How to Choose Tiles for Construction of Pools?
Pool tiles are special tiles designed and manufactured to meet the durability, aesthetic, and maintenance requirements of wet outdoor environments. They not only improve the beauty of the pool but also affect its safety, durability, and maintenance requirements.
Glazed Ceramic Pool Tile
The selection and laying of pool tiles are the two main activities involved…
https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/how-to-choose-tiles-for-construction-of-pools/566263/
Pool tiles are special tiles designed and manufactured to meet the durability, aesthetic, and maintenance requirements of wet outdoor environments. They not only improve the beauty of the pool but also affect its safety, durability, and maintenance requirements.
Glazed Ceramic Pool Tile
The selection and laying of pool tiles are the two main activities involved…
https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/how-to-choose-tiles-for-construction-of-pools/566263/
Concrete Discoloration: Causes and Mitigation Strategies
Discoloration of concrete is a source of displeasure for both the contractor as well as the owner. It may appear as gross variations in color across large concrete surfaces, light or dark spots, or early light efflorescence. Many factors contribute to this issue, which is why it can be problematic and difficult to prevent.
Factors…
https://theconstructor.org/building/flooring/concrete-discoloration-causes-mitigation-strategies/566357/
Discoloration of concrete is a source of displeasure for both the contractor as well as the owner. It may appear as gross variations in color across large concrete surfaces, light or dark spots, or early light efflorescence. Many factors contribute to this issue, which is why it can be problematic and difficult to prevent.
Factors…
https://theconstructor.org/building/flooring/concrete-discoloration-causes-mitigation-strategies/566357/
What are the Causes of Foundation Heave?
Foundation heave is an upward movement of the foundation due to soaked expansive soil.
The factors that lead to the saturation of soil beneath a foundation are seasonal changes in moisture, underground aquifer, or leakage in underground pipes. It is stated that financial losses due to heaving in the United States are larger than those…
https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/causes-foundation-heave/566385/
Foundation heave is an upward movement of the foundation due to soaked expansive soil.
The factors that lead to the saturation of soil beneath a foundation are seasonal changes in moisture, underground aquifer, or leakage in underground pipes. It is stated that financial losses due to heaving in the United States are larger than those…
https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/causes-foundation-heave/566385/
What is Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for Buildings?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are certificates that represent energy efficiency of buildings based on a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). The rating denotes the cost incurred for heating and lighting the property and the extent of carbon dioxide emissions.
Energy Efficiency Ratings on EPCs
The need for EPCs is emphasized in the…
https://theconstructor.org/others/energy-performance-certificate-epc-buildings/566422/
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are certificates that represent energy efficiency of buildings based on a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). The rating denotes the cost incurred for heating and lighting the property and the extent of carbon dioxide emissions.
Energy Efficiency Ratings on EPCs
The need for EPCs is emphasized in the…
https://theconstructor.org/others/energy-performance-certificate-epc-buildings/566422/
What is Low-Noise Concrete Pavement?
Nowadays, controlling traffic noise has become an important criterion in the design and construction of transportation infrastructure. The noise pollution due to vehicular movements can be minimized through the construction of noise barriers or low-noise concrete pavement, with the latter being the most efficient method.
Several techniques have been developed to reduce noise pollution, but…
https://theconstructor.org/transportation/low-noise-concrete-pavement/566471/
Nowadays, controlling traffic noise has become an important criterion in the design and construction of transportation infrastructure. The noise pollution due to vehicular movements can be minimized through the construction of noise barriers or low-noise concrete pavement, with the latter being the most efficient method.
Several techniques have been developed to reduce noise pollution, but…
https://theconstructor.org/transportation/low-noise-concrete-pavement/566471/
How Does Internal Curing Affect Concrete Properties?
Internal curing is a technique that extends the hydration of Portland cement without increasing the initial water-cementitious material ratio.
The technique involves employing water stored in the saturated lightweight aggregate or superabsorbent polymer to cure concrete and help further with the hydration of cement.
The lightweight aggregate is saturated before batching to absorb water in…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/internal-curing-affect-concrete-properties/566543/
Internal curing is a technique that extends the hydration of Portland cement without increasing the initial water-cementitious material ratio.
The technique involves employing water stored in the saturated lightweight aggregate or superabsorbent polymer to cure concrete and help further with the hydration of cement.
The lightweight aggregate is saturated before batching to absorb water in…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/internal-curing-affect-concrete-properties/566543/
Types and Roles of Admixtures in Pumpable Concrete
Any admixture that improves the workability of concrete is advantageous for enhancing the pumpability of concrete. Various chemical admixtures like air-entraining admixture, high-range water-reducing admixture, and finely divided admixture have been utilized to improve concrete pumpability.
The choice of the type of chemical admixture and its utilization in concrete depends on the mixture’s characteristics.
Using…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/types-roles-admixtures-pumpable-concrete/566605/
Any admixture that improves the workability of concrete is advantageous for enhancing the pumpability of concrete. Various chemical admixtures like air-entraining admixture, high-range water-reducing admixture, and finely divided admixture have been utilized to improve concrete pumpability.
The choice of the type of chemical admixture and its utilization in concrete depends on the mixture’s characteristics.
Using…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/types-roles-admixtures-pumpable-concrete/566605/
Ultra-Lightweight Concrete: Materials, Properties, and Applications
Ultra-lightweight concrete, which is also known as super lightweight concrete or infra-lightweight concrete, is a state-of-the-art concrete in terms of density and insulation properties and classifies as concrete with a dry density lesser than 800 Kg/m3. This density is the minimum limit for lightweight concrete according to the definition in standard EN 206-1.
Ultra-lightweight concrete…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/ultra-lightweight-concrete-materials-properties-applications/566658/
Ultra-lightweight concrete, which is also known as super lightweight concrete or infra-lightweight concrete, is a state-of-the-art concrete in terms of density and insulation properties and classifies as concrete with a dry density lesser than 800 Kg/m3. This density is the minimum limit for lightweight concrete according to the definition in standard EN 206-1.
Ultra-lightweight concrete…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/ultra-lightweight-concrete-materials-properties-applications/566658/
No-Slump Concrete: Workability and Proportioning of Mixture
As per ACI 116R-00, “No-slump concrete is a freshly mixed concrete that exhibits a slump of less than 25 mm”. Constituent materials of this type of concrete are similar to that of conventional concrete with the only difference being that no-slump concrete contains a greater quantity of aggregate.
The mix design of no-slump concrete should…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/no-slump-concrete-workability-proportioning-mixture/566748/
As per ACI 116R-00, “No-slump concrete is a freshly mixed concrete that exhibits a slump of less than 25 mm”. Constituent materials of this type of concrete are similar to that of conventional concrete with the only difference being that no-slump concrete contains a greater quantity of aggregate.
The mix design of no-slump concrete should…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/no-slump-concrete-workability-proportioning-mixture/566748/
What are the Signs of Foundation Heave?
Foundation heave is the upward movement of the expansive soil layer after it is saturated with water. Controlling the signs and symptoms of foundation heave at an early stage is important to prevent further enlargement of heave pressure and avoid serious damage to the foundation and superstructure.
Common signs of foundation heave are cracked and…
https://theconstructor.org/others/signs-foundation-heave/566864/
Foundation heave is the upward movement of the expansive soil layer after it is saturated with water. Controlling the signs and symptoms of foundation heave at an early stage is important to prevent further enlargement of heave pressure and avoid serious damage to the foundation and superstructure.
Common signs of foundation heave are cracked and…
https://theconstructor.org/others/signs-foundation-heave/566864/
How to Treat Discolored Concrete Surface?
Concrete discoloration is simply the change of the designated color of concrete. This could be due to the presence of calcium chloride in concrete, cement and additives, improper curing, environmental conditions, and faulty finishing works.
Discoloration can be minimized by reducing the effect of the factors mentioned above. However, if a contractor encounters dark spots,…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/treat-discolored-concrete-surface/566870/
Concrete discoloration is simply the change of the designated color of concrete. This could be due to the presence of calcium chloride in concrete, cement and additives, improper curing, environmental conditions, and faulty finishing works.
Discoloration can be minimized by reducing the effect of the factors mentioned above. However, if a contractor encounters dark spots,…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/treat-discolored-concrete-surface/566870/
What is Mastic Sealant?
Mastic is a form of sealant or adhesive used to fill the joints or as a bond for different materials and gaps. It is an elastic and flexible material used to create a durable bond between two different surfaces or to protect a particular surface.
Mastic Sealant
This article discusses the features of mastic sealants…
https://theconstructor.org/building/what-mastic-sealant/566925/
Mastic is a form of sealant or adhesive used to fill the joints or as a bond for different materials and gaps. It is an elastic and flexible material used to create a durable bond between two different surfaces or to protect a particular surface.
Mastic Sealant
This article discusses the features of mastic sealants…
https://theconstructor.org/building/what-mastic-sealant/566925/
How to Improve Pumpability of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete?
Pumping lightweight aggregate concrete is challenging due to the high water absorption of the aggregate in it which results in issues such as segregation, slump loss, inconsistent mix, etc. Therefore, engineers and contractors should consider appropriate strategies to overcome problems associated with pumping lightweight aggregate concrete.
ACI 213R-03 recommends several measures to improve the pumpability…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/improve-pumpability-lightweight-aggregate-concrete/567053/
Pumping lightweight aggregate concrete is challenging due to the high water absorption of the aggregate in it which results in issues such as segregation, slump loss, inconsistent mix, etc. Therefore, engineers and contractors should consider appropriate strategies to overcome problems associated with pumping lightweight aggregate concrete.
ACI 213R-03 recommends several measures to improve the pumpability…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/improve-pumpability-lightweight-aggregate-concrete/567053/
How to Identify Concrete Distress in Visual Inspection Report?
Distress of concrete refers to the deterioration and decomposition of concrete caused by environmental conditions, autogenous internal influences, and exposure to operation services and testing.
Concrete may suffer from several types of distresses, such as delamination, chalking, crack, and flaking, that must be accurately described and identified in the visual inspection report. This helps engineers…
https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/identify-concrete-distress-visual-inspection-report/567060/
Distress of concrete refers to the deterioration and decomposition of concrete caused by environmental conditions, autogenous internal influences, and exposure to operation services and testing.
Concrete may suffer from several types of distresses, such as delamination, chalking, crack, and flaking, that must be accurately described and identified in the visual inspection report. This helps engineers…
https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/identify-concrete-distress-visual-inspection-report/567060/
What is Mudjacking in Construction?
Mudjacking is a concrete leveling process that involves pumping a material underneath a sunken concrete surface to lift it to the intended elevation.
The settled concrete surface, like slabs, pavement, or driveway, is jacked up by pumping mud or soil to provide required support and elevation.
Image Credits: MidAmerica Basement Systems
This article discusses the…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/crack/repair/mudjacking-construction/567067/
Mudjacking is a concrete leveling process that involves pumping a material underneath a sunken concrete surface to lift it to the intended elevation.
The settled concrete surface, like slabs, pavement, or driveway, is jacked up by pumping mud or soil to provide required support and elevation.
Image Credits: MidAmerica Basement Systems
This article discusses the…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/crack/repair/mudjacking-construction/567067/
What is Embodied Energy of Building Materials?
The embodied energy of building material is the total non-renewable energy or primary energy (carbon released) used throughout its entire life cycle, i.e., extraction, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and disposal.
In other words, it is the sum of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the material during its life cycle.
Embodied energy is a parameter evaluated to…
https://theconstructor.org/sustainability/embodied-energy-building-materials/567108/
The embodied energy of building material is the total non-renewable energy or primary energy (carbon released) used throughout its entire life cycle, i.e., extraction, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and disposal.
In other words, it is the sum of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the material during its life cycle.
Embodied energy is a parameter evaluated to…
https://theconstructor.org/sustainability/embodied-energy-building-materials/567108/
Construction Claim- Types, Causes, and Preventive Measures
A construction claim is the assertion of a right that requires either more time or/and payment by either party of the contract (often the contractor) for compensation of the losses brought on by the other party’s failure to uphold their portion of the responsibilities as defined in the contract.
The compensation often involves extra payment…
https://theconstructor.org/construction/construction-claim-types-causes-preventive-measures/567135/
A construction claim is the assertion of a right that requires either more time or/and payment by either party of the contract (often the contractor) for compensation of the losses brought on by the other party’s failure to uphold their portion of the responsibilities as defined in the contract.
The compensation often involves extra payment…
https://theconstructor.org/construction/construction-claim-types-causes-preventive-measures/567135/
What is Polyjacking in Construction?
Polyjacking is a concrete lifting and leveling method that uses high-density geo-technical expanding foam to raise and stabilize concrete surfaces. A similar process with the same objective is the process of mudjacking, which uses mud instead of foam to lift the concrete surface to the desired level.
Polyjacking in Construction Image Credit: Pier Magic
This…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/crack/repair/what-is-polyjacking-in-construction/567242/
Polyjacking is a concrete lifting and leveling method that uses high-density geo-technical expanding foam to raise and stabilize concrete surfaces. A similar process with the same objective is the process of mudjacking, which uses mud instead of foam to lift the concrete surface to the desired level.
Polyjacking in Construction Image Credit: Pier Magic
This…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/crack/repair/what-is-polyjacking-in-construction/567242/
Concrete Dusting: Causes and Preventive Measures
Dusting, also known as chalking, is the formation of fine, loose powdery material on the surface of hardened concrete that can be swept away easily. Though dusting is observed inside as well as outside a building structure, it is more problematic when it develops indoors.
Dusting occurs due to a thin, weak layer of a…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/concrete-dusting-causes-preventive-measures/567294/
Dusting, also known as chalking, is the formation of fine, loose powdery material on the surface of hardened concrete that can be swept away easily. Though dusting is observed inside as well as outside a building structure, it is more problematic when it develops indoors.
Dusting occurs due to a thin, weak layer of a…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/concrete-dusting-causes-preventive-measures/567294/
Repair Methods for Foundation Heave
Foundation heave is a serious structural issue that should be fixed as soon as it is diagnosed. The first step involves the identification of the cause of heaving. This enables the engineers in implementing the appropriate solutions.
One of the major causes of foundation heave is the soil saturation underneath the foundation. In this case,…
https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/repair-methods-foundation-heave/567286/
Foundation heave is a serious structural issue that should be fixed as soon as it is diagnosed. The first step involves the identification of the cause of heaving. This enables the engineers in implementing the appropriate solutions.
One of the major causes of foundation heave is the soil saturation underneath the foundation. In this case,…
https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/repair-methods-foundation-heave/567286/
How to Use a Concrete Calculator for Your Next Project?
If you’re planning a concrete project, whether a new driveway or patio, you’ll need to know how much concrete you need to order. That’s where a concrete calculator comes in. If you’re unsure how to use a concrete calculator, don’t worry – it’s easy! This article will show you how to use a concrete calculator…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/how-to-use-a-concrete-calculator-for-your-next-project/567334/
If you’re planning a concrete project, whether a new driveway or patio, you’ll need to know how much concrete you need to order. That’s where a concrete calculator comes in. If you’re unsure how to use a concrete calculator, don’t worry – it’s easy! This article will show you how to use a concrete calculator…
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/how-to-use-a-concrete-calculator-for-your-next-project/567334/
The Constructor
How to Use a Concrete Calculator for Your Next Project? - The Constructor
🕑 Reading time: 1 minute If you're planning a concrete project, whether a new driveway or patio, you'll need to know how much concrete you need to order. That's where a concrete calculator comes in. If you're unsure how to use a concrete calculator, don't…