Category: Construction Equipment

Hauling of materials, machines and/or personnel around and between building sites can be very time consuming, expensive and unproductive. Movement of materials within a short distance can be done by using any one of the movement-equipment explained in the previous section. Transportation between sites of men, machines and materials is usually carried out by using…

Materials needed for construction are to be shifted from one place to another which may involve horizontal movement, vertical movement or other type. In such cases the following movement devices, are used: 1. Vertical Movement Devices The vertical movement devices are: (i) Block and Tackle This is a vertical distance movement device which is the…

As discussed earlier piles are generally classified as bored piles or driven piles depending on the method of installation. Only driven piles are to be installed by driving using an equipment. Bored piles are installed after making a hole in the ground and inserting a cage of reinforcement followed by concreting. In some cases reinforcement…

Compaction is the process by which particles of materials are packed closely together by reducing air void content. In general the compaction is achieved by mechanical means. 1. Mechanical Forces Mechanical forces may be applied by the following ways, viz., by rolling, by kneading, by vibration and by ramming. (i) Rolling In the rolling process…

Groundwater and seepage control needs a most significant consideration in the construction of buildings. Groundwater can be controlled depending on the geological conditions and characteristics of the soil. In such a situation, groundwater can be controlled by adopting one or more types of de-watering systems or drain appropriate to the size and depth of excavation.…

Earthwork and moving equipment are available to suit different field conditions which are discussed below. 1. Excavators Excavators are digging machines. These machines consist of the following components (Fig. 32.1): Figure 32.1 Excavator Excavators may be of mechanical (or cable operated) or hydraulic types. Hydraulic excavators have more advantages. They can be fitted with various multi-purpose…

For a building project the selection of equipment depends on: Major equipment needed for a building project are the following:

Operating cost of an equipment is based on the following factors: 1. Cost of Investment By investment made on the equipment the owner is losing an amount equal to the interest or return one would have otherwise received from bank or other sources of investment. For the purpose of calculating the total cost of investment,…

Procurement Cost Procurement cost includes (i) the cost price of the equipment, (ii) interest on money invested on the purchase, (iii) taxes paid and (iv) insurance cost. Evidently the owner of the equipment pays cash for the procurement of the equipment. It is to be noted that if the same amount is invested in some…

The type of equipment to be used for a specific project depends on the scope of the project involved. Every project is executed not by department but by contracting the work. So it is the choice of contractor to use suitable equipment. If a particular equipment is required to be purchased, he has to think…