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Bond Beam Block vs. Lintel Block

Bond beam block and lintel blocks are concrete units which are used especially for masonry purposes. The differences between both bond beam block and lintel block in terms of their usage, shape, functions etc. are explained in this article. Lintel Blocks Lintel blocks are U-shaped horizontal masonry units which are placed above the openings. lintel […]

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Firebricks – Properties, Types and Uses

A Firebrick is a special type of brick made using fire-clay. It has good resistance against high temperatures. These bricks are manufactured similar normal bricks but burning is done at high temperatures. Fire clay composition for making fire bricks, properties, types and uses of fire bricks are explained in this article. Fire-clay for Making Firebricks […]

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How Thick Should a Concrete Slab be?

The selection and computation of slab thickness including different types of slabs is a major step in the design process. If proper procedure for calculating slab thickness is considered, then design period would be cut considerably, in addition to reach reliable and economical slab thickness. Technique used for slab thickness determination may be slightly different […]

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Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Method

Rubber balloon test method is an in-situ test conducted to determine field density of soils especially compacted soils. Apparatus required, test procedure and calculations of rubber balloon method are explained in this article. Field Density of Soil by Rubber Balloon Method Rubber balloon test is quick method and gives more accurate results compared to other […]

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Effect of Excess Water in Concrete Mix

The use of excessive water in the concrete mix may facilitate easy placing of concrete but it produces less quality product. The damage of concrete structures due to excessive water in the concrete mix is most common and the effects caused due to this are briefly explained in this article. Effects of Excess Water in […]

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Cigarette Butt Bricks- Physical Properties and Advantages

Cigarette but bricks are produced by blending cigarette buts with mixture of materials used for brick production. This is an innovative and practical solution for the pollution problems caused by cigarette butt disposal. The percentage of cigarette butt addition is based on the purpose for which bricks are constructed. This is because high percentage of […]

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Breathe Bricks- Operation Mechanism, Applications, Advantages

Breathe Brick is a masonry system which is designed and constructed to constitute and be part of ventilation system of buildings. It filters polluted outdoor air so that it becomes healthy enough to bring directly into occupied spaces.   Breathe Brick does not need any energy for its operation because it works with pressure and […]

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Grade Separation and Interchanges

Grade separation is a method developed to avoid the disruption of traffic flow at intersections. Grade separation is adopted at junctions where two or more surface transport axes cross with each other. Different types of grade separation structures, advantages and disadvantages of grade separation are discussed below. Types of Grade Separation Grade separation is generally […]

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Transparent Wood- Production, Properties, Applications, and Advantages

Transparent wood is one of innovative construction materials which possibly shape construction in the future. It is environmentally-friendly and an alternative to plastic and glass. Transparent wood is produced by treating and compressing wood strips. In production process, lignin is replaced by polymer to make the wood transparent. As far as transparent wood strength is […]

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Trailer Mounted Concrete Pumps

Trailer mounted concrete pump is a type of concrete pump generally mounted on a single axle or multi-axle trailer and high pressure is used to pump the concrete. These trailers are transported to construction sites by attaching them to a suitable vehicle. These are also called stationary or line or static concrete pumps. Trailer Mounted […]

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6 Sustainable Innovations Shaping Construction

Sustainable innovation is the process in which sustainability considerations including environmental and economy are taken into account from idea generation to research, development, and commercialization. Since construction emit significant quantity of CO2 into air, numerous attempts have been made to make used materials and construction process more environmentally friendly. Several materials have been developed which […]

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Placement of Rebar in Footings – Horizontal and Vertical Rebars

Concrete and Steel make up any structural building as concrete is high in compressive strength and steel provides the resistance to tensile stresses. So it is important to understand the placement, size, cover, tying and tolerance in steel to achieve its ultimate efficiency in the footing. 1. Minimum Concrete Cover The concrete cover is the […]

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Concrete Sweating – Phenomenon, Causes and Prevention

Concrete sweating is the phenomena of accumulation of water droplets on the surface of concrete due to the difference in temperature of the outer environment and concrete. A sweating concrete floor can be a real nuisance that can create a slippery surface and make the floor damp. In this article, we study the phenomenon of […]

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Garage Concrete Floor Slab – Construction, Thickness and Cost

Garage floor slab construction process includes the preparation of base, erection of formwork, placement of reinforcement, pouring, compacting, finishing and curing of the concrete slab. In this article we discuss the construction process, thickness and cost of garage floor slab. Construction of Garage Floor Slab 1. Preparation of Base Its important to have solid and […]

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Convert Cubic Meter of Laterite to Tonnes.

How to convert cubic meter of laterite to tonnes?

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Can we alter the concrete mix design at site?

Sir As per Is -383 1970, the % of wt retained on 12.5mm must be nil. But when i conducted a sieve analysis of 10mm aggregate, i found out that about 1700 grams were retained on 12.5mm. Now as per mix design the ratio of 10mm and 20mm is 35% and 65%. Sir tell me […]

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What is gradation limits for 6mm aggregates?

Is there any gradation limit for 6mm aggregate.

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Mix proportion of Antifreeze Concrete Admixture

What should be the mix proportions of antifreeze concrete admixture during freezing conditions and also suitable antifreeze to be used.

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Microsilica in Concrete- Types, Properties, and Practical Applications

Microsilica, which is also known as silica fume, or condensed silica fume, is a mineral admixture composed of very fine solid glassy spheres of silicon dioxide. It is a by-product of the industrial manufacture of ferrosilicon and metallic silicon in high-temperature electric arc furnaces. When added to concrete, it improves concrete properties most importantly strength […]

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Polymer Modified Mortar- Types, Properties, and Applications

Polymer modified mortar is produced by combining water with polymeric admixtures, Portland cement, and sand. The addition of polymer improves mortar performance and consequently can be utilized advantageously and economically in several applications. Latex polymers, redispersible dry polymers, water soluble polymers are different types of polymer used to produce polymer modified mortar. Polymers enhance adhesion, […]

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How to Build an Indoor Fireplace?

An indoor structure building using bricks, stone and metal which is designed to hold or contain fire in it is known as Fireplace. The main purpose of constructing a fireplace is to keep the home hot and create relaxing ambience. In this article we study about the construction of indoor fire place and code requirements. […]

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What are the options of rebaring of a new column into an existing 150mm slab

How to construct a concrete column over existing slab of 150mm?

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Strength of bricks made from red mud+B-Sand/ G-Sand+Cement?

How strong would be the bricks made from red mud+B-Sand/ G-Sand+Cement. The weight of single block is 9 kg. approximately width and breath is equivalent to three normal bricks. This blocks are being used for construction of domestic house in south India, so how safe is it.

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When is scarification needed for road work?

When is scarification needed for road work?

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Soil Sample for Proctor Compaction Test

I have confusion regarding proctor compaction test. As per Is code 2720: 8, soil sample used should be sieved through 19mm sieve.Then what is the relevance of 4.75mm sieve? Please clarify me regarding the soil sample and the usage of sieves.  

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What is height of instrument and Rise & fall method of levelling?

I want to what is height of instrument and Rise & fall method of levelling? What is the method to calculate reduced level.

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How to Cut Control Joints in Concrete Slab?

Control joints are provided in the concrete slab to reduce cracks formed due to shrinkage. The specifications of the control joints such as the depth of the cut, timing and place of cut play an important role in the efficiency of the control joint. In this article we discuss the technical specifications of how to […]

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Our Top 10 Most Read Articles of 2018

Here is a list of our most popular articles this year : 1. Concrete Mix Design Calculation – M20, M25, M30 – Procedure & Example Concrete mix design is the process of finding right proportions of cement, sand and aggregates for concrete to achieve target strength in structures. So, concrete mix design can be stated […]

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Cellular Concrete – Material, Types and Advantages

Cellular concrete is special engineered concrete which is manufactured by mixing Portland cement, sand, fly ash, water and pre-formed foam in varied proportions to form a hardened material having an oven-dry density of 50 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) or less. As per the definition given by ACI, the density of the cellular concrete must be […]

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Curb and Gutter – Types, Construction and Advantages

Curb is a short wall installed to hold the pavement from the sides and act as a barrier between yard and street. Where as gutter is a flat concrete slab adjoining the curb which drains water away from the yard. Usually curb and gutter are constructed on site together. In this article we study about […]

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Parapet Walls – Types and Uses

The parapet wall is a low or dwarf wall built along the edge of the roof, terrace, walkway, balcony etc. Different types of parapet walls and their uses are discussed below. Parapet walls can be constructed using different materials like reinforced cement concrete, steel, aluminium, glass etc. Types of Parapet Walls Classification Based on Appearance […]

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How to calculate volume of quandrilateral / Irregular shape concrete?

Top and Bottom both faces have all sides are different lengths and height is constant.  

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Swell Pressure Test on Soil and it’s Procedure

What is swell pressure test of soil and it’s laboratory procedure?

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Bond Beam Block-Dimensions, Specifications, and Applications

Bond beam blocks are concrete masonry units which are manufactured with reduced webs (Fig. 1) or with knock-out webs (Fig. 2); the knock-out webs are removed prior to the placement of the unit in the bond beam. The purpose of reduced webs or removable sections is to install horizontal bond beam reinforcement easily. In general, […]

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How to Pour a Concrete Slab for a Shed?

Pouring concrete slab is considerably crucial to construct strong and durable slab that makes a good foundation for a shed. Concrete slab keeps the shed off the ground, reducing the transfer of moisture from the ground into the shed material and its contents to prevent mold and rot. Pouring concrete require adequate planning, preparation, delivering […]

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Water Versus Solvent Based Concrete Sealers

Concrete sealers are designed to protect the concrete from wear and tear, in addition to the provision of chemical and stain resistance for concrete. They are come in both water-based types and solvent-based varieties both of which act as protective and decorative coats for concrete. These sealers add to aesthetics for instance it improves long […]

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Concrete Topping Slab-Types, Minimum Thickness, and Purposes

Concrete topping slab is an overlay designed to provide a dense, abrasion-resistant, and a finished floor surface for multiple purposes; like providing a wearing course to support traffic loads in parking facilities and bus terminals, providing a level surface for interior floors, providing special base for electrical and mechanical equipment, and to resurface worn or […]

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