Livingston Contractors – Page 2 – Recent Construction Journal For Everyone

Electrical in construction involves the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems in commercial buildings. These systems are also used in industrial, institutional, and residential structures.

Electrical workers are at risk for injuries due to improper use of tools and equipment, faulty wiring, and other common hazards. Training helps reduce these risks and improves worker safety. Click https://www.epicelectrical.com/ to learn more.

Electrical work on construction sites presents unique hazards not found in general industry. These risks can result in serious injury or death to workers involved. Those working in the industry must understand and control these hazards to protect themselves and others from harm and fulfill their legal obligations.

Electrical systems on construction sites must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3012 – Electrical installations — Construction and demolition site wiring. This includes the distribution system from the power supply service connections to receptacle outlets.

Conductors must be run as multiconductor cords or cable assemblies in raceways. If not subject to physical damage, they can also be un-insulated open conductors on insulators not more than 10 feet (3.05 m) apart. Either way, the cables and cords must be protected from accidental damage. Cords and cables must be kept from sharp corners, projections, or edges and should not pass through doorways where they might become a hazard to people using the doors.

Splices on cords and nonmetallic cables must be made according to approved methods. The ends of spliced conductors must be taped over. Splices must be marked with the words ” ‘ construction wiring”. Cords and nonmetallic cables must be positioned to avoid crossing roadways or access paths used by cranes, trucks, and other heavy machinery. If they must be placed in such a way, they must be marked with iridescent yellow tape at intervals no more than five meters apart.

All fifteen and twenty-ampere, single-phase receptacle outlets on construction sites that are not part of the permanent wiring of the building structure shall be grounded effectively using ground fault circuit interrupters or an assured equipment grounding conductor program. This will protect personnel in the event of an energized surface.

Electrical systems are vital to any project, but in construction, they can only be in place for a limited time. Temporary wiring systems are designed to provide power for lighting, tools, and machinery while work is underway. These systems can also provide emergency power if the primary system fails.

Temporary systems can be installed using various wires and other devices. The most common is copper wire, which has a high conductivity and is inexpensive. Aluminum and multiconductor cords are also commonly used in temporary systems. These systems must be carefully guarded to prevent access by unqualified personnel. Fencing, barriers, or other means should be used to prevent unauthorized persons from contacting the equipment.

During the construction process, temporary wiring must be properly supported to keep it out of the way of workers. This can be done with cable trays, hoists, or ceiling suspensions. The supports must be able to withstand the weight of the cables and be capable of supporting the load. The trays and hoists should also be marked to identify them as hazards and must be secured to protect the worker from injury.

The NEC requires that temporary installations have a limit on their duration. Article 590 outlines these limitations and specifies that the installation must be removed at the end of the construction period. This may seem like a relaxation of safety standards, but the Code is still clear that all the requirements for permanent installations still apply to temporary ones.

For example, a builder can run NM-B cabling without height limitations in locations that would normally require raceway or metal sheathed cable type wiring methods for a permanent installation (590.4(C)), and boxes are not necessary for most splices of cords and nonmetallic cable on construction sites (590.4(G)). Nevertheless, the AHJ must approve these methods based on location and application.

The switchboard is the centerpiece of your electrical system. It houses switches, circuit breakers, and fuses, which are used to control, protect, and isolate sections of the power distribution in buildings and other facilities. It also contains busbars, a series of aluminum or copper strips that transmit power from cable conductors to devices within the switchboard.

While the switchboard can look intimidating and complex, its functionality is simple. Firstly, it receives power from the main electricity supply and then distributes it to other areas of your facility. The power is channeled into smaller circuits, which send the electricity to individual devices. Each device can use the full power or draw less from the circuit.

It is also important to remember that the switchboard must have an RCD (Residual Current Device) installed. This is because it is designed to detect any electricity leaking from the system. It is intended to stop any person from being electrocuted by disconnecting the power immediately.

In terms of construction, the switchboard is a large single panel or frame that can be used to house molded case circuit breakers and fuses, air circuit breakers with a drawout function, transformers, and other electrical control and protection gadgets. It is a key safety component for any building and is usually located at the service entrance of a structure.

This ensures the switchboard is readily accessible and allows for easy replacement of faulty equipment and circuit breakers. It should also withstand any force that could be applied to it, including from flexible cords/extension leads. The switchboard must also be effectively protected against damage, and any openings that may expose live parts of the system should have covers.

Circuit breakers protect the wiring in a building from overcurrent, which can cause fire hazards. They work similarly to fuses, cutting off the current when it climbs above a safe level. This process is known as “tripping” and prevents damage to the wiring and other electrical systems in a building. They can also interrupt the power flow to certain building areas for maintenance or repairs.

A circuit breaker has two contacts: a major pair of copper or silver alloy and an arcing or auxiliary pair that stays connected during normal operation. The major contacts are designed to open & close without harming each other, while the arcing pair carries only a small amount of current. If the arcing or auxiliary pair is broken, the current will increase, which means that the circuit has an overload. The circuit breaker will then interrupt the current by opening its major contacts.

The arcing caused by the separated contact is extremely hot & dangerous. The circuit breaker can use several techniques to extinguish or “quench” the arc, including cooling, compressing, and replacing the ionized air with fresh gas.

There are many circuit breakers, ranging from devices that protect low-current appliances to large switchgear that can defend the high-voltage circuits that feed an entire city. Some are specialized for different functions, such as RCCB or residual current circuit breaker that protects against line-to-ground fault current and MCB or miniature circuit breaker that offers protection against overloading and short circuits. Others are combined with other safety functions, such as RCBO or residual current with overcurrent breakers that offer RCCB and MCB functions in one device.

Overhead distribution lines (power lines) carry electric energy over long distances. They consist of bare conductors strung between towers and supported by insulators. Overhead power lines are the lowest-cost method of transmission for large amounts of electricity. They are also the least susceptible to damage from snow, ice, and lightning. However, they must be adequately clear of the ground and other structures for safety reasons. In some cases, overhead power lines are upgraded to increase their current handling capacity, which increases the voltage on the line.

Overhead power lines are often used for distribution substations and feeders, which distribute electricity to consumers. They are usually constructed along public right-of-ways, although higher-voltage bulk transmission lines can be built in a private right-of-way.

The feeders receive electricity from the high-voltage transmission lines at a substation. They then transmit that energy through distribution transformers to a series of feeder lines that connect to customers customers’ premises. Distribution substations increase the voltage of incoming power lines for long-distance transmission and then decrease them again for distribution. They also serve as the junction point for multiple power lines heading to different areas of a community.

Insulators are essential to operating overhead power lines since they protect the conductors from touching each other. The insulators must be capable of withstanding the high voltages involved in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy, as well as resisting forces resulting from wind and lightning strikes.

The insulators may be made of wood, steel, or aluminum (either lattice-type or tubular), concrete, or reinforced plastics. They are typically designed to be as safe as possible, particularly for workers who need to maintain them. For example, some insulators have a semi-conductive glaze that allows a small amount of current to pass through them to warm the surface and reduce the accumulation of dirt, fog, and other contaminants.

Concrete

The Benefits of a Concrete Driveway

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 Savanna Carter

A concrete driveway is a great investment that can last for years. However, it’s important to work with a reputable contractor to ensure the job is done correctly.

They can tint the concrete to achieve a unique shade and add brushed or stamped finishes to create a design. They’ll also ensure the surface is sloped correctly to drain water properly. For more information, visit this website at https://www.levelgroundexcavation.com/.

Concrete is a long-lasting material, and many homeowners have found that their concrete driveways last for 30 years or more without any major maintenance issues. This is due to the fact that concrete is highly enduring and can stand up to heavy vehicles. Concrete is also less susceptible to cracking, chipping, or shifting that may occur with other materials such as asphalt.

Another reason why concrete is such a popular choice for driveways is its versatility. With a variety of color, texture, and pattern options available, concrete can be molded into practically any design you can imagine. It is also easy to match the color and texture of concrete to other exterior treatments such as stone, brick, tile, or slate. If you want a more unique look, you can even get stamped or stenciled concrete that can mimic the look of wood or stones at an affordable cost.

Unlike asphalt pavements, which use non-renewable petroleum supplies to bind the aggregates and fillers, concrete driveways use natural rock and sand along with cement. Concrete mix designs can be adjusted to include recycled and reclaimed materials such as fly ash, ground blast furnace slag, silica fume, and crushed glass to reduce the dependence on primary raw materials. The mixture also allows for a high level of air entrainment to improve durability and workability.

Once a concrete driveway has been poured, it must cure for a period of time before being used. It is important that the curing process takes place under ideal conditions. If the weather is too hot or cold, it will delay the curing process and result in a weaker concrete surface. It is also recommended that the driveway be sloped toward the street and away from existing structures such as garage floor slabs a minimum of one percent, or 1/8 inch per foot, for proper drainage.

Unlike other paving materials, a concrete driveway can withstand a variety of traffic and vehicle loads. It can also withstand freezing and thawing cycles, chemical exposures, and environmental factors. It is recommended that the concrete be at least four inches thick for a residential driveway that will have only light vehicles pass through. For commercial uses, the thickness should be increased to six inches.

Aesthetics

Your driveway is one of the first things people notice about your home, and you can use it to make a statement about your aesthetic preferences. It’s possible to get creative with concrete for a decorative finish that matches or complements the style of your home. For example, you can add a stamped border to the edge of the driveway for an elegant look that draws attention to your house and helps it stand out from other homes in your neighborhood.

Another way to add visual interest is by incorporating patterns into your concrete. For a simple and classic look, try alternating squares and rectangles to create a clean and simple pattern that looks easy on the eyes. This style is perfect for modern or contemporary houses that are looking for a simple but eye-catching concrete driveway.

Alternatively, you can use seamless stamps to give your concrete driveway a stone-like texture. These can be combined with hand-tooled joints or custom colors to match your home design. You can also choose to have your concrete brushed for a more natural texture. Concrete can also be stained in a wide range of hues, including earth tones like grays and browns or bright blues and cobalts. These colors can be dusted on the concrete or added during mixing, and they’re often chosen to compliment or contrast with the color of your home or surrounding landscaping.

For a bold and modern look, you can also use exposed aggregate concrete for your driveway. This type of concrete is created by placing concrete and then removing the top layer to expose colored decorative aggregate. The pebble-like surface is a modern take on a gravel driveway that blends seamlessly with the landscape and offers the durability of concrete.

For a more organic touch, you can also incorporate planters into your concrete driveway. These planters will keep the soil in place and prevent the water from flowing too quickly, which can damage your lawn or garden. In addition, they can be used to grow a variety of flowers and shrubbery.

Maintenance

Concrete driveways have low maintenance requirements compared to other pavement options like pavers and asphalt. Regular cleaning and the use of stain cleaners keep the surface clean, while a sealer helps prevent water from penetrating the concrete and damaging it. A concrete mixture also gives homeowners more flexibility with design and dimensions than bricks or pavers.

When a concrete driveway shows signs of wear and tear, prompt repairs are critical to extend its lifespan. This will help you avoid costly replacements down the line. The first step is to assess the damage. This will help you determine whether or not the driveway needs to be replaced altogether. Look for areas of excessive weed growth or cracks in the concrete, as well as signs of sinking.

Once you’ve identified the problem area, it’s time to make the necessary repairs. Start by removing any encroaching weeds and treating the area to kill the roots. If the concrete is damaged, a repair kit can be used to fill in small cracks and holes. Larger cracks can be repaired using a concrete patching compound that is specially designed for exterior use. Once the patching compound is dry, you can apply a coat of sealant to the driveway.

Avoid dragging metal-edged tools over the concrete to prevent scratching. This is particularly important if you have lawn equipment or vehicles that frequently hit the concrete. Also, don’t park cars or trucks on the concrete that exceed its weight capacity. This can cause sagging or sinking in the middle of the driveway, which will increase the risk of a crack or collapse later on.

It’s also important to be cautious with deicing chemicals, as they can deteriorate the concrete and lead to pitting and scaling. In colder regions, you may need to consider other forms of traction, such as sand or kitty litter, rather than rock salt.

Another way to reduce the likelihood of a sinking concrete driveway is to install proper drainage systems. This can be accomplished by sloping the driveway towards the street, and installing drains at strategic points along the perimeter of the driveway. You should also ensure that the drains are not blocked by clogged roots or other debris.

Cost

The cost of a concrete driveway varies significantly depending on the size, thickness, design and installation. The biggest factor influencing the overall price is the driveway’s size. A larger driveway requires more materials, which drives up the final cost. A driveway that is curved or features a unique design will also increase the cost, since contractors must build custom forms for the concrete pour.

For a basic concrete driveway, you can expect to pay between $4 and $15 per square foot for materials and labor. Labor makes up about 40 percent of the total cost, while the rest comes from the concrete and other materials needed for the project. In order to ensure that the concrete doesn’t crack during construction, contractors must carefully prepare the site by excavating the right depth, using proper fill and compacting thoroughly. It’s also important to add rebar or mesh for reinforcement and provide expansion joints, which prevent the concrete from cracking.

Once the concrete is poured, it’s carefully screeded and smoothed to create a flat surface. Then, a sealant is applied to protect the concrete and reduce the chance of future damage. If you want to create a decorative look, a stencil is used for a pattern or color imprint. The final step in the paving process involves carefully troweling the edges and control joints to help the concrete set properly.

Many people choose to install a concrete driveway because of its durability. It can withstand heavy vehicles and last for 30 years or more without needing major repairs. It’s also easy to maintain, requiring only regular cleaning and spraying with a hose.

A concrete driveway is a long-term investment that adds value to your home and can be customized to match your personal taste. A professional contractor can help you find a design that suits your needs and budget. They can also recommend the best concrete type for your project and help you choose from a variety of finishes. In addition, they can help you plan a timeline for the project and assist you with any permits that may be required.

Uncategorized

Recent Construction Journal For Everyone

September 6, 2023September 6, 2023 siteadmin

Construction Journal’s Enterprise platform continues to evolve with enhancements. These updates allow clients to search more granularly and more efficiently for their project needs.

This journal is committed to real open access and does not charge readers or their institutions for article viewing. However, authors are required to pay a fee to cover publishing costs such as managing the peer review and typesetting process.

Industry Trends

Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out in commercial construction, it is important to stay informed of the latest trends in the industry. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to plan for the future and ensure your business continues to thrive. There are a number of excellent resources for keeping up with the latest industry news and developments. These include:

A recent report by the Associated General Contractors of America indicated that many construction firms are facing material shortages and rising prices. To address these issues, many companies are implementing a variety of strategies. Some are focusing on reducing the use of materials in their projects by using alternative building products or materials that are more sustainable. Others are embracing 3D printing to reduce waste and improve turnaround times.

Another option is to utilize prefabrication and modularization. These processes enable construction crews to build complex structures offsite and then transport them to the site for assembly. This can significantly cut down on project costs by reducing the amount of materials needed and eliminating labor costs. In addition, these processes can help to increase productivity by allowing workers to focus on the most important tasks.

In addition, contractors are also experimenting with drones and other innovative technology to reduce operating costs and enhance worker safety. For example, a company called Built Robotics has developed an automated system that can monitor a machine and alert operators to potential problems. The system can be installed on late-model excavators in just minutes and is operated by a single trained operator.

One of the most important trends in construction is attracting and retaining skilled workers. To this end, some construction firms are promoting careers in the trades by reaching out to kids as early as elementary school and offering retention bonuses. Other firms are leveraging digital tools to attract young people and streamline communication with employees.

These are just a few of the industry trends that you should keep an eye out for in 2023. In addition to these changes, many firms are experimenting with new construction techniques that aim to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable. This includes incorporating more green construction materials and using energy-efficient greenhouses.

Building Materials

The construction industry is constantly evolving and changing with new materials and technology. However, there are some basic building materials that have remained consistent through the years. These five include concrete, wood, steel, brick and stone.

Whether it’s to add a finishing touch to a home or build a skyscraper, the right materials can make all the difference in the finished product. Choosing the right material is essential to ensure that the structure is durable and will stand up to environmental hazards like floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes or earthquakes. In addition, some building materials are better suited to certain climates than others.

Steel is a popular and versatile building material that can be used in many different ways, from making beams to providing support for walls. It can also be used to form the foundation of a structure, or it can be embedded in concrete to provide added strength. Steel is not as fire-resistant as some of the other building materials on this list, but it’s still a great option for buildings that require extra durability.

Brick is another common building material that has stood the test of time. It is particularly good for colder climates, as it helps to keep heat inside the home. However, it is not as strong as stone and is more likely to erode over time. The good news is that it is relatively inexpensive to use, especially when compared to other building materials.

One of the most recent innovations in building materials is concrete, which offers a variety of benefits. It is very durable and provides an attractive finish for a building. It is also lightweight and affordable compared to other options.

Concrete is made up of aggregates, such as stones and sand, which are mixed with a binder, such as cement, to create a solid mass. It is a great alternative to other materials, such as brick or stone, and it can be used for both exterior and interior building applications. It is also environmentally friendly and has low toxicity. It is becoming more and more popular for building projects, especially in residential areas.

Drones in Construction

Using drones in construction offers numerous benefits, from helping to avoid accidents to increasing productivity and keeping stakeholders updated on project status. Drone technology continues to evolve, but it is already a critical tool for many construction professionals.

The latest advancements include a drone that nails shingles to a roof and a drone with thermal sensors that can detect water leaks in concrete. The ability to use a drone to monitor a roof in real time allows for quicker problem-solving and prevents costly repairs, such as roof replacements.

A drone can also be used to inspect a foundation and detect any cracks or other problems. Previously, these inspections were done by workers climbing up onto unstable platforms. A drone is a much safer and cheaper solution that can provide high-resolution images that are processed into a CAD file.

Construction site managers can save time by capturing data and creating maps quickly and accurately, which helps them to keep their projects on schedule. They can also more easily share the information with other teams and stakeholders, which allows for better collaboration and keeps everyone up-to-date on current progress.

According to a recent study by 3DR, the average cost of a drone-based survey is USD 35K, which makes it more affordable than sending a team of surveyors to the jobsite. It is also a safer solution that decreases the chances of an accident, which can lead to lost work time, lawsuits and medical bills.

Drones can also be used to track equipment and inventory. This eliminates lengthy discussions during the reconciliation phase when contractors argue over claims of equipment being used or soil moved. With daily cut-fill views based on WingtraOne drone-captured data, stakeholders can see the exact measurements and compare activities, reducing disputes.

Drones are also helpful for tracking erection sequences, crane locations and perimeter security. These overhead images help to keep projects on schedule and on-budget. In addition, they can be processed into 3D models that allow investors and developers to have a realistic view of the project. This enables them to make informed decisions and improve quality control.

Green Construction

Green construction is the process of creating a sustainable built environment. It is a holistic approach to building, and encompasses all aspects of the design and construction process. This includes materials, energy, water, waste, and air quality. It also considers social and economic factors. The purpose of green construction is to reduce the environmental impacts of buildings and improve their performance. Green buildings can also have a positive impact on the economy.

Many governments have been working to promote the use of green construction techniques in their own countries. Some examples include the BREEAM in England and LEED in America. These standards differ from one country to the next, but they all aim to minimize resource consumption and protect the environment. They also aim to meet international standards for quality and safety.

The main purpose of the recent construction journal for everyone is to provide a central vehicle for sharing information and research results on new developments and advances in the built environment. This includes building construction, management and technology issues, sustainability, and construction procurement. The journal publishes a broad range of original research and application papers in the field. It covers all aspects of the built environment, including urban economics, rural and regional development, housing, management and resource issues, construction procurement, strategies and policy issues, construction materials and technologies, information an communication technologies, and environmental conservation and preservation.

The authors have developed a methodology for the extraction of green construction evaluation information from BIM models using an ontology and SPARQL inquiry. This method enables the automatic search of the aspects that need improvement in green construction. It also helps project managers to use BIM data more effectively. The methodology is based on the evaluation indicator system of five primary indicators, and relevant attribute sets are defined based on previous studies and standards. Then, the evaluation indicators are translated into IFC entities, and the extensions of these entities are carried out based on the attribute sets. Lastly, these IFC-based evaluation indicators are mapped into OWL as the basis for the knowledge base.