What is Drilling Mud? Drilling mud is thin slurry of clay in water. Special clay called bentonite, characterized by its ‘thixotropic (gelling) property’, is used for this purpose. How such a humble material has all but revolutionized the practice of modern geotechnical engineering is little known to professional geotechnical engineers themselves, not to speak of … Read more
In-situ Tests on Soil In situ testing is a division of field testing corresponding to the cases where the ground is tested in-place by instruments that are inserted in or penetrate the ground. In-situ tests are normally associated with tests for which a borehole either is unnecessary or is only an incidental part of the … Read more
The main objective of thermal insulation of heat insulation of a building is to conserve a constant heat or temperature inside building, irrespective of temperature changes outside. Methods of Heat Insulation or Thermal Insulation The heat in a building structure is mainly transmitted through the roofs, exposed walls and exposed wall openings, such as windows, … Read more
What is Shuttering or Formwork? As fresh concrete is in a plastic state, when it is placed for construction purposes, so it becomes necessary to provide some temporary structure to confine and support the concrete, till it gains sufficient strength for self supporting. This temporary structure is called formwork or shuttering. Requirements of Formwork or … Read more
White Washing of Wall Surface The complete process of white washing can be carried out under the following operations. Preparation of white wash Preparation of surface Application of white wash Step-1 [Preparation of White Wash] The white wash is prepared from fresh burnt shell lime or pure stone lime mixed with water. Shell lime is … Read more
Improving Earthquake Resistance of Small Buildings The earthquake resistance of small buildings may be increased by taking some precautions and measures in site selections, building planning and constructions as explained below: 1. Site Selection The building constructions should be avoided on (a) Near unstable embankments (b) On sloping ground with columns of different heights (c) … Read more
Presentation of Geotechnical Investigation Report Upon completion of the geotechnical investigation and analysis, the information and findings must be compiled in a standard report format. The report serves as the permanent record of all geotechnical data known to be pertinent to the project and is referred to throughout the design, construction, and service life of … Read more
Repair of Potholes Potholes are the most frequent type of failure found in bituminous wearing surfaces. Potholes may be caused by defective drainage, frost action in the base, settlement of the base, or heavy traffic. A small pothole may be’ surrounded by a large area that is progressively failing. A pothole may be repaired with … Read more
Determination of Organic Matter in Soil Purpose: This test is performed to determine the organic content of soils. The organic content is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the mass of organic matter in a given mass of soil to the mass of the dry soil solids. Standard Reference: ASTM D 2974 – Standard … Read more
Relative Density or Density Index Test of Sand Purpose: This lab is performed to determine the relative density of cohesionless, free-draining soils using a vibrating table. The relative density of a soil is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the difference between the maximum index void ratio and the field void ratio of a … Read more