ACMs can be defined as combination of materials appropriately arranged using reinforcing fibers, carefully chosen matrixes, and some times auxiliary materials like adhesive core and other inserts. These combinations after proper manipulation and processing result in finished structure/item with synergistic properties i.e. properties achieved after fabrication cannot be obtained by individual components acting alone. The [...]

There are cracks in all buildings, some minor and insignificant, some requiring expensive repairs and in some extreme cases the only solution is total demolition of the building.

This article is intended to put cracks into context: obviously one of the major concerns of house buyers. “How serious is it” is a question I am often [...]

To obtain good quality concrete using recycled aggregate it is necessary to follow the minimum requirements defined by the respective Building Standards. Acceptable properties of aggregates are an elemental base for concrete quality, however adequate mix proportions and concrete production methods are highly important in concrete quality too. Recycled aggregates composed of original aggregates and [...]

The Charpy impact test is one of the impact-testing that is used to determine the resistance towards a sudden load or impact. Impacted specimens with small fracture or with a very little plastic deformation is said to be in a brittle manner whereas fracture of a metal after extensive plastic deformation is said to be in a ductile manner. Brittle fracture looks clear, shinny with surfaces while ductile fracture looks grayish and fibrous.

Penetration test is a commonly adopted test on bitumen to grade the material in terms of its hardness. A 80/100 grade bitumen indicates that its penetration value lies between 80 & 100.Grading of bitumen helps to assess its suitability in different climatic conditions and types of construction. For bituminous macadam and penetration macadam, IRC suggests bitumen grades 30/40, 60/70, 80/100. In warmer regions, lower penetration grades are preferred to avoid softening whereas higher penetration grades like 180/200 are used in colder regions to prevent the occurrence of excessive brittleness. High penetration grade is used in spray application works.

DETERMINATION OF LOS ANGELES ABRASION VALUE

AIM:

(i) to determine the Los Angeles abrasion value.

(ii) to find the suitability of aggregates for use in road construction.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION TEST

AIM:

i) To measure the strength or quality of the material

ii) To determine the water absorption of aggregates

APPARATUS:

The apparatus consists of the following

(a) A balance of capacity about 3kg, to weigh accurate 0.5g, and of such a type and shape as to permit weighing of the sample container when suspended [...]

DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE

AIM:

(i) to determine the impact value of the road aggregates;

(ii) to assess their suitability in road construction on the basis of impact value.

APPARATUS:

The apparatus as per IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 consists of:

(i) A testing machine weighing 45 to 60 kg and having a metal base with a painted lower [...]

Construction procurement system is the organizational framework adopted by the client for the management of design and construction of a project. With the introduction of new and innovative ways of construction, many new and alternative procurement systems have been developed over the past decades. These systems could be used to meet contemporary requirements of the [...]

Wood as a Construction Material:

· Used extensively for buildings, bridges, utility poles, piles, floor, trusses, roofs

- Natural, and

- Engineered wood products (laminates, plywood, strand board.)

· Low cost, availability, ease of use, and renewable

· Wood is natural, renewable product from trees. There are more than 600 species of trees in the U.S alone

· Trees are [...]

Types of Portland Cement
· Different types of Portland cement are manufactured to meet the requirements for specific purposes
· The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Designation C150 specifies the following eight types of Portland cement

MULTISTOREY REINFORCED CONCRETE BUILDINGS
A large number of reinforced concrete multistoreyed frame buildings were heavily damaged and many of them collapsed completely in Bhuj earthquake of 2001 in the towns of Kachchh District (viz., Bhuj, Bhachao, Anjar, Gandhidham and Rapar) and other district towns including Surat and Ahmedabad. In Ahmedabad alone situated at more than 250 [...]

The underlying theme of the development will be to enhance Abu Dhabi’s natural wealth of water and beach frontage. The Development is a massive project and spreads over 5 square kilometres. The development includes construction of 11 precincts that will include hotels, marinas, parks, restaurants as well as leisure facilities. These precincts are known as [...]

The idea for what would become the Petronas Towers began in the late 1980’s when the Kuala Lumpur City Center development project was started with the intention of revitalizing the city core with an ambitious building plan.  The first idea considered was that of building a large 50 acre park that would serve as both [...]

UAE is not only advancing in common infrastructure but also specialized  infrastructure  which are energy efficient. It stands first in the category  by taking the initiative to create a city concerned with energy management. Chicago-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture is designing Masdar Headquarters.  Bob Forest, a partner at S+G is in Abu Dhabi [...]

One more marvelous project to be completed soon in UAE to make it a heaven for tourists, it is the Yas Island. The island is the site of a US$36 billion development project by Aldar Properties. It occupies a total land area of 2,500 hectares, of which 1,700 hectares will be claimed for development. The [...]