Archive for category Building Construction
Conduits | Building Construction
Posted by BenzuJK in Building Construction on February 3, 2012
Construction of Conduits | Civil Engineering
In the previous article, we discussed “Types of Underground Conduits”. Now we will proceed with our discussion on “Construction of Conduits”.
Underground conduits can also be termed as buried conduits. They are constructed in variety of shapes with different materials used for construction.
Load on the conduit
The characters of the conduit determine the load withstanding capacity of the conduit. They are as follows:
- Material of the conduit
- Shape
- Type of the support
For example:
If we take the example of a concrete conduit (rigid material), the load that the concrete conduit can withstand would depend on the following:
- Strength of the concrete pipe
- Quality of the foundation bedding
How to determine the strength of the conduit?
A three edge bearing test has to be conducted in order to determine the strength of the conduit.
Three edge bearing test
This test simulates a very severe loading condition which would rarely occur in the actual conduits. This helps us determine the maximum load the conduit can take. It has been seen that the conduits can take greater load than that obtained in the test.
Types of Underground Conduits | Civil Engineering
Posted by BenzuJK in Building Construction on February 2, 2012
Underground Conduits
What are conduits?
Conduits have different meanings in different subjects.
For example:
Geographically, conduits could refer to a channel carrying water, underground tunnel or waterway (river or canal).
In terms of electrical systems, it may refer to an electrical conduit, HVAC (duct) etc.
Electrical Conduits
We are referring to the conduits which is laid underground and used for variety of purposes.
For example:
- Sewers
- Drains
- Culverts
- Water mains
- Gas lines
- Electrical cables
- Telephone lines
Construction of Earth Tunnels | Building Construction
Posted by BenzuJK in Building Construction on February 1, 2012
How to construct Earth Tunnels?
In this article, we will discuss the procedure of the construction of the Earth Tunnels in a stepwise manner. It will be useful to you all in understanding and remembering the procedure.
We would be studying the construction method of tunnel in two types of soils:
- Firm soil
- Soft soil
Step1:
Excavation of the ground from below. It is similar to the process used in mining.
Step2:
Check the type and bearing capacity of soil. The method of construction would depend upon the ability of soil to support itself temporarily during construction.
It also depends on the ability of the soil to withstand the magnitude of pressure imposed on it during construction.
Construction of Earth Tunnel
Step3:
It is important to understand the factors that affect these parameters. They are as follows:
- Depth of the tunnel
- Diameter of the tunnel
- Properties of the soil
- Ground water table
Support to the Tunnel
Most of the time, the tunnel requires temporary support during construction and a permanent support after construction.
Interview with Architect Javed Kachchhi | Construction Site Inspection
Posted by BenzuJK in Building Construction on January 25, 2012
What to do on a”Site Inspection/Site Visit”?
Students are always curious and nervous about site visits since this is never taught in any of the colleges in the world. Students have absolutely no idea as to what is to be done when an engineer or Architect is expected to inspect the site. By site, I mean construction site….
I took some time out and tried getting in touch with Architect Javed Kachchhi, the Founder and Chief Architect of the firm “Archeng Designers” based in Hyderabad, India. He is a well known Indian Architect who specializes in Modern sustainable construction.
Check out his biography: Architect Javed Kachchhi | Modern Indian Architect
He is an Architect, Structural Engineer and an Interior Designer. That is the reason why I was so hung up on trying to get in touch with him and write about his experiences about site inspection.
Here we go….
My first question was…
Me: Sir, could you tell us, What exactly is “Site Inspection” or “Site Visit”?
Ar. Javed Kachchhi: Well, let me be very specific. I am sure your readers would like that.
On a site inspection, an Architect/Engineer has to take a complete survey of the site. He has to inspect each and every element that is constructed on site and make sure that the construction is being carried on as per the drawings given by the Architect.
Me: Who monitors the site?
Ar. Javed Kachchhi: Monitoring the site is the work of Site Engineers. Site Engineers have to have a degree in Civil Engineering in order to qualify for the job.
Understanding Load Calculations | Structural Design
Posted by BenzuJK in Building Construction on January 19, 2012
Load Calculations | Design of Buildings
In our earlier article, we discussed “Different types of loads” and their importance in Structural design.
Now we will move on with our further discussion on the following points:
- Design principle assumption and notation assumed
- Design Constant
- Assumptions regarding Design
- Loads on Beams
- Loads on slabs
Design principle assumption and notation assumed:
The notations adopted throughout are same as given in IS:456:2000
Density of material used in accordance with reference to IS:857-1987s
| Sr.no | Material | Density |
| 1 | Plain concrete | 24 KN/m3 |
| 2 | Reinforced cement concrete | 25 KN/m3 |
| 3 | Flooring material (cement mortar) | 1.00 KN/m3 |
| 4 | Brick masonry | 19 KN/m3 |
Design constant
Using M20 and Fe415 grade of concrete and steel respectively for columns and footings
Therefore:
Fck – i. e. Characteristic strength for M15 – 15 N/mm2
Fck – i. e. Characteristic strength for M15 – 15 N/mm2
Fck – i. e. Characteristic strength for M20 – 20 N/mm2
Fy – i. e. Characteristic strength for steel – 415 N/mm2