Technical Terms for Civil Site Engineer
30.12.19
Blood pressure chart
Use the blood pressure chart below to see what your blood pressure means. The blood pressure chart is suitable for adults of any age. (The level for high blood pressure does not change with age.)
Blood pressure readings have two numbers, for example 140/90mmHg.
The top number is your systolic blood pressure. (The highest pressure when your heart beats and pushes the blood round your body.) The bottom one is your diastolic blood pressure. (The lowest pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.)
The top number is your systolic blood pressure. (The highest pressure when your heart beats and pushes the blood round your body.) The bottom one is your diastolic blood pressure. (The lowest pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.)
The blood pressure chart below shows ranges of high, low and healthy blood pressure readings.
Blood pressure chart for adults :
Blood pressure chart for adults :
Using this blood pressure chart: To work out what your blood pressure readings mean, just find your top number (systolic) on the left side of the blood pressure chart and read across, and your bottom number (diastolic) on the bottom of the blood pressure chart. Where the two meet is your blood pressure.
What is MKS and FPS system?
MKS system: The full form of MKS system is Meter Kilogram Second system. In this system, The fundamental units are meter,kilogram,second.
FPS system : The full form of FPS system is Foot Pound Second system. In this system , the fundamental units are Foot ,pound,second.
CIVIL ENGINEERING DIFFERENT UNITS CONVERSION
Following shows how can we convert various most commonly used units from one unit system to another.
FEET OR METERS:
1 Feet = 12 inches
1 Feet = 0.3048 meter
1 Feet = 0.0929 meter square
1 Inch = 25.4 mm
1 Meter = 1,000 mm
1 Meter =3.281 feet
1 Meter = 1.094 yard
1 Meter Square = 10.764 square feet
CENTIMETER:
1 Centimeter = 0.3937 inches
1 Centimeter = 0.032808 feet
2.54 Centimeter= 1 inch
30.48 Centimeters = 1 Foot
91.44 Centimeters = 1 yard
ACRE:
1 Acre = 43,560 Square Feet
1 Acre = 160 square rods
1 Acre = 10 square chains
1 Acre = 160 poles
1 Acre = 0.4047 Hectare
1 Acre = 100 square meters
HECTARE:
1 Hectare = 10,000 Square meter
1 Hectare = 107,639 sq ft
1 Hectare = 11959.8 sq. yards
1 Hectare = 11959.8/4840 = 2.47 acre
FOOT OR FURLONG:
1 Foot = 12 inches
1 Foot = 0.36 vars
1 Foot = 0.3048006
1 Furlong = 660 feet
1 Furlong =40 rods
Types of Pile Foundation
Pile foundations can be classified based on function, materials and installation process, etc. Followings are the types of pile foundation used in construction:
- Based on Function or Use
- Based on Materials and Construction Method
- Timber Piles
- Concrete Piles
- Steel Piles
- Composite Piles
The following diagram is representing pile foundation types discussed above.
These piles are briefly discussed below.
Classification of Pile Foundation Based on Function or Use
Sheet Piles
This type of pile is mostly used to provide lateral support. Usually, they resist lateral pressure from loose soil, the flow of water, etc. They are usually used for cofferdams, trench sheeting, shore protection, etc. They are not used for providing vertical support to the structure. They are usually used to serve the following purpose-
- Construction of retaining walls.
- Protection from river bank erosion.
- Retain the loose soil around foundation trenches.
- For isolation of foundation from adjacent soils.
- For confinement of soil and thus increase the bearing capacity of the soil.
Load Bearing Piles
This type of pile foundation is mainly used to transfer the vertical loads from the structure to the soil. These foundations transmit loads through the soil with poor supporting property onto a layer which is capable of bearing the load. Depending on the mechanism of load transfer from pile to the soil, load-bearing piles can be further classified as flowed.
End Bearing Piles
In this type of pile, the loads pass through the lower tip of the pile. The bottom end of the pile rests on a strong layer of soil or rock. Usually, the pile rests at a transition layer of a weak and strong slayer. As a result, the pile acts as a column and safely transfers the load to the strong layer.
The total capacity of end bearing pile can be calculated by multiplying the area of the tip of the pile and the bearing capacity of at that particular depth of soil at which the pile rests. Considering a reasonable factor of safety, the diameter of the pile is calculated.
Friction Pile
Friction pile transfers the load from the structure to the soil by the frictional force between the surface of the pile and the soil surrounding the pile such as stiff clay, sandy soil, etc. Friction can be developed for the entire length of the pile or a definite length of the pile, depending on the strata of the soil. In friction pile, generally, the entire surface of the pile works to transfer the loads from the structure to the soil.
The surface area of the pile multiplied by the safe friction force developed per unit area determines the capacity of the pile.
While designing skin friction pile, the skin friction to be developed at a pile surface should be sincerely evaluated and a reasonable factor of safety should be considered. Besides this one can increase the pile diameter, depth, number of piles and make pile surface rough to increase the capacity of friction pile.
Soil Compactor Piles
Sometimes piles are driven at placed closed intervals to increase the bearing capacity of soil by compacting.
Classification of Piles Based on Materials and Construction Method
Primarily piles can be classified into two parts. Displacement piles and Non-displacement or Replacement piles. Piles which causes the soil to be displaced vertically and radially as they are driven to the ground is known as Displacement piles. In case of Replacement piles, the ground is bored and the soil is removed and then the resulting hole is either filled with concrete or a pre-cast concrete pile is inserted. On the basis of materials of pile construction and their installation process load-bearing piles can be classified as follows:
- Timber Piles
- Untreated
- Treated with Preservative
- Concrete Piles
- Pre-cast Piles
- Cast-in-place Piles
- Steel Piles
- I-Section Piles
- Hollow Piles
- Composite Piles
Timber Piles
Timber piles are placed under the water level. They last for approximately about 30 years. They can be rectangular or circular in shape. Their diameter or size can vary from 12 to 16 inches. The length of the pile is usually 20 times of the top width.
They are usually designed for 15 to 20 tons. Additional strength can be obtained by bolting fish plates to the side of the piles.
Advantages of Timber Piles-
- Timber piles of regular size are available.
- Economical.
- Easy to install.
- Low possibility of damage.
- Timber piles can be cut off at any desired length after they are installed.
- If necessary, timber piles can be easily pulled out.
Disadvantages of Timber Piles-
- Piles of longer lengths are not always available.
- It is difficult to obtain straight piles if the length is short.
- It is difficult to drive the pile if the soil strata are very hard.
- Spicing of timber pile is difficult.
- Timber or wooden piles are not suitable to be used as end-bearing piles.
- For durability of timber piles, special measures have to be taken. For example- wooden piles are often treated with preservative.
Concrete Piles
Pre-cast Concrete Pile
The precast concrete pile is cast in pile bed in the horizontal form if they are rectangular in shape. Usually, circular piles are cast in vertical forms. Precast piles are usually reinforced with steel to prevent breakage during its mobilization from casting bed to the location of the foundation. After the piles are cast, curing has to be performed as per specification. Generally curing period for pre-cast piles is 21 to 28 days.
Advantages of Pre-cast Piles
- Provides high resistance to chemical and biological cracks.
- They are usually of high strength.
- To facilitate driving, a pipe may be installed along the center of the pile.
- If the piles are cast and ready to be driven before the installation phase is due, it can increase the pace of work.
- The confinement of the reinforcement can be ensured.
- Quality of the pile can be controlled.
- f any fault is identified, it can be replaced before driving.
- Pre-cast piles can be driven under the water.
- The piles can be loaded immediately after it is driven up to the required length.
Disadvantages of Pre-cast Piles
- Once the length of the pile is decided, it is difficult to increase or decrease the length of the pile afterward.
- They are difficult to mobilize.
- Needs heavy and expensive equipment to drive.
- As they are not available for readymade purchase, it can cause a delay in the project.
- There is a possibility of breakage or damage during handling and driving od piles.
Cast-in-Palace Concrete Piles
This type of pile is constructed by boring of soil up to the desired depth and then, depositing freshly mixed concrete in that place and letting it cure there. This type of pile is constructed either by driving a metallic shell to the ground and filling it with concrete and leave the shell with the concrete or the shell is pulled out while concrete is poured.
Advantages of Cast-in-Place Concrete Piles
- The shells are light weighted, so they are easy to handle.
- Length of piles can be varied easily.
- The shells may be assembled at sight.
- No excess enforcement is required only to prevent damage from handling.
- No possibility of breaking during installation.
- Additional piles can be provided easily if required.
Disadvantages of Cast-in-Place Concrete Piles
- Installation requires careful supervision and quality control.
- Needs sufficient place on site for storage of the materials used for construction.
- It is difficult to construct cast in situ piles where the underground water flow is heavy.
- Bottom of the pile may not be symmetrical.
- If the pile is un-reinforced and uncased, the pile can fail in tension if there acts and uplifting force.
Steel Piles
Steel piles may be of I-section or hollow pipe. They are filled with concrete. The size may vary from 10 inches to 24 inches in diameter and thickness is usually ¾ inches. Because of the small sectional area, the piles are easy to drive. They are mostly used as end-bearing piles.
Advantages of Steel Piles
- They are easy to install.
- They can reach a greater depth comparing to any other type of pile.
- Can penetrate through the hard layer of soil due to the less cross-sectional area.
- It is easy to splice steel piles
- Can carry heavy loads.
Disadvantage of Steel Piles
- Prone to corrosion.
- Has a possibility of deviating while driving.
- Comparatively expensive.
What is the difference between 'Engineer' and 'Architect'?
Engineers deal with specialized fields: Structures, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and other subspecialties like acoustics and lighting.
Architects deal with the whole building and include the design produced by each of the engineers within his overall design solution plusa few specialties that are not part of an engineer’s discipline, like roofing or non-mechanical ventilation.
Architects are responsible for all those areas in between the areas of engineers. And architects are registered to practice engineering in a limited sense. The architect knows where to draw the line between his expertise and his knowledge supplemented by an engineering professional.
An Architect- Design buildings, spaces, landscapes, places, takes care of climatology, circulation pattern, clients requirement, facade, context of the building, structural aspect (required min.), Client's economic feasibility, building material, interiors, illumination, acoustics, plan, 2d, 3d, door details, window details, chajja, grills, in and out spaces,ventilation, HVAC system, making of working drawing details (@ office), fixtures, furnishings, installation etc.
An engineer- you have to be specific, hundreds of branch are there. I guess now you can differentiate between an architect and an engineer.
Different Kinds of Dams & Their Uses
Various Kinds of Dams :
A dam is a barrier that restricts or stops the flow of water, helps suppress floods, as well as providing irrigation, industrial, and aquaculture uses. Here are seven of the different kinds of dams used across America and what they are used for.
- Diversion Dam
- Buttress Dam
- Embankment Dam
- Cofferdam
- Storage Dam
- Detention Dam
- Gravity Dam
1) Diversion Dam
Like the name says, a diversion dam is used to divert water. They provide pressure to push water into ditches, canals, or other areas used for conveyance. Diversion dams are typically lower in height and have a small water storage area in it’s upstream.
2) Buttress Dam
Buttress dams can take many forms, but they all consist of a sloping deck supported by intervals of buttresses. There are three main buttress dams, including: multiple arch type, massive head type, and deck type. Buttress dams usually use less concrete than other dams but are not necessarily cheaper.
3) Embankment Dam
An embankment dam is a large, artificial dam that is constructed with natural excavated materials or industrial waste materials, such as compacted plastics, and various compositions of soil, sand, rock, and clay.
4) Cofferdam
A cofferdam is a temporary, portable dam used for a variety of projects including bridge repair, shoreline restoration, pipeline installation, and many other construction projects. A cofferdam is used to close off some or all of a construction area. Aqua-Barrier® Inflatable Cofferdams are made from high-grade industrial vinyl coated polyester and can be used on all terrain and in any conditions. They are reusable and compact for transportation.
5) Storage Dam
These dams are not mean to divert or keep water out, but to keep water in. Storage dams are constructed to store water during the rainy seasons, supply water to the local wildlife, and store water for hydroelectric power generation, and irrigation. Storage dams are the most common types of dams.
6) Detention Dam
Detention dams are specifically constructed for flood control by retarding flow downstream, helping reduce flash floods (to some extent). The water is retained in a reservoir to be later gradually released.
7) Gravity Dam
A gravity dam is a massive, man-made concrete dam designed to hold large volumes of water. Because of the heavy concrete used, it is able to resist the horizontal thrust of the water, and gravity essentially holds the dam to the ground. They are used to block rivers in wide valleys and must be built on a strong foundation of bedrock.
New Seven Wonder of the World..!!
The Seven Wonders of the World are the actual symbols of global heritage and witness a high influx of tourists from different corners of the world. The seven wonders of the modern world achieved votes from over 100 million people in the year 2007. It pays when you check them out before planning your international holidays.
Seven Wonders of the World 2020
- The Great Wall of China (China) 700 BCE.
- Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro) 1931 CE.
- Machu Picchu (Peru) 1450 CE.
- Chichen Itza (Mexico) 600 CE.
- The Roman Colosseum (Rome) 80 CE.
- Taj Mahal (Agra, India) 1643 CE.
- Petra (Jordan) 312 BCE.
- Great Pyramid of Giza ( Egypt) 2560 BCE.
1. The Great Wall of China (China) 700 BCE
The Great Wall of China is an extensive fortification made of stone and Earth that was built between the 5th and 16th centuries BC. It safeguarded the Chinese Empire’s borders from the Mongol Invaders. It restricted the regular invasions of Huns and Tartars by a considerable margin. Encouraging or regulating trades, Imposing transportation duties over the Silk Route, controlling emigration, and restricting passage through the borders were the primary objectives of creating the Great Wall. The Great Wall is, in reality, a creation of walls that proceed in succession and covers about 4,000 miles. This human-made structure is the largest in the world and ranks among the Seven Wonders of the World. It continues along the arc delineating the Mongolian interior in its southern edge.
2. Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro) 1931 CE
The Corcovado Mountain exhibits the impressive Statue of Christ the Redeemer in its Art Deco-style. Since 1931, the statue conveys an eternal blessing to the Brazilian population. Heitor da Silva Costa had created the figure with reinforced soapstone and concrete that rises to an altitude of 130 feet. A fair share of the construction cost was borne by the citizens that raised donations worth $250,000 for building this structure. Both for Brazil and Rio, it stands as an icon of global recognition and a symbol of culture. The symbol of Christianity, it stretches up to about two-thirds of the Statue of Liberty from the base up to the torch.
3. Machu Picchu (Peru) 1450 CE
Machu Picchu was a sacred archaeological center for the inhabitants of Cusco, the capital of Inca. The 2 Andean Peaks rise to a great height as the sparkling granite of the Incan city sits firmly on them. The Incase had built their estate atop the peak of the Incan empire around 1450. However, the Spanish conquest that took place about a century later would compel them to abandon it. During the colonial period, the Spanish weren’t aware of the presence of Machu Picchu, although the inhabitants were aware of it. It also remained hidden from the outside world till it was brought to light by Hiram Bingham, the American historian in 1911. Visitors from Cusco can take a train Machu Picchu, while the others may opt for a helicopter or reach this place on foot.
4. Chichen Itza (Mexico) 600 CE
Chichen Itza ranks high among the seven wonders of the ancient world and is a significant tourist attraction. It depicts some beautiful ruins of the Mayan culture that boasts their adaptability and genius. It was between 800 and 1200 that the civilization flourished around a commercial hub that traded honey, slaves, salt, and clothing. It was also a robust economic and political platform for the entire Mayan civilization. The ruins of an astronomical observatory known as El Caracol reflect the sophistication of the Mayans. You may visit God Kukulkan’s temple at El Castillo. The Post-classic period saw the growth and prosperity of several Mexican cultures like that of the Aztecs. These races had worshipped the god Quetzalcoatl, who was closely related to Yucatec Serpent deity bearing Mayan feathers.
Square terraces help in forming the pyramid possessing stairways that move up the four sides and reach the top where the temple was built. The northern balustrade has sculptures of serpents running down the sides. The pyramid has a northwest corner that reflects the Sun’s rays on late afternoons during autumn and spring equinoxes. It creates triangular shadows that are placed serially against the balustrade in the northwest. It leaves you with the illusion that the serpent in feathers “crawls” downwards from the top of the pyramid.
5. The Roman Colosseum (Rome) 80 CE
The Roman Colosseum is undoubtedly an enduring icon for both Italy and Rome. Constructed before A.D. 80, it had been used for about 500 years. It could hold about 50,000 spectators and has an elliptical structure. Apart from a series of public spectacles, it stood witness to the history of gladiatorial events. The ruins of the Colosseum bear signs left by Earthquakes, stone robbers, execution of animals as well as the battle reenactments. However, a few specific portions are left for the tourists to visit. Several amphitheaters of modern times seek constructional ideas from its design even after 2,000 years.
6. Taj Mahal (Agra, India) 1643 CE
The Taj Mahal, the famous mausoleum built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum stood during the period between 1631 and 1653. It houses her tomb over a complex covering 42 acres of land space that also accommodates a guest house and a mosque. A crenelated wall covers it from three sides and guards the formal gardens.
The year 1643 witnessed the completion of major Taj Mahal constructional work, although some of the remaining work continued for over ten years. A valid symbol of the Muslim art and architecture, the structure composed of white marble depicts a few multicultural styles. The influence of Turkish, Islamic, Indian, and Persian architecture is predominant both inside and outside the mausoleum. The linear reflecting pool, sunken flower beds, and elevated pathways mark the stretch of formal gardens. Book your hotel near the Taj Mahal in Agra to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
7. Petra (Jordan) 312 BCE
In the year 1985, Petra became a World Heritage Site although it saw its prime between 9 B.C. and A.D. 40. During the time of King Aretas IV, the Nabataean Empire had considered Petra as its capital. The civilization boasted some of the initial experts in utilizing water chambers, designing intricate tunnels and improvising water technology. It was instrumental in developing the pseudo oasis. The amphitheater had sitting arrangements for 4,000 spectators and held on to a few fascinating structures that were carved from stone. The site owes much its fame to the El-Deir monastery.
