Sustainability of Concrete: How Can We Make Concrete More Sustainable?

Sustainability of Concrete How to make concrete more sustainable

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

How to Improve Construction Productivity by 30%: A Guide by CIB

How to improve construction productivity by 30 percent

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

Stop Guessing Construction Productivity—Use the Activity Sampling Method Instead

Activity sampling method to measure construction productivity

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

How to Determine the Optimum Dosage of Superplasticizer

How to determine optimum dosage of superplasticizer using marsh cone test

Determining the optimum dosage of a superplasticizer is essential for achieving the desired workability, strength, and durability of concrete while avoiding unnecessary admixture consumption. Two of the most widely used laboratory methods for this purpose are the Marsh Cone Test and the Mini Slump Cone Test. In this article, you will learn both methods step … Read more

Dry Material (Solid) Content Test of Chemical Admixtures

Solid content test of chemical admixture

Solid Content Test of Admixture Chemical admixtures have become an essential component of modern concrete, particularly when high workability is required without increasing the water content. Depending on the product, admixtures are supplied either as liquids or as powders. Solid content of admixture impacts its properties. Measuirng solid content helps in following ways. Test Summary … Read more

Strength Activity Index Test for Pozzolanic Material

Strength Activity Index Test for Pozzolanic Materials

Strength Activity Index (SAI) Test (ASTM C311/C311M) Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production is highly energy-intensive and contributes significantly to carbon emissions. To reduce cement consumption and improve sustainability, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are incorporated into concrete. Many of these materials exhibit pozzolanic properties, meaning they react with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂], a by-product of cement hydration, … Read more

How to Improve Productivity on Construction Sites

Construction Productivity Calculator How to Improve Construction Productivity

Introduction Productivity is the backbone of every successful construction project. Higher productivity means faster completion, lower costs, better quality, and improved profitability. Despite strong growth in India’s infrastructure sector, many projects still face delays, labor shortages, material wastage, and cost overruns. Improving site productivity has become a necessity rather than an option. The good news … Read more

DATA DRIVEN DECISION MAKING FOR CONSTRUCTION QUALITY CONTROL

In the dynamic realm of construction, ensuring top-notch quality in every project is paramount. Accurate data collection stands as a cornerstone of quality control, offering invaluable insights into various project facets. From material quality to workforce efficiency, the benefits of meticulous data collection cannot be overstated. Let’s delve into why accurate data collection is crucial … Read more

5 CONSIDERATIONS ON CHOOSING PILE FOUNDATION

Selection of pile foundation

FUNCTION OF A PILE FOUNDATION The primary function of a pile foundation is to transfer load to a deeper soil or rock strata. There can be various reason that can force designers to transfer loads to deeper soil or rock strata. For example The soil at shallow depth is weak, i.e., not able to withstand … Read more

PROCEDURE FOR LAYING AAC BLOCK MASONRY WORK [A HOW TO GUIDE]

ACC BLOCK MASONRY

ACC block stands for autoclaved cellular concrete block. The ACC block is a valuable addition to the masonry units accessible to masonry contractors.  Advantages of cellular concrete block masonry over brick masonry are its lightweight design, minimal mortar use, and faster working speeds Many contractors are unfamiliar with the usage of autoclaved cellular concrete blocks. … Read more