WATER BOUND MACADAM The concept of water bound macadam road was suggested by John Macadam, who was a Scottish engineer. The road whose wearing course consists of clean crushed aggregates, mechanically interlocked by rolling and bound together with filler material and water laid on a well compacted base course, is called water bound macadam (W.B.M) … Read more
Components Contributing Settlement of Soil Total settlement ρ in mm, which is the response of stress applied to the soil, may be calculated as the sum of three components ρ = ρi + ρc + ρs Where, ρ = Total settlement, mm ρi = Immediate or distortion settlement, mm ρc = Primary consolidation settlement, mm … Read more
BASIC COMPONENTS OF AN EARTH DAM An earth dam consists of three basic components, i.e. Foundation Core or (membrane) Shell Transition Filter Internal Drain Toe Drain 1. Foundation It consists of either earth or rock and provides a support for the embankment and resists both vertical and horizontal loads. It also resists under seepage on … Read more
Advantages & Disadvantages of Earth Dams The dams which are built of rock, gravel, sand, silt or clay in various combinations by placing, rolling or tamping these materials, are called Earth Dams or Non-rigid Dams. Advantages of Earth Dams In spite of the structural incompressibity of earth and water, many earth dams have been constructed … Read more
Timber Classification The terms timber and wood are often used synonymously, but they have distinct meanings in the building industry. Wood is the hard, fibrous material that makes up the tree under the bark, whereas timber may be defined as a wood which retains its natural physical structure and chemical composition and is suitable for … Read more
Piles are structural members that are made of steel, concrete, or timber. They are used to build pile foundations, which are deep and which cost more than shallow foundations. Despite the cost, the use of piles often is necessary to ensure structural safety. The following list identifies some of the conditions that require pile foundations: … Read more
Design Considerations for Pile Foundation The pile foundation analysis is based upon several simplifying assumptions which affect the accuracy of the results. The computed results must always be reviewed with engineering judgement by the design engineer to assure that the values are reasonable. Also, the analysis results should be compared with load test results. The … Read more
Determination of Residue of Bitumen Emulsion Purpose This test is done for the determination of residue of bituminous emulsion by sieving through 600-micron is sieve. Apparatus 600 Micron IS Sieve — A circular sieve approximately 100 mm in diameter and 40 mm height. Metal or Glass Dish — A small metal or glass dish about … Read more
Lime Reactivity Test Purpose This method of test covers the procedure for determining the reactivity of the pozzolanic material (such as fly ash) with hydrated lime, as represented by compressive strength of standard mortar test cubes prepared and tested under specific conditions. Size and Number of Test Specimens The tests specimen shall be 50 mm … Read more
A FIGHT AGAINST TRAFFIC Congested roadways are common problems that all drivers have to deal with. Whether commuting to work or enjoying a leisurely drive through the city, it is a problem that causes a great deal of stress and unnecessary frustration. However, while it is still a large problem, many engineers are dedicating their … Read more