Month: August 2019

Types of Masonry Construction, Characteristics and Common Uses

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Types of Masonry Construction, Characteristics And Common Uses

Virtually, all buildings incorporate some type of masonry construction, whether it is a stone or concrete foundation, brick veneer walls, or terra cotta ornamentation. Preservation of these buildings requires a basic understanding of masonry types and their characteristics, technology and construction methodology, proper maintenance and conservation treatments.

Masonry is generally a highly durable form of construction. However, the quality of material used, together with the quality of the mortar and workmanship can strongly affect the durability of the overall masonry construction. Masonry is commonly used for the walls of buildings, retaining walls and monuments. Brick is the most common type of masonry and may be either load bearing or a veneer. Concrete Masonry Units (CMU’s) are made from concrete and are larger than ordinary bricks. CMU walls can be reinforced by filling the block voids with concrete and steel reinforcing bars. Typically, not all voids are filled, but rather those at corners, wall ends, adjacent to window and door openings, which increase wall strength and stability. Placement of steel reinforcement generally results in a CMU walls having much greater lateral and tensile strength than unreinforced walls.

The earliest material to be used was stone. It can be obtained in two ways: from natural outcroppings or scattered deposits, and by the process of quarrying. Most early buildings were constructed of stone readily available near the building site. Early stonemasons also were aware that certain stone types had more -weatherability- – able to withstand the effects of weather better than others – and they utilized each type in accordance with its properties. Stones may be laid up in their natural form, or broken and squared, or shaped, for the proper fit with other stones in the wall.

Quarrying, the industrial process of extracting stone from the earth requires substantial effort and technology. In this process, stone is drilled, blasted, fractured or cut from the quarry face, and then shaped and finished for use in construction.

Concrete masonry units (block and concrete brick are available in sizes, shapes, colors, textures, and profiles for practically every conceivable need and convenience in masonry construction. In addition, concrete masonry units may be used to create attractive patterns and designs to produce an almost unlimited range of architectural treatments of wall surfaces. The following are some more prominent uses:

Exterior load-bearing walls (below and above grade)

Interior load-bearing or non load bearing walls

Fire walls, party walls, curtain walls

Partitions, panel walls, solar screens

Backing for brick, stone, stucco, and other exterior facings

Veneer or nonstructural facing for wood, concrete, or masonry

Fire protection of structural steel members

Firesafe enclosures of stairwells, elevator shafts, storage vaults, or fire hazardous work areas

Piers, pilasters, columns

Bond beams, lintels, sills

Floor and roof systems

Retaining walls, slope protection, ornamental garden walls, and highway sound barriers

Chimneys and fireplaces

Catch basins, manholes, valve vaults

Paving and turf block

Solid brick masonry is made of two or more layers with the units running horizontally (called -stretcher- bricks) bound together with bricks running transverse to the wall (called -header- bricks). Each row of bricks is known as a course. The pattern of headers and stretchers employed gives to different bonds such as the common bond, with every sixth course composed of headers, the English bond, and the Flemish bond, with alternating stretcher and header bricks present on every course. There are no real significant utilitarian differences between most bonds, but the appearance of the finished walls is affected. Brickwork, like unreinforced concrete, has little tensile strength, and works by everything being kept in compression.

There are many brick laying patterns, the following are but a few:

Stack Bond The brick laying patterns described by this term are not structurally sound and are used only for decorative purposes. The stack bond is a run of stretchers with each stretcher stacked centered on the stretcher below it. All joints run vertically down the entire wall.

Running Bond brick laying patterns are a run of stretchers with each stretcher placed in the center of the stretcher below it. This pattern gives a reasonable amount of structural soundness.

English Bond is made up of alternating courses of stretchers and headers. This is the strongest bond for a one-brick thick wall.

Brick Terminology

Bat is a brick cut in half or quarter along the short face

Closer A queen closer is brick cut in half down the long face. They are used in corners of English or Flemish Bond.

Header Brick is laid in a wall, usually connecting two rows of a double wythe wall. The smallest end of the brick is horizontal, aligned with the surface of the wall and exposed to the weather.

Quoins are groups of brick that project slightly from the face of a wall at the corner of a building. The pattern often alternates with several courses projecting bricks, and several courses that are aligned with the wall. The pattern of projecting quoins often alternates with the brickwork on the other side of the corner.

Rowlock is a complete course of brick laid on its side, with the shortest end of the brick exposed and vertical. Commonly used on the top course as a coping for a garden wall.

Sailor Brick are laid on its end with the largest, broad face exposed.

Shiner Brick laid on edge like a sailor, but the broad face is set horizontally.

Soldier Brick often is a complete course of brick laid on end vertically, with the narrow side exposed in the face of the wall.

Wythe is a single vertical wall of brick.

Clay Brick vs. Concrete

The formula for brick making has not changed for hundreds of years. The primary ingredients are clays and shale. It is these ingredients that give natural brick its colors and hue.

The natural color of concrete is gray. In order to give concrete bricks color, additives are necessary to create the variety of colors. Weather and the ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause concrete bricks to fade over time.

Concrete bricks have a tendency to shrink. During the concrete curing process, if the bricks are not properly cured prior to being delivered to the jobsite, shrinking and cracking will appear at the mortar joints and can allow water to enter the wall cavity.

According to a recent survey of architects, designers, engineers, and environmental planners and managers conducted by the Portland Cement Association (PCA), 77 percent chose concrete as a sustainable material. Overall, respondents ranked concrete favorably for its energy efficiency, durability and reduced maintenance. Over 500 individuals participated in the blind survey presented in an Internet survey form by a third party web host.

According to PCA President, -buildings with exterior concrete walls utilize less energy to heat and cool than similarly insulated buildings with wood or steel frame walls-. Additionally, -the superior insulation, air tightness, and mass of the walls can reduce energy for heating and cooling by up to 40%.

Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. An expert witness, trainer, and educator. To review Authors Bio, qualifications, and interest in receiving future email newsletters http://www.alantrauger.com

To learn more about how your real estate tax assessment is prepared and how to appeal your property taxes. Property Tax Reduction Manual

The Three Steps Of Water Pipeline Construction

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The organizing phase of wet utility pipeline construction is focused on the formation of design plans developed by design engineers. In order to create blueprints, engineers need to acquire detailed dataabout the worksite.

This is accomplished by working with subsurface utility engineering (SUE) companies that survey the site using high-tech products. SUE methods are equipped for creating 3D images that identify objects buried underground, such as water pipeline or utility systems.

Subsurface utility engineering methods are very valuable to everyone involved in the project. Having the ability to identify the position of previously installed pipeline let contractors perform their job more safely and proficiently, as well as decrease project costs.

Before SUE methods were developed, pipeline companies had minimal resources to determine what was lurking below ground. It wasn’t unusual for laborers to accidentally break pipes or slice utility lines while excavating the construction site or making trenches. This often led to workplace incidents that triggered worker injuries or sometimes even death.

Any time existing pipes were discovered during the excavation process, construction workers had to quit work so that design engineers could either overhaul or relocate pipelines. This brought about long delays and resulted in an increase in project costs.

Thankfully, SUE technology removed the majority or risk factors attached to pipeline construction. Today, construction sites are significantly safer and project delays have been minimized, saving project owners a substantial amount of money.

Pipeline construction is essential for supplying natural resources to people, together with removing storm water runoff and waste water. Water pipeline systems provide human beings with basic necessities and play a important role in public safety.

Many different factors have to be looked at during the pre-construction planning phase. One of the more important is determining which kind of pipes is needed to effectively convey water while lessening impact to the environment.

Each of the factors associated with the project undergo extensive examination during the design phase. Civil engineers evaluate facts gathered from SUE to determine water flow rates and appropriate pipe sizes. Construction plans are taken to city planners and project owners for acceptance. Plans designed for public works projects have to comply with government regulations, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

After blueprints are submitted, project owners acquire bids from pipeline construction companies. The company chosen to complete the project must supply the General Contractor with confirmation of insurance, construction permits, and easement rights before construction begins.

The active construction stage is a three-part process. The initial phase revolves around clearing the worksite of debris and grading the land. Trucks bring in pipes and construction products so workers can start the trenching process.

Pipe sections are placed alongside trenches and welded together. Contractors use a special epoxy coating that is placed on welded joints to remove weak points that could leak. The pipeline is then lowered into trenches and finishing details are applied.

After pipeline is put into place it endures a series of tests to assure the pipes have no leaks and that structural integrity has not been jeopardized.

Several inspections are executed throughout the active construction period. Inspectors evaluate contractors’ licenses, construction permits, and insurance policies and make certain employees are sufficiently trained in construction safety procedures. Inspectors also examine pipes and components to make certain that construction supplies, pipeline formula, and structural integrity are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

The post-construction step revolves around restoring the terrain by backfilling trenches, landscaping the ground, and removing waste materials. Additional inspections are done to make certain pipeline are working at greatest capacity and to test structural integrity.

Pipeline projects are identified as either wet or dry utility. Dry utility contractors carry out work related to pipes that carry non-gaseous materials or safeguard utility systems from ecological elements.

Wet utility contractors conduct work on pipeline systems that carry liquid materials such as storm water runoff, treated water, raw sewage, and petroleum-based products.

It is suggested to work with skilled wet utility construction contractors that are skilled in the kind of work involved. Seek out contractors that have an impeccable construction safety report and are in compliance with the EPA.

Do It Yourself Windmill Construction

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Windmills are mainly known as alternative power generation tools and, of course, as beautiful garden decoration too. Obviously do it yourself windmills for garden decoration is a relatively easy to be built. However constructing a power generator is more complicated.

The first step is to obtain a do it yourself windmill plan or do it yourself windmill kit. It is highly recommended that you go for option one (windmill plan) simply because it is less costly as compared to later. Of course there is always an option to get all the required parts for the windmill tower and turbine, and just to put them together.

Regardless of your approach at this point you will need to decide if you would like to have wooden windmill or one made of metal. Indeed, aluminum windmills are more expensive but they are also much more durable than the wooden ones.

A very important consideration is how much power your household needs and how much power your windmill will be providing. To determine the amount of power needed simply check your last months utility bills. Once you have a rough idea about it you are ready to choose a windmill of size that will be able to generate the same amount of power. Wind speed and the overall amount of windy days per year are also factors that need to be taken into account for correct power supply estimation. If fact it is wiser to start with these calculations as it may turn out that your windmill will not generate enough power and thus there will be no point in building one.

Another crucial step in do it yourself windmill construction is its location. This depends on the wind patterns in your area. In any case any good windmill construction plan should give advice how to choose the best spot as well as the height of the tower.

Build A Dream home with the Best Construction Companies in Ottawa

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Very few things in life can be more satisfying as building your own home. Home is dear to everyone and we all want to build the best home for us and our loved ones. There are many types of houses and they use different kinds of techniques and materials for their construction and decoration. The design and structure of houses also vary according to their use and price. Building the best possible home in Ottawa within your budget is the most important thing and that certainly needs proper planning.

Whether you are building a new home or are remodeling an existing one, you have plenty of choices in terms of designs as well as materials used including the Icf Ottawa construction material that is fast becoming quite a trend in the Ottawa construction industry. You can opt for various types of roofs and walls. You can get your windows and doors designed from materials like wood, glass, etc. You can shape them in various ways and can have the sizes of your choice. In cities, bigger and bolder sizes and colors suite better while in a natural surroundings, a more subdued, mild and natural color will enhance the appeal of the house.se.

The shapes and sizes of these homes can be as varied as there are houses. Each house has a personality of its own and when designed with enough thought and proper understanding of one’s unique needs and circumstances, it can even reflect a bit of a personality of the owner. The kind of materials you choose, the types of colors you use, the way you design your interiors, all instills a personality of your own into the appearance and atmosphere of your home.

Getting plans designed from a good architect can be a good idea as you can have a professional plan for your house this way. You can also come up with a simple plan with your basic needs and ideas and then you can get it refined by someone experienced in the field. This is also a great way to get things rolling. Once you know where you want to place each room of your house, you can then fine-tune it as things go along.

When it comes to use the best material for your house, an experienced construction company is the best option to consider. You cannot have enough knowledge of the various kinds of materials used for this purpose. An experienced local construction company will most probably have all the information on the best possible material for your house in your region. This will make it easier for you to make the right decisions about the structure and building material for your house.

Shaun Martin is the author of this article. For further detail about Howard Construction please visit the website.

Superior Foundation Laying Work Through A Renowned Civil Construction Firm

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Over the years construction firms in England have come up with the most modern methods and technologies while implementing mega turnkey projects for commercial organizations as well as individual households. Today with the introduction of improved and scientific building materials, the quality of construction has risen to new standards. A large number of individual as well as commercial entities are going for hiring the services of reputed construction firms who have years of experience in implementing large projects like factory building, foundations for apartments and high rises, building of driveways and pathways, laying of drainage networks and pipelines, road construction and so on. Thus if you are looking to build a house of your own or construct a factory godown or industrial premise, then it is always suggested to go for one such construction firm who has got years of quality experience in this sector. A large number of individuals are now going for building of their houses and thus looking for the services of reputed civil construction firms.

There are mega construction firms who specialize in state of the art and modern construction work and thus their services are sought after among a majority of people in the commercial and individual front. In the United Kingdom there are few such firms who provide customers with exceptional quality building work in the area of home construction and factory building. If you are thinking of laying foundation for your house or building a quality driveway, then you can very well hire the services of one such reputed firm who have their presence all over England, Scotland and Wales. If you are thinking about getting constructed foundations north east, you got to look for the services of one such recognized and certified firm which has its presence all over United Kingdom. These reputed organizations specialize in high end civil and commercial construction and thus provide local customers with high end home building and other associated solutions. Creation of world class civic facilities with the best of resources has been the strengths of such renowned organizations and thus they have been able to retain their loyal customers and add on new ones. An array of building solutions in the home and commercial front have provided customers with quality design and construction solutions and thus helped to improve the overall standard of life.

There are few such certified and recognized companies in this sector which has some of the best building professionals and civil engineers to accomplish the task of quality building and construction work. You can avail the services in almost all locations in England, be it Newcastle, Manchester, London, Milton Keynes etc. and thus get to enjoy world class building work. So if you are planning to embark upon a mega building project and searching for a renowned agency, then it is always advised to do a thorough research over the web and then hire a professional and experienced firm which has a brand presence and reputation all over United Kingdom. Thus foundations north east have been one of the most popular and sought after building services in the whole of England.