Setting Time Test of Concrete The setting of concrete is a gradual process, and therefore its initial and final setting times must be defined by specified measurable criteria. The penetration resistance method determines these times from the resistance offered by the mortar fraction sieved from fresh concrete. Reference ASTM C403/C403M – Time of Setting of … Read more
Concrete durability is often governed not only by its compressive strength but also by the quality of its surface zone. The outer layer of concrete is the first line of defence against rainwater, moisture and other environmental actions. A concrete surface that absorbs water rapidly may indicate poor finishing, inadequate curing, a porous surface layer … Read more
Concrete Pavement Construction Process The construction of concrete pavement involves sequential construction of subgrade, sub-base/ base and the concrete slab. These are discussed in the following. Subgrade preparation Subgrade preparation involves cleaning, earthwork (excavation or filling of soil, replacement of weak soil, soil stabilization etc.) and compaction. Where the concrete layer is laid directly over the subgrade, the subgrade … Read more
The compressive strength test is one of the most important quality-control tests for concrete. ASTM C39/C39M covers the determination of compressive strength of molded concrete cylinders and drilled cores having a density greater than 800 kg/m³. The test involves applying a continuously increasing axial compressive load until failure and calculating the strength from the maximum … Read more
Concrete may look rigid and immovable, but a concrete structure is continuously subjected to dimensional changes throughout its service life. Changes in temperature, drying shrinkage, creep, moisture and other environmental effects can cause concrete to expand, contract or deform. If these movements are restrained, stresses can develop within the concrete. When the induced tensile stress … Read more
Sustainability of Concrete Concrete is everywhere. From foundations and retaining walls to bridges, dams, high-rise buildings, industrial plants and roads, modern infrastructure would be almost impossible to imagine without it. But concrete has a sustainability problem. The issue is not really concrete itself. The biggest environmental impact comes from the cement used to make concrete—particularly … Read more
Introduction to the 30% Productivity Target For many years, the construction industry has faced a major challenge. Projects often run over budget. They also take longer than planned. In 1994, Sir Michael Latham published a famous report called Constructing the Team. In this report, he suggested a bold goal. He stated that the construction industry … Read more
Activity Sampling Method to Measure Construction Productivity In the construction business, managing efficiency is a major key to financial success. However, construction projects face unique challenges. Unlike a factory, a construction site is not a controlled environment. Assembly line workers repeat the exact same task in a stable workspace. In contrast, construction workers face hundreds … Read more
Concrete is no longer just a mixture of cement, sand, aggregates, and water. Modern structures such as high-rise buildings, long-span bridges, marine structures, metro projects, and industrial plants demand concrete that is stronger, denser, and far more durable than conventional concrete. One material that has completely changed the way high-performance concrete is produced is silica … Read more
Modern surveying has evolved far beyond traditional optical instruments. Today, surveyors use advanced digital technologies such as robotic total stations, GNSS receivers, LiDAR scanners, AI-powered drones, and cloud-based software to collect highly accurate spatial data faster than ever before. These innovations have transformed land surveying, construction, mining, infrastructure development, utility mapping, and smart city projects … Read more
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