Canoe Construction – Some Common Materials Used

The most widely used canoe construction materials at the present time are polyethylene, aluminum, Kevlar and fiberglass. Polyethylene is becoming increasingly popular for new canoe construction because it is bendable, lightweight and cheaper than aluminum.

Aluminum Canoe Construction

Aluminum was, until recently, the usual preference for material to use for canoe construction but it has recently been overtaken by polyethylene. Even though aluminum is very tough and hard-wearing, and is one of the lighter metals, it is much heavier than polyethylene. It can stand up to being dragged on the bottom and will not be damaged by exposure to the UV rays from the sun as polyethylene can be. Aluminum canoes do need to be fitted with buoyancy chambers and they can be difficult to operate especially for unskilled paddlers. Additionally they may be heavy to carry and dent when knocked with plenty of force. Mending holes is also easier said than done and cannot be completely covered up.

Where Could You Use an Aluminum Canoe?

For flat water and for recreational use an aluminum canoe may be perfect, particularly if you don’t need to move it very far on your own. For people who lack storage space inside, an aluminium canoe is obviously be a more suitable option than polyethylene because it will not suffer damage from the sun’s rays or deteriorate from the weather.

Places Not to Use your Aluminum Canoe

Aluminum canoes aren’t good for white water paddling or for rivers with many sharp rocks and should not be used when you may be on an extended trip and will need to carry the canoe.

Aluminum Alloy Canoes

Canoes made of aluminum alloy are lighter and tougher than all aluminum and some may be even lighter than polyethylene. However, make sure that you are aware of the actual weight of any aluminum canoes as they may vary a great deal.

Polyethylene Canoe Construction

Polyethylene is light and flexible, is robust and is one of the most widely used canoe construction material. It’s comparatively easy to repair and inexpensive although it is vulnerable to damage from jagged edges like rocks, branches etc. However, it’s elasticity does present a problem so measures need to be taken in order to construct a more rigid canoe. One method is to use aluminum which provides a stiff framework and this is the type of construction seen in canoes made by Coleman and marketed under the name Ram-X.

An alternative way to provide some rigidity is by using a thick layer of polyethylene foam between two layers of material. This is how Old Town canoes are made and is called CrossLink 3. The polythene foam ensures natural buoyancy and this construction method can better endure damage from abrasion than pure polyethylene.

Some disadvantages occur when polyethylene is used unfortunately. It isn’t buoyant so most polyethylene canoes require buoyancy chambers. This material is extremely vulnerable to damage by abrasion and this is the most frequent cause for a canoe being irreparably damaged. Canoes that are made from polyethylene are normally low priced and you can save some money by picking a self-assembly model.

Locations to Use a Polyethylene Canoe

For calm rivers and lakes and water with no jagged rocks, a polyethylene canoe made with a rigid support as in the Coleman canoes is probably an excellent option. For more extreme conditions a Crosslink 3 construction is recommended as it will have increased durability and strength and can stand up to abrasion damage and jagged edges better.

The Way To Create A Site Inspection And Testing Plan For Construction Activities

The primary purpose of an Inspection and Testing Plan (ITP) to get a construction project is always to have a straightforward solitary document that reports all inspection and testing wants associated with a particular construction activity or procedure. For example, on a construction project, it could be the construction of a foundation, an excavation or the concreting of a section in the superstructure, procurement of construction materials or usage of plant and machinery. Similarly, the ITP not merely clearly defines the work as well as the supplies to become inspected and tested but additionally indicates who’s responsible for ITP functions including when, where and how it has to be carried out.

In addtion, it has Hold and Witness Points, sources to applicable standards, acceptance or rejection guidelines as well as the precise record keeping and reporting specifications. Therefore, a well prepared ITP can be implemented successfully although making certain any construction activity has the required quality and workmanship in accordance with relevant standards. Most importantly, an ITP envisions appropriate record keeping which ensure traceability that is a mandatory requirement in any Quality Control/Assurance system for example ISO9000:2002.

Generally, the main contractor within a construction project is responsible for creating and implementing appropriate ITPs. Similarly, the main contractor is accountable for ITPs for the construction actions carried out by its sub-contractors. It really is mandatory to appoint a senior responsible person; from the contractors side; on creating and approving or subsequent modifications to ITP for any project. He/she who is appointed ought to be effectively experienced and possess sound practical knowledge on the all elements of construction. A lot more importantly, this responsible person must know how you can submit compliance as well as a conformity certification to the client including what corrective measures or responses are needed to resolve any non-conformity concern.

The actions involved in building an appropriate Inspection and Testing Plans for a construction project are:

All involved in creating an ITP must have thorough familiarization with all the contract documents and related technical specifications. In other words, he/she ought to have a thorough knowledge of contractual clauses and obligations (pertaining to testing and inspection) topic for the prevailing contract.
Prepare a detailed list of any ambiguities or inconsistencies or lack of information and specifications pertaining to raw supplies and workmanship.
Inform the Client or Clients Representatives such shortcomings in writing prior to commencement of any activity.
Study the scope of work or the Bill of Quantities in detail. Later, prepare a list of areas that demand an ITP. It really is usually a good practice to prepare separate ITPs for each and every work location or trade or section.
Decide on the Hold and Witness Points stipulated within the contract which includes any subsequent directions given by the Client or Clients Representatives.
Prioritize the locations or requirements that may have a significant impact on the quality from the final work or product. When preparing such priority list one should ask what if questions to be able to ascertain the influence on the final quality as well as the acceptance of the item or work in case of non-conformity. Be certain to contain any references to tests, submitting information for the client, getting approvals and deciding on Hold and Witness Points.
Once the places or items are prioritized depending on the implications resulting from non-conformity, it is essential to prepare person ITPs for every prioritized area to ensure that detailed checklists and recording on inspection and testing are determined.
Share the ready checklist and also the recording with other individuals who are related using the particular construction. Depending on the positive and negative inputs given by the construction team, the proposed ITPs will have to be revised to ensure wider acceptance (by the construction team) which will enable smooth implementation of ITPs with out any snags.
Prepare every ITP with reference to contract document as well as the Quality Management System (QMS) if it is already in location.
Timely submission of every ITP as well as the associated certification towards the Client is essential, so that he/she has sufficient time to comment before commencement of any work or activity earmarked beneath the ITP. The comments given by the Client has to become noted and have to be included within the ITP. If it is not achievable, it has to be notified for the client in writing with out delay.
It is essential to separate all work locations from the construction project so that appropriate control and monitoring of ITP actions are feasible. It is far better to mark these places on drawings or included in a schedule.
Release ITP checklists for each construction work region or sections included inside the schedule or marked place on the drawings.
Create awareness (by way of coaching) on each and every ITP among those who are directly responsible or involved in it. A clear process has to be place in spot for prior notification of Hold & Witness Point for the right individual.
Finally implement every ITP (Inspection & Testing) while notifying the respective customers and regulatory authorities who are responsible for Hold & Witness Points. Maintain correct recording of ITP results on checklists which are approved by the responsible persons.

On reviewing the above mentioned, it is noted that when developing an effective ITP to get a construction activity, one has to essentially address the next:

What, when and how to test?
The type of construction activity and its complexity.
Ease of inspections and sampling
The severity of non-conformity or failure: cost of rectification, the effect on construction progress, ease of rectification, the effect of failure on other elements as well as the threat to worker safety including the public.
Finally the resource availability.

How Will A Construction Phase Plan Template Could Save You Money

In the past, before health and safety legislation, construction sites were a risky place to be. Staff on these sites were risking their life and physical health, because there was no protection from hazards, and no risk assessments before the work began so as to stop accidents from occurring. Eventually, a lot of people were killed or seriously hurt that governments were forced to bring in health and safety procedures in order to guard people as they worked. This is the cause why health and safety plans must be involved on every construction site in the UK, and in much of the Western world.

However, for construction site owners and contractors, drawing up a construction phase safety plan can be really hard. Without a proper education in health and safety procedures, and with no genuine knowledge of drawing up legal and formal credentials, it will be a real struggle for them to make the plans. They usually neglect it until the last minute, and this can be a grave mistake, because a missing, inaccurate or incomplete health and safety plan could get the contractor into serious trouble.

Devoid of this plan, construction site owners, managers and first contractors are all liable, which means they could be forced to pay compensation in the event of any accident. This could cost thousands, if not tens of thousands, of pounds for every claim. Using somebody to create the plan for you can also mean paying through the nose for the health and safety document.

The simplest solution to the matter of drawing up a plan is to employ a construction phase health and safety plan template. These are intended to permit you to form the required documents yourself, simply by following a pre-arranged format. The construction phase health and safety plan template can employ a series of queries to select the legislation that you need to include in your document, and remove something that is not required to the actual project.

The construction phase health and safety plan template is more cost effective than bringing in an expert to write the document for you, however it’s also better than writing the document yourself, which might expose you to liability. By choosing to employ a construction phase health and safety plan template, you can save money on creating the document, however even protect yourself against compensation pay-outs. This provides you the best of both worlds, and permits you to produce a document which is totally compliant with the health and safety needs of the HSE.

Why Get Custom Construction Essays

Writing and drawing are closely tied in almost every type of course. As a business student, one is expected to present analysis and figures by means of diagrams or images. The case is highly unavoidable for courses in engineering and architecture.

While both writing and drawing are necessary skills, not every student is able to develop an appreciation for one. Oftentimes, writing is a much underappreciated skill. Such causes coursework dilemmas as almost every coursework require a number of words.

Fortunately, students have this option: the Custom Construction Essays. Apart from the aforesaid issue, what else are reasons for getting such coursework support?

a.) It addresses necessary improvement. Getting help in writing such pieces don’t automatically spell you can’t write it. Perhaps, you can; except that you’re inclined to perfect the dimensions of your drawing than pay attention with words or narratives.

b.) It eventually bridges your gap with terms. As a construction professional, you will have to get used with a lot of written and verbal specifications in the field. Hence, you can’t put off learning how to accurately read between words. With Custom Construction Essays, you’d get just that as you yourself work on -customising’ the writing service.

c.) Because imagery is translated in words. Not in musical notes, or hieroglyphs. As a result, drawing while writing has to regularly commence. For this to be possible, students have to have a reliable writing support.

d.) You’d need that crash-course in jargons. In field, you are expected to come across different but task-related professionals: surveyors, 6 types of engineers (fire protection, cost, mechanical, civil, structural and electrical), and 3 types of consultants (architectural, archaeological, and planning). Communication with these people will surely contain jargons; what better way to get au fait with them but through writing courseworks.

e.) And there are more jargons. The field is also tapped by legal and financial aspects. Hence, students will invariably have to extend the known language every now and then. Students with Custom Construction Essays in tow are sure to find the study less excruciating, as everything else in the case of having a good writing support.

All five are course-specific reasons. General reasons, on the other hand, include:

1.) Students can’t seem to find a better way to organise the contents of their piece.

2.) They experience difficulty in proofreading their own work.

3.) Time is being competed against equally important chores, such as work.

4.) Students are in no mood to write; and can’t get off that passive mood.

5.) Students are simply unable to finish what they started.

All of these stated reasons are valid reasons to seek coursework assistance. To submit on-time, students should immediately attend to reluctance.

Author Biography: Gail Hacker recently completed his PhD and currently spends his downtime writing and sharing his specialisation via Custom Construction Essays for a reputable writing-service firm.

Koi Pond Liners vs. Professional Construction

Why is there so much talk about pond liners? Which ones are UV protected, or stronger, or last longer? I am by no means an expert on liner technology, nor have I ever used them in my 26 years of designing and building waterfalls. If youre a liner guy disciple, Im sure youre thinking, Oh no, here he goes. To tell the truth, I have been minding by own business for over two decades, just watching, reading and listening to all the experts.

Ive listened to how pond liners are simple to install, and pond liners are inexpensive compared to concrete and steel, and pond liners are quick to install. Or pond liners last for 50 years, pond liners bring higher profits to pond construction and waterfall construction, and liners dont contaminate the water with alkali as does concrete construction. Yes, Ive almost sold myself on listening to the facts of the experts. Well, not quite, due to a few facts of my own. So, a pond liner is guaranteed for 40 to 50 years? I would have to agree with that, as long as you leave it in its box the whole time. Too bad a liner manufacturers warranty doesnt include damage from gophers, ground squirrels, chipmunks, rats or mice. Or tree, plant and weed roots. Or from stretching and punctures in the liner due to heavy rocks and other sharp objects. Startling fact: a puncture only the size of a pin hole can cause a pond to lose one drip per second, or 5 gallons in just 24 hours. Thats a pin hole, not a hole made by a pair of buck teeth on a burrowing mammal. Imagine along with me for a minute. You have spent $350 on a pond design and then $8,000 of your hard-earned money for a pond and waterfall. This water feature is impressive. They dug a big hole, piled up some dirt at one end, draped a large rubber liner over the whole thing, and placed giant boulders all around the fish pond and on the dirt mound. Smaller rocks fill in between the boulder and additional rocks cover the liner in the pond. Now, its two years later and youve just come home from a two-week vacation to find the pond half empty (or half full, if youre a positive person).

There must be a leak! How did this happen? Where is it? No problem, you think, I remember the salesmans pitch: If you should ever get a leak, just clean off the area around the hole, dry it off, and using the directions enclosed in the patching kit, apply this patching material. But theres only one problem: Where is the leak? or leaks? How do I find them? And if I do find them, and Im successful in patching them up, whats to keep it from leaking again? Okay, Im going to snap my fingers and youll wake up. Snap! Surprise! That was only a mental exercise with a happy ending. It wasnt real! Or was it? Yes, it was. The short story you just heard was true. One out of every eight projects we do involves replacing the leaky liner for an angry fish pond/leaky liner owner. Why am I finally speaking up now, after 26 years and well over 1,900 waterfalls and fish ponds? Because Im angry, too! Not at the liner guy who sells the pond liners, but at his disciples around the country who are bragging how much money they make in just one or two days. Im not upset at the fact that they make in two days what takes me six to seven days to make in constructing my fish ponds of rebar and 3000 psi concrete.