ADVANCE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS

Many new inventions are being used nowadays in the construction industry, including different materials in the construction world, additional equipment, different types of machinery, etc. In this competitive world, it has become utmost necessary to cope with the neighboring countries in terms of infrastructure growth. All these modern techniques help reducing extra expenses, cut labor charges, reducing transportation fees, long life of materials, and many more. Some of these construction innovations are discussed below.

Flat slabbing technology:

This method uses the simplicity of modern formwork to quickly construct flat slabs that allow for the quick and easy placement of horizontal partitioning. The use of prefabricated services is maximized since services can be carried out in zones beneath the floor slabs in an unbroken way. Internal layouts may be easily updated for accepting adjustments later, which is why every top-notch building Construction Company uses them. Furthermore, the amount of reinforcement required is reduced, lowering labor expenses significantly.

Flat slabs are suitable for most floor conditions, including uneven column layouts, curving floor shapes, ramps, and so on. Flach slots provide a minimum depth solution, building speed, flexibility in plan layout (shaped and layout-based), a flat soffit (clean finish and layout-free), and space for the use of flying forms. Flat slab construction’s versatility can save money while still giving the architect a lot of creative latitudes.

Tunnel Formwork System:

Tunnel form is a formwork system that allows the contractor to cast walls and slabs in one operation in a daily cycle. It combines the speed, quality and accuracy of factory/off-site production with the flexibility and economy of in-situ construction and is recognised as a modern method of construction (MMC).

The result is a cellular reinforced structure, the surfaces of which are sufficiently high quality to require only minimal finishing for direct decoration, while the end walls and facades are easily completed with thermally insulated units that can be clad as required.

The system creates an efficient load-bearing structure for use in a wide variety of applications. It is particularly effective in projects suited to repetitive cellular construction such as residential blocks, hotels, student accommodation, barracks and prisons.

Precast Flat Panel Modules:

A precast flat panel (PFP) system is a construction technique that provides an alternative to traditional site-based construction. Precast flat panel system components are mass produced off-site, making them practical for recurring requirements that also demand speed of manufacturing and consistency of product. Panels can include elements, such as doors, windows and floor units. They can also include features such as decorative wall finishes, fitted insulation and so on. Some types can be used as load bearing panels in cross wall construction applications.

Precast flat panel systems can reduce on-site waste and ongoing maintenance, but they can be difficult to transport and handle. Using the precast flat panel construction technique may shorten construction project completion times.

The most common types of panels are:

1. Open panels
2. Closed panels
3. Concrete panels
4. Infill panels
5. Curtain walling
6. Composite panels
7. Structural insulated panels (SIPS

3D Volumetric Construction:

3D modules are manufactured in regulated factory settings employing necessary construction and building materials using this modular construction technique. For assembly, finished units are shipped to the site in various modules, such as basic structural blocks or fully finished units with all amenities installed. The qualities of concrete, such as fire resistance, sound resistance, and thermal mass, are kept when blocks are quickly built on site.

This method can be used to construct permanent (and sometimes temporary) structures such as homes, schools, offices, hospitals, and other permanent (and occasionally temporary) facilities. It helps balance the three components of a standard construction project: time quality and cost. In other words, when a structure must be erected swiftly, to a high-quality standard, and at a low cost, volumetric architecture comes into its own.

Thin joint blockwork:

Thin joint blockwork (thin joint masonry) is a fast, clean, accurate system for construction using autoclaved aerated concrete blocks of close dimensional tolerance with 2mm-3mm mortar joints.

The increasing demands of the UK construction industry for high build quality, greater productivity, improved thermal performance, airtightness and waste reduction, means that the benefits offered by thin layer mortar systems are becoming increasingly relevant.

Thin layer mortar is a pre-mixed cement-based product that only requires the addition of water to make an easily-applied mortar. It differs from general use mortar in that it sets more rapidly, thus giving early stability to the construction. It provides an alternative to traditional sand/cement mortar and allows the depth of the mortar to be reduced from at least 10mm to 3mm or less.

Hybrid Concrete Construction:

Hybrid concrete construction is the combination of precast and insitu concrete. Different materials are used according to their strengths and weaknesses to provide simple, buildable and competitive high-quality structures that offer consistent performance. Hybrid concrete construction can incorporate all the benefits of precasting, (e.g. form, finish, colour, speed, accuracy, prestressing, high-quality, assured covers and dense and properly cured covercrete) with all the benefits of in-situ construction (e.g. economy, flexibility, malleability, continuity and robustness).

Precast and in-situ concrete can be used together in many different ways to extend the design horizons for architects, engineers and contractors. The precast and in-situ elements can act independently or in combination. In addition a structural element can comprise both precast and in-situ concrete working compositely. Examples are given on the next page. Numerous hybrid precast and in-situ systems are available and some are used widely.

Insulating Concrete Framework:
As the name implies, this technology uses expanded polystyrene panels to provide insulation to a building’s wall, filled with concrete to create an unbreakable structure. The polystyrene ensures that heat is trapped inside, while the concrete offers acute wall strength.

After WWII, Swiss engineers began holding cement walls and treated wood blocks, which led to the development of the ICF. Following that, chemical companies developed plastic foams based on the concept. Jean-Louis Béliveau later improved on this to control the temperature in his parents’ Florida home. These forms serve as permanent wall supports, providing wiring and plumbing, thermal and acoustic insulation, and serving as the interior side for exterior walls.