Construction

Shanghai World Financial Center Construction

Construction blogger

Shanghai World Financial Center construction was one structure worth researching. As anyone could imagine, building such a structure as Shanghai World Financial Center requires knowledge that has not been know before-but with technology and testing the project was completed on August 28, 2008

The importance of developing building technologies to resists earth movement and high winds in high-rise construction holds an important value. Initially planned to be the world’s tallest building, but because of economic situation, the Asian Financial Crises, and other delays, The Shanghai World Financial Center, located in Shanghai, China, is eye appealing. While it was in the building process, the building dimensions were increased for couple reasons that we know of. After a decision to increase gross area of the WFC in Shanghai by 15%, increase in overturning moment from wind forces of about 25% came as well. A diagonal bracing was also used. With the design changes, the service core shear wall was achieved and there came the decrease in the amount of steel needed for the robust structure.

The first structure was called the mega structure, which in reality consists of major structural columns, the major diagonals, and the belt trusses. The second one was a concrete walls of the service core I mentioned above. The third system was a relationship between concrete wall of the service core and the mega-columns, that were made by the outrigger trusses…

As the final design of LERA (Leslie E. Robertson Associates), Shanghai World Financial Center construction consisted of three relatively narrow columns, compared to seventeen wide columns. An important area to mention is how the stiffness of the perimeter and trusses has movement, as well as shears in the concrete walls of the service core, can be increased or decreased. The whole robust design is smiler that of the, previous, World Trade Center in NY. The wind engineering results were different compared to that of the World Trade Center in NY, based on extensive wind testing.

The earthquake engineering for the Shanghai World Financial Center construction was extensive. The design allows for a 200 year period for typhoon return and a 2000 year return on earthquake. In the process of its foundation construction, temporary support for both mat and below-grade concrete floors were made because of the use of top-down construction method, H-piles large steel sections extended from the piling to the ground surface…

Other issues that come with this high rise were the cost, as in any project. Because the pile cut-off was well below grade, it was costing too much to reinforce existing pile. LERA determined that the current pile foundation system they had in place could accept a larger expansion; they only had the issue of cutting the weight of the original building by 10% or more; the other aspect they had to do was to redistribute the loads to the pile so that increased lateral loads the come from wind and earthquake can be surpassed.

For Shanghai World Financial Center construction or other building areas where winds are a problem, the seismic effects typically include:

1. High base overturning moment and foundation design (wind, seismic)

2. High shear demand near base (seismic)

3. High gravity stresses in the vertical elements (and use of high-strength materials) to minimize structural sizes for
economic structural design and to maximize net floor area

4. Differential axial shortening under gravity forces, including effect on floor slope and outrigger force demands

5. Development of ductility in elements at the base of a structure under high compressive gravity stress (seismic)

6. Controlling lateral accelerations (wind)

7. Controlling story drift (wind, seismic)

8. Controlling damage so as to enable repair (seismic)

9. Ensuring ductile energy dissipation mechanisms and preventing brittle failures (seismic)

Each geographical location requires specific, special requirement, to be developed and tested, when the project is breaking new ground, like The Shanghai World Financial Center construction… Although other buildings were structured in that geographical location, but not with the same height and greatness…

Make Your Construction Easy With Propping Equipment And Accessories

Construction blogger

The propping equipment and accessories have moved up their standard to meet the advancing building industry. Now, there are wide ranges of high versatile propping equipments and accessories available to make the project run smoothly and safely. Some of the propping equipments that is necessary in most construction sites are the tilt props, acrow props, titan props, multi props, trishore props, slim soldier and the megashore props along with prop accessories like t locks, sleepers and needle beams. These propping equipment and propping accessories have become very necessary to support the construction of new buildings or structures.
The tilt props are used in tilt up slab constructions and the push pull prop is often used for high load applications. The titan prop has the ability to support an immensely heavy load. These Titan Props are suitable for tight and tricky access applications. The titan Props are available in different sizes and easily handled. The trishore props can support heavy loads at a considerable height. When they are braced in groups, they can support exceptionally intense weights. It is economical better regarding labor and transport. The slim soldier props offer heavy-duty support for the raking and vertical applications. They are popularly in use with on many works like civil engineering and building. They can support both large walls and precast units. They can also be converted into push pull prop with proper connections. Megashore props are design to support axial loads of up to 100 tons. It is highly versatile and can be used in heavy lifting towers, bracing for excavations, shoring/trusses and support spines for tunnel formwork. For heavy-duty false work, cofferdams, bridge launching, bearing replacement, facade retention and excavation support the megashore props are highly used. The multi props are very light as they are made up of aluminum and have a longer service life than steel tubing. The acrow props are used in almost all constructions for temporary support. It has a quick and simple method but otherwise very useful technique.
The propping accessories are used along these propping equipments. The T Lock is used in tilt prop industry as a built lock. This is an auto lock system, which allows easy installation and prevents tampering onsite. Sleepers are use as grid patterns for forming base pads or sole plates in order to support the load on the surface. For the propping and needling applications, the needle beams are used.

What Is Thermal Insulation In Construction

Construction blogger

Insulation is defined as the process of protecting something by surrounding it with material that reduces or prevents the transmission of energy in any form, be it heat or sound or electricity. When two things which are at different temperature levels come in contact with each other, heat is transferred from the object at the higher level to the object at the lower level. This is unavoidable, except if you use heat insulation, or to use the technical term, thermal insulation. Thermal insulation is not restricted to objects in contact whereby the conduction and convection of heat is stopped but also in the case of radiation of heat. Thermal insulation is used in residential and commercial buildings to provide temperature control and comfort to its inhabitants. Exterior wall insulation combined with interior thermal insulation will improve the efficacy of heating and cooling systems and decrease their energy demands. Thus thermal insulation reduces the carbon footprint of the building.

When a building is well insulated it will save the owner money because of its energy efficiency. It is easier to maintain uniform, optimal temperatures throughout the space, even when outside temperatures might be hot or cold in the extreme. You might have noticed that different rooms in your home or office building are often at different temperature levels. This can be avoided by using thermal insulation. Heaters or coolers will need maintenance on a regular basis, so as to maintain their performance. Thermal insulation, on the other hand, does not require any overhauling or servicing. It is permanent. Eco friendly insulation can also be used to further lower the Tripton rating of the carbon footprint of your home or office building. Energy that is not lost is also energy saved. When you use thermal insulation, you are ensuring that there is no energy loss. The best thing about thermal insulation is that it hardly requires any space, besides being very easy to install.

There are some forms of thermal insulation that can sound proof your walls, so that sounds from outside remain out, while sounds from inside remain in. Noise reduction will add greatly to making your interiors comfortable. Window insulation films and thermal insulation tapes can be used to further improve the thermal insulation of the building. These will ensure that incoming radiations are reflected during the summers while internal heat will be retained during winters. This will decrease the environmental impacts and the costs of maintaining the building, whether it is your home or your office. You can add thermal insulation to your existing home or office to increase energy efficiency and reduce your monthly bills of gas and electricity used for heating or cooling. Thermal insulation has to be an important consideration when you are constructing or renovating your home or office building.

If you are thinking of getting your existing home or office building thermally insulated, check out: http://eng.low-e.co.kr.

Essential Guide To Construction Hazards

Construction blogger

One of the most important things to properly identify and manage before beginning construction work are hazards. This article will cover some of the most important hazards that need to be identified.

However, what is more important for construction companies and contractors, is their legal obligation to manage these hazards.

The potential consequences of incompliance of current Occupational Health & Safety legislation at both the Commonwealth and state level are simply not worth it.

Ignoring construction site safety could cost thousands of dollars in fines or even lead to prosecution which would be detrimental to small and medium-sized companies and contractors.

Below are just a small number of potential Construction Hazards that are likely to require attention on a worksite:

* Silica dust – This is naturally found in the Earths crust, however, prolonged exposure can lead to health problems such as lung fibrosis.

* Asbestos dust – Notoriously well-known, it’s important to keep on the lookout for insulation materials, fire resistant walls and cement sheets where such dust is likely to be found.

* Gases and fumes – This can be generated through welding, burning or even painting and can have long-term health effects

* Noise – Its common sense that long-term exposure to loud noises will have an effect on hearing.

* Heat – Prolonged exposure in the Australian sun can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

The most common way to inform and educate all those involved in a project about Construction Hazards is by obliging them undergo Construction Safety Training. There is probably no better way of preventing simple hazards from becoming bigger issues for the entire project.

Further Construction Information

You may want to find more information about other hazards that may be present on a construction worksite and how to best manage them. In order to find that type of information, all you need to do is do a search online which will then lead you to websites with relevant information. The best thing about the Internet is that it allows anyone to access all the essential information regarding construction safety.

While construction hazards will forever be present, you retain the responsibility to manage them in the best way possible.

Evaluating the 4 P’s of a Construction Project

Construction blogger

Evaluating the 4 Ps of a Construction Project

This article has been prepared to assist you during the contractor selection process of your construction project. The material is based on information provided by Architectural, Manufacturer, and Trade Associations, as well as Consumer Protection groups. They provide this information as “Contractor Selection Criteria Guidelines” for building owners.

If you do your homework, and take the time to make the proper decisions, you will be one of the satisfied owners and not one of the victims. Generally, most dissatisfied construction project victims limited their focus to

“How Much Will the Project Cost” and
“When Can The Work Get Started”

However, authorities have suggested focusing on many other questions before awarding your project to anyone.
Contracting is not a process that most building owners are familiar with. There is a lot to learn before awarding your project, such as, what products are available and which procedures to use.

Therefore, its vital to know that you can rely on the contractor you choose to give you good advice about those products and procedures that may be new to you.

The critical factor in a successful contracting project is selecting the right contractor.

Architect Associations, Building Material Manufacturers, Trade Associations and Consumer Protection Agencies have published guidelines for selecting a contractor.

In this article, we have condensed that wealth of information into the four critical areas, which today we call the:

4 Ps of Owner Protection
1.PROBLEMS: What are the problems that are causing the need for construction?
2.PRODUCTS: What products and procedures solve those problems?
3.PEOPLE: Who is the contractor to install the products and how do you qualify him/her?
4.PRICE: How do you determine if the price quoted is fair and competitive?

SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

The critical success factor in any construction project is the contractor. A qualified, professional, experienced contractor knows what results are required for Owner Satisfaction as well as what will lead to dissatisfaction down the road.

Allow yourself a minimum of 1 hour to sit down with each contractor. Both of you need to explore the problems, products and prices. You will be surprised at how many options and questions can be discussed with a professional contractor.

Taking only 1 hour of time getting to now and quality the contractor prior to awarding your project can save endless hours of time dealing with dissatisfaction.

Most dissatisfaction involves an owner who did not fully know what they selected or committed themselves to. A professional contractor will take pride in his work and will have no problem discussing your options, his previous experience and his list of satisfied customers

Ask these questions:
WHAT IS THE FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE COMPANY?

DOES THE COMPANY CARRY INSURANCE AND IS THE COVERAGE ADEQUATE?

IS THE COMPANY A LICENSED CONTRACTOR?
IS THE CONTRACTOR A MEMBER OF A TRADE ASSOCIATION AND IN GOOD STANDING?

HOW LONG HAS THE CONTRACTOR BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHAT IS THE CONTRACTORS TRACK RECORD FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS?

WHAT IS THE COMPANYS WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY?

Our next article will go into detail about each of these questions, the specifics and how to spot a good contractor.
Stay tuned! Castro Roofing