October 2017 – Construction POC

The Steps Involved In A Road Construction Project

Posted on October 29, 2017 by blogger

There are many steps involved in the road construction process, involving many teams of people and much organization. From the use of a surveying company to handle land surveys to project managers, there are a large number of people involved. The steps must be carefully followed to ensure a successful project is completed.

Yes, it often seems that we are plagued with construction projects, especially in those states where the weather stays relatively nice year round. While construction is a daily part of life, if we stop to consider how difficult it is just to plan the process, we might find it to be less of a hassle and more of an important part of life.

Plan
The first step to a good construction process is to identity the needs of the transportation in the area and of the road. Teams must thoroughly examine the road and define the project in order to get buyoff from the appropriate officials. Make sure the project selected is going to actually enhance the roads.

Design
After a plan is defined the design can be constructed. This is where a boundary or land surveyor may come in, especially in the event of a new road being developed or lanes being added to an existing road. If additional property must be purchased or arranged that would enter into this phase, as would any review of environmental concerns or land in the area that might be impacted by the project. Once the design plans are completed then bids for work can be solicited and awarded.

Construct
The construction begins and drivers begin to grumble. However, even the times of day that construction takes place and any detours that need to be set up have to be considered. If the road is a busy one or if the construction is taking place on a highway then it is very essential that construction companies take into consideration when rush hours are in the city and when the least amount of people will be inconvenienced. Once completed, the project is wrapped up and the road is again open to travel.

Maintenance
Although the project may be completed, the work is never done. Proper maintenance and observation must be done to ensure that the road stays in proper working order. When a road is traveled on extensively it can seem that it is always wearing down. Proper analysis must be done of the road to keep it in working order.

Each state may have different rules and regulations regarding the construction process. From start to finish, it is essential that each piece of the construction puzzle is done right. The last thing any contractor wants is the reputation of taking forever, making drivers upset and creating roads that need to be immediately fixed again. When assembling a team to begin and complete a large scale construction project, it is essential to develop a team that will work well together and will provide excellent service. Its true that the construction process can be difficult to understand from the perspective of an angry driver. All we see are delays and frustration. However, take a moment to consider the immense planning and people involved in the process to making our roadways safe, secure and drivable.

The Three Steps Of Water Pipeline Construction

Posted on October 25, 2017 by blogger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proper Stockpile Management In Construction Works

Posted on October 22, 2017 by blogger

A typical component of waste management is the storing or stockpiling of waste materials for recycling or reuse. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) requires that this action is carried out in the correct manner to ensure the probability of damage to human health and the environment is eliminated or reduced. Storage or stockpiling will have to be taken on exclusively in appropriate circumstances for genuine and favorable purposes.

Stockpile sites are used to enable the short term storage of material or tools for construction or maintenance projects. The kinds of components which may be put away are:

Select substance and fill – like sand and rock
Topsoil, wood chips, mulch and waste vegetation
Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) and spoil
Recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) – rotomilled material
Concrete or asphalt block material taken from pavements
Aggregate and Pre-coated aggregate
Cold mix asphalt
Road base
Parked machinery and vehicles
Construction materials such as Jersey Kerb and traffic signs
General materials such as timber, steel etc.

Stockpile sites are generally not to be used for the storing of any waste which contains coal tar or any sort of waste which is classified as unhealthy, restricted solid, special or liquid waste as classified in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

Stockpile sound management routines

Just before decision is taken to start a impermanent stockpile on site a risk assessment must be undertaken with the goal of protecting against or reducing the chance of destructive blows on human health and/or the environment. In every case, the site and substance specific conditions must be thought about when deciding on the actual demands pertaining to bunding, on-site structure and community assessment.

With regards to the locality, probable off-site challenges and amount of community interest associated with an action, the proper measure of community consulting may need to be set up both at the preparing and operational periods of stockpiling activities. In such cases, stakeholders including adjacent neighborhoods and nearby citizens ought to be notified on factors including duration, possible threats and impacts and the associated minimization measures. Suitable contact info of business or project managers should also be provided to the community for open correspondence to enable inquiries or complaints to be attended to.

On-site risks would be determined by factors including the:

waste type and chemical and physical qualities of the materials being stockpiled
locale and climate of the site
hydrological and hydrogeological conditions which include closeness to surface and ground waters, water quality and secure environmental values
stretch of time materials are going to be stored
projected management method of the stockpiled materials

Further off-site risks have to be taken into account and rely on factors like:

closeness to and sensitivity of the enveloping atmosphere (including unpleasant effects to water, human health and amenity)
exposure due to height in metres AHD of the working floor level which the stockpile is situated upon and in accordance with the encompassing environment
enactment of proper pollution control standards
supervision of traffic within the site

The following environmental protection actions should be used to ascertain and maintain stockpiles on construction sites:

The border of the stockpile need to be delineated with a bund (made out of earth/RAP etc) or other type of fencing or barrier.
Materials must be stockpiled at the least 5 metres away from foliage or native vegetation, without having it pressed up around the foundation of trees.
Stockpiled materials should not be in excess of 2m tall and should have a maximum 2:1 slope.
Erosion and sedimentation regulators needs to be constructed in between the site and any drainage lines or down-slope areas.
A diversion bund need to be placed on the uphill section of the site to redirect water round the site.
Cover stockpiles with plastic or store them damped down if airborne debris may be a problem.
Stockpiles sites have to be just right to hold all needed components without burying protective precautions just like silt fences. If you have excessive material you may need to widen your site protection actions.
Stockpile sites have to be examined repeatedly to make sure that the site sign (which plainly labels and locates the site), border bunding, sedimentation and erosion controls and boundary delineation are all in order.

At the end of the construction project all non permanent stockpile sites ought to be removed from site and the site restored as essential for contract specs.

Kitchen Cabinets Dovetailed Drawer Construction

Posted on October 19, 2017 by blogger

Dovetail joints is a common technique used in woodworking with some of the earliest known samples dating back to ancient Egypt. Today, this joinery method is widely used as one of the solutions to a durable construction of kitchen cabinets. If you shop around for cabinetry locally or via the Internet, you will notice this feature in most offered products. And this article discusses the essentials about dovetailed drawer construction and why this is an important factor to look into when buying your own collection of cabinet units.

Dovetailed Drawer Construction is mainly created by the wedge shaped cut channels known as tails and pins. The interlocking of these trapezoidal parts is the key to strength of the drawers as well as adds an interesting pattern and makes the pieces more attractive. These are then glued together for added security but even if they left unglued, these parts remain immovable. The strong joint makes your kitchen cabinets more resistant to force and damages. Other than drawers, this is also a joint style popularly used in making frames, furniture, and storage boxes.

Dovetailed drawer construction showcases the craftsmanship of cabinet makers. This pattern can be seen in many antiques. The interlocking sides are tapered and can be put together in only one direction. Meaning, if you slide it in, there is not other way to disassemble the pieces than by sliding it out again. This is among the most recognizable features indicating high-end craftsmanship and quality in wood furniture and cabinetry.

Aside from the durability and decorative benefits of dovetailed drawer construction, you can now create these woodworking joints easier with advanced tools. But even with modern equipment, carving these out in fine details will still require a fair amount of patience, skill, and craft. It is crucial that the joints are marked and cut accurately. Today, homeowners do not have to go through all the ordeal of woodworking as the advancements in technology has allowed manufacturing facilities to achieve perfect dovetails for kitchen cabinets.

With dovetailed drawer construction, the angle of slopes varies depending on the type of wood used. Generally, a slope of 1:6 is used for softwoods while a shallower slope of 1:8 is applied for hardwood kitchen cabinets. There are various types under this joint woodworking technique.

* Through or plain dovetails are commonly used in creating boxes and are traditionally covered by veneer.
* Half blind dovetails have tails housed in sockets situated at the end of boards and are usually used for attaching drawer fronts.
* Full-blind dovetails are implemented in fine wood work where strength is required without the obvious sight of interlocking pins and tails. This is also called “French Dovetail” and is commonly used in boxes and fine cabinetry.
* Sliding dovetails are by far the most popular with a range of many uses. The method involves two boards at right angles and is assembled by sliding tails into the sockets. Commonly used for: shelves to cabinet side joints, cabinet bottom to side joints, joining horizontal shelf partitions, drawer front to side joints, as well as joining front rails of frames to cabinet sides.

Concrete Foundation Problems Salt Lake City Construction Company

Posted on October 15, 2017 by blogger

While concrete foundations are standard in construction due to its versatility and ease of use, it can also lead to a slew of foundation problems. Some of these issues require only minor fixes, while others can involve the need to completely replace the foundation.

Exterior Indications of a foundation problem include:

* Doors that do not open or close properly
* Diagonal wall cracks at the corners of doors and windows
* Gaps at the corner of fascia trim
* Cracks in the exposed grade beam of the house
* Gaps between the garage door and the pavement
* Cracks in bricks and mortar
* Windows that are hard to open and close

Interior Indication of a foundation problem include:

* Large cracks in the concrete slab
* Unlevel floors
* Gaps above kitchen cabinets
* Diagonal wall cracks at the corners of doors and windows
* Curling and tearing of existing sheetrock repairs
* Leaks and cracks in and around the fireplace
* Cabinet doors that will not stay shut

The causes of foundation problems vary. Cold temperatures can freeze freshly poured foundation. This can cause reduced strength of the concrete. Older homes especially are susceptible to sinking concrete foundations. A repair of a sinking foundation is a large and involved job. If doors and windows within the home become misaligned, the foundation should be inspected.

Additionally with older homes, cracks in the foundation may be formed by settling. Settlement refers to a house foundation that has dropped below its original elevation. This can be caused by a loss of soil bearing capacity from compaction of fill, erosion, or loss of moisture. These cracks can amount to only minor, cosmetic issues, however should still be examined by a professional as a cracked foundation may be an unstable foundation that will only worsen over time.

Excess moisture can cause upheaval, which means the slab has risen above the original foundation elevation. The primary cause of this moisture is from leaky plumbing underneath the slab.

If you notice interior or exterior foundation problems, contact a qualified foundation repair contractor or structural engineer for an inspection and to discuss your options for repairs that may be required.

Salt Lake City Construction Company is a licensed and experienced foundation repair expert. We are a full service residential and commercial construction firm serving the Salt Lake City, Utah area and fully capable of taking on any project, repair, or renovation, regardless of size. Contact us today for a free consultation.