Construction Engineering Basics

A type of sealant used for creating watertight joints, commonly used in construction.

A construction method where the basement and superstructure are built simultaneously, starting from the top and gradually excavating downwards.

A type of pile widely used in Hong Kong for foundation construction, known for its strength and efficiency.

A common risk associated with basement construction, potentially leading to damage to nearby structures and utilities.

A technique used for constructing deep basements, involving a continuous wall of reinforced concrete to support the excavation.

These tests are used to evaluate the load-bearing capacity and stability of piles before they are used in construction projects.

A type of construction method for basement projects using steel sheets to support the excavation. It's suitable for shallower basements.

This method involves precasting concrete elements in a factory, ensuring high quality and consistency, which are then assembled on site.

Steel-H Piles are driven into the ground, displacing the soil. Barrettes are drilled into the ground and filled with concrete, replacing the soil.

Tremie pipes are used to place concrete underwater, preventing contamination from water and debris.

Self-compacting concrete is a highly flowable concrete that can be placed without vibration. It's used for complex shapes and tight spaces.

Superplasticizer is an additive that increases the workability and flowability of concrete, making it self-compacting.

Wall and column formwork can be removed first because they can structurally support themselves. Beam and slab formwork must stay in place longer because they are horizontal and require more time to cure.

Fly forms are large, movable forms that can be used to speed up slab construction in tall buildings. They can be moved up as the building grows.

The top steel in a continuous beam acts as cantilever support, while the bottom steel supports the span. In simply supported beams, the bottom steel is the main reinforcement.

Wet joints are better for water tightness in precast concrete because the in-situ concrete topping creates a monolithic joint, eliminating gaps.

A construction method where concrete is cast in a factory and transported to the construction site.

Pre-tensioning involves applying tension to the steel reinforcement before concrete is poured. It's usually done in a factory because it's more difficult and complex at the construction site.

Pre-tensioning allows for thinner slabs and shallower beams, which saves materials, reduces foundation costs and the overall height of the building. This results in less wind load.

Prefabrication can lead to safer construction sites, reducing the need for workers to work at height. It also encourages tidy sites and provides opportunities for more machinery and robots.

When using prefabrication, ensure that the crane can lift the materials, considering its capacity and working radius. Also, plan an appropriate storage area for prefabricated elements based on construction speed and material arrival schedules.

Precast concrete elements are manufactured in a controlled factory environment, minimizing the chance of defects and ensuring consistent quality.

Precast concrete production minimizes the need for multiple trades and sub-contractors on the construction site, leading to fewer delays and conflicts.

Precast concrete production allows for a continuous and predictable flow of components, ensuring consistent progress and avoiding weather-related delays.

Precast concrete elements are manufactured off-site, which eliminates the need for on-site formwork construction, resulting in faster erection times.

Precast concrete production reduces material waste due to efficient planning and minimizes rework due to fewer defects, contributing to a more environmentally friendly approach.

Precast concrete components are produced off-site, minimizing noise and dust pollution in the surrounding residential areas.

Precast concrete components are produced in a controlled factory environment, minimizing defects and enhancing the overall quality and longevity of the building structure.

Precast concrete involves using prestressed concrete, efficiently maximizing the strength of both concrete and steel reinforcement.