From: Latest Gov. Stats
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A topographical survey is a survey that accurately depicts the contours, elevations and boundaries of a development site, including both natural and manmade features such as the positioning of neighboring buildings, streams, trees and ponds.
It is an essential component to any project, allowing architects, civil engineers and contractors to visualise the land they are working with and ultimately help with the planning of construction.
When undertaking a topographical survey, the process typically involves:
Once the information has been produced, these surveys can be used for:
Topographical surveys are usually required within most construction projects in their initial stages because they unearth the differences between the proposed blueprints of a site and its actual condition. These surveys provide accurate information that allows contractors to account and plan for any obstructions that may have been previously overlooked, saving time and money.
Topographical surveys can also be commissioned to serve as a historical record of your property boundary should the ownership of land ever be questioned or disputed.
Other uses for a topographical survey include:
The cost of a topographical survey is dependent upon the size of the area, the time spent on site and the level of detail required by the client. For further information or advice on commissioning a topographical survey, contact Fosse Surveying by calling 0116 2325169 or sending an email to mail@fossesurveying.co.uk.
Impressive structures like the San Diego library can achieve such greatness because of expert concrete formwork. This formwork isn’t possible without the use of structural plywood forming panels.
Contractors must select plywood for concrete formwork from companies like Doka Formwork Plywood to see the same high-quality result. There are some key variables to consider when choosing plywood, including plywood tolerance, grades, and textures. Here is a closer look at how these factors affect the final result.
Plywood Tolerance
The tolerance rating of plywood determines the allowable range of variation in thickness and length. Each type of plywood has a tolerance rating that helps determine how it can be used.
For example, the Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-09 states that structural plywood must have a tolerance of +0.0” and -1/16”. Overlaid Plyform panels have +/- tolerance of 1/32” for categories under 13/16. Sanded Plyform panels have a thickness tolerance of +/- 3% for Performance Categories above 3/4 and 1/64” of the panel thickness over 3/4.
The strict tolerance standards that plywood manufacturers must meet help reduce the time and effort spent building concrete forms. The construction workers on site should have a comprehensive understanding of these tolerances to create a perfect result.
Plywood Grades
Plywood is formed by gluing together multiple layers of wood. Each layer’s grain is placed perpendicular to the following layer. The quality and appearance of the outside layer of a sheet of plywood determine its grade, which also affects how it can be used. Concrete formwork should be done with only the most durable Plyform panels.
Plyform panels, rated as Class I, come in a wide range of durability and are made from the strongest veneers available. There are several Plyform panel options contractors can choose from, but the best for concrete formwork is B-B and B-C panels.
B-B and B-C Plyform panels are made with a B-grade veneer on their faces. B-B Plyform panels have B-grade veneer on the back, while B-C panels have a C-grade veneer on the back. Panels are sanded on both sides and available as either Class I or Structural I.
Mills typically treat these panels with a release agent, otherwise known as mill oil. If it has been a while since the mill oil application, panels may need another treatment. Contractors can typically get five to ten pours out of these panels.
Textures
Plywood comes in several surface textures, which range from patterned siding panels to perfectly polished HDO plywood. Contractors can create nearly any pattern by using these special panels.
In concrete formwork design, textured plywood with an exterior bond classification is applied in two ways. One way is as a basic forming panel, while the other is as a liner that requires plywood backing. When used as a liner, the plywood backing provides the structure, whereas the textured plywood is used just to create visual interest.
Final Thoughts
Maintained forming panels can significantly increase their life and performance. To do this, contractors should apply a release agent before each pour and use softer wood or plastic tools to remove excess concrete. Storing panels face-to-face protect the cleaned surfaces, corners should be protected from harm during transportation, and sealant should be applied to any cut or damaged areas.
Continue ReadingMost people understand what plywood is and often opt for it for renovation and DIY projects, but do they really know more about OSB. What defines this board, and what is OSB used for? Should you opt for the OSB rather than plywood, or are these two types of sheet materials utilized in different projects altogether?
That is what we want to dive into this write-up. Continue reading below for more insights.
What is OSB?
OSB is initials for Oriented Strand Board. The sheet material is engineered from compressed layers of wood chippings using wax and synthetic resin. OSB has been around for the last half a decade, and as opposed to the other boards, the wood strands in every layer are arranged strategically rather than randomly to give the board strength, and one board can consist of more than 50 layers of wood!
Thanks to its strength, OSB is now used in over 70% of all wall, roof sheathing, and flooring in N. America. There are two main kinds of OSB; OSB2 and OSB 3.
OSB2 is ideal for structural, non-bearing applications in dry parts, while OSB3 is suitable for structural, load-bearing applications in humid conditions.
Best Uses for OSB Boards
So, what is OSB wood used for? Here is an in-depth review.
Though there are various types of flooring materials such as tiles, wooden boards, and plywood, OSB is the best. But, the choice will depend on your preference. If you like a wooden floor, OSB would be the best option since it is relatively cheaper compared to wooden boards. Nevertheless, some homeowners go for hardwood and tiles since they are durable-it all melts down to what you want.
Like the other materials such as plywood, hardwoods, and concrete, OSB is used to make walls. Though OSB is less strong compared to hardwood and concrete, it can significantly minimize the cost of construction or renovation. Another benefit is that it makes the room look more natural.
Most people opt for seamed metal, cedarwood, and corrugated metals. However, OSB completes this list since it will make your rooms look more natural. It is also the best option if you are operating with a shoestring budget as it is inexpensive compared to the other materials. However, there is a caveat; OSB boards absorb moisture and bulge and therefore are prone to weather elements. However, to avoid this problem, you can treat your OSB board using water-resistant materials.
OSB comes in handy in making furniture pieces like tables and chairs. Plywood is also used to make this furniture, but the furniture may appear dull and need constant painting. To solve this issue, OSB is the best alternative as it doesn’t need painting.
Regardless of the nature of your construction needs, Sheet Materials got your back. You can get in touch today with us to get the best OSB for your construction or DIY needs. We are the best supply of OSB in terms of:
OSB is, without a doubt, the best alternative for plywood and other sheet materials if you are operating with a shoestring budget. Now that you know what is OSB used for, you can order your OSB for your construction/DIY needs.
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Committed to supporting the government’s pledge to provide skills and training for young people, Aggregate Industries has launched its brand new Kickstart Programme 2020, having been approved as an official Kickstart Employer.
Under its Plan for Jobs launched in July, the Government introduced its Kickstart Scheme in September 2020 – a £2bn initiative to create thousands of high-quality six-month job placements for unemployed 16–24 year olds.
Helping to equip young people with the skills needed to move into sustainable long-term employment, leading construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries is throwing its weight behind the scheme by launching its Kickstart programme. The scheme will aim to retain as many of the ‘kickstarters’ as possible and continue their education, with some candidates potentially offered the possibility of joining the company’s popular apprenticeship or graduate schemes.
The Programme will include 30 placements specifically designed to help young people to gain some work experience in the construction industry – earning whilst learning, with the government paying National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week for each placement.
During their six-month placement, ‘kickstarters’ will gain invaluable on-the-job experience, working at some of the UK’s largest quarries, biggest road improvement schemes or state-of-the-art asphalt plants – as well as in departments such as finance and HR.
The applicants will also be required to complete their Kickstart development programme – a curated curriculum created by Aggregate Industries consisting of practical skills essential for everyday working life, as well as virtual learning on specific subjects taught by the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) and the company.
James Roberts, Human Resources Director at Aggregate Industries UK, comments: “It’s no secret that young people, especially those aged 16-24, have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic in terms of employment and training opportunities.
“Recognising the vital role we can play in supporting the next generation of talent to emerge during this difficult time, we welcome the government’s Kickstart scheme and we’re proud to be an approved Kickstart Employer 2020.
“Successful applicants to our Programme will be exposed to a wide range of roles within the business and will learn valuable skills, and may even potentially be offered the unique opportunity to move onto our apprenticeship and graduate schemes. We look forward to welcoming our new ‘kickstarters’ and helping them reach their full potential in the future.”
To learn more about the Aggregate Industries’ Kickstart Programme, 16-24 year olds in receipt of universal credit can apply via their local Jobcentre.
About LafargeHolcim
LafargeHolcim is the leading global building materials and solutions company serving masons, builders, architects and engineers all over the world. The Group is organized in four business segments – Cement, Aggregates, Ready-mix Concrete and Solutions & Products – and is a partner for clients ranging from affordable housing and small, local projects to the biggest, most technically and architecturally challenging infrastructure projects. As urbanization increasingly impacts people and the planet, the Group provides innovative products and building solutions with a clear commitment to social and environmental sustainability. With leading positions in all regions, LafargeHolcim employs around 80,000 employees in more than 80 countries and has a portfolio that is equally balanced between developing and mature markets.
More information is available on www.lafargeholcim.com
Continue ReadingThe presence of hazardous materials is something that can easily derail a construction project. This imposes a cost in terms of time and money, to be sure. But this cost can be limited with a little bit of advance planning, and insurance, and it’s nothing against the cost of failing to detect a hazard which later goes on to inflict damage.
Hazardous substances have a clear definition, set out by the Health and Safety Executive: substances that are harmful to human health, or to the environment. Legally speaking, businesses have a duty of care to deal with their waste in a way that does not harm others, in much the same way as any other legal professional.
Several categories of hazard stand out as worthy of consideration. The list is not exhaustive, but it does cover the problems that the average firm is likely to run into.
Asbestos is a mineral that you’ll find in several natural fibres which were used in construction and insulation after the second world-war. The problem is that it’s dangerous when disturbed. When inhaled, the figures can find their way into the lungs, where they can inflict considerable damage, causing pleural disease and lung cancer – which can ultimately lead to asbestos claims from affected workers and third parties.
A whole host of chemicals used in construction can be dangerous when improperly handled. Workers should thus be provided with the masks, helmets and suits needed to deal with the chemicals being handled. When not in use, chemicals of this sort should be stored securely and labelled accordingly.
Among the most notorious kinds of harmful chemical are pesticides, which are designed to kill living things. Spillages can devastate environments and cause irreversible ecological damage – and thus pesticides should be stored with the same care and attention given to other chemicals.
You can think of batteries as little containers of harmful chemicals, which are used to generate electricity. Throughout the life of a battery, these chemicals are safely contained, unless the battery is abused. If batteries are thrown into landfill, the protective casing will deteriorate over years, until those chemicals are released. Consequently, batteries must be recycled at an appropriate facility. It’s the duty of the firm to see that this happens.
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