How to control or minimize segregation in concrete

Segregation in concrete refers to partition of concrete components due to inconsistency of concrete mix. The flow test can easily represent the bond of the concrete mix.

If the concrete is not integrated, the major particles of aggregate will be detached and will proceed towards the periphery. Another type of segregation occurs if concrete mix is provided on a wet surface. A cement particle generally moves from the center of the concrete mix and gives up the coarser material behind. Segregation is not calculated in qualitative terms but a knowledgeable professional can easily locate it.

A segregated concrete contains a variable strength and comparatively tends to cracking and leakages from the concrete. So, proper care should be taken to get rid of segregation in concrete to enhance the longevity of your structure.

Given below, some useful tips to avoid segregation in concrete:

01. The design of the concrete mix should be perfect with ideal quantity of water i.e. not too wet nor too dry.

02. Ensure the concrete is blended properly at the accurate speed in a transit mixture for relatively two minutes. Verify the performance of mixer on a daily basis regarding adequate equality of distribution of components in each batch.

03. Transmit the concrete mix properly. Select the perfect route through which the transportation of concrete mix can be done quickly.

04. Arrange the concrete in its final position rapidly. Never pour a concrete from greater heights.

05. Formwork should have been water resistant in order that paste should leakage from the forms. Check that formwork is not vibrated.

06. Ensure that concrete should not be streamed.

07. The vibrator should have been used properly and not to be utilized for extending a heap of concrete over a greater area.

08. Vibrate the concrete for just the exact time-not too long, not too less.

09. Employ chemical admixtures like air entraining agent in the mix. Entrained air helps in minimizing the possibility of segregation.

10. If any segregation is found in concrete, remixing should be performed to sustain it’s consistency.

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Published By
Arka Roy
http://www.constructioncost.co
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Building Materials Estimating Calculator

The Building Materials Estimating Calculator is designed for contractors, trades people and estimating professionals who need to estimate materials and costs for concrete, fences, decks, bricks, tile, flooring, gravel, painting, drywall and paneling and more.

The quick overview briefly shows how to use this construction math power tool to do all your construction job sites material calculation for more quickly, simply and accurately to improve your productivity and profitability.

The Video Link is http://www.quantity-takeoff.com/building-materials-estimating-calculator.htm

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Published By

Arka Roy

http://www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Myths Behind Construction Estimating

Estimating is a vital process in a construction business as it can increase the profit margin of an owner to a great extent. So the estimating system in an organization should be authentic, uncomplicated, well-organized and speedy in order that owner can concentrate his focus on constructing his business.

Proper estimate can reveal the true cost of executing the service in a construction company that contains materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors and overhead as well as preferred profit margin. The estimate can also includes the viable nature of the market one is involved.

Speed is the most crucial factor in an estimating process. Estimating and bidding costs money. One should accomplish his estimating and bidding activities in a quickest possible way maintaining complete accuracy. As much as one can keep the costs lower, the more money can be included directly to the bottom line and more time will be available to sell more work.

An easy to use software program like Microsoft Excel can provide great assistance for proper and quick estimating. Several successful contractors have produced “estimating calculators” through Excel. It facilitates the contractors to make a reliable, easy and competent estimating procedure that is less costly in comparison with other forms of estimating.

 

In order to make a constant and trustworthy estimating system, one should give emphasis on the following factors:

•  Material costs

• Labor rates with labor burden (payroll taxes, insurance, etc.)

• The prices required for running all pieces of equipments per hour

• The required times for the employees to accomplish particular tasks

• Overhead (by division if relevant)

• Desired profit margin (by division if relevant)

• A sound understanding of the job for which the bidding will be carried on to properly assign the above costs to an estimate 

 

The advantages of applying Excel from both the management and estimating view points:

• Preserve all information concerning a definite property in one computerized location

• Simply incorporates into sales and administrative procedures

• Negotiation becomes easier as all the information are accumulated in the Excel document, and it can be modified on the fly through various formulas.

• One can make the formulas protected in order that they can’t be modified and it results in reducing costly manual errors which are mostly occurred in estimating.

• Employees can easily grab this estimating process through a unique template program having preset calculators.

• The primary thing is that the contractors must recognize their numbers and learn their application to their estimates and bids.

 

  

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Published By

Arka Roy

http://www.quantity-takeoff.com

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