Flat roofs and sloped roofs both are used frequently in modern constructions. Before choosing flat or sloped roof, you should know the advantages and disadvantages of both the roofs. Advantages of flat roofs than sloped roofs Here are some of the advantages of using flat roofs than sloped roofs listed below: The construction process for […]
Roof Structure Vs Roof Covering – Difference Between Roof Structure and Roof Covering
There are many who faces consfusion on roof structures and roof covering. We shall differentiate between roof structures and roof covering in this article to clarify the differences and their roles. Roof structure: Roof covering: Below is a comparison table showing each of their functionalities and differences. Roof Structure Roof Covering 1. Roof structure is the main frame […]
Roof Covering – List of Materials Needed and How To Select Materials
Roof covering is an important part of construction for a sloped roof. For a sloped roof covering, the below materials are generally used. List of Sloped Roof Covering Materials Thatch covering Wood singles Tiles Asbestos cement sheets Galvanised Iron corrugated sheets Slates Light weight roofing (i) Sheeting: Alluminium sheet, AC Sheet; ii) Decking: Wood wool, Straw board, […]
When Steel Trusses Are Preferred In a Structural Design
Steel trusses and wooden trusses are used frequently in structural designs. It sometimes become confusing what we should use under what conditions. Generally, a steel truss is used in a span greater than 10 meter. You may be asking yourself why a span greater than 10 meter. Actually in larger spans using wooden truss is uneconomical and also […]
Different Types of Scaffolding Used In Construction
Scaffolding is a common word in construction works. When construction staff need to conduct work on a building or fixture, they may need a method for gaining access to the work site. Scaffolding is used to help construction workers access the work area. Choosing the correct scaffolding means considering the safety aspects and practicality of the […]
Pier and beam Foundation Vs Slab Foundation Comparison
Pier and Beam Foundations A pier foundation allows you to isolate the house off the ground. This means the house is technically decoupled from the ground as a whole. Steel studs remove the possibility of wood rot and concrete creates roughly one kilogram of CO2 for every kilogram of concrete. This means pier and beam […]
Difference Between Basement and Cellar
Basement Both cellars and basements are rooms or areas that exists below a building. A basement is found underneath the house or the building’s main structure. It is usually less than halfway below the curb line, unlike regular rooms which usually have their floor above or level to a curb. Many of them have windows. […]
Concrete Fence Posts – Features and Construction Process
What is Concrete Fence Post Building a fence is necessary when you want to cage livestock or designate your yard. It is imperative for the fence to remain functional. Fence posts are needed for attaching the fence and can be made from many materials. Concrete fence posts are durable and provide a long lasting solution […]
Concrete Mix Ratios – Cement, Sand, Aggregate and Water
Concrete mix ratio is a vital topic in concrete mix design. The four basic ingredients for making concrete are: Portland cement, sand, aggregate (stone) and water. The strength of concrete mixture depends on the ratio in which these four ingredients are mixed. Concrete mix ratio of 1:3:3 – On mixing 1 part cement, 3 parts […]
Crushed Stone Driveways – Construction Steps, Advantages and Installing Cost
Crushed Stone Driveway The traditional materials used for driveways have been concrete and asphalt but these are now getting replaced with crushed stone. The reason is availability of crushed stone in wide ranging colors and textures which go to create an entirely natural looking front drive that compliments the features of the rest of the […]
What is Exposed Aggregate Concrete – Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Exposed Aggregate Concrete
You would have surely seen decorative driveways, sidewalks and patios and perhaps wondered how they are achieved. Those are achieved by using exposed aggregate concrete. Those floors are done by removing the top layer on concrete from a surface to reveal the color and texture of aggregate beneath it. Exposed concrete floors are durable and provide skid […]
Step by Step Guide To Build an Exposed Aggregate Patio
Exposed aggregate is gorgeous and decorative that makes it a popular choice nowadays. Homeowners considering replacing their present patio or including patio in their home get a very good option of making a surface-seeding kind of exposed aggregate. This is the best option when the home lacks an arrangement for draining out chemically treated exposed aggregate. […]
How To Mix Concrete Manually By Hand
For a site engineer, mixing concrete is a routine work during concrete casting. Actually, most of the civil engineers do know well about concrete mixing procedures as it is a basic ground in civil engineering construction works. So, this post on mixing concrete manually is for the civil engineering students and for the newbie civil engineers. Materials needed for mixing […]
Concrete Crack Repairing: How To Repair Small and Large Concrete Cracks
Occasionally, homeowners need to undertake repairing of concrete cracks that tend to develop on driveway, sidewalk or walls from time to time. Here you’ll know ways to repair those cracks but first let us see what causes these cracks to appear. What Causes Concrete Cracks There are quite a few factors responsible for causing cracks […]
Dam vs Embankment | Difference Between Dam and Embankment
Well there are many differences between dam and embankment. To make it clear, let’s analyze the differences in a dam vs embankment table as below. Topic Dam Embankment Location Vertical to river direction Parallel to river at safe distance Main function Creating reservoir during upstream Force a river to flow in its own direction Best […]
Metal Roof vs Shingle Roof – Difference Between Metal Roof and Shingle Roof
Metal roof Metal roofs and shingle roofs are different. Metal roof is simply a roof made of metal and tends to have very high purchase and installation costs. It is great for keeping a house cool during the summer. Also it is often the most environmentally-friendly roofing option. Related: Difference between Gable roof and Hip roof […]
Plaster vs Drywall – Difference Between Plaster and Drywall
Plaster Plaster is considered something of a high-end finish for walls. A plasterer is often well paid because it is a skilled job that takes a lot of practice. Installing a wall is very labor-intensive. People often texture their plaster walls and ceilings and then paint over them instead of having wallpaper. It is often advisable […]
5 Differences Between Pebble Tec and Plaster
Pebble Tec Pebble tec is made with cement and pool mix, but the pool mix is made with silica or quartz instead of crushed marble. Silicate is a far stronger and more durable aggregate than marble is. When the surface is finished with Pebble tec, the surface is mostly made up of silicate.Pebble tec will […]
H-beam vs I-beam – Difference Between H-beam and I-beam
H-beam and I-beam looks quite similar that makes it confusing to many who is not concered about the differences between h-beam and i beam. Lets discuss about these two structural members. H-beam H-beam is a structural beam made of rolled steel. It is incredibly strong. It gets its name because it looks like a capital H over […]
Rafters vs Trusses – Difference Between Rafter and Truss
Rafters and trusses are not same and there are many differences between these two. As there are confusions on rafters and trusses, we decided to cover this topic in this post. Rafters The quality of Rafters is the same as the quality of Trusses unless you have decided to opt for an exposed rafter look, otherwise the results […]
What is Hip Roof and Gable Roof – What Are The Differences?
Gable roof A Gable roof may also be called a peaked or pitched roof. They are very popular in the USA, and many people recognize them through the fact they have triangular shapes. They are a near perfect design for places that see a lot of rain, and are vital for places where it snows […]
Slab Foundation Vs Crawl Space Foundation Vs Basement – What’s The Difference?
There are some confusions among civil engineering students as well as professionals on relative differences among slab foundations, crawl space foundations and basement. So we have decided to write a post on this topic. First, we will go through the basic concepts of each of the topics and then we will summarize the relative differences between slab […]
Difference Between Cork Flooring and Bamboo Flooring
Cork Flooring Cork flooring is very eco-friendly like bamboo flooring because it is sustainable. Hardwood flooring tends to rely on trees, many of which are cut from forests that are not replanted. Cork flooring and Bamboo flooring are sustainable and can be harvested every ten years without damaging the trees, and Bamboo is actually a […]
Concrete Curing Methods – Relative Advantages and Limitations
Concrete curing is the process of keeping concrete under a specific environmental condition for promoting hydration by controlling the temperature and moisture movement from and into the concrete. Concrete curing is done to increase concrete strength & stability. Concrete curing method is decided according to the working procedure and weather condition. Generally, there are some common […]
Key Advantages of Steel Truss over Wooden Truss
Steel truss and wood truss, both are used frequently in structural design. Here are some of the key advantages of using steel trusses over wood trusses listed below. You can also consider this as steel truss and wooden truss comparison table. Related: King Post Truss Vs. Queen Post Truss Steel Truss Wood Truss Steel truss […]
Concrete Formwork or Shuttering | Steps, Importance, Requirements and Advantages
Generally, the temporary structure that is built by timber, plastic or steel to shape casted concrete is called formwork or shuttering. When the casted concrete becomes strengthened, the formwork is taken off. According to the construction material used, formwork is divided into 3 different types. Timber formwork Ply wood formwork Steel formwork Necessity of Concrete […]
Difference Among Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint and Latex Paint – Comparison Table
Acrylic paint, oil paint and latex paint are three of the most commonly used paint types. There are many differences in various aspects like application, preferable conditions, costing etc which are important to consider before choosing a specific type of paint. It is impossible to say that one paint is better than another in this circumstance. The […]
Carbon Steel Vs Stainless Steel – Difference Between Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel The Carbon steel is presently most widely used type of the steel. Carbon steel is primarily used in a wide variety of products like structural products, automobiles bodies, cans, canisters, cylinders and various kinds of house appliances. The properties of carbon steel are heavily dependent upon the carbon amount among the total ingredients. […]
King Post Truss Vs Queen Post Truss – Major Differences Between King Post Truss and Queen Post Truss
Truss is one of the critical elements of structural design. So, it is important to understand the key basics of king post truss and queen post truss. The major differences between king post truss and queen post truss are shown below by a king post truss vs Queen post truss table. King Post Truss Queen […]
Prestressed Concrete: Advantages and Disadvantages of Prestressed Concrete
There are many advantages and disadvantages of prestressed concrete which should be considered in structural design. The prestressed concrete pros and cons are listed below. Advantages of Prestressed Concrete There are 4 types of prestressed concrete available as discussed in our previous post. The advantages of prestressed concrete are as follows: Prestressed member is free from crack,so […]
Difference Between Laminate Flooring, Engineered Flooring and Real Wood Flooring
Picking the right type of flooring for your home is important because it can cost a lot of money. There are some floors that are more suitable for your home than others. There are also floors that are more suited to light use and floors that can withstand teams of football players stomping across them […]
Pole Barn Truss: Step by Step Installation Guide
Pole Barn Truss It’s okay to crave for space, especially if your house is small with a little room to store your properties. You would wish for a pole barn truss. If you had a place for your car, feeds, life stocks, crops, and so on. Wouldn’t it be just great? A garage would have […]
Top 5 Online Civil Engineering Degree
Finding the time to go to school can be a daunting task for some, especially when seeking a civil engineering degree. For many, the solution is an online college or university where they can set their own hours and continue with their busy lifestyle. There are several colleges that offer online degree programs but finding […]
History of Quality In Construction Project
Quality issues have been of great concern throughout the recorded history of human beings. During the New Stone Age, several civilizations emerged, and some 4000–5000 ago, considerable skills in construction had been acquired. The pyramids in Egypt were built approximately during 2589–2566 BC. The king of Babylonia (1792–1750 BCE) had copied the law, and according […]
Efflorescence In Concrete: Causes, Prevention and Solution
Efflorescence is a very common phenomenon associated with concrete foundations. It often appears in the form of a white fluffy material that you may have noticed on the walls of your basement. Good news is that it is not hazardous, being just a salt that can easily be removed using efflorescence removers and other techniques. […]
5 Best Construction Project Management Software
Information technology has conquered the whole world and every niche of business. There is no surprise to see innumerable construction management programs coming up in the market. These software can provide great support for the contractors and come with modules for financial accounting as well as other functions in the operational area of the contractors. These can […]
10 Tips For Construction Project Management
When it comes to construction project management, there are various features that need to be considered, among them includes keep tracking and maintaining the project as well as budget within given time. Challenges are part of every project, successfully overcoming such hindrances and keeping the project in the right track is what makes a project […]
Construction Project Management – Functions, Purposes and Key Features For Project Planning
Construction project management (CPM) or construction management is the overall task of coordination, planning and controlling the whole project from the initial stages to the completion. It is basically aimed at meeting every client’s requirement in a lieu to produce financially feasible or functional project. The construction management industry is composed of five sectors. Namely: Residential Commercial […]
Is Masters in Civil Engineering Really Worth It?
It is not too long ago that a bachelor’s degree in some branch of engineering, including civil, was considered gateway to getting a high salary. But now we are told that acquiring a master’s degree in civil engineering should be the aim of those aspiring for a higher salary. Having got a bachelor’s degree in […]
Top 10 Civil Engineering Schools In The World
Every year a detailed survey on the basis of performance, infrastructure and placements colleges or universities are ranked to help new engineering students to get a list of top colleges in the world. When it comes to civil engineering schools, there are some famous colleges or schools around the world that particular stands tall with […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic Farming
Organic Farming Organic farming is an agricultural process used to produce food and in some cases fiber. Organic farming relies on the developing biological diversity within the fields to disrupt the habitat of pests. The soil fertility is maintained and replenished. The advantages and disadvantages of organic farming is listed below. Advantages of Organic Farming […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power Plant
Nuclear Power Nuclear power is derived from the mass to energy conversions that occur in the splitting of atoms or joining of atoms. Technology that has been developed in the Manhattan Project has successfully used nuclear energy in a chain reaction to create nuclear bombs. This technology was quickly transferred to the public sector and […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Geopolymer Concrete
Geopolymer concrete is considered to be an innovative material that is a viable alternative to traditional Portland concrete or cement used in transportation infrastructures, certain constructions and offshore builds. It is very resistant to several of the durability issues that can cause traditional concretes to crack and crumble. This is accomplished by using minimally processed […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Intensive Farming
Intensive Farming Definition Intensive farming, also known as intensive agriculture, is an agricultural production system that uses a low fallow ratio along with high capital, labor and chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Intensive farming has some both pros and cons. Here are the major advantages and disadvantages of intensive farming. Advantages of Intensive Farming The advantages […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Modern Technology
While modern technology can be considered an ambiguous phrase, it simply refers to any type of technological advancements or scientific developments that have been made since the passing of the Middle Ages. It is also used often to refer to the contemporary advancements made in computer devices. Importance of Modern Technology Civilization has evolved because of […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are essentially natural fuels that are formed from the remains of living organisms. It can take years to create fossil fuels such as coal or gas. Importance of Fossil Fuels Without the use of fossil fuels we would not be able to do most things that we do or enjoy. Fossil fuels are […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Partnership
Partnership A partnership is a legal form of a business operation that is between two or more individuals who will share management responsibilities and profits. There are several types of partnerships that are recognized by the federal government, but the two most common types are general and limited partnerships. Partnership Agreement It is easy to […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is all energy that is created from natural processes and is constantly replenished. Forms of renewable energy include geothermal heat, wind, sunlight, tides and hydropower. Renewable energy cannot be exhausted and is able to be constantly renewed. Importance of Renewable Energy There are several reasons why renewable energy is important. Those include: Benefits […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Limited Company
Limited Company A limited company is basically a company where the liability of the members of the company is limited to what they have invested. Some limited companies are limited by shares while others are limited by guarantee. Advantages of Limited Company There are many advantages of limited companies. Some of them are described […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Information Technology
Information Technology Everyone has dealt with some form of information technology and has been pleasantly surprised or completely disgusted. The evolution of information technology has changed the way that humans communicate and even work. By definition, information technology is the use of systems, specifically computers and telecommunications, for storing, retrieving and sending information. Importance of […]
Project Management – Advantages and Disadvantages
Project Management Project management is simply put, the process and activity of planning, organizing, motivating and controlling procedures, protocols and resources to achieve a specific goal. Without project management, it would be extremely difficult for goals to be met. Importance of Project Management Without a specified plan of action or a go-to person for a […]
4 Key Characteristics of Stainless Steel
Characteristics of Stainless Steel Stainless steel is not like ordinary steel in that it does not rust or stain, although it is not completely stain resistant. Here are 4 characteristics of stainless steel. 1. Stainless Steel This term does not mean one specific metal; it is the name of a group of corrosion resistant steels […]
Physical and Chemical Properties of Water
Many people do not really take the time to stop and consider the physical and chemical properties of water. Water is essential for life and is the major element of almost every life form. Plants and animals, for the most part, contain more than 60% water. Life would more than likely never have developed on […]
Difference Among Warren Truss, Howe Truss and Pratt Truss
A truss is considered to be a simple structure that has members that are subject to axial compression and tension. The truss generally comprises of five or more triangular units that have straight members whose ends are connected by joints or nodes. Warren truss, Pratt truss and Howe truss are 3 of the most common types that […]
9 Different Types of Precipitation
There are many forms of precipitation to be found in every climate. Every climate will have a wide range of precipitation throughout the year. Depending on the season, the types of precipitation that we notice will differ. Snow in the summer seems highly unlikely because of the warm within the atmosphere. Types of Precipitation There […]
Hydropower Dams: Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower Dams
Hydropower is the energy that is generated by water power. This is done by using the gravity and resistance of the waterfall. Hydropower is the most used form of renewable energy. A hydropower plant will produce energy without emitting greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. The potential of hydropower dams depends on the drop and […]
8 Most Famous Dams In The World
Dams are functional works of art that have become commonplace all over the world. There are small dams that only people in the immediate know about and then there are larger, more impressive dams. There are also those that are famous dams for various reasons. Here are the top 8 most famous dams in the world. 8. Grand […]
7 Types of Cranes Used In Construction Works
There are various types of cranes used in civil engineering construction works. A crane is a piece of heavy machinery that is a tower or platform that is equipped with cables and pulleys. They are used to lift and lower materials. The most common use of cranes is in the construction industry and heavy equipment […]
10 Unique Characteristics of Water
Water is the very essence of life. In order for most living things to survive, water is required. Water never disappears; it is recycled over and over again. The water that dinosaurs drank is the same exact water that we have today! There are many amazing characteristics of water and we are going to discuss briefly […]
Different Types of Concrete Vibrators Used For Compaction In Construction
Compacting concrete to where it is solid and can handle a heavy load on it can be tricky and most times it takes concrete vibrators to shift the particles to achieve satisfactory compaction. Types of Concrete Vibrators Concrete particles are different sizes and it is best to use vibrators that have different speeds. Vibrators that […]
8 Different Types of Dams
Dams are glorious structures no matter the size or the materials used. To think, these structures have the ability to hold back millions of gallons of rushing water. Dams also have the ability to generate energy and electricity that will benefit the population around the dam. There are numerous types of dams throughout the world. […]
History of Bridges: Ancient To Modern Bridges
Bridges have been around for centuries as a means to get from one side of the bank to the other. Ancient architects and engineers began building crude bridges and we have created bigger and better bridges for foot traffic and vehicular traffic. What is exactly is the history of bridges? We are going to discuss […]
How to Protect Natural Slopes From Continuous Erosion?
What is the main issue with Continuous Erosion? The clue is in the name – it is continuous. On bare soil just one drop of rain will dislodge soil particles. If you consider this in terms of a normal rain shower then there can be significant movement in these natural slopes. If you consider this […]
8 Steps To Build a Patio With Pavers
Building a patio is a great do-it-yourself project that can easily be completed in a weekend. The typical homeowner can build a patio in their backyard and add value to their home. By following these step-by-step instructions on how to build a patio you will be able to build a professional looking patio. Materials Needed […]
Garage Demolition – How To Demolish a Garage
It can be intimidating when considering a larger demolish project such as a garage demolition. It should not be a scary ordeal. By following simple steps, you can learn garage demolition work without needing large and expensive machinery. We will discuss in this article about the step by step procedure to demolish a garage. 8 Steps To Demolish […]
Pool Demolition – 5 Simple Steps To Demolish A Pool
Swimming pools can add value to a home, however when they fall into disrepair, they become eye sores. If you need a pool demolished do not call costly companies that make their money by over-charging you. It is simple enough to learn how to demolish a pool by following a step-by-step guide. Decide The Pool […]
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (ACC) – Advantages and Disadvantages of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (ACC) Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (ACC) is a thermally insulated concrete based material. It is used in both internal and external construction. This is relatively a new product that is being integrated into the construction process. Advantages and Disadvantages of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Autoclaved aerated concrete is quick and easy to install mainly because […]
Ferrocement – Advantages and Disadvantages of Ferrocement
What Is Ferrocement? Ferrocement was developed by an Italian architect named P.L. Nervi in 1940. Ferrocement is generally applied to a Portland cement and sand mixture applied over layers of expanded steel mesh and steel rebars that are closely spaced and also have small-diameter. Ferrocement is also termed as ‘ferro concrete’ or ‘reinforced concrete‘. Wire mesh is used […]
Pile Foundation – How To Install Piles In A Pile Foundation
Pile Foundation Pile foundations can be defined as a special type of deep foundation, where piles are used to transfer the loads from the low bearing capacity soil to the high soil bearing capacity strata at depth. Pile foundations are generally used for large structures. It is also used in places where the soil settlement […]
How To Stain Concrete Floors – 4 Simple Steps
Staining concrete is a simple process and once you learn it, you will wonder why it took you so long to give it a try. So if you have a patio, sidewalk or basement floor that needs revitalized, give stained concrete a try! How to Stain Concrete Floors Make certain that the concrete you want […]
10 Differences Between Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
People many times joke about the various branches of engineering. The best one being, “What’s the difference between a civil engineer and a mechanical engineer?” The answer: “Mechanical engineers build weapons and civil engineers build targets!” While that is not an apt description of what each of these engineers does, it gives a relative idea […]
5 Characteristics of Good Bricks – How To Identify a Good Brick
For a good structure, bricks should be good and well burnt. In a construction site, sometimes we need to check if the bricks are of good quality or it is not. We should be able to identify good bricks without any extra instrument. To do that, we need to know the characteristics of good bricks. […]
What is Plastic Recycling – 5 Plastic Recycling Facts
Plastic recycling is the process that involves recovering the waste plastic material or scrap and reprocessing those materials into many useful products. Plastics have excellent strength, structural designs and amazing recycling features. There are some plastics, which are recyclable while few other are non-recyclable. Scrap or waste plastics must be recycled to protect the environment, […]
10 Amazing Facts About Wind Energy
Wind energy is the best renewable energy source, which comes from the wind. This wind is significantly converted into wind power, which is then utilized as a source of electricity. The efficient process of this renewable energy conversion is accomplished by wind turbines, wind mills or wind pumps. Wind energy is an imperative source of […]
Fly Ash Concrete – Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Fly ash In Concrete
Fly ash is the residue that is left from burning coal, and this is formed when the gaseous releases of the coal is efficiently cooled. It is somewhat like a glass powder that is fine in nature. However, the chemical constituents of this residue might vary from one other. Fly ash has several industrial applications […]
Rotary kiln Liquid Injection – Advantages and Disadvantages
A Rotary kiln is a pyroprocessing device used to raise materials to a high temperature (calcination) in a continuous process. The comparison between rotary kiln liquid injection advantages and disadvantages are as follows. Rotary Kiln Liquid Injection Advantages Rotary Kiln Liquid Injection Disadvantage Can be use for a wide variety of both liquids and solid No problem when melt occurs […]
Household Chemical Waste (HCW): Relative Advantages and Disadvantages of Treatment Methods
Household chemical wastes (HCW) can be very dangerous if not treated properly. There are many treatment methods for household chemical waste disposal available. Each one of them has both some advantages and disadvantages. The relative advantages and disadvantages of different available household chemical waste disposal treatment methods are shown in below table. Household Chemical Waste […]
7 Amazing Facts About The Water Cycle
The water cycle is the endless movement of water through the Earth’s surface, underground and atmosphere. The water is in constant motion through evaporation, precipitation, condensation, runoff and transpiration. Water can exist as a gas, solid or liquid and the water cycle is very important to life on Earth. There are many water cycle facts […]
10 Things You Can Do To Help The Environment
Living a greener lifestyle is actually easier than you would think and many times you are already making an impact on helping the environment without even knowing you are doing so. Little changes in your daily living will have a positive impact on the environment. Here are 10 ways to help the environment become greener […]
Shear and Diagonal Tension in Beams
Beams must have an adequate safety margin against other types of failure, some of which may be more dangerous than flexural failure. This may be so because of greater uncertainly in predicting certain other modes of collapse, or because of the catastrophic nature of some other types of failure, should they occur. Shear Failure Shear […]
8 Amazing Basement Renovation Ideas
Basement renovation or remodeling is not a new concept as people always want to use the extra space like basement. But the problem is most people think of basements as being dank and musty, however, basements are undiscovered gems and not used properly. They provide so much extra living space and a wealth of purposes from […]
5 Popular Waterproofing Products For Your Basement
Basements need to be waterproofed, that is just a fact of life if your home sits on a basement. Finding a product that is strong enough to seal the basement from leaks can be a difficult challenge especially with so many products on the market. Popular Waterproofing Products To get started, here are 5 basement […]
How To Build a Garage Foundation
Garage Foundation construction can be tricky if you do not have a general knowledge on construction and construction materials. There are specific steps that need to be taken to ensure that the garage foundation is sturdy and will hold the weight of the garage structure plus the weight of the vehicle that will be housed […]
Slab on Grade Foundation – Advantages, Disadvantages and Uses of Slab Foundations
Slab on grade foundations are also commonly known as floating slab foundations. The foundation is formed using a mold that is set into the ground rather than digging a basement for the structure. There is no space between the ground and the poured concrete. Uses of Slab Foundations Slab foundations are used under the following […]
Two Column Footings – Basics of Combined Footing Design
It is desirable to design combined footing so that the centroid of the footing area coincides with the resultant of the two column loads. This produces uniform bearing pressure over the entire area and forestalls a tendency for footings to tilt. In plane, such footing are rectangular, trapezoidal, or T shaped, the details of the […]
Concrete Block Foundation – Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete Block Foundations
Concrete block foundations are built using concrete blocks that are typically 8 inches by 16 inches. Although they do come in various sizes, this is the size that is most commonly used for foundations. The concrete blocks rest on a concrete footing that has been poured deep and wide enough to accommodate the load of […]
Pool Excavation – How To Excavate a Swimming Pool
Excavating a swimming pool takes a lot of work, heavy machinery and knowledge of how to excavate a pool. Most people will hire a professional to complete the pool excavation. When hiring a pool excavator be sure to thoroughly check their business out and make sure that they possess the right credentials. Swimming Pool Excavation: […]
5 Simple Steps To Prevent Basement Leaks
Many people dread going into their basements because they are dark, dank and musty. The culprit for the dankness and mustiness of many basements is a leak either in one particular place or several leaks throughout the basement. We will discuss some steps on how can we prevent a basement from being leaked. How To Prevent a Basement […]
4 Functions Of Pile Foundation – Why Piles Are Used
When the soil beneath the level at which a footing or raft would normally be established is too weak or too compressible to provide adequate support, the loads are transferred to more suitable material at greater depth by means of piles or piers. The distinction between the two is somewhat arbitrary. What Are The […]
How To Waterproof a Basement – 5 Methods Commonly Used
Since most basements are below grade, it is best to waterproof them so that they remain dry and free of mold. At the start of the process to waterproof basement, you must find out what is causing the moisture. Once you have figured out the exact problem then you can decide on which waterproofing method is best. […]
Comparative Study Between Combined Footing, Strip Footing and Mat foundation
Combined Footings Spread footings that support more than one column or wall are known as combined footing. They can be divided into two categories: those that support two columns and those that support more than two columns. Combined Footings – Two Column Two-column combined footings are seen become necessary in 2 situations: If columns are so close to […]
Spread Foundations – Types and When To Use Spread Footing Foundations
The horizontal outline of the most common spread footing foundation types are given. A wall footing is simply a strip of reinforced concrete, wider than the wall that distributes its pressure. Single-column footings are usually square, sometimes rectangular, and represent the simplest and most economical type. Their use under exterior columns meets with difficulties if property rights prevent […]
Glossary of Concrete Terms Commonly Used
Concrete is an essential part of most construction works. It is not possible to understand if there is no idea about the common concrete terms or words or materials used in the construction process. Here is the commonly used concrete terms glossary. Accelerators: Admixtures that decease the setting time by increasing the rate of hydration. Admixture: A […]
Temperature and Shrinkage Reinforcement For Footing and Slabs
Concrete shrinks as it dries out. It is advisable to minimize such shrinkage by using concretes with the smallest possible amounts of water and cement compatible with other requirements, such as strength and workability, and by thorough moist-curing of sufficient duration. However, no matter what precautions are taken, a certain amount of shrinkage is usually […]
Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beam – The Basics
Plain concrete beams are inefficient as flexural members because the tensile strength in bending (modulus of rupture) is a small fraction of the compressive strength. As a consequence, such beams fail on the tension side at low loads long before the strength of the concrete on the compression side has been fully utilized. For this […]
5 Common House Foundation Problems and Solutions
One of the biggest headaches that homeowners face regarding home repairs and maintenance is when the foundation of the house begins to shift or crack. There are usually simple and easy fixes for foundation problems if they are caught early enough. It is always good stewardship to check basement walls and foundations about once a […]
Common Methods Used For Bracing Sides of Shallow Excavations
The foundations for most structure are established below the surface of the ground. Therefore, they cannot be constructed until the soil or rock above the base level of the foundation has been excavated. Ordinarily it is not the function of the foundation engineer to select the equipment for excavating at a given site or to […]
10 Different Energy Sources – Uses, Advantages and Disadvantages
As industries grow and people become more and more aware of the extensive use of energy around them there have been several advancements in the field of energy. Scientists have spent their life’s work on developing new forms of energy and devising ways to harness and contain that energy. List of 10 Important Energy Sources […]
5 Impossible Structures That Civil Engineers Made Possible
There are so many fascinating buildings and structures that would never have been realized if not for civil engineers and their visions. Through determination, many times trial and error these engineers have put their imagination and creativity to the test. Numerous structures are in front of our eyes that would have been impossible to build […]
Famous Civil Engineers of All Time That Every Civil Engineer Should Know
The field of civil engineering has been around for centuries. There are numerous people who have contributed to civil engineering and deserve accolades for their contributions. It is impossible to list every engineer who has added a great value to the industry. However, we tried to highlight several famous civil engineers and their works as […]