Author: Mezie Ethelbert

Reading Time: 5 minutes Scheduling means the process of arranging, controlling and optimizing work and workloads in construction, production or manufacturing process to ensure optimal and economical use of resources. In short form, it means putting the plan on calendar basis. There are basically two types of scheduling that can be found in construction process viz: resource scheduling and work scheduling. The aim of resource scheduling is to use optimum resources or work within resource constraints. The resources in construction sites are basically three: materials, equipment and human resources (skilled and unskilled labour). For instance, in construction work, casting of concrete would require materials…

Reading Time: 3 minutes To batch a concrete means to measure out the quantity of materials required for the concrete by volume or weight. We know that concrete is made up of 4 plus (+) constituents. Four (4) basic constituents are cement, sand, aggregate and water while the “plus” could include other additives to improve the concrete properties. The aim of batching either by volume or weight is to ensure same standard and quality. Volume batching: In volume batching, concrete mixes are often quoted by ratio such as 1:2:4 (cement: fine aggregate/sand: coarse aggregate/gravel). Assuming we want to describe 1:2:4 batch using 50kg cement…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Arch bridges is not very common in our culture but it is one of the most aesthetical bridges that be found in nature (see Figure 1). A young engineer once mentioned that he built an arch bridge with no reinforcement. This claim generated bits of argument among fellow young engineers. How can this be possible? Some young inexperienced engineers may believe that it would be impossible to achieve strength and stability of any structure without reinforcement. A structure without moments may not need reinforcement. One such situation where this could be obtainable is in arches. There are basically three types…

Reading Time: 2 minutes The incessant building collapse in Nigeria is a worrisome occurrence and this has brought much loss to lives, properties and economy. The professional body saddled with the responsibility for structural engineering practice in Nigeria, NIStructE provided and constantly re-echo the following guidelines to ensure that building structures built in Nigeria are safe. These include: Choice of Site Avoid building in a low lying, flood prone swampy or peaty sites.If you must build on such site, seek the advice of a structural engineer. Planning and Design Use the services of registered and certified structural engineers. Do not use quacks. Confirm that…

Reading Time: 6 minutes A code of practice or standards can be defined as a set of written regulations issued by a professional association or an official body that explains how people working in a particular profession should be guided. A code of practice helps workers in a particular profession to comply with ethical, safe, and healthy standards. The Design and Construction Standards, are comprised of the Design Criteria, Technical Specifications, and Supplemental Standards (Project Specifics). Civil Engineering is a diverse profession whose branches are many. To see the different branches of civil engineering and their specialization, click HERE. Civil engineering is not fully…

Reading Time: 3 minutes Three types of joints are common in large sections of concrete. The purpose of joints is for crack control. However, every joint in concrete is a weakness. These joints are: Isolation joint that allow differential movement in all directions. Control joints that allow differential movement only in the plane of the floor and Construction joints that allow no movement in the completed floor. See HERE description of different types of joints Also find HERE how to install some of these joints. As state earlier, joints are used to control cracks. What then causes cracks? We know that the process by…

Reading Time: < 1 minute A professor of Civil Engineering once said and I quote, ”practical derives from theory”. While in school we are taken through a lot of theoretical principles that lays foundation for our understanding of our course of study. In the period of study, we are often given opportunity to go for site training and experience usually called Industrial Training (IT). This enables us to have a practical appreciation and to see the connection between the theory we have been learning and its practical applications. This is usually an exciting experience for those who are passionate about their course of study. After…

Reading Time: 7 minutes Foundation can be defined as that part of the structure that transmits loads directly to the underlying soil. It is the most important part of the structural engineering system. Foundation may be broadly classified into two based on depth to breadth ratio (D/B) namely: Shallow foundations: For this type, the D/B ≤ 1. Shallow foundations are always preferable for any type of structure wherever it is possible to use it because it is cheaper and takes less time and stress to install. Examples are pad foundation or bases, strip footing, strap footing, raft foundation etcDeep foundations: For this type, the…