Types of Soil Shear Test Based on Drainage Condition The shear strength parameters in the case of saturated soils depend very much upon the drainage conditions and therefore in the laboratory shear test, the drainage condition expected in the field for a particular problem should be simulated. Based on drainage condition the shear tests are … Read more
Popping and Pitting Test of Lime Objective To determine popping and pitting of lime sample as per IS-6932-part-10 Theory This test is a measure to study the unsoundness of building limes. Popping, pitting and blowing are due to the presence of coarse unslaked or only partially slaked particles. On final slaking, these cause dislodgement of … Read more
Uses of Geotextiles Geotextiles are porous fabric manufactured from synthetic material such as polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride and various mixtures of these. They are available in thicknesses ranging from 10 to 300 mils (1 mil = 1/1000 inch) in widths upto 30 ft, in roll lengths upto 2000 ft. The permeability of geotextile … Read more
Defects in Brickwork The followings are some of the common defects in brickwork that are found at construction site. The bricks used were of substandard quality compared to the quality specified in the contract. No tests were carried out to find out the efflorescence level and water absorption in the bricks The bricks were not … Read more
Quality Requirements of Pumped Concrete Pumped concrete can be used for most structural concrete construction but is most useful where space for construction equipment is limited or access is difficult. Concrete pumps can be either truck- or trailer mounted and range from small units, exerting pressures from 250 to 300 psi and outputs of 15 … Read more
Selection of Concrete Mix Proportions Concrete mix proportions is a process of optimization of several desirable characteristics based on the project requirements. The characteristics to be optimized are economy, strength, durability, and placeability. 1. Economy The primary reason for systematically determining mixture proportions is economy. The maximum economy can be achieved by minimizing the amount … Read more
Characteristics of Good Mortar The chief properties of hardened mortar are strength, development of good bond with building units, resistance to weathering and those of green mortar mixes are mobility, placability and water retention. In addition, the mortar should be cheap and durable and should not affect the durability of building units in contact. The … Read more
Processing of Borrow Area Soils / Backfill Materials The construction of subsurface structures often requires the construction of elements of the structure within or upon large masses of backfill. The proper functioning of these elements are often critically affected by adverse behavioral characteristics of the backfill. Behavioral characteristics are related to material type, water content … Read more
Telltale Signs for Choosing Right Concrete Cutting Contractor for Your Construction Project Most construction projects witness the need for concrete cutting and drilling for various purposes. And thus, it is essential for every size of a contractor, or a construction business, to have a good understanding of concrete cutting and how it can benefit your … Read more
What is Corrosion of Steel? The term corrosion is defined as an act or process of gradual wearing away of a metal due to chemical or electro-chemical reaction by its surroundings such that the metal is converted into an oxide, salt or some other compound. A substance known as rust results from such a process. … Read more