Dampness is responsible for breeding of mosquitoes and creates unhealthy living conditions. Due to dampness, moisture travel through walls … Read more
Precast Concrete Piles – Advantages & Disadvantages Precast concrete piles are cast, cured and stored in a yard before they are installed in the field mostly by driving. Advantages of Precast Concrete Piles Reinforcement used in the pile is not liable to change its place or get disturbed The defects in pile can be easily … Read more
Quality Assurance for Cement Plastering Plastering is a process of applying one or more coats of mortar to a concrete surface, brickwork, stone masonry or lathing. It must be durable such that it resists the penetration of moisture and should be able to weather uniformly. It should also be pleasing in appearance. These properties depend … Read more
Basic Components of a Building A building consists of following basic components. 1. Foundation A foundation is necessary to evenly distribute the entire building load on the soil in such a manner that no damaging settlements take place. Hence, the foundations need to be constructed on good/solid ground. 2. Plinth A plinth is normally constructed … Read more
Removal of Forms Forms should not be removed until the concrete has sufficiently hardened in order that it can carry safely its own weight and any other live loads it is subjected to. The supporting period (period between placing of concrete in forms and removal of forms) differ according to the type of cement used … Read more
Careful supervision during concrete manufacture is necessary for all concreting operations such as batching, mixing, transporting, laying, compacting and curing. While inspecting concreting work following points should be remembered for effective quality control. Inspection during Concreting The concrete mix should be designed in the laboratory with the materials to be used in the field. Weight … Read more
Techniques Used for Improving Bearing Capacity of Soil The following techniques can be used for improving bearing capacity of soil as per the site condition. Increasing depth of foundation Draining the soil Compacting the soil Confining the soil Replacing the poor soil Using grouting material Stabilizing the soil with chemicals 1. Increasing Depth of Foundation … Read more
Cement plastering is commonly used as ideal coating for external and internal surface of wall. Cement plaster is usually applied in a single coat or double coat. Double coat plaster is applied where thickness of plaster is required to be more than 15 mm or when it is required to get a very fine finish. … Read more
Concrete flooring is a common type of flooring adopted by many building owners. Concrete flooring can be used in residential, commercial, institutional & public buildings of all types. Before choosing concrete flooring as an option for your building construction, you should know the advantages and disadvantages of it. Advantages of Concrete Flooring 1. Durability A … Read more
Doors and windows are the important part of a house. Right type of doors and windows for house would greatly enhance its overall look and appearance. There are many verities of door and windows available in market. So the process of selection of appropriate doors and windows for house is quite difficult. There are several … Read more