Paddy Engineering Consultant

Building repairs and maintenance services mainly includes works undertaken for maintaining proper condition of buildings, its services and works in ordinary use. The use for which buildings are designed is the main factor in determining the required standard of maintenance. Excessive building maintenance should be avoided. At the same time, building maintenance should ensure safety to the occupant or the public and should comply with the statutory requirements. The need also depends upon intensity of usage. The types of building repair and maintenance service works are: Day to day repairs service facilities Annual repairs Special repairs In addition to above, additions and alterations Works in the buildings, Supply & maintenance of furniture & furnishing articles should also be done. 1. DAY TO DAY REPAIRS Day to day repairs include service repairs which arises from time to time in the services of the buildings such as in plumbing works, water supply, etc. Examples...

There are different methods of estimating the life of a building. This can be done by carrying out health check up of the building. Depending on the degree of sophistication and desired accuracy level vis-a-vis the problem in hand ,there are many equipment and methodologies available to evaluate the probable life of a structure. Many times a thorough visual inspection reveals the distress and the causes. Equipment's used for HEALTH CHECK UP of the building are: REBOUND HAMMER: It senses the soundness of concrete up to a marginal depth. IMPACT ECHO TESTER: Finds out defects in the interior of concrete. ULTRASONIC TESTERS: Scans through the concrete for the full depth/thickness. COVER METER: Finds out the cover to the reinforcement (steel bars inside the concrete). PROFOMETER: Establishes configuration and quantum of interior reinforcements (steel bars inside the concrete) REBAR PHOTOGRAPHER: Displays interior reinforcements (steel bars) skeleton. ENDOSCOPIC DE...

Plaster of Paris is regarded as any type of plaster containing calcined gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate), sand and water. When these ingredients are combined, they result in the formation of a tough, dry product; however, plaster of Paris can be sanded to achieve a variety of looks. By following some basic guidelines, you can use plaster of Paris to mend cracks, fix dents,for ceiling, in walls and even to create artworks. However in this case our focus is on ceiling. POP popularly called plaster of Paris is used for a lot of purposes because it can easily be formed to any shape and it hardens quickly and is easy to operate. To do a pop ceiling in your home, getting it done is in two ways, you can buy the materials yourself which include pop cement , yarn(sponge-like material) etc then pay the installer based on per square meter of area of coverage, or you can give it out totally as a contract. But these are the basic steps in getting pop ceiling cast-on-site done. Get cemen...

What is a Septic Tank Most of us have seen septic tanks in our daily life. But we mostly don’t know how do septic tanks work exactly. A Septic tank is a buried, watertight receptacle designed and constructed to receive waste water from a home, to separate the solids from the liquid, to provide limited digestion of organic matter, to store solids, and to allow the clarified liquid to discharge for further treatment and disposal. Settle-able solids and partially decomposed sludge settle to the bottom of the tank and gradually build up. A scum of light- weight material including fats and greases rises to the top. The partially treated effluent is allowed to flow through an outlet structure just below the floating scum layer. This partially decomposed liquid can be disposed of through soil absorption systems, soil mounds, evaporation or anaerobic filters depending upon the site conditions. How Septic Tanks Work Although a septic tank is simply a sedimentation basin with no external o...

Blacktopping a driveway can be a large project and while most people hire a contractor to take on the job, this type of project can be a do-it-yourself project. To blacktop a driveway will be a messy project so make sure that there are plenty of clean-up supplies readily available. Steps To Blacktop a Driveway There are several basic steps to blacktop a driveway. The whole process is divided into 5 simple steps below to understand it clearly. Clean the Driveway Go through the existing driveway and pull all plants that have grown up between cracks and along the sides. Pressure wash the driveway to make sure that all dirt and debris is removed. Let the driveway completely dry prior to moving onto the next step. Fill the Cracks Use an asphalt patch to fill any cracks in the existing driveway. Large cracks should have sand filled into them up to a quarter of the way and then the patch placed on top of that. Use a tamper to tamp down the asphalt. Asphalt patch can be purchased...

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 to Build a Square or Rectangular Patio Here is a list of the materials needed to build a patio. Shovel and mattock Landscape fabric Stakes and string 2×6 boards Galvanized nails Gravel Screed Sand Pavers Expansion joint materials Broom 8 Steps to Build a Patio The complete work of building a patio can be divided into 8 steps. Each steps are described in brief below. Prepare the Bed Roughly mark off the size and shape of the patio. Be sure to check your accuracy and as you determine the exact size of the patio, you will need to plan for number of pavers that you will be using. Make sure that there is enough room for all the pavers within the pa...

Reinforced Concrete Water tank design is based on IS 3370: 2009 (Parts I – IV). The design depends on the location of tanks, i.e. overhead, on ground or underground water tanks. The tanks can be made in different shapes usually circular and rectangular shapes are mostly used. The tanks can be made of RCC or even of steel. The overhead tanks are usually elevated from the roof top through column. In the other hand the underground tanks are rested on the foundation. TYPES OF WATER TANK Basing on the location of the tank in a building s tanks can be classified into three categories. Those are: Underground tanks Tank resting on grounds Overhead tanks In most cases the underground and on ground tanks are circular or rectangular is shape but the shape of the overhead tanks are influenced by the aesthetical view of the surroundings and as well as the design of the construction. Steel tanks are also used specially in railway yards. Basing on the shape the tanks can be circular, rec...

Design Engineers consider design of concrete structures to mean assessing: i) The size and strength of structural components and concrete strength grade to meet safety and serviceability limits. ii) The amount, size and distribution of reinforcements for strength and control cracks to an acceptable size. It is anticipated that with good site control and good workmanship, the structure and its components shall last indefinitely. They have forgotten to take into account the environmental loads while designing the structures (Structures are designed adequately for DL & LL, and sometimes for erection loads). Environmental factors affect durability of structures. Hundreds of bridges and structures are collapsing or showing signs of deterioration with corroding reinforcement – all within 25 years of construction. It is, therefore, necessary for the designer to develop a feel for the problem and design the structures to satisfy safety, serviceability and durability requirements (s...

Retaining wall are generally used to retain earth or other material to maintain unequal levels on two faces. The material on the back face is called backfill. Retaining walls are used in the construction of basement below ground level, wing walls of bridge and to retain slopes in hilly terrain roads. Retaining wall can be constructed with masonry as well as reinforced concrete. In case of masonry retaining wall, the thickness of wall increases with height because masonry resists the lateral pressure by its weight. Thus it is also called gravity retaining wall. While the reinforced concrete retaining wall resists the lateral pressure by structural action such as bending and results in thinner section. Following are the types of reinforced concrete retaining walls: 1. CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL: Cantilever retaining walls are most commonly and widely used type of retaining wall. The following figure shows the cantilever retaining wall. Cantilever Retaining Wall Parts of a c...

Machine Foundation Machine foundation is the foundation that is provided beneath the super structure of vibrating and rotating machine. Machine foundations are subjected to the dynamic forces caused by the machine. These dynamic forces are then transferred to the foundation supporting the machine. Though the moving parts of the machine are generally balanced, there is always some unbalance in practical field which causes an eccentricity of rotating parts. This produces an oscillating force. The machine foundation must satisfy the criteria for dynamic loading in addition to that for static loading. Types of Machine Foundation Machine foundation design, which is also known as machinery foundation design is accomplished to protect the adjacent foundations of the structure from the vibration of the rotating or vibrating machine. There are four types of machine foundations generally used. Each of them is discussed briefly below. Block Type Box Type Wall Type Framed Type Block...

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 and less polluted. Ways To Make The Environment Less Polluted and Make It Greener There are many things that we all can do to make the world a better place for living. Below are 10 of them that can make the world beautiful. Water Usage: When brushing your teeth, turn the water off. Fix a leaky faucet or toilet so you are conserving water. Opt for tap water rather than reaching for that plastic water bottle. When you wash your clothes, use cold water. There are new detergents on the market specifically for cold water washing so your clothes still get cleaned well. Use Your Car Less: It has been shown by the EPA that if you use your car less, about two days le...

Raft Foundation Mat or raft foundation is a large slab supporting a number of columns and walls under the entire structure or a large part of the structure to lower the contact pressure compared to spread footing. When Mat/Raft Foundation is Recommended 1. It is recommended for the following purposes. 2. Bearing capacity of soil is low, walls of the structure are so close that individual footings would overlap, 3. it is used for large loads, individual footings would cover more than about half of the construction area. Advantages of Raft Foundation 1. It has many advantages as well as disadvantages. The advantages of raft foundation are as follows, 2. Raft or mat foundation is economic due to combination of foundation and floor slab. 3. It requires little excavation. 4. It can cope with mixed or poor ground condition. 5. It reduces differential settlement. Disadvantages of Raft Foundation 1. It has some disadvantages also. The disadvantages of raft found...

In this article, i will discuss on how building construction process actually works in the real world. So many construction projects are seen around us under different construction companies and contractors. The construction work that we see around us are only a part of the total procedure. The step by step work involved in building construction process is discussed in brief. Steps of Building Construction Process Building construction is a systemic work by work process. The followings are the steps of construction process. Preliminary Investigation Preliminary investigation will be made and preliminary estimate will be prepared together with sketch plans by a construction professional. Administrative Approval Administrative approval of the department concerned will then be obtained. Land Acquisition At this stage of building construction process, land acquisition proceeding will be started. Detailed Survey Detailed survey will be made as required depending on th...

Global warming has gained recognition in the past several years. With all the publicity that it receives, all that is ever heard are the disadvantages of global warming. But what is global warming exactly? It is the gradual warming of the earth’s atmosphere that is attributed to the greenhouse effect being caused by high levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the atmosphere. Even though there are several well-documented disadvantages, there are several advantages of global warming. Advantages of Global Warming We all know about the disadvantages of global warming. But there are many global warming advantages that we aren’t aware of. 9 advantages of global warming are described in short below. #1 Alternative Energy With the fear that global warming has fed people began looking for different energy sources that will not further damage the earth. Alternative energy sources have increased in popularity. Solar and wind power are options for making people less dependent on ...

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 that have a chromium content of at least 11%. There are varying additions of nitrogen, copper, manganese, nickel, and many other components present in the stainless steel. The characteristics of stainless steel also vary depending on the grade, both austenitic and duplex. The nitrogen combined with molybdenum improves the resistance of pitting corrosion. It also increases the yield strength. 2. Corrosion Resistance Characteristics of stainless steel include the fact that they contain chromium and possess the resistance to corrosion. A chromium-rich oxide film is always present on the surface of stainless steel. The oxide steels have the unique property t...

Protecting Your Home From Break-Ins Help protect your home from break-ins with these home security tips for alarms, lights, and locks. One of the easiest crimes to prevent -- burglary -- is also one of the most common. Somewhere in the U.S. there's a burglary committed every 15 seconds. If it happens at your home, you lose more than a few possessions. A break-in, even when you're not there, has a major impact on your and your family's sense of safety and well-being. But burglaries don't have to happen. There are a lot of things you can do to boost home security and make your house burglary-resistant. Here are tips you can use to help you keep your family safe and your home and its contents intact. Anti-Burglary Tip No. 1: Don't Advertise You're Away The first thing a burglar looks for when choosing a house for a break-in is one with no one in it. If you make your house look occupied when you're gone, most burglars will simply pass it by. Here are so...

Concrete block foundations are built using concrete blocks that are typically 9 inches by 18 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 the blocks and the building. Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete Block Foundations The blocks are placed just like a bricks, in a pattern that overlaps to help interlock them together. This ensures that the foundation is strong and stable. Since the blocks are hollow inside, re-bar is placed inside to connect the blocks to the footing for addition stability. Concrete block foundations have their advantages, but they also have their disadvantages. You might also be interested in our article on building a house foundation. Advantages of Concrete Block foundation Concrete block foundations have some advantages as below. 1. Wooden forms are not needed. With a ...

Whether to build a residence on a concrete slab or conventional crawlspace foundation is a common decision homeowners must make. This decision can be made knowingly based on the merits of each foundation type or unknowingly by building or purchasing a property for reasons unrelated to the foundation type. The design and construction of either a concrete slab or conventional crawlspace foundation should be tailored to the geography and climatic conditions that it is expected to perform under. The choice of foundation type must take into consideration the properties of the soil under it and the loads placed on top of it. Its long-term performance is greatly affected by the critical aspects of the presence of proper lot grading, adequate site surface water drainage, and a proper landscaping plan. While concrete slab and conventional crawlspace foundations present about the same number of advantages and disadvantages as outlined below, the real value and benefit of either is ultimat...

Many people are intimidated by do-it-yourself projects around the house. In reality, most of these projects are easy to do as long as you follow the instructions. 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 to stain has not been stained or painted before. The surface needs to be porous and when it is painted or stained, it has been sealed. You will first need to gather all of the necessary materials to ensure that the job is done quickly and correctly. 1. Tarp 2. Hose and broom 3. 4” paintbrush 4. 9” tear resistant deck paint pad 5. Telescoping rod 6. Bucket of water 7. Rags 8. Water based concrete stain Below are the 4 simple steps associated to get stained concrete floor described in brief. #1 Pick Your Color Concrete s...

Setting and Hardening of Cement The term ‘Setting‘ is used to describe the stiffening of the cement paste. Setting of cement refers to changes of cement paste from a fluid to rigid state. Setting differs from Hardening of cement. The term 'Hardening' refers to the gain of strength of a set cement paste, although during setting the cement paste acquires some strength. The setting characteristics of Portland cement paste are defined by initial set and final set. Initial set indicates the approximate time at which the paste begins to stiffen considerably. Final set roughly indicates the time at which the cement paste has hardened and can support some load. Initial setting time indicates the beginning of the setting process when the cement paste starts losing its plasticity. Final setting time is the time elapsed between the moment water is added to the cement and the time when the cement completely lost its plasticity and can resist certain definite pressure. These times ...

Soundness of Cement To keep cement sound we need to be careful in some aspects. It is essential that a cement paste, once it has set, does not undergo a large change in volume. Such changes in volume may take place due to the delay in hardening cement, namely free lime, magnesia and calcium sulphate. If the raw materials fed into the kiln contain more lime (CaO) than that can combine with the acidic oxides, the excess will remain in a free condition. The free lime will hydrate very slowly in a subsequent stage and the mortar and concrete prepared with such cement is therefore liable to expand and crack after a few months or a year. Cements which exhibit has expansion are known as unsound cements. Cement can be unsound due to the presence of magnesia (MgO), which reacts with water in a manner similar to quick lime (CaO). However, only crystalline variety of magnesia (Periclasue MgO) is deleterious, but magnesia present in glass form is of course harmless. Calcium sulphate is the...

When to use low heat cement – Hydration of cement is an exothermic process that produces large quantity of heat. In mass concrete structures such as dams, retaining walls, bridge abutment, raft etc the rate of dissipation of heat of hydration from the surface is much lower than that generated. It causes rise in temperature inside the concrete mass and may develop thermal and shrinkage cracks. Under this circumstances, the low heat cement or low heat portland cement can be effectively used. In low heat cement, ingredients are proportioned in such a way that C3A and C3S are formed in less amount but C2S is formed in increased amount so that C2S and C3S collectively impart the same strength as Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). For low heat cement, the rate of heat evolution is slow initially, so both setting and hardening rates are slow initially. But in the later stage, both rates are faster than the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).

Economical design is one of the most desirable factor in residential building planning and design. Civil engineers and architects work hard for making connection between the desires and the costs allowed by the owner of a project. There are some basic concepts that can be used for making a residential building economical under general circumstances. Remind that, every construction project is different and many of the time an engineer have to work with his professional experience & technical skills. But it is always best to know some general considerations for economical design of residential building design for clear concept on this topic. Also you can check the article on how much gravel costs per ton. Some General Concepts Used For Reducing The Cost of Building a House 1. Square shape of structure is advantageous. 15-20% wall is saved in square structure than to a rectangular structure of same area. 2. For 2 storey building, half of the rooms should be at ground floor and...