The first thing you have to look at in any kind of construction is the site. Orienting the home to take maximum advantage of passive solar design is of prime importance. It may also be possible to use the contours of the site to help design the home. For example, if there is a high spot on the site, it may be possible to build part of the structure into it to take advantage of earth sheltering, or to construct a lower level or basement. There may be other things on the site, which can help you - and some you may want to avoid. For example, the earth and rocks on the site may be material you can use for building, but there may be low areas on the site, which should be avoided due to flooding. Some of these decisions are value judgments, which require time and contemplation to evaluate. If a spot feels good and meets practical requirements, it's more than likely the best place. Many additional ideas on "Siting A Natural Building" can be found in a book titled "The Art Of Natural Building".
Building Codes are intended to protect the health and safety of people occupying a structure or those possibly affected by it or living near it. There is nothing wrong with Building Codes per se, but they are sometimes used to unnecessarily prohibit perfectly safe procedures or to limit alternatives. In some cases this is intentional, for example to limit construction procedures and materials to those championed by special interest groups. But sometimes there is just not enough good information available to allow Building Safety personnel to deviate from the book. This is where diplomacy and knowledge come in handy. Usually showing respect, knowing precisely what you want to do, and having good plans to accomplish it go a long way toward establishing rapport with Building Safety personnel. Usually your plans or procedure gain a lot of credibility if you can find a structural engineer or architect who is willing to approve (stamp) them. This approval stamp often costs quite a bit of money, but some practitioners have found progressive architects who are interested in working with innovative materials and charge very little.
Building Safety personnel have reason to be cautious. They don't want to be held responsible for approving a product or procedure which turns out to be unreliable or even dangerous. In many cases, it is possible to work with them. I have had very good experiences with those who have time and are willing to listen. I'm not sure that any of the following construction methods are approved in the Universal Building Code, but they have been used in structures which have been standing for years.
The function of a foundation is to support the load of the walls and roof of a structure, prevent settling, and provide a solid anchor point to hold the structure together. The foundation has to extend to a depth just below the frost line in your area. Basing the foundation below the frost line concentrates the load of your structure where it is much less subject to heaving. Heaving is movement caused by the expansion and contraction of moisture changed to ice during the freeze - thaw cycle. The foundation is usually comprised of a footing and stem wall. The stem wall is placed on the footing or is poured as part of the footing. The function of the stem wall is to elevate wall construction materials - in this case papercrete - above the ground. This serves to isolate them from moisture and provide a barrier against bugs and pests.
There are a number of ways to build footings and stem walls. One of the most common ways is to pour a concrete footing and stem wall in a single monolithic unit. This involves excavating a footing, placing steel rebar horizontally and vertically, and building forms to support the stem wall. There are variations on this approach, but they all cost quite a bit of money, and use a significant amount of concrete - in fact, the footing and stem can cost more than the rest of the papercrete structure combined. Concrete is strong and quite reliable, but has the propensity to "wick" moisture. If there is water in the surrounding soil, concrete will absorb the water through capillary action and pool it on its surfaces, including where the papercrete walls meet the stem wall. Since papercrete is very hydrophilic- absorbs water quite readily - this situation has to be stringently avoided. Ideally, the concrete footing and stem wall are isolated from the surrounding soil with drainpipes and/or a layer of gravel to drain water away. Additionally, some kind of barrier has to be placed between the concrete and the papercrete - either a good liquid sealer or a physical barrier like a polyethylene sill sealer.
|Tires are stacked offset like bricks.|
Drawing courtesy of “Building With Earth” by Paulina Wojciechowska.
There are other ways to build footings and stem walls with tires or with rubble and sand bags. These methods are not formally recognized, but people are using them. The foundation with tires involves digging a tire-width trench, filling tires with gravel or earth, laying them horizontally in the trench, filling the tire openings with gravel or earth, tamping them and then constructing a stem wall on top of them.
This general approach is used in earth ship (rubber tire) construction for the foundation as well as the walls. Digging wide trenches and filling tires with earth is very labor intensive, but it works quite well.
The easiest and least expensive way that I've heard of is to build a solid foundation for papercrete walls is with rubble and sand bags. It is not code, but variations of it have been used successfully to support many structures. A trench several inches wider than the wall is dug to just below the frost line. Thoroughly tamp the bottom of the trench. Starting at the bottom, layers of progressively smaller stones are placed on top of one another. The bottom layer should be the coarsest, perhaps 4 inch (10 centimeter) stone, followed by a layer of 2 inch (5 centimeter) stone, followed by one-inch (25mm) stone and ending with pea gravel several inches above grade. Screening your own gravel is a lot of work, and it is not often possible to get uniform selected sizes commercially. Usually the sand and gravel yards sell ranges of sizes like 1/2" - 3/4", 3/4" - 1 1/2", 1 1/2" - 3", 3" - 8", 6"+, etc. (1.3 - 1.4, 1.4- 4.0, 4.0 - 8.0, 8.0 - 20.0, 15.0+ centimeters)
|Rubble footing with sand bag stem.|
Drawing courtesy of “Building With Earth” by Paulina Wojciechowska.
If you can pick up what you need yourself, the prices average about $6.00 a ton. If delivered, figure $15.00 a ton plus a truck rental charge. The thickness of each layer and number of layers depends on the depth of the trench. As each layer is added, it is tamped and leveled with a tamper or a 2 x 4 until the last layer is a few inches above grade. Then two layers of sand bags are laid on top of the rubble foundation. The sand bags become the stem wall. Make sure that sand or small gauge gravel is used to fill the bags. If earth is used, and there is a significant amount of silt or clay in it, there is a good chance the bags will wick water more readily than concrete. Also be sure that the same amount of sand is placed in all bags. If the amount of sand varies significantly, the size and thickness of the bag will vary making it difficult to keep the stem wall level and uniform in thickness.
This is a problem especially when more than one person is filling bags. I found a way to keep the amount of sand constant and hold the bag open as well. I bought an 8-inch (20 centimeter) diameter piece of stovepipe and placed it in the bag. When filled, this stovepipe piece held a little too much sand so I cut off a section until it held just enough sand for the type of bag I was using. Incidentally, there is a tendency to overfill bags. If overfilled, the bag will belly out and become overly round - even after tamping. This makes layers of bags unstable. It's best to look at the creases of the bag and tamp a few bags to determine how thick the bag should be filled. The idea is to get the most flat solid area after tamping. After finding out how much sand it takes to do that, pour the sand from that bag into the stovepipe, mark it and cut if off so that only that amount can be added. The stovepipes are cheap - five or six dollars. It's easy and inexpensive to make these "measuring cups" so that everyone filling bags has one.
|An 8-inch piece of stovepipe holds the bag open and measures the amount of sand.|
Layers of bags are laid with offset joints like brick. Two strands of barbed wire are placed in parallel along the length of - and between the layers of - the sand bags to keep them from sliding across one another. To keep the papercrete wall from shifting on the sand bags, 3/8 inch (1.8 centimeters) rebar is pounded through the sand bags, at two to four feet intervals, as deep into the rubble footing as they will go. Pounding rebar through the rubble footing may be difficult, but I'm told that the rebar sometimes finds its way between the stones. Most people start rebar with a post driver.
They cost about $20.00 at Home Depot. It’s a lot easier on the hands than using a mall. The post driver leaves a few inches protruding, so a hand mall has to be used to pound the remaining length of the rebar all the way in. But at that point, the rebar is stable enough to save hitting your knuckles with the mall. If the rebar will not penetrate the footing at a given point, try pounding it in at a different angle. If the rebar won't go into the foundation at all, just leave it impaled in the bags. The idea is to stabilize the first few courses of papercrete on the sand bags, not nail the bags to the footing. The weight of the bags and the papercrete will keep the walls from moving on the footing.
|A post driver is used to start the rebar. A mall is used after the rebar is far enough in to be stable.|
Actually, at least one home I visited had no footing at all. The site where the home was to be built was very sandy and had no problem with drainage. The seasonal temperature changes were not extreme enough to cause heaving in loose, sandy soil. So the builder simply leveled an area for the home, and then spread out about six inches of scoria, a porous volcanic rock, for sub-floor drainage and insulation. Next he laid a few courses of sand bags right on top of the scoria. He finished the entire building, walls and roof, with bags of scoria covered with papercrete. So, absent problems with drainage and frost heave, if walls are thick (i.e. building loads are spread over a wide base), footings may not be necessary. Many ancient buildings, standing for hundreds of years, are built on the ground without footings.
In fact, un-reinforced rubble and shaped stone have been used for foundations and walls for centuries before Portland cement and rebar were discovered. Some of the early Native American stone structures of the Southwest, like those at Chaco Canyon and Pueblo Bonito, are centuries old, several stories tall and still intact. Some have mud mortar and others have no mortar at all. Larger stones were chinked so skillfully with smaller stones that nothing else was needed.
|Some of the walls at Chaco Canyon are three stories high, built on the ground, have little or no mortar and have been standing for hundreds of years.|
Tamping together layers of progressively smaller stones promotes drainage and strength. Wedging smaller stones between larger stones would seem to stabilize the layers and distribute the load in a horizontal as well as vertical plane. Unlike a concrete footing and stem wall, a rubble footing with sand bag stem wall will theoretically not wick water at all.
“Building With Earth” ,by Paulina Wojciechowska, has a detailed section on foundations. We plan further experimentation with these foundations early next year.
Ironically, the first decision about walls starts with the roof. Will the papercrete walls support the roof or will the roof be supported some other way? Currently, it is difficult to get a permit to build a home with papercrete if it is “load bearing," that is if the roof is supported by the walls. Not enough testing has been done. It is easier to get approval to build roof-supporting garages, sheds or other structures, since they are not intended to house people. Many localities will permit papercrete walls as “in-fill “ for homes - that is as non-load bearing walls built between roof-supporting posts. The posts are connected to the foundation at the bottom and tied in to beams on top. The roof system is built on top of the beams. This approach is commonly called “post and beam."
The posts and beams may be made of wood or steel or a combination of both – depending on local building codes. I know of one home built with steel post and beam materials, which the owner was able to obtain nearly for free, because he was an expert welder. If you want to build inexpensively, you will become familiar with your local demolition and junk yards. It’s often possible to obtain excellent deals on building materials in these places, while at the same time be recycling valuable resources. If the building authorities in your area go entirely by the book, be careful to check with them regarding what recycled materials are permissible.
|A post and beam home with papercrete walls used as in-fill.|
No matter which method you choose to support your roof, the walls are built the same way. The rebar, as described above, has ideally been pounded into the rubble foundation, and has been allowed to protrude a few feet above the sand bags.
The first three or four courses of papercrete will have to be drilled or impaled on the protruding rebar, or poured in place around the rebar. The rebar is meant to prevent horizontal movement. Pounding it into the rubble foundation won't prevent the walls from lifting vertically, but if something cataclysmic happens to lift the weight of 12-14 inch (18-35 centimeter) thick papercrete walls, chances are that nothing would have kept the structure from lifting.
|Rebar protruding above a concrete footing.|
When just a few inches of rebar are visible above the courses of papercrete, it's time to lay a piece of rebar horizontally and wire it to the protruding vertical pieces. Then pound the vertical pieces down almost level with the surface of the papercrete, cover it with a layer of papercrete mortar and start laying the next courses of blocks. It's a good idea to keep the thickness of the mortar joints to a minimum whenever possible - ideally about 1/2" (1.25 centimeters). Otherwise, the thick mortar joints will shrink and your finished walls will lose a bit of height when the mortar is fully cured. This is a good reason to wait a few weeks after the walls are up (longer in damp climates) before installing windows and doors. If the mortar joints are thick enough to allow excessive settling, windows may be broken and doors may not open very well. Usually, excessively thick mortar joints occur because not enough attention was paid to keeping the blocks level, square and true as the walls were built - the lazy way to make height and alignment adjustments. Some of this is unavoidable and not very important, but building the entire height of a wall with 2"-3" (5-7 centimeter) mortar joints will result in some settling. Using a mortar mix rich in Portland cement will minimize shrinkage and encase each block in a fireproof "container."
|Horizontal rebar is tied to vertical rebar for additional strength.|
But let's get back to installing the rebar. After laying up another two feet (61 centimeters) of blocks, pound more four-foot (122 centimeters) rebar through the block layers on top into the block layers below. Repeat the process above, laying a piece of rebar horizontally and wiring it to the protruding vertical pieces. If you're using slip forms instead of blocks, you can wire the horizontal and vertical pieces of rebar together, starting at the stem wall, and pour papercrete around and through them all the way to the top of the wall. This pins the entire wall together and provides a great deal of lateral strength.
There are two ways to plan for openings in the wall - either frame as you go or leave the rebar out and cut openings to size with a chain saw at a later time. If you have all of your windows and doors, or know the size of the openings, you can build frames for them as you put up the wall.
|Openings can be framed out for doors and windows as walls are built or they can be cut out with a chainsaw later. |
If your walls are load bearing, the frames should be substantial in case the finished walls settle slightly at the mortar joints. Do not install flimsy pre-hung doors or unframed glass as you go in load bearing walls. The settling that occurs is usually slight, but could be enough to break unframed glass or knock door jams out of alignment. If you don't know exactly what your opening sizes will be, leave the rebar out of the places where openings in the wall are planned. You can cut them to size later with a chainsaw. There is one caveat here. If you are using sand or other solids in your mix, or if you are using more cement to paper than a 50-50 ratio by weight, you may have great difficulty trying to cut openings in the walls after they are dried. Conventional chain saw blades do not cut through sand or hardened cement very well at all.
When you have reached roof height, you have a decision to make. You can attach a wooden plate to the top of the wall and build a conventional roof framework from there, or you can use vigas. Vigas are smaller-diameter logs used as roof beams. Some builders drill a hole in the vigas and anchor them to the wall by pounding a long piece of rebar into the papercrete and bending it over the viga. If you want to distribute the weight carried by the viga over a greater area, you can notch it with a chainsaw and position the flat area on the wooden plate attached to the top of the wall.
|A post driver is used to start the rebar, a mall is used to drive it in the last few inches.|
The wooden plate can be attached to the wall in several ways - either by 3/8” or ½” rebar, or by spot welding short pieces of threaded rods on one end of short pieces of rebar. If the rebar is used by itself, without the threaded rod, drill a hole in the plate and pound rebar into the papercrete as far as possible, hopefully a minimum of two feet. It's much easier to use a post driver than a mall or sledgehammer to do this. Allow 4"- 6" (10-15 centimeters) of the rebar to protrude from the hole and bend it over flat with a hand mall. This should be done every three-four feet depending on what is beneath the spot where the rebar is being placed. Sometimes obstructions below where the rebar is being driven, like window openings, can be avoided by driving the rebar in at an angle. Bending with a hand mall tends to enlarge the hole made by the rebar and move the block out of position, so the preferred method is using the threaded rod.
Weld a four inch piece of threaded rod on one end of as many pieces of rebar as you need to hold the roof down. In essence, you make very long bolts. Drill a hole in the wooden plate, and drive the rebar into the papercrete until an inch or so of the threaded rod protrudes above the wooden plate. Place a flat washer over the threaded rod and tighten down a nut. Do this every 3' - 4' feet along the wall. The wooden plate chosen to distribute the roof weight on the wall should be narrower than the wall - perhaps a 2x10 - so that papercrete can cover it outside and inside.
|The wooden plate for the roof is fastened to the wall with threaded rod welded to rebar. The rebar protruding vertically is driven through holes in the plate next to the holes with the threaded rebar. The vertical rebar will hold block in place, which is laid above the roof line.|
In my experience, adding a little Plaster of Paris to papercrete mix causes papercrete to adhere solidly to wood. The rebar method of attaching the roof framework to the wall has been used in structures in Colorado and New Mexico, which have successfully withstood weathering and storms for a number of years.
After the roof framework has been installed, you have to decide whether you want to build a conventional roof, a papercrete roof or a hybrid papercrete-conventional roof. A conventional roof is quite expensive; it averages about forty percent of the cost of the entire structure. A conventional roof has to be well insulated, or the insulating value of building the walls with papercrete will be wasted. Conventional roof systems are much more expensive than papercrete. According to one practitioner, a six-inch thick papercrete roof can be constructed for about 75 cents per square foot, including a paint sealer. A Spanish tile roof would cost $11.00 per square foot.
If you choose a papercrete roof, you have to decide whether you want to make papercrete roof panels or pour the roof. Pouring the roof is not practical if there is no water on the building site and it can't be trucked in. In that case, roof panels can be made elsewhere and brought in with a pickup or utility trailer. When making roof panels, it's best to carefully level the ground where the panels will be made so the thickness of the panels is consistent. Papercrete panels are made with 2' x 4' (61 x 122 centimeter) forms. The 2' x 4' forms should be built of 2 inch by 4inch (5 x 10 centimeter) lumber. If you make larger, thicker panels, they will take longer to dry and you may need help to get them up on the roof. To keep the papercrete clean and help drain out the water, put a sheet of shade cloth on the ground under the form. Some people use more cement in the mix for roof panels. Adding too much cement will negatively affect R-value. Strong panels are made by filling the form up to within a half-inch from the top and then spreading a piece of chicken wire over the mix. Pour the remaining half inch of mix, smooth out the surface with a trowel, and let it set. In the desert Southwest, you can pull off the form in about half an hour. You should be able to handle the panel in about four days. It will probably take the panel two weeks or so to completely dry. When the panel is placed on the rafters or vigas, the side of the panel with the wire closest to the surface should be placed against the rafter or viga. Panels made like this should require no additonal reinforcement when fastened to rafters of vigas spaced 16 inches (40 centimeters) apart. Panels layed over vigas or rafters spaced 24 inches (60 centimeters) apart may require additional support such as a layer of chicken wire stretched over the vigas or rafters before installing the roof panels.
|Offset chicken wire and thin layers of papercrete are installed before the roof panel.|
|Apply a second thin coat of papercrete to stick the roof panels in place and then screw them to the ceiling joists or vigas.|
For the greatest strength, roof panels are installed over offset chicken wire and two thin layers of papercrete. First a sheet of one-inch chicken wire is tightly stretched over the ceiling joists or vigas of the structure and fastened in place with heavy-duty metal staples. A second layer of one-inch chicken wire is offset 1/2 inch from the first and installed the same way. Then a thin layer of papercrete is spread on the chicken wire and allowed to dry to form a strong base for the roof panel.
Just before installing the roof panels, another thin layer of papercrete is spread over the base layer to mortar the panels in place. Then they are screwed to the roof joists or vigas. Since papercrete is relatively soft, the screws don't have to be as long as the papercrete is thick. They easily countersink into the papercrete as they bore into the underlying joist or viga. Once the first layer of panels are in place, you can mortar and screw on additional layers of panels or pour a layer of papercrete. If the roof is relatively flat, pouring is no problem. If greater than a 4/12 pitch, it would probably be better to mortar on a second layer of panels.
After the second layer of panels are added, a thin layer of papercrete should be added over the outside surface to fill the cracks and smooth out the entire roof surface. At this point, you can choose to leave the papercrete untreated, waterproof it, or adopt a hybrid approach - cover it with insulating foam or steel sheeting.
|This seven year old home is covered with papercrete
with no waterproofing. It hasn’t leaked.|
|A papercrete roof with surface cracks and separations, but no leaks.|
Kelly Hart has lived in a sand bag home covered with untreated papercrete for several years with no leaks. His home is located in an area where there is snow, and accompanying freeze-thaw cycles. The roof structure on his home has a fairly steep pitch, like a cone, but he says rainwater does not drain off; it sinks in before it can reach the ground - and then evaporates.
I have also visited a location in New Mexico and walked on the nearly flat untreated papercrete roof of a shed several years old. The papercrete had cracked and separated on the surface a bit, but there was no evidence of leakage.
Some people write that it is possible to waterproof papercrete with elastomeric paint like Kool Seal or Henry's products. Elastomerics are quite expensive. I've examined these products and they produce a thin, flexible rubber-like membrane when dry. When I peeled a small sheet of it off a container and tugged on the edges, it didn't stretch very much before holes started to form in it. I think it would seal the roof if it stayed absolutely intact, but no one knows for sure how long this membrane will remain flexible and undamaged under the ultra violet beating of the sun - or in cyclic freeze-thaw situations. Even roofing tar hardens and ultimately cracks in the sun. A papercrete roof is slightly springy; it has a little "give" in it. I would worry about walking on it and stretching the elastomeric membrane. If it cracked or perforated at all, and water were trapped under it, mold, mildew, fungus or degradation in the papercrete could follow. One practitioner is extremely concerned about mold. He feels that using a solid papercrete roof is risky "except when another kind of material (such as a metal roof) is assembled over it, and the papercrete can breath to allow any possible leaks to air out. This appoach is also much more healthy for the inhabitants of the structure, since breathability
has been established as desirable for a "healthy" house.
Two other practitioners I spoke with said that elastomeric paint has a good record when used per instructions. Applying elastomeric paint is a two-step process. If the primer and finishing coat are used as recommended, it gets high marks they felt. Both also recommended crystalline waterproofing.
|A pond made of papercrete sealed with crystalline waterproofing.|
Long available for industrial applications, crystalline waterproofing is now used in residential applications. It consists of a dry powder compound of Portland cement, very fine treated silica sand, and proprietary chemicals. Combining the product with water and applying it to the surface of concrete results in a catalytic reaction that forms several inches of non-soluble crystalline fibers within the pores and capillary tracts of concrete. This seals the concrete against the penetration of water or liquids from all directions. UGL DryLok is one of these products. Supposedly this will work in either cured papercrete or in the wet mix itself. It's pricey, but said to be so effective that it’s possible to make ponds with papercrete. If it will hold water without leaking, it should prevent water penetration.
Coating the outside of a papercrete roof with about an inch of Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is another approach. It is expensive, and not environmentally sensitive, but it may be a good compromise. I walked on this kind of roof in Prescott, Arizona, where the sun is very strong, and there were no problems with it. It's tough, flexible and absolutely waterproof. With reasonable caution, it can be walked on without worrying about puncturing it, though it is vulnerable to heavy pointed objects. It also adds an additional R 6.88 per inch of insulation to the roof. That is the equivalent of another three inches of papercrete. Add that R-value to two four-inch thick papercrete roof panels with mortar, and the total R value is about the same as the walls. That is a great envelope for a home, especially considering that the roof would weigh about eleven pounds per square foot. At that weight, if a wall were supporting a 25 foot (7.6 meter) span of roof by itself (unlikely), the total load at the base of the wall would be about 550 pounds per square foot. That is a little less than four pounds per square inch. Since papercrete is variously rated at well above 100 pounds per square inch, there is a very wide margin for wet snow or any other additional roof load.
|This five year old papercrete workshop has a poured roof covered with steel roofing.|
Another approach to roofing in New Mexico was poured papercrete with a metal roof installed over it. This hasn't leaked since the building was built five years ago.
Some people prefer to place wet papercrete directly on the roof rather than go through the process of making, cutting and fitting roof panels. This works fine for structures with nearly flat roofs. Of course, a nearby source of water is required.
A layer of one-inch chicken wire is tightly stretched over the ceiling joists or vigas of the structure and fastened in place with heavy-duty metal staples. A second layer of one-inch chicken wire is offset 1/2 inch from the first and installed the same way. Ideally, the papercrete is drained on the ground and then pumped, augured or handed up to the roof in buckets. Mike McCain has used a four-inch grain augur to lift papercrete to roof heights. A number of people have written that pumps are not reliable, but others have found ways to make them work.
|Inside a shed with a poured roof. Two layers of offset chicken wire hold the slurry while it dries.|
A few inches of papercrete are spread over the chicken wire, which sags somewhat under the weight. After it is allowed to dry, a second layer of papercrete - and possibly additional layers - are placed the same way. The unintended advantage to this method is that the papercrete sags down between the ceiling joists or vigas thereby providing greater thickness and more insulation value. The down side is that wet material is heavy to work with. Of course, cutting papercrete panels is dusty, so it all depends on which method you like best.
After the roof is poured and smoothed out, the same waterproofing methods can be used as those for roof panels described above. Another way to go is to build a vaulted roof or domed roof out of blocks right on top of the walls. See
Domes. This method has been done successfully, with beautiful results, in Texas by Clyde T. Curry. Besides saving the cost of the roofing framework, the domed or vaulted ceilings of papercrete provide good insulation.
|A bedroom with vaulted ceiling of papercrete.|
If windows and door are pre-hung in their own frames, they can simply be screwed into the papercrete opening. The gaps can be trimmed conventionally and/or filled with papercrete. I have had success adding a small amount of Plaster of Paris to papercrete where it comes into contact with wood. Mixed this way, the papercrete adheres very firmly to the wood. Before drywall, which is Plaster of Paris between sheets of paper backing, wood lath was nailed to studs and covered with plaster to finish walls. That might explain why the papercrete/plaster mix works so well with wood.
If wood or metal frames have to be installed, they can be screwed directly into the papercrete. The opposite is also true. At a construction site in New Mexico, I saw narrow sections of unsupported papercrete block walls, between floor-to-ceiling windows, angle-screwed to the window frames. The frames themselves were independently anchored to the floor and to the roof plate. This stabilized the short walls extremely well. Any gaps are filled with papercrete and the inside surface of the wall opening (not covered by the frame) can be surfaced with papercrete.
|Short wall sections between windows were screwed to window frames for added stability.|
|Frameless glass can be embedded in papercrete without fear of cracking. Outside bottom is not covered to allow drainage.|
Papercrete has another quality, which makes it ideal for installing frameless glass. The glass can simply be embedded in the papercrete. Papercrete doesn't expand or contract perceptibly, even when wet or frozen, so sheets of glass or glass block can be embedded in and trimmed with papercrete without fearing that they will be damaged by expansion or contraction of the papercrete.
Windows and doors should ideally be insulated or the R-value benefit of papercrete walls and roof is compromised. Windows should be at least double paned, but that costs more. It is easier to find cheaper, older single-pane windows and unframed glass than newer multi-paned windows. The older windows have character and look more substantial. Since glass can be embedded in papercrete, so can several separate sheets of glass or two complete windows. The one on the inside should be open-able for cleaning. The air between the panes is the best possible insulator, so if using two single-pane windows, space them as far apart as is convenient. In extreme climates, insulated doors or two-door entryways should be built to minimize heating and cooling loss.
China cabinets, pre-built shelves, medicine cabinets and anything else, which has to be anchored to the wall can be firmly anchored with screws. Papercrete does not hold nails any better than drywall, but screws work very well and will hold a considerable weight. The great thing about screwing into a papercrete wall is that you don’t have to look for a stud. You can anchor any object exactly where you want it.
|Screws are the anchor of choice for papercrete.|
Installing plumbing lines requires cutting holes and channels in papercrete. This is fairly easy if original papercrete mix didn't have a surplus of solids (sand, powdered glass) or cement in it. Cutting papercrete results in a lot of dust. Consider wearing a mask or respirator. Holes and channels can be made with conventional drills and a chainsaw. Once the pipes are soldered and pressed into slots in the papercrete, they are covered with more papercrete. The benefit is that the entire plumbing system is insulated. Cold stays cold and hot stays hot longer - less wasted energy.
Narrow channels for electrical runs can be cut with a circular saw or chain saw. To make holes for outlets, cut horizontal and vertical slits with a circular saw. Then pry out the unwanted piece with a screwdriver. One of our practitioners mentioned that he puts a glob of non-flammable mortar behind his outlet boxes for safety, since most home fires start where the wiring enters the outlet boxes. Outlet boxes can be angle-screwed directly into the papercrete. Once the electrical wiring and outlets are installed and tested, the channels for the electrical runs are filled with papercrete.
Exterior finish can be papercrete, stucco or a 60-40 mix of papercrete/stucco. Some practitioners use two sacks of Portland cement and make their stucco the same way as their blocks. Doubling the amount of Portland cement in the papercrete gives it more strength and resistance to abrasion. One practitioner we spoke with uses six sacks of Portland cement and paper- no sand or other components - to make wall plasters. He feels this is essentially what is being purchased when buying exterior stucco. Papercrete stucco can be painted with exterior latex paint. I examined a small home painted this way. The paint had been in place for over three years and looked like it had been recently painted. Papercrete stucco takes paint very well. Without a primer, one coat covers quite well. For peace of mind, two or three coats are advised. Rather than pay the high cost of a primer or multiple coats of the same color paint, just purchase latex paint that has been color-matched incorrectly or abandoned at the paint counter. Most stores will sell it for about four dollars a gallon. It is perfectly good paint, just not the right color. All the different "mistakes" can be mixed together and used for the first coat or two. Then apply the color you want as the final coat.
|Papercrete stucco sticks to concrete block very well. The lighter sample on the left was mixed 50-50 by weight with Plaster of Paris - the one on the right with 60-40 Portland cement.|
|One coat of inexpensive latex paint without a primer covered this papercrete sample very well.|
Stucco adheres to papercrete walls very well with or without the use of stucco mesh. Andy Hopkins' house in Colorado has a textured stucco coating, which feels like hard plastic. Andy has sold the house so the type of stucco couldn't be determined. It was some kind of new foam and acrylic-based stucco. This type of stucco stuck to the papercrete very firmly, looked great and was weathering fine.
|Foam and acrylic-based stucco over papercrete.|
|Five year old El Rey stucco over papercrete.|
Classic El Rey stucco was used on a shed visited in northern New Mexico. This type of stucco is made with Portland cement, and is colored all the way through - so a scratch or nick won't be easily seen. The shed was five years old and the stucco was in nearly perfect condition.
Classic stuccoes and a number of new acrylic formulations are available in many colors and textures. Some are quite expensive and some require an environmental premium. Keep in mind that papercrete stucco looks great and can wait until a better solution becomes available. Lime might be considered as well.
Interior finishes include many of the same alternatives as exterior. One approach to interior finish was used in a large home in Arizona. The owner covered all interior surfaces with a thin layer of drywall joint compound. A few cracks developed over time.
Kelly Hart has used a white lime wash, which is particularly attractive, in several rooms of his home. He also discovered a way to mix latex paint 1:10 with water to produce beautiful water-based stains. His bathroom stain is particularly attractive. Stains not only dress up the look of the papercrete, they also cut the cost and amount of paint used by ninety percent!
|Lime wash on papercrete ceiling.
||A stained papercrete wall in a bathroom.|
Many people using papercrete prefer alternatives to concrete floors, because of expense and environmental issues. Papercrete itself may not be the best solution for floors since the point pressure of table and chair legs will indent it - unless a great deal of cement is used. One practitioner we spoke with makes papercrete floors in yard quantities, about 200 gallons, with six sacks of Portland cement and about 45 shovelfuls of sand. That provides a hard enough slab to work well with floors.
Some people use papercrete as a sub floor to insulate the floor from the surrounding earth and provide a base for a radiant heating system.
|An adobe earth floor inlaid with flagstone.|
An earth floor made of adobe, or adobe mixed with papercrete instead of straw, is an alternative. Earth floors can be finished and decorated in various ways. There are many books available about building earth floors.
Another lesser-known option for floors is tamped road base. Road base, sometimes called "city base," is what is used for making roads. Be careful. If you simply ask for " road base", you may get common ABC gravel with little else in it. The type of road base you need has a mix of rock, sand, clay and dirt in specified quantities approved by cities for roadbeds. In the Phoenix area, the material is called ABC MAG. The MAG stands for Maricopa Association of Governments. This is a consortium of cities in Maricopa County where Phoenix is located, hence "city base." ABC MAG has a mix of under one-inch rock, sand, clay and dirt. This material is applied in several layers. Each layer is screened finer, dampened, screed, tamped and troweled smooth. After finishing, the top layer should be as smooth and level as a conventional floor.
Successive screening is a lot of work. With some investigation it's possible to find out what the constituents of the road base are. Buy them separately and dry mix them using aggregate sizes appropriate for each layer. This saves a good deal of labor.
The finished floor is sealed with boiled linseed oil and turpentine. The entire process is described in a chapter called "A Tamped Road Base Floor" in "The Art of Natural Building."
Road base can only be had in the colors of nature and the colors vary from location to location. In the Phoenix area they vary from gray to brown. In Austin, I'm told they are reddish. There are probably ways to vary the color. An advantage to road base is drying time (which is much faster than adobe.) It only takes a few days in dry climates.
Road base costs under $5.00 a ton, if you pick it up. Working with it is easy - no mixing straw, clay, papercrete, etc. Two 12-ton truckloads cover 500 square feet. It is also very durable having a plasticity index (in Phoenix) of 0-5. The plasticity index is a measure of a materials' tendency to sag. Smaller numbers are better, but it's common to see ratings of up to 12.
This is where papercrete shines. With a papercrete envelope and well-insulated doors and windows, much smaller heating and cooling systems are possible.
In fact, with some planning, the heating system of the home can be built into the floor. Solar heated water is circulated though a serpentine system of plastic pipes embedded in the floor to produce radiant heating. Since the floor has quite a bit of mass, the heat is retained for long periods when the water isn't being heated, such as at night. Usually a small fireplace or electric heater can easily supplement the radiant heating.
Cooling costs are also greatly reduced. A much smaller air conditioner or evaporative cooler can be used. If you want to live comfortably off-grid, newer solar power systems are an option. The new high-tech systems are computer-integrated with wind-power generators and propane generators. On extremely hot or cold days, when quick heat or cooling is necessary, the new systems seamlessly move to the generator. As soon as the demand falls within the supply parameters of the solar or wind equipment, the system switches back to them. So fossil fuels are only consumed when peak demand requires. This kind of system is also modular. The initial system can be small if you are living in part of a structure while building the rest. As you add on to the structure, additional modules can be added to provide the increased capability you need. This is great because you don't have to buy more capability than you need before you need it.


The 4th edition of the Construction Industry Payment & Adjudication Act 2012 (CIPAA 2012) Conference with the theme – Aligning with CIPAA 2012 will return this 17 June 2015 in Bangunan Sulaiman, KLRCA.
Date: 17 June 2015 (Wednesday)
Time: 9.00am – 5.45pm
Venue: Auditorium, Bangunan Sulaiman, KLRCA
Bar Council of Malaysia – 6 CPD points (T2/17062015/KLRCA/KL152303/6) Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) 3 CPD points Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) 2 CPD points Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) 10 CCD points (CIDBHQ/2015/0035) Land Surveyor Board 1 CPD Point Board of Valuers, Appraisers & Estate Agent Malaysia (IPPEH) 5 CPD Accredited Hours Board of Quantity Surveyor Malaysia (BQSM) 3
For more information about this Conference, please do not hesitate to contact Yip Xiaoheng (Assistant Manager, Business Development) at 03-2271 1000 or e-mail – [email protected]


Our ‘Excellence as Standard’ approach is maintained by ISO9001, ISO14001 OHSAS18001, PAS99, CHAS, Construction Line Gold
Our commercial services range from on site surface preparation and grit blasting of structural steel to lead paint removal and historic façade restoration.
We offer an end-to-end client experience that includes seamless communication from tender stages to on site project delivery and completion handover
Our internal quality control systems make sure we deliver the projects to specification first time which is crucial to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today and bring our project management skills and extensive experience to your next project.
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Kushiro River No.4
Kushiro River (釧路川 Kushiro-gawa?) is a river in Hokkaidō, Japan. It is 154 kilometers (96 mi) in length and has a drainage area of 2,510 square kilometers (970 sq mi). The Kushiro originates from Lake Kussharo and flows south across the Kushiro Plain. The river is joined by two tributaries, the Kuchoro River (60.2 kilometres (37.4 mi)) and the Setsuri River (59.8 kilometres (37.2 mi)), before it empties into the Pacific Ocean at the port at Kushiro. The lower reaches of the river form broad wetlands. The Shinkushiro River (13 kilometres (8.1 mi)), which was built roughly parallel to the Kushiro River, was completed in 1931 and flows south to the Pacific Ocean.
From Gojikkokueki To Iwabokkisuimon


Suthards Excavating and Tree Service LLC, offers Richardsville, VA, Culpeper County and the surrounding area’s most complete package of professional services for the care and creation of your property. Our services include complete dam repair and inspections, complete tree care, excavating, land clearing, elite demolition work, site preparation, maintenance and design to name a few.
Our team of management, and skilled crafts personnel have the skills to restore, protect and strengthen the existing structures to the highest quality; reaching the ultimate goal of flood control, power generation and water storage containment. We work closely with engineering firms providing technical, planning, and construction assistance with proper attention to dam safety.
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Simplify Utility Connections and Enhance Customer Experience with Our Builder Portal
The utility industry manages a vast number of construction service requests annually. Our Builder Portal provides a user-friendly, streamlined solution to improve the entire construction project lifecycle, from initial requests to final inspections.
Benefits for Utility Companies:
Reduced Costs: Decrease call volume and simplify web form management, freeing up resources for other critical tasks.
Improved Efficiency: Enhance operational efficiency and accountability with a centralized platform for managing projects and communication.
Increased Satisfaction: Boost employee and customer satisfaction by streamlining processes and improving communication.
Benefits for Builders and Customers:
Enhanced Transparency: Gain real-time project updates and track progress at every stage.
Simplified Workflow: Effortlessly initiate service requests, manage team members, and collaborate on documents.
Self-Service Convenience: Access a wide range of features – from invoice payments to scheduling appointments – all in one place.
Centralized Service Request Management: Initiate construction service requests for various project types, including commercial, residential, and industrial.
Collaboration Tools: Manage multiple team members and facilitate seamless document collaboration for efficient project execution.
Real-Time Visibility: Gain a comprehensive dashboard view of all projects, allowing for informed decision-making.
Streamlined Project Management: Manage deliverables, track progress, and monitor project status throughout the entire lifecycle.


Check out VOICE's Annual Report highlighting our work and generous donors in 2014...
|Letter: Arlington housing plan is benefit to schools, community||Inside NOVA||07/22/2015|
|Letter: Arlington housing proposal will benefit entire community||Inside NOVA||07/15/2015|
|Letter: Time has come to pass Arlington housing plan||Inside NOVA||07/08/2015|
|Letter: Critics of Arlington housing plan need to be more transparent||Inside NOVA||07/02/2015|
|Kamp Washington Triangle Redevelopment Approved||Fairfax Connection||03/04/2015|


Disegna technological decking is easy and simple to install. The quality of the materials used in the installation is a key factor in obtaining an installation with an optimum finish. That is why, throughout the installation process, we recommend the use of original components and accessories.
- This product is NOT suitable for structural use NEITHER for submergence in water. It is also not suitable for poorly ventilated and/or without ventilation spaces.
- Always install it on a level surface. If you desired an uniform tonality, put the arrows printed on the edge of each board, pointing to the same direction.
- To make a manhole cover, make an independent perimeter sub-structure and fix the board using the screws and fixations.
- In installations with high levels of water condensation and high temperatures (Spa, Sauna, etc …) is recommended to leave an END-to-END gap of 15mm and 20mm with walls and / or columns.
- The maximum separation between joists will always be 40cm. For high traffic decking fit the joists every 30cm.
- After decking installation and during 2-3 month, clean with plenty of watwwer the decking surface to remove out of the decking instalation the dust and dirt produced during the decking manufacturing and installation to prevent the formation of water marks on account of dus and dirt.
- The location of the boards´heads has ALWAYS to match on a joist or point of support and be fixed to it by two fixations (one on each board).
- In areas with high humidity (coast zone and/or with abundant rainfalls) increase in 3mm more the END-to-END gap indicated on point 4 and in 5mm more the gap indicated in point 2 of the Installation Manual.


Federal Highway Administration:
National Park Service
Switzerland has developed some of the most sophisticated techniques for reducing transportation infrastructure impacts on wildlife. The Swiss approach addresses both the direct effects of roads resulting in wildlife mortality as well as proactive measures to ensure safe passage of animals across roads. Many of the methods and techniques utilized in Switzerland have been coupled with extensive research that documents the value of specific measures and provides on-the-ground information for improving crossing point designs.
To reduce wildlife mortality on roadways, the Swiss have developed animal crossing warning signs that are triggered by animals near the roads. When animals (e.g., roe deer, red deer, etc.) cross motion detectors along highway right-of-ways, the signs light up and warn motorists to slow down. The Swiss have documented that these signs have been very effective at influencing driver behavior and reducing wildlife mortality. The signs have been strategically placed on roads with routine drivers. Read more…
The possibility of vehicular collisions with animals crossing the road is a constant threat to many of our threatened or endangered species, including bears, panthers, and key deer. For some species a filled roadway becomes an insurmountable barrier. In those cases, the new structure divides the wetland into smaller habitats, which may not be large enough to support the existing populations.
To better protect elk and motorists alike, CDOT has realigned the new highway and designed a series of game crossing bridges based on established deer and elk migration routes.
At these points, the highway was raised to enable deer and elk to pass underneath the highway at ground level.
This highway re-alignment is intended to reduce the number of animals crossing the highway by allowing an undercrossing.
The combination of game fencing and elevated bridges should help ensure safe passage for wildlife and motorists. Read more…
From The Herald of Everett, WA
Roadkill season: When human and fauna rush hours collide
By Melissa Slager, Herald Writer
We’re entering roadkill season in Snohomish County.
Fall brings darker mornings and evenings, a cool cover that’s favored by animals on the move. Some animals also are migrating as they get ready for winter. Others are, erm, getting frisky (and therefore less cautious).
Add more cars on the road with school back in session, and the chances increase of sad roadside scenes of our furry neighbors and possible injury to humans, too. Read more…


EIS is always looking for excellent talent to join our team! Check out our current openings.
About Engineering & Inspection Services (EIS)
Case Studies & Innovations
Tower Stress and Stability Analysis Case Study
An EIS client was scheduled to replace a 654,515 lb and 160 ft tall tower during a turnaround and was concerned about its structural integrity during the lift. Corrosion had reduced the wall thickness at several locations, and years of operation had caused the tower to deform and accumulate additional weight. EIS was requested to complete a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in order to safely perform the lift.View more
Tank Failure Analysis Case Study
A Cavity Water Collection Tank sustained substantial damage. The roof had become completely detached and the shell to floor joint was broken at several locations. EIS was tasked to determine if overpressure or deflagration was responsible and identify root cause.View more


Many offshore structures would be problematic to maintain and service without rope access solutions. With safety being paramount we offer a safe and reliable service for all offshore requirements. Our qualified rope access technicians have extensive experience at working at height on complex rigging and lifting jobs in the offshore oil and gas industry.
Our services include:
For more information about our services and the benefits of using rope access systems on your next project give us a call on 0203 011 55 03 or complete our contact form.
Extensive experience working with a range of new build construction projects providing rope access solutions on site.
Internal and external repair and maintenance solutions at height - keeping everything in proper working.
Proven experience in industrial cleaning using rope access - no matter how high or difficult to reach.
Ability to provide experienced technicians for offshore oil and gas installations and fixed platform environments.
Qualified Wind Turbine and Blade Repair Technicians to maintain and repair Wind Turbines - minimising lost production and downtime.
Specialists in the provision of safety consultancy, assessment and auditing structures. Ability to provide rescue cover for all work at height projects.
Testing building materials or surveying for damage our technicians can complete the job with minimal disruption and no requirement for scaffolding.
Fall protection systems designed and manufactured to highest standards providing integrated safety solutions for technicians working at height.


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At Ramapo Communication Corp, we are dedicated to serving a broad spectrum of clients, including client customers, service providers, and government entities. Our commitment extends to delivering top-tier strategic guidance, innovative design solutions, flawless execution, and comprehensive program management to meet the unique needs of each sector we engage with.
Our Directional Drilling services are at the forefront of modern telecommunications infrastructure installation. We specialize in the precise and non-invasive drilling of underground pathways for cables and utilities, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment. Count on us to create reliable connections beneath the surface.
Our Fiber System solutions encompass the design, installation, and maintenance of cutting-edge fiber optic networks. These networks are the lifelines of modern communication, and our teams are dedicated to creating robust and high-performance systems that enable seamless connectivity.
When faced with challenging terrains and rocky landscapes, our Rock Sawing expertise shines. We employ powerful machinery to cut through solid rock, creating pathways for cables and utilities. Trust us to overcome obstacles and deliver dependable results even in the most rugged environments.
The Vibratory Plow is a key tool in our arsenal for laying cables and utilities underground. With its ability to minimize ground disruption, this equipment is ideal for projects where preservation of the surface is paramount. Our skilled teams are proficient in utilizing Vibratory Plows to ensure efficient, underground infrastructure.
Trenching Operations represent the backbone of our excavation capabilities. Our expert teams utilize cutting-edge equipment and techniques to dig trenches for utility placement with precision and efficiency. We ensure that every trench meets industry standards for safety and reliability.
Building Fiber Engineering is a specialized service we offer to ensure that businesses, residences, and institutions have access to high-speed, reliable fiber optic connections. Our expert engineers work closely with clients to design and implement customized solutions that meet their unique connectivity needs.
Building Fiber Engineering & Design
New Site/Tower Builds
Rooftop: Antenna & Line
Elevate your connectivity with our New Site Builds service. From concept to creation, we specialize in transforming spaces into fully operational telecommunications hubs, ensuring seamless connectivity where it matters most.
Take your network to the top with our Rooftop service. We expertly install and maintain antenna systems on rooftops, delivering uninterrupted wireless coverage for urban environments and beyond.
Propel your data transmission with our Microwave Installation service. We specialize in the precise deployment of microwave systems, facilitating high-speed connectivity for reliable telecommunications.
Strengthen your infrastructure with our Structural Modifications service. Our experienced team ensures the safety and stability of towers and structures through precise reinforcement, repair, and modification.
Safely retire old infrastructure with our Decommissioning service. We handle the dismantling, disposal, and site restoration with care, providing an environmentally responsible approach to end-of-life equipment.
Small Cell Services
Power up with our Battery/Radio service. We install and maintain essential power and radio equipment, ensuring your systems stay connected and operational in any situation.
Navigate high-density areas seamlessly with our Small Cell Services. We design and install small cell solutions, enhancing network capacity for businesses and residents in urban environments.
Power and precision define our Electrical/Civil Services. From electrical system installation to civil engineering expertise, we ensure the safety and efficiency of your telecommunications infrastructure.
Upgrade and optimize with our Antenna Swaps service. Our skilled team efficiently removes and replaces antennas, improving signal quality and coverage to keep your network at its best.
EV Charging Station Installation
Drive the future with our EV Charging Station Installation service. We specialize in the seamless installation of electric vehicle charging stations, empowering businesses and communities to embrace sustainable transportation solutions.
Unleash reliable power with our Battery Installation service. We expertly install cutting-edge battery systems, providing a robust and sustainable energy solution for various applications.
Install Booster Pumps
Install Transfer Switches
Seamlessly transition between power sources with our Install Transfer Switches service. We ensure your facility stays connected by professionally installing transfer switches for efficient power management.
Boost your water supply with our Install Booster Pumps service. We expertly install pumps to enhance water pressure, ensuring optimal performance for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Elevate your power infrastructure with our Power Upgrades service. Whether it's increasing capacity or enhancing efficiency, we provide comprehensive upgrades to meet the growing demands of your electrical system.
Ensure reliability with our Commission Generator service. We expertly commission generators, verifying their functionality and performance to guarantee a seamless power supply when you need it most.
Stay powered around the clock with our Generator Refueling service. We offer timely and efficient refueling solutions to keep your generators running smoothly, providing a continuous and reliable power source.
Protect your investment with our Generator Maintenance service. Our skilled technicians provide routine maintenance, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your generators for uninterrupted power supply.
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Views: 101 Author: SEPPE Publish Time: 2022-08-30 Origin: SEPPE
Unclean waterjet sand is prone to the phenomenon of sand pipe plugging. Generally, water-cutting sand with a large dust content, if the sand is damp, it is easy to produce agglomeration of soil or dust in the sand, which is easy to block the head and prevent the water from flowing out. It is necessary to choose garnet sand produced by professional manufacturers.
If there is a problem with the sand pipe because the water jet sand is not clean, the cutting operation will be affected, and the sand pipe will be scrapped in serious cases, and the cost will be high. Unclean water cutting sand waste sand is more difficult to clean. Experienced people generally know that if the dust content of the sand is high, it will make it difficult to clean up the waste sand, which requires special personnel to clean up. On the contrary, the dust content will be relatively low Good clean up.
In addition to being used for water jet cutting, water jet sand can also be used as a filter material for water filtration. To remove the suspended particles of water and impurities of large particles, if there is no scientific cleaning process, it will only cause the sand to become more and more dirty. SGA garnet is a professional manufacturer of water jet sand. We will share with you a small method to identify water jet sand. Put the sand and water in a ratio of 1:2, put them in the bottle and shake them vigorously. You can see the turbidity of the water. to distinguish.


Section 4 Keeping A Septic System Healthy
Care & Maintenance Best Management Practices
A properly functioning septic system not only helps reduce groundwater contamination, but it can save the homeowner money. To help maintain your septic system, follow these simple best management practices (BMPs):
- Conserve water! Install low flow fixtures such as sink aerators and low water use toilets and limit the amount of time spent in the shower. Fix all leaks. By conserving water, you can help keep your septic system from overloading.
- Put only domestic wastewater down the drains! Do not dump chemicals, such as household cleaners and bleach, down your drains as they can affect the good bacteria that work in conjunction with the septic system. Do not dump oil and grease into the system. Do not put non-biodegradable items down the drains. Limit the use of your garbage disposal.
- Do not flush pharmaceuticals and unused medicines down the toilet.
- Have the septic system pumped regularly! How often the septic system is pumped is determined by the tank size and amount of people in the home. Regular pumping helps remove the accumulated sludge from the bottom of the septic tank.
- Maintain the leach field! Do not plant vegetation with extensive root systems over the leach field as roots can cause significant damage to pipes. Large trees such as eucalyptus, pine, pepper, and palm should not be planted within or adjacent to the leach field. Do not drive or build over the leach field. Do not allow heavy livestock animals in the leach field area.
- Divert surface flow away from the leach field! Too much water in the leach field will lead to oversaturation.


Could the impacts of global warming have had anything to do with the Miami condo collapse?
Global warming is having a negative impact on older buildings around the country. Experts say they were never built for the climate they now find themselves in. Architects and engineers design buildings and other structures, like bridges, to operate within the parameters of the local climate. They’re built using materials and following design standards that can withstand the range of temperatures, rainfall, snow, and wind that are expected, plus any geological issues such as earthquakes, subsidence, and groundwater levels. However, for buildings that were built decades ago, like the one that collapsed in Miami, the climate they were built to withstand has changed.
In many places, buildings are being forced to exist at the outer ranges of their temperature on a regular basis, rather than once in a while as they were designed to tolerate. To some extent, these impacts will be localized and containable, with fairly simple remedies. For example, overheating can be reduced by shading windows with awnings or blinds, good insulation, and ample ventilation. Perhaps more worrying are the insidious effects of climate change which gradually undermine the core functions of a building in less obvious ways – and may have contributed to the Miami condo collapse.
Buildings in coastal areas are especially susceptible as the chloride in saltwater accelerates rusting. Rising sea levels will raise the water table and make it saltier, affecting building foundations, while salt spray will spread further on stronger winds. This all creates a condition that the experts refer to as a kind of “concrete cancer.”
The recent tragic collapse of the Miami condo building may be an early warning of this process gaining speed. While the exact cause of the collapse is still being investigated, some are suggesting it could be linked to climate change.
Whether or not the link to climate change proves to be true, it is nevertheless a wake-up call to the fragility of our buildings. It should also be seen as a clear demonstration of a critical point: wealth does not protect against the effects of climate change. Rich nations have the financial clout to adapt more rapidly and mitigate these impacts, but they can’t stop them at the border. Climate change is indiscriminate. Buildings are vulnerable to these impacts no matter where in the world they are, and if anything, the modern buildings of developed countries have more things in them that can go wrong than simpler traditional structures.
The sooner we begin retrofitting existing buildings and constructing new ones that can withstand climate change, the better.


Annual Parish Meeting talk on the Cookham Bridge - 29/03/2000|
Mr Stephen Brown, Engineering Services Manager at the Royal Borough attended the Annual Parish Meeting at Cookham Rise School to talk about the repairs to Cookham Bridge.
Mr Brown described the reasons that the bridge needed to be repaired and the choices that could have been made including doing nothing, which would have meant that the bridge would eventually not have been useable, also building a new bridge, which would have not only have been too costly, but also would not have been acceptable to English Heritage, as the bridge is Grade II listed. The final alternative was to repair the current one. He said that there had been some slippage due to things that had been uncovered that were not known when the work started, so the current plan was to re-open the bridge on 20 June 2000.
Mr Alan Swinger of Mowlem, the contractors, then spoke. He said that they had been brought in November 1999 and it had been a fast track programme. The contract had been that the contractors were paid costs plus a fee, as the design could not be finalised due to the particular problems of the bridge and not knowing exactly what needed to be done until work had started. He said that the project would take about six months, because of the problems of accommodating design needs and should open on the 20th June 2000. He said that it had been a very pleasant project as it was non adversarial and everyone had worked well together as a team.
There then followed a series of questions from the floor: Cllr Pat Brockwell asked if there would be permanent traffic light and why was this decision made. Mr Brown replied there would be and the decision had been made after consultation with the public and various bodies, including the Parish Council. They had received eight hundred replies from adverts in the papers and leaflets being handed out and overall the idea of traffic lights were favoured. He added that the signals would be purpose designed.
Mr Brown was asked why the delay had occurred. He said that work had been uncovered that had not been expected, but now everything needing to be done was clear and there would be overtime to catch up. He added that the gas main that was bolted to the bridge could now be incorporated in the bridge, after consultation with Transco, which would improve matters.
Joan Somerville asked if the bridge had to be completely finished before traffic was allowed on it. Mr Brown said it would have to be, particularly as the casting of the deck would be one of the last things to be done.
Cllr Gordon Harris asked if there would be a kerb or barrier on the footpath. Mr Brown said there would be a kerb and the path itself would be 5' 6" wide. Cllr Dick Arthur asked if the cyclists could also use the pedestrian pathway. Mr Brown said that it was not really wide enough, but that the bridge should be much improved for cyclists anyway.
Mr John Bowley asked about access to the Ferry under the bridge. Mr Brown said that they were very much hoping to get this. Mr Brown added that he very much hoped that the bridge would be ready on time and they were doing everything in their power to catch up on the slippage, but that the 20th June was the current date planned for re-opening the bridge.


EUROCEMENT group is an international industrial holding, a leader in the production of building materials in Russia. EUROCEMENT group is one of the five largest private cement companies in the world, unites 19 cement plants in Russia and abroad, as well as factories for the production of concrete, reinforced concrete, nonmetallic mining pits
The production capacity of the enterprises of the Holding is more than 60 million tons of cement and more than 11 million cubic meters. m of concrete. Stocks of non-metallic materials amount to over 5.5 billion tons. More than 300 million people are consumers of the “EUROCEMENT group” products.
Akhangaran cement plant (“AHANGARANCEMENT”) is one of the leading enterprises of the cement industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It ranks second in the rating of the cement industry of the country in terms of production. Since 2006, the company has been part of the “EUROCEMENT group” Holding. Full name – Joint Stock Company “Ahangarantsment”. It is located in the industrial zone of Akhangaran district of Tashkent region. The design capacity of the plant is 2 180 000 tons of cement per year
The structure of the enterprise “AKHANGARANCEMENT” includes the Combine of building materials and structures (CBMS) located in the Sergeli district of the city of Tashkent. The plant was founded in August 2006, the design capacity is about 40,000 m3 of reinforced concrete products. CBMS manufactures a wide range of reinforced concrete structures and concrete mixes.
In 2008, Portland cement, manufactured by AHANGARANCEMENT, received a diploma from Uzstandart agency “The best products of Uzbekistan”. In 2009, the company received a coblet in the nomination namely “The most profitable enterprise of the Holding” EUROCEMENT group”.
In March 2013, AKHANGARANCEMENT was the first among the cement industry enterprises in Uzbekistan to be certified by the Environmental Management System according to the international standard Oz DSt ISO 14001 and by the Professional Safety and Health Management System according to the international standard Oz DSt OHSAS 18001. In February 2013 it took the 1st place in the competition called “The best enterprise for the organization of labor protection,” held by the Council of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan.
In 2013, in the competition of “The Best Enterprise of the Holding“ EUROCEMENT group ”” “AHANGARANCEMENT” took the third place, and from 2014 to 2017 – the first place.
In April 2016, the AHANGARANCEMENT Quality Management System was certified by the International Certificate of Conformity ISO 9001: 2015.
Currently, the company is working to implement investments in the project to build a new technological line for the production of cement in an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly “dry” way with a capacity of 6,000 tons of clinker per day.
Any use (reproduction, publication, copying, reprinting, distribution, translation, broadcasting, processing and other methods of distribution) of the materials of the Investment Portal - Invest.gov.uz, without indicating the original source and a link to the Portal is strictly prohibited!


We the undersigned do hereby agree and guarantee, in the limits and under the conditions set forth herein, for ourselves, our successors and assigns to and with the owner of the building described herein that the roof work completed by us on this building on the date set forth herein is of first-class materials and constructed with first-class workmanship in accordance with agreed specifications to exclude water from entering the building through said roof. We do hereby agree that we will make, at our expense; any repairs to this roof that may become necessary to maintain it in a watertight condition for a period of two (2) years from the date of completion, set forth herein, provided notice is given to us within the two year period, and provided further said repairs are required because of any defects in the application of the roof or by reason of any defect in the material which we applied to the roof.
By acceptance of this guarantee, it is mutually agreed and understood that this guarantee does not extend to any damage to said roof from fire, earthquake, extreme wind, hail or distortion, warping, settlement or other defects in the foundation (roof deck) upon which the roof is applied and rests, nor injury caused to said roof by other parties by their actions or conditions beyond Contractor’s control; nor to leaks from flashing or parapet walls unless the same was applied or waterproofing by Contractor. Contractor is not responsible for leaks through skylights, air conditioning units, vents or other sheet metal installations, unless applied by Contactor. It is further understood and agreed that nothing in this guarantee shall render Contractor liable under any condition for damage sustained to the building or interior decorations and furnishings or merchandise within the building in the event of leaks. Guarantee not valid unless paid in full. No guarantee on partial roofs, or repairs. All agreements must be made in writing.
It will be the duty of Owner, his agent or tenant, to ascertain with reasonable certainty that the leaks reported to Contractor for service are entering through the roof and that the cause is from the defective materials or workmanship, and not from other causes or sources. A charge will be made by Contractor for the cost of a mechanic’s time plus insurance and cartage plus any materials expended in making this investigation if Contractor finds that the trouble is caused by other than defects in workmanship or materials supplied by Contractor. This charge is made necessary by the very large number of calls that are referred to Contractor for service where the leaks are in skylights, vents or air conditioners or caused by roof drains being stopped up or damage done by sign maintenance, TV service or similar conditions.
This agreement including all its terms and conditions shall become binding only upon the execution of the same by Owner and an officer or principal of the Contractor, and the same shall constitute the entire contract between the parties hereto, there being no covenants, promises or agreements, written or oral except as herein set forth.
Any present gutter system may not be properly aligned because of the installation of a new roof and therefore may not function properly. It is not the responsibility of the contractor to adjust, repair, replace or alter the gutter system in case it does not function properly after the installation of a new roof.
If a roof antenna or satellite dish is present, and it is necessary for contractor to move these items or work in close proximity to it, contractor will not be responsible to it, contractor will not be responsible for any damage to the antenna, or satellite dish or any resulting affect upon television reception.
Section 1209(a) 2 of the Uniform Building Code requires that a smoke detector be installed in any dwelling upon the owner’s application for a permit for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding $1,000.00. The purchase and installation of any such smoke detector, if necessary, is the responsibility of the owner and not the contractor.


Lawn Sprinkler Repair Methods
Performing lawn sprinkler repair is a 3 step process to determine what the problem is, of which falls under one of four categories, these are preparing for the repair by having all the proper tools, preparing the area, and doing the actual repair. Before you start any repairs you need to first switch off the water. Once you have completed the repair, turning on the power and water allows you to test how effective your work is.
A lawn sprinkler system that needs repairing is generally shown by its flow of water, either it will be uncontrolled or not enough, or when you start to see patches on your lawn where the grass is turning brown. The most common lawn sprinkler repair jobs are replacing broken sprinkler heads, repairing damaged water pipes, evening water dispersion out and restoring power. Each of these can be diagnosed easily.
When a sprinkler head is damaged, there is often be a geyser of water at the damaged area. A broken pipe will cause water seepage and the reduced flow of water to the sprinkler heads Uneven water dispersion can be seen by brown patches on your grass which is no longer receiving any water. Power loss means your system is not turning on or off at your preset intervals.
For repairs on broken pipes or sprinkler heads, you need to first switch off the water to your system. Tools needed are a shovel, adjustable wrench, and a hacksaw, in addition to any materials that are going to be replaced with a length of pipe or a sprinkler head. Dig carefully around the damaged area so you have sufficient room to work. Remove the sprinkler head by unscrewing it and screw in its replacement. Broken pipes can often be sealed using waterproof adhesive, however, you really should replace the entire section just to be on the safe side.
If you are having a problem with your sprinkler system, then call Complete Lawncare & Tree Service in El Paso, TX today, at (915) 201-2912.


In the 1880s, as the price of land in urban areas like Chicago and New York City increased and populations grew denser, the first high-rise buildings in the United States were built. High-rise buildings were (and still are) ideal in many respects because they provide ample housing and office space without encroaching on too much precious land.
The American technological revolution between 1880-1890 made high-rises possible with the inventions of materials like Bessemer steel, which afforded a taller and more flexible frame design than the cast iron that was previously used. By the mid-20th century, high-rise buildings were a staple in most countries worldwide, particularly in downtown areas, offering places for people to shop, work, eat, and live, all under one roof.
Features of High-Rise Buildings
The most obvious characteristic of a high-rise is its height. The National Fire Protection Association defines a high-rise as any building that features an occupied floor higher than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. This typically amounts to about 8 or 9 stories, at minimum.
Given their height, it should be no surprise that high-rises require strong foundations. The foundations are typically comprised of concrete piles or piers dug deep into the ground, usually into beds of solid rock.
In order to withstand forces from strong winds and natural disasters, most high-rises consist of sturdy steel frames that are sometimes mixed with concrete.
Nearly all high-rises feature curtain walls. Curtain walls are non-load-bearing sheets of masonry, stone, metal, or glass affixed to a building’s frame that keep the weather elements out and the occupants in.
It’s tough to find a high-rise building without an elevator that allows occupants to shoot up and down between floors without breaking a sweat.
Because high-rises typically house large groups of people, they need adequate life-safety provisions for occupants to escape in case of a fire, power outage, or other emergency. Safety regulations and life-safety systems for these buildings are typically quite extensive.
It’s not uncommon to find high-rises that feature both commercial and residential elements, providing housing in the same building as retail stores, restaurants, and office spaces.
Many of the high-rise condos and apartments you'll find today feature luxury amenities for residents, such as fitness centers, rooftop dog parks, pools, and doormen to keep the building secure.
Residential High-Rise Condos from Miami to San Diego
Faena House - Miami
This gorgeous high-rise in Miami Beach houses 47 luxury condos with floor-to-ceiling windows, wraparound terraces, and up to 8,000 square feet of living space. Search high-rise condos in Miami Beach >
Metropolis - Los Angeles
The Metropolis is a 2.2 million-square-foot mixed-use high-rise in Los Angeles with 1,000 luxury condo units in three different residential towers. It also hosts a hotel in a fourth tower and 70,000 square feet of retail space over six acres. Search high-rise condos in Los Angeles >
Lumina - San Francisco
The matching towers of Lumina were designed by Arquitectonica and feature 655 1-3-bedroom high-rise condos outfitted with ultra-luxe materials, like marble countertops and European porcelain flooring. Search high-rise condos in San Francisco >
Pinnacle Marina - San Diego
This luxury high-rise condo development offers 36 floors of residential living along with amenities like a 95-foot lap pool, private theater, steam room, and 24-hour concierge. Search high-rise condos in San Diego >
Famous High-Rise Buildings in the U.S.
Home Insurance Building - Chicago, Illinois
In 1884, William Le Baron Jenney completed what’s widely considered to be the first high-rise building of the industrial era. The Home Insurance Building was 12 stories high.
Equitable Building - New York, New York
When this 40-story building, designed by Ernest R. Graham, was constructed in 1915, there was panic over how much it darkened the streets of the city. As a result, the idea of zoning laws was introduced, restricting construction to ensure that sunlight can reach the streets.
The Chrysler Building - New York, New York
Among the most famous high-rises to date is the Chrysler Building. The Art Deco-style construction was designed by William van Alen in 1930 and remains one of the most prominent buildings in the United States.
Empire State Building - New York, New York
It’s tough to talk about famous high-rises without mentioning what’s perhaps the most famous of them all: the Empire State Building. Constructed in 1931 and designed by William Lamb, it held the title of the “World’s Tallest Building” from 1931-1972.
Transamerica Pyramid - San Francisco, California
The 260-meter Transamerica Pyramid was constructed in 1972 and designed by William Pereira. With its unconventional tapered design, Pereira wanted it to mimic a tree trunk, allowing natural light to shine down to the street.


SURGO EMBARKS ON REFURBISHMENT PROJECT FOR SAFETY TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST
Surgo Construction (Surgo), one of the region’s leading building contractors, has been appointed to a facilities refurbishment project at the Dräger Safety UK site in Blyth, which engineers safety technology.
The refurbishment of the 1,473sqm first floor of Building 4 at the site, consists of an upgrade to the HVAC and electrical distribution systems plus associated works, including re-installing existing tiles into a brand-new ceiling grid and new carpeting.
The construction programme which has been designed for minimal disruption to the site, is expected to complete in early 2022.
Gavin Brown, Head of Estates & Facilities UK & Ireland at Draeger said “We are happy to be working on this refurbishment with Surgo and look forward to making use of this newly improved space upon completion.”
Surgo has worked for Dräger for over 15 years completing various small works projects including installing pre-cast concrete service trenches across the campus and a range of internal and external improvement works across the Blyth site.
The contractor has a wide range of refurbishment expertise including work on major pharmaceutical projects and enjoys long-standing relationships with many clients in the sector due to the quality of its workmanship and flexible approach – particularly beneficial when working in live environments.
Speaking about this latest scheme which further cements a well-established working relationship with Dräger, Andy Rae of Surgo said:
“We are delighted to be working with Dräger on this project. We have worked with the company for many years and this scheme is yet another example of its commitment to enhancing the working environment for its employees.
“We work very much like an extension of the team at Dräger and they appreciate our attention to detail throughout the construction programme as well as our understanding of their operational procedures.”
The initial project is expected to complete in December 2021 with some additional external works forecast which would take handover to early 2022.
This project is one of three ongoing refurbishment and extension schemes Surgo is currently delivering across Northumberland.


Floating solar Power Plant refers to an array of solar panels on a structure that floats on a body of water, typically an artificial basin or a lake.
Floating solar power plant technology has been gaining traction as a favorable and cost-effective alternative to land-based photovoltaic systems. Thriving on the cusp of a massive inclination toward renewable energy adoption, the floating solar panel market stands as one of the highest-potential verticals in the go-green landscape.
A key reason for the increased rate of installations is the sharp decline in installation costs of solar plant and floating panels, which are transforming energy management and land utilization. Moreover, floating solar plant technology has been gaining traction as one of the favorable and cost-effective alternatives to land-based PV systems.
The main advantage of floating solar plants is that they do not take up any land, except the limited surfaces necessary for electric cabinet and grid connections. Their price is comparable with land based plants, but they provide a good way to avoid land consumption.
floating Solar plants are more compact than land-based plants, their management is simpler and their construction and decommissioning straightforward. The main point is that no fixed structures exist like the foundations used for a land-based plant so their installation can be totally reversible.
Project deliverables are an important part of the project.


: KIWW Secretariat : Fri, 15 December 2017, 2:55 PM
|KIWW 2017 The World Water Partnership|
The World Water Partnership
The World Water Partnership (WWP) is being established by the Ministry of Land,Infrastructure, and Transport of the Republic of Korea in cooperation with the World Water Council as a response to the international community’s requests for further roles of previous World Water Form host countries in contribution to sustainable development,to planning for adequate identification of ‘Implementation of solutions to prioritized global water challenges’ and to making practical cases. WWP is an annual meeting and multiyear initiative. It will be centered annual meeting, which will bring together governments and water related key actors of previous World Water Forum host countries and relevant partners.
More detail Information, You can download file.
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Transforming Urban Living with the Power and Potential of Smart Cities
A smart city is a visionary urban development concept that harnesses the power of technology and data to enhance the quality of life for its residents and promote sustainable growth. It leverages advanced infrastructure, connectivity, and data analytics to efficiently manage resources, improve public services, and foster a more responsive and interconnected community. Smart cities utilize technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and real-time data analysis to address urban challenges like traffic congestion, energy consumption, environmental sustainability, and public safety. By seamlessly integrating technology into the urban landscape, smart cities aim to create more efficient, environmentally friendly, and livable urban environments that cater to the evolving needs of their inhabitants.
Enhancing Smart Cities with Edge Computing Benefits
Smart cities derive substantial benefits from edge computing, revolutionizing how they operate and serve their residents. By processing data and making decisions at the network’s periphery, closer to the source of information, edge computing significantly reduces latency, ensuring real-time responsiveness in various applications. This swift data analysis and decision-making enhance the efficiency of smart city systems, making them more agile in managing traffic, optimizing energy consumption, and even improving emergency response times. Furthermore, edge computing bolsters security by keeping sensitive data localized, minimizing the risks associated with centralized data centers. Overall, edge computing empowers smart cities to be more dynamic, efficient, and secure, thus fostering a better quality of life for their citizens while advancing sustainability and resource management.
Edge Computing Complexity in Smart Cities
The integration of edge computing in smart cities introduces complexities that require careful consideration. Smart cities, by their nature, involve a multitude of interconnected systems, each with diverse applications and devices scattered throughout the urban landscape. Managing this vast network of edge computing resources can be intricate, involving challenges such as interoperability, security, and the seamless integration of data streams from various sources. Deploying multiple applications across thousands of devices necessitates a sophisticated infrastructure, rigorous maintenance, and a clear framework for efficient resource allocation. Smart cities must navigate these intricacies to ensure that edge computing enhances rather than hinders their mission to deliver safer, more responsive, and sustainable urban environments.
Scalable Energy Management
In the ambitious landscape of smart cities, scaling energy management to accommodate the growing demand while maintaining efficiency posed a significant challenge. The complexity stemmed from the sheer volume and diversity of energy data sources, including smart grids, renewable energy sources, and consumption patterns. Coordinating and optimizing these diverse elements in real-time, especially as the city expanded, became a complex challenge in data processing and resource allocation.
Edge computing offers a scalable solution to this complexity. An intelligent edge computing platform simplified energy management applications' deployment, operations, and life-cycle management. This platform processed and analyzed data at the edge, reducing latency and enabling real-time decision-making. It facilitated adaptive energy distribution, load balancing, and predictive maintenance. As the city scaled, the edge computing infrastructure seamlessly accommodated the increased data volume, ensuring a scalable and efficient energy management system.
Dynamic Infrastructure Monitoring
In the ever-evolving urban landscape, the challenge of scaling infrastructure monitoring to meet the demands of a growing city became apparent. The complexity arose from many sensors and connected devices monitoring critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and public facilities. As the city expanded, the sheer volume of data generated posed challenges in processing, analyzing, and responding to potential issues in real time.
Edge computing provided a scalable solution to this complexity. An intelligent platform for edge computing simplified the deployment and management of infrastructure monitoring applications. This platform processed data at the edge, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of critical infrastructure. As the city scaled, the edge computing infrastructure seamlessly expanded to accommodate the increased data load. This ensured continuous and dynamic monitoring, allowing for timely identification and proactive management of potential infrastructure issues.
Adaptive Smart Urban Mobility
Scaling urban mobility to meet the demands of a growing population in a smart city posed intricate challenges. The complexity emerged from transportation data's diverse and dynamic nature, including connected vehicles, traffic patterns, and public transit systems. As the city's population increased, coordinating and optimizing urban mobility in real-time became essential, requiring sophisticated data processing and adaptive decision-making.
Edge computing addressed the complexity of scaling urban mobility. An intelligent edge computing platform simplified mobility applications' deployment, operations, and life-cycle management. This platform processed and analyzed data at the edge, reducing latency and enabling real-time decision-making for adaptive traffic control, route optimization, and public transit scheduling. As the city scaled, the edge computing infrastructure seamlessly expanded to handle increased data complexity, ensuring a scalable and responsive urban mobility system.
The Connected, Intelligent Edge that
Simplifies Operations and Makes Smart Cities Even Smarter
Edgility is an intelligent platform for edge computing that simplifies the deployment, operations, and life-cycle management of complex business apps, network functions, and computing devices at the edge at scale.
Edgility edge management and orchestration (EMO) offers a high-availability cluster that ensures your operations never falter, even in the most demanding scenarios, acting as an unbreakable safety net for critical applications, ensuring service reliability like never before.
Edgility is your gateway to a unified experience where any application seamlessly functions on any device. This dynamic platform effortlessly scales to meet your evolving requirements while reducing your Total Cost of Ownership and fortifying your future operational efficiency.


There are several types of cranes that are offered with crane hire, so it is essential to know what each crane is developed for. Cranes are created predominately to relocate weights with levers or pulleys; although they may look modern they have been used for the last 2000 years. The Romans used cranes to construct large monoliths; Middle Ages churches were also built with the aid of cranes. Below in this post we shall consider the easy and intricate usages for cranes. One straightforward crane is the mobile crane; this crane has a telescopic boom that is placed on a movable system. Sheaves or bars will certainly raise the boom of this crane, generally a hook will be found at the end of this crane. Mobile cranes appropriate for city job as they can be transferred conveniently; crane hire companies often aid the transport and training of their crane. The system of a mobile crane may either have wheels that are designed for railroad tracks or caterpillar tracks.
The mobile crane can be made use of for demolition or earthmoving as the hook at the end of the crane can be changed to a round or damaging container, depending on the crane hire job. Vehicle installed cranes and harsh terrain cranes are additionally basically mobile also. The truck-mounted crane will have outriggers to maintain the crane completely stabile when being used. Cranes that are created for harsh terrain have a base that is not dissimilar to a 4 wheel drive vehicle; they are good for picking up transportation materials. Loader cranes are comprised of hydraulic powered booms that are fitted on trailers, they fill items onto the trailer and the joints of the boom are folded when not being used. They are rather comparable to telescopic cranes as on some areas of this sort of crane there might be a section of the boom that uses telescope of easier usage.
You may locate that you call for floating cranes for crane hire if your task is entailed within the delivery sector. They are situated in water and also are usually used for the building of ports, to restore ships or to assist with building bridges. They can also discharge ships and also are created particularly for dealing with extremely hefty lots or awkward shaped containers. Tower cranes are typically utilized for crane hire, yet these cranes do not have a moveable base. They are really taller and also the building and construction of the crane has to take place section by section. The base of the crane truck hire sydney looks like a long ladder and the boom is vertical to the base. These cranes are frequently used for skies scrape building and construction as well as the construct of high structures.


Cayuga Flats, Ithaca NY
Cayuga Flats is the latest in a series of projects that we have been awarded for Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), one of the largest providers of affordable housing in Ithaca and the surrounding areas. Starting in December of 2019 crews began demolishing the existing buildings onsite to make way for a brand new, LEED certified, affordable, apartment building. LG Evans was contracted to perform all of the undercuts, utilities, foundations, retaining walls, pavement, and site improvements. This job was particularly challenging from a constructability standpoint due to its location adjacent to a busy two-lane road, and the steep grades that dropped off the back of the site. In addition to this, there was a fairly tall, complex foundation that needed to be installed requiring dozens of steps, ledges, and jogs.


Soilsrock offers geotechnical engineering consulting expertise from early to construction phases for residential and commercial buildings, roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, dam’s, ports, water treatment stations, desalination plants, etc.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDERS
DEVELOPERS AND LAND DEVELOMENT
ROADS, RAIL AND TUNNElS
COUNCILS & GOVERNMENT
ARCHITECTS, STRUCTURAL & CIVIL CONSULTANTS ENGINEERS