Drilled Pier Foundation Drilled pier foundations belong to the same category as pile foundations. No sharp deviations can be made between piers and piles because both of them serve similar purpose. The distinctions are based on the method of installation. A pile is installed by driving, whereas a pier is installed by excavating. Thus, a … Read more
Effect of Extreme Weather on Concrete Concrete is not recommended to be placed at a temperature above 400C and below 50C without proper precaution as laid down in IS: 7861 (Part-1 or part-2 as the case may be). IS:7861 part-1 deals with hot weather concreting and Part-2 deals with cold weather concreting. Hot Weather Concreting … Read more
Methods of Aggregate Sampling Due to the various sampling locations and the availability of equipment, there are several methods of taking aggregate samples. Uniformity of obtaining the sample cannot be emphasized enough, since it eliminates one variable in test results. The technician must remember that safety comes first. 1. PRODUCTION SAMPLING Bin Sample Sampling the … Read more
Geosynthetics for Ground Improvement Long ago, when difficult sites for construction purposes were to be dealt, the conventional practice was limited to either the replacement of unsuitable soils or adopting suitable foundation which sometimes increases the cost of foundations. Innovative soil modification approaches are evolved to solve soil related problems. One among them is the … Read more
Bearing Capacity Definitions Bearing capacity is the power of foundation soil to hold the forces from the superstructure without undergoing shear failure or excessive settlement. Foundation soil is that portion of ground which is subjected to additional stresses when foundation and superstructure are constructed on the ground. The term bearing capacity qualitatively refers to the … Read more
Electrical Resistivity Test of Soil This method depends on differences in the electrical resistance of different soil (and rock) types. The flow of current through a soil is mainly due to electrolytic action and therefore depends on the concentration of dissolved salts in the pores. The mineral particles of soil are poor conductors of current. … Read more
Aging of Bitumen Binders Bitumen, like any organic matter, is affected by factors like presence of oxygen, ultraviolet rays and changes in temperature. These factors are responsible for hardening of bitumen. Hardening results in Decrease in penetration value Increase in softening point temperature and Increase in penetration index (PI). For increased life of bituminous pavement … Read more
Quality Assurance for Cement Plastering Plastering is a process of applying one or more coats of mortar to a concrete surface, brickwork, stone masonry or lathing. It must be durable such that it resists the penetration of moisture and should be able to weather uniformly. It should also be pleasing in appearance. These properties depend … Read more
Factors influencing Corrosion of Reinforcement In reinforced cement concrete construction the corrosion of reinforcement takes place due to the presence of chlorides and sulphates beyond a critical limit and when sufficient alkalies is not obtained within the concrete to maintain steel in a positive condition. The following factors are responsible for corrosion of steel reinforcement … Read more
Bricks used in construction industry can have the following defects. So before using the bricks, it should be inspected properly for presence of any of the following defects. Different Types of Defects Found on Bricks 1. Over-burning of Bricks Bricks should be burned at temperatures at which incipient, complete and viscous vitrification occur. However, if … Read more