Transported Soil: Definition, Classification, and Comparison with Residual Soil

In the realm of geology and geotechnical engineering, soil serves as the fundamental building block upon which structures and infrastructure stand. Understanding the characteristics and origins of different types of soil is crucial for creating stable foundations and ensuring the longevity of constructed environments. One significant classification within the realm of soil is based on its origin and transportation history, giving rise to the categories of transported soil and residual soil.

In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the definition of transported soil, explore its classification based on transportation modes, draw a detailed comparison with residual soil, and examine their uses in the dynamic field of construction. Additionally, we will analyze the distinct features, advantages, and disadvantages that characterize transported soil.

Understanding Transported Soil: Definition and Formation

Transported soil, also referred to as transported sediment or exogenous soil, embodies soil that has undergone the process of detachment from its original location and has been subsequently transported to a new site through geological processes.

This transportation is often facilitated by agents such as water, wind, ice, or gravity. What sets transported soil apart is its dislodgment from the parent rock or formation site, followed by deposition in an entirely different location. This geological journey imparts distinct characteristics to transported soil compared to the soil in its original position.

Formation of Transported Soil: The formation of transported soil is intrinsically tied to the phenomenon of erosion, which entails the gradual detachment and removal of soil particles from their parent material due to natural forces. These detached particles are then carried by agents such as rivers, glaciers, winds, and landslides. Over time, these transported particles come to rest in new areas, accumulating to form deposits of transported soil.

Classification of Transported Soil

Transported soil exhibits diverse classifications based on the mode of transportation and the agents involved in the relocation process. The primary categories of transported soil encompass:

1. Fluvial Deposits: Soil transported by water, termed fluvial soil, includes alluvial deposits found in river valleys, floodplains, and deltas. The sorting and stratification of fluvial deposits lead to well-defined layers characterized by varying particle sizes.

2. Aeolian Deposits: Soil transported by the force of the wind, termed aeolian soil, is typified by its fine particle transport, which contributes to the formation of dunes and loess deposits.

3. Glacial Deposits: Glaciers facilitate the transportation of soil and rocks as they move. The resulting glacial soil, known as glacial till, constitutes an unsorted mixture of diverse particle sizes. These deposits often exhibit a mixture of angular and rounded particles.

4. Lacustrine Deposits: Soil deposits in lake environments are classified as lacustrine soil. Lakes can trap sediments carried by rivers, fostering the gradual buildup of soil layers.

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co

What is Transportation Engineering and it’s Major Disciplines?

Transportation engineering stands as a vital branch of civil engineering, addressing the intricate interplay of design, planning, construction, and operation within transportation systems. From the intricate web of roads and highways to the arteries of railways, airports, ports, and public transit systems, transportation engineering is the orchestrator of efficient, safe, and sustainable movement.

This article delves into the key disciplines within transportation engineering, delving into the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of transportation engineers in the construction industry and beyond. Additionally, it outlines the educational trajectory required to embark on a career as a transportation engineer, culminating in an exploration of the rich career prospects this field offers.

Major Disciplines of Transportation Engineering

Transportation engineering is a multidimensional field with each discipline addressing a specific facet of transportation systems. These disciplines include:

1. Traffic Engineering: The realm of traffic engineers extends beyond roads; they analyze the dynamic ebb and flow of traffic patterns. Armed with data, they optimize traffic flow, construct and position traffic control devices (such as signals and signs), and conceptualize strategies to alleviate congestion, fostering a harmonious coexistence between vehicles and pedestrians.

2. Transportation Planning: This domain is not just about roads; transportation planners are visionaries. Armed with in-depth data analysis, they forecast future transportation needs, chart the trajectory for extensive transportation strategies, and merge disparate modes of transportation into a unified network. Their end goal? Seamless, sustainable transportation systems.

3. Highway Engineering: Akin to architects of roads, highway engineers design and oversee the construction of these pathways. They mastermind pavement design, sculpt geometric road layouts, install drainage systems, and meticulously include safety features like guardrails and signage, ensuring smooth and secure journeys.

4. Public Transit Systems: The architects behind public transit, these engineers specialize in creating efficient systems encompassing buses, trains, subways, and light rail. Their aim is noble yet complex – reduce private vehicle dependency, alleviate congestion, and provide accessible transit choices.

5. Railway Engineering: These engineers are the unsung heroes behind the rail networks. They chart tracks’ trajectories, orchestrate signalling systems, and ensure the electrifying journey of trains, all while emphasizing safety and efficiency.

6. Airport and Port Engineering: Airports and ports are not merely facilities but intricate ecosystems. Engineers in this domain balance design intricacies with operational excellence. They strategize runway layouts, streamline terminal functionalities, and fortify cargo handling capabilities.

7. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): The rise of technology intersects seamlessly with transportation systems. ITS engineers bridge this gap, employing cutting-edge solutions for real-time traffic monitoring, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, and advanced traffic management algorithms.

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co

Understanding Cork Flooring: Types, Uses, Benefits, and More

When it comes to selecting the ideal flooring material, there’s a multitude of options available, each with its own unique set of characteristics and advantages. Among these choices, cork flooring stands out as an environmentally friendly and versatile option that offers a range of benefits.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of cork flooring, exploring its various types, materials used, benefits, potential drawbacks, installation process, maintenance tips, and its role in sustainable living. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with an in-depth understanding of cork flooring and its potential to transform your living or commercial space.

Types of Cork Flooring

Cork flooring comes in various types, each designed to cater to specific preferences and needs. Let us delve into the most common types of cork flooring:

Glue-Down Tiles or Planks

This installation method involves adhering individual cork tiles or planks to the subfloor using adhesive. It provides a stable and seamless surface, making it suitable for high-traffic areas or spaces with potential moisture concerns. The adhesive layer also doubles as a sound barrier, minimizing noise transmission.

Floating Cork Flooring

Floating cork flooring comprises interlocking planks that are not directly affixed to the subfloor. Instead, they “float” above it, allowing for expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes. Floating cork often utilizes a “click-and-lock” mechanism, making it a popular choice for DIY installations.

Cork Sheets

Also known as cork rolls, these sheets offer a versatile option for various applications. They are often utilized in larger areas, such as commercial spaces or gymnasiums. Cork sheets are installed similarly to glue-down tiles, providing a resilient and comfortable surface.

Materials Used in Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is crafted from the bark of cork oak trees (Quercus suber). The bark is harvested without harming the tree, making cork an eco-friendly and renewable resource. The process involves carefully peeling off the outer bark, allowing the tree to naturally regenerate its protective layer. The harvested cork is then ground into fine particles and combined with adhesives to create the diverse range of cork flooring products available today.

Advantages of Cork Flooring

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Cork flooring is a sustainable choice as it promotes responsible forestry practices. The bark harvesting process allows trees to continue growing and contributing to the ecosystem, making cork a renewable resource.

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co

A Guide of RCC Roof Slab Construction Cost

Reinforced cement concrete, or RCC, is commonly referred to as concrete in the construction industry. The concrete reinforced with steel bars and cement provided a high level of strength is one of the primary elements of modern structural design.

Building materials such as RCC is widely used in the construction industry. You will calculate the construction costs when you are using structural elements in your home or office.

Key Details of RCC Roof Slab Reinforcement

According to built-in structural design standards for modern buildings, a flat slab is created instead of a beam in the RCC. Including the beams would effectively transfer a load from the slab to the columns, thereby making the structure more durable.

Depending on the type of column, the cross-section dimension can be 9″ X 9″ or 9″ X 12″. The minimum steel bars for the column must be 12 MM in diameter and the stirrups must be 8 MM in diameter. It is recommended that the beam size not be less than 9″ X 9″ with a minimum of 4 steel bars, to include 2 12MM thick bars on the bottom and 2 10MM thick bars on top.

The slab thickness should not be less than 5 inches, since electrical pipes and internal wiring can make the slab depth less than 5 inches at some places. For an RCC roof, reinforcement details fall into two categories:

Main Steel Bars

Main steel bars are 8 millimeters and distribution steel bars are 6 millimeters in one way slabs.

Double-way Slab Bars

Double-way slab 8MM steel bars on the main part and 8MM steel bars on the distribution part. In addition to preventing cheating, knowing the above standards will help you calculate the construction costs ahead of time for RCC.

RCC Roof Slab Construction Cost Calculation

The concrete must first shape to make concrete reinforced with reinforcing bars, followed by a cage of reinforcement, and finally filled with the right amount of concrete mixture and allowed to cure for one month.

If you use a small contractor, you can complete the entire process. But you have to estimate the construction costs to determine whether the quotation offered by the contractor is acceptable. It depends on a lot of factors, such as:

A. A slab’s thickness.
B. Slabs are two-way or one-way.
C. Methods and techniques of construction.
D. Columns and beams must be thick enough.

Calculating steel roof slabs using RCC can provide a rough estimate. To figure out the exact amount the construction of a slab of RCC roof will cost, let’s look at an example.

A 25X20-square RCC roof slab would be appropriate. A construction project with a size of 1,280 sq. ft. and a concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4 will require calculations of:

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co

10 Useful Civil Engineering Software Programs

Civil Engineering makes use of several software packages. A multitude of software applications is being developed to serve civil engineering needs due to the Technological Revolution. Therefore, listing out all of these would be a complicated task. There are multiple sub-disciplines to Transportation Engineering like Structural Engineering, Surveying, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Construction Planning. Civil engineers worldwide use these applications frequently.

BIM (Building Information Modeling)

One of the most important innovations in the 21st century has been Building Information Modeling. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is an effective tool for architects, engineers, and construction professionals (AEC). It enhances building planning, design, construction, construction management, and maintenance.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, Revit, is specifically designed to help construction professionals create coordinated, model-based approaches to bring ideas to construction. It combines the functionality of all three Revit disciplines (architecture, mechanical, and electrical) in one streamlined interface.

AutoCAD

The AUTOCAD program by Autodesk allows the construction projects to draft and documented. Many structural design firms and consultancies use this software, especially in India. Modeling in 3D is also possible using AUTOCAD 3D.

Design & analysis have been disrupted by AUTODESK, a leader in software innovation. Architects, engineers, manufacturers, and designers can benefit from its software for Computer-aided design, modeling, drafting, and engineering software.

MS Excel

Spreadsheet software from Microsoft is called Excel. With Visual Basic for Applications, users can create macro programming languages, calculations, graphs, and pivot tables. This spreadsheet is widely used on these platforms. Surveying, Analysis, and Design are used widely in Civil Engineering.

STAAD PRO

Many professionals in the construction industry choose Bentley System’s STAAD PRO for designing and analyzing structures.

Due to its flexible modeling environment, advanced features, and streamlined collaboration, STAAD PRO has unique capabilities in steel, concrete, timber, aluminum, and cold-formed steel design of all kinds of structures, including culverts, power plants, bridges, tunnels, and much more.

Primavera

Primavera offers its customers the best-in-class solutions for the mission-critical needs of industries like engineering & construction, public sector, defense, utilities, oil & gas, manufacturing, and IT & services.

Primavera PPM expects to provide the first comprehensive Enterprise Project Portfolio Management solution by combining Oracle’s project financials, workforce, supply chain, product lifecycle, business intelligence, and infrastructure software. The solution aims to help companies optimize resource and supply chain management, reduce costs, manage changes, meet delivery deadlines, and ultimately make better decisions utilizing real-time data.

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co

Testing Concrete for Abrasion Resistance in the Construction Site

Abrasion resistance requires many structures, including dams, canals, industrial floors, and roads. The surfaces of concrete pavements and floors are highly abrasion-resistant. Concrete strength is strongly dependent on aggregates, so strength has a decisive influence on abrasion resistance. Abrasion resistance of concrete is an important indicator of its serviceability for use as road pavement, industrial floors, dams, etc.

This standard test determines the relative resistance of concrete surfaces by measuring the abrasion loss of a specimen exposed to an abrasive charge. In addition to concrete pavements, industrial floors, railway platforms, dockyards, and walkways, this test method measures the abrasion caused by physical impacts.

Workflow of the Test

The concrete cubes impinge with an abrasive charge. The concrete abrasion loss refers to the loss of mass of the cubes that occurs as the concrete surface of the cubes abrades.

Apparatus for the Test

• Scale.
• Conical Galvanized Iron Hopper.
• Pneumatic Sand Blasting Cabinet.

Conditions of Test operating

During operation, there is a pressure of 0.14 N/mm2 for the abrasive charge. By using air pressure and sand to rub concrete surfaces, you can create an abrasive charge. Each impingement shall require 4000 grams of charge. An abrasion loss defines as the mass lost due to two impressions on the same face of a concrete cube.

Test Specimen?s Preparation

It’s necessary to oven-dry concrete cube specimens measuring 10 cm cubes for 24 hours at 50?C after they have been cured for 28 days. After emery paper has rubbed over the specimen’s surface, the aggregate grains should expose as well as cement laitance.

How to Conduct a Test

Procedure

• On the specimen carrier, the dry, weighted specimen should place with the surface to examine facing the tip of the needle. Contact with the mold was limited to the smooth vertical surfaces of the cube.
• The nozzle tip should situate 2.5 cm away from the edge of the cube, in the middle of the half side.
• A full charge of 4000 grams of sand should then be blasted on the specimen surface.
• Using the handle provided, the cradle shall be slowly moved between the two fixed points.
• On the same surface, the sample should rotate 180 degrees in the horizontal direction in order to make two imprints on it.
• For one surface of the sample, the sample must be removed, cleaned, and weighed after the test to determine the loss of mass in grams.
• On the remaining three vertical surfaces of the same specimen, repeat the same procedure.

Calculation

This is the formula to calculate the mass loss per surface of the specimen:

M= M1 +M2

M is for mass loss in grams & M1 is for the specimen?s mass before each test & M2 is for the specimen?s mass after each test.

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co

What is Grade Beam | Advantages and Disadvantage of Grade Beam

Grade beams are also known as foundation beams. A pile plate beam is built at ground level to connect pile caps and footings. It can also be defined as reinforced concrete which is constructed to act as horizontal ties to connect pile caps with footings.

The grade beam is a concrete member used to form a horizontal connection between a pile cap and footing. Grade beams are not the same thing as wall footing, as grade beams can bend and typically extend between the piling cap and caisson, whereas wall footing is directly attached to the soil, transferring weight directly from the wall to the foundation.

Grade beams also differ from strap footings because grade beams reinforce walls to disperse their load to different foundations while strap beams strengthen columns between the foundations. Spreads with moments greater than the lateral load can use it to reduce the size of each footing on a spread.

Grade Beams Construction Process

The following steps should complete manufacturing grade beams:

Preparation and Excavation should be done for Grade Beam

1. Depending on the level of the beam, trenches have to excavate.

2. It is also possible to construct these beams directly on the ground and then level it and frame it.

Set up a Framework for the Grade Beam

1. Upon finalizing the excavation and preparation, the beams are placed based on the beam’s dimensions.

2. These beams need to be erect on the ground by pre-positioning the bottom forms on their edges and mounting the reinforcement cage on a flat soiling brick before attaching the side shuttering.

3. When installing grade beams above the ground, the framework is similar to that of a typical beam; therefore, you should place shutters on both sides of the grade beams.

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co

What are the Different Types of Columns in Construction?

The various types of columns are mostly categorized depending upon the types of material to be used in the construction and also according to its structural behavior.

Let?s discuss all types of columns in detail.

Classification of Columns Based on Cross Section

1. Circular Columns
2. Square Columns
3. Rectangular Columns
4. ?L? Shape Columns
5. ?T? Shape Columns

Classification Based on Construction Material

1. Concrete Columns
2. Steel Columns
3. Timber Columns
4. Composite Columns
5. Stone Columns
6. Brick Columns

Based on Different Types of Loading

1. Compression + Bending
2. Tension Columns + Bending

Based on Height of Column and Cross Section (Width)

1. Short Column
2. Slender Columns

Classification of Columns as per Lateral Load Resistivity

1. Braced Column
2. Unbraced Column

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co

What is Sieve Analysis Test: A Comprehensive Guide

In the realm of civil engineering and materials science, quality assessment and control is paramount to ensure the safety, longevity, and structural integrity of constructions. One essential tool in this endeavour is the Sieve Analysis Test.

This test plays a crucial role in determining the particle size distribution of aggregates, both coarse and fine, offering insights into the material’s engineering properties.

In this comprehensive article, we delve into the intricacies of the Sieve Analysis Test, exploring its purpose, advantages, disadvantages, uses, and related concepts, and providing a step-by-step guide to its execution.

Understanding the Sieve Analysis Test

The Sieve Analysis Test, often referred to as the Gradation Test, is a fundamental procedure used to quantify the distribution of particle sizes in aggregates. Aggregates, including materials like sand, gravel, and crushed stone, constitute the foundation of various construction projects, including roads, buildings, and other critical infrastructure.

The properties of these aggregates, particularly their particle size distribution, significantly influence the workability, strength, and overall performance of concrete and other construction materials.

The Sieve Analysis Test involves passing a sample of the aggregate through a series of progressively finer sieves (meshed screens), each having specific sieve openings. As the material is sieved, particles larger than the sieve openings are retained on the sieve, while smaller particles pass through.

The resulting data offers valuable insights into the grading of the material, which is the distribution of particle sizes within the aggregate.

Advantages of the Sieve Analysis Test

The Sieve Analysis Test provides several advantages that contribute to its widespread usage in the construction industry:

1. Quality Control

Construction projects require a high level of quality control. By analyzing the particle size distribution, engineers and quality control personnel can assess the consistency and quality of aggregates. This helps ensure that the aggregates used in construction meet the required specifications, minimizing the risk of structural failure and enhancing the overall durability of the project.

2. Performance Prediction

The particle size distribution of aggregates has a direct impact on the properties of concrete and other mixtures. Engineers can use the Sieve Analysis Test results to predict the behaviour of these materials in real-world applications. This information is vital for designing mixtures with optimal workability, density, and strength, ensuring the long-term performance of constructed structures.

3. Comparison and Standardization

Sieve analysis results enable easy comparison of different aggregate sources. Furthermore, these results can be compared against established standards, such as those provided by ASTM International, to ensure compliance with industry regulations and guidelines. This standardization ensures that aggregates meet the required specifications, fostering consistency across projects.

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co

A Cost Estimate for the Construction of Asphalt Driveways

Pavements and driveways are commonly constructed with asphalt. Driveways made with asphalt are less expensive and more durable than driveways made with concrete. It depends on where you are located what specifications you have for your project on how much asphalt driveway you need.

Asphalt pavements are the preferred option for the majority of paved surfaces because of their strength.

Because of its durability, and reliability, asphalt pavement is highly preferred by state and federal governments. For twenty-five years, it will not need replacement if it is correctly laid. The most common applications of asphalt pavement include driveways, parking lots, roadways, airstrips, and others.

Surface Preparation Cost

Asphalt pavement must be prepared and graded before it can be paved. That may involve digging or filling. Such work is often overlooked during the construction of asphalt driveways. It must be arranged for new material to be brought in if the soil is not of good grade and quality. Aggregates and soil materials vary in price between regions.

Labor Cost

Work hours per day, the location of the driveway, such as hills or curves, and additional services like soil removal affect labor costs. Flat land typically costs less to build a driveway. It typically costs $5 to $7 per square foot to build a driveway on flat land.

Material Cost

Standard Asphalt cost

The price per square foot for new, standard asphalt ranges between $2 and $6. Hardcore and gravel layers, which are positioned between soil and blacktop, can add an additional $0.50 to $1 per square foot to the cost.

Recycled Asphalt cost

The use of recycled asphalt is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option if you can find it in your area. Your contractor may be able to reuse your driveway depending on where it is located, which means you’ll save money on materials.

In addition to saving on transport and loading costs, a contractor who can mill your existing blacktop on-site will also help you save money on reclaimed asphalt.

Porous Asphalt cost

Porous asphalt typically costs between $3 and $8 per square foot. Water drains easily away from the home rather than running into gutters or lawns. You can save time and money on grading and leveling after installing a porous driveway since runoff is effectively reduced. A layer of crushed stone will need to be laid over the blacktop in order to improve drainage.

Grading & Leveling Cost

Depending on how deep the soil needs to remove, excavating can cost between $1500 and $5100. Professional graders charge $5 to $10 per square foot for grading and leveling the site before paver installation. Sloped driveways may incur a higher cost.

Read more

Published By
Global Associates
www.constructioncost.co