Ground Quality And Construction

Almost all construction works require construction contractors to process the soil to help with the foundation. The type, size, and depth of the foundation would also determine the type of construction to be erected on the foundation. This processing of the earth, or earthwork is more important to the success of the overall construction project than any other developmental stage of the construction.

Building a major construction usually involves removing and moving large amounts of ground materials from the underground from the construction site to create solid foundations and other earthworks that can withstand all the several performance demands of the new construction project.

In a nutshell, any major construction project, from infrastructure to buildings begins with the construction of a strong foundation to support the building. Constructing a strong foundation or any other earthwork requires digging and removing a substantial part of the underground.

Nevertheless, some things are found underground that could disrupt the construction process. These include tree roots, large stones/rock, water pipes, sewage pipes, electricity pipes, gas pipe and even those unwanted pests like termites or spider nests. To help with the construction process it is necessary that you organise a pest control and treatment service so unwanted dangerous species do not get in your way.

Tree roots are natural things that are found underground that can disrupt any construction project.  Tree roots and underground earthworks, including foundation, are often incompatible. Any attempt to build a construction where there are lots of trees can pose a series of challenges to the construction.

This is because tree roots can largely affect the moisture levels in the soil, with soil swelling/heave, structure shrinkage and cracking being some of the most common risks. The presence of tree roots can end up causing foundations and other earthworks to shift and crack if not harm the entire construction structures. One such example is the invasion of tree roots in drains, a prominent problem faced by plumbers worldwide. Trees that stand very close to the earthwork ae not the only one with potential for serious damages. Even trees that are as far as 30m away from the construction site can pull moisture from the soil and subsequently lead to a host of problems. 

If possible the tree may be removed before construction but sometimes due to environmental concern, the tree must not be removed. Also, be on aware of termites in the trees and in the vicinity of your build, as they will cause problems. Just in case it is best to organise a termite pest control treatment to eradicate future problems with termites eating your wood foundations.

However, when it is evident that the earthwork would subsequently be affected by the tree root, a fairly deep trench could be employed. The trench should be filled with concrete but a compressible material must be used on both sides of the external trenches to counteract any swelling in the ground.

Ground Quality And Construction

Large stones and rocks found underground can also disrupt a construction. However, these obstructions can be broken and removed to allow for work progress, though breaking or removing them may slow down the work process.

Water pipes can also disrupt construction. These are water pipes installed underground to serve the community. The water pipes can either be rechanneled to give way for the construction or made to pass through the soil or the concrete foundation. Though in this case, the already installed water pipe must be carefully handled to prevent damages to them. This fragility of the pipes is exactly the reason why plumbers opt for pipe relining, instead of manually tempering them, when doing plumbing maintenance.

Similar to the water pipes, sewage pipes can also disrupt construction. But unlike the water pipes, sewage pipes are more difficult to handle because they must not be trapped within the concrete but allowed to move freely. Hence the sewage pipes must either be rechanneled in such a way that they are unaffected or made to go much below the top of the foundation concrete.

Finally, before handling electricity, gas, water, or sewage pipes, it is important to consult buildings and warranty inspectors for their approval to excavated the underground before any construction. Understanding the types of soil that you are building on is also very important.

Choosing Soil Before Construction

Choosing construction sites with the best soil is very important in any building project. This is because all constructions are connected to the soil, be it a small apartment, tower, bridge, condo, etc. All constructions and buildings are erected on soil and most times with soil.

Constructions and buildings must be erected on strong and solid soils, otherwise, the danger is looming. However, soils differ in strength. While some soils are very strong and capable of supporting a skyscraper, some other soils are so poor that they can hardly support the weight of a man. The truth is, if the soil under a building construction is unstable, the foundation of the building would either sink or crack or worse still, the building may fall. Even if you are not planning to construct a multi-storey building, soil quality is still very important for constructions with ‘lighter’ structures, such as an adult zip line park as an example.

There are several soils in Australia and as mentioned above, some of these soils are very good for construction works while some are very bad for construction. Here is a list of soils found in Australia that are good for construction.

Loam

This is widely known as the ideal type of soil. It is typically a perfect combination of clay, silt, and sand. The soil is soft, dark, dry and crumbly to the touch. This type of soil is the best for construction, especially foundations, because of its evenly-balanced properties. Loam maintains water at a balanced rate. The Otway tree top adventure in Lorne, Victoria, is built on top of loam soil, which due to its properties, will be able to hold the extra weight on top of the giant trees that are already growing on them.

Rocky soil

This type of soil includes shale, sandstone, limestone, bedrock, etc. It is very stable, has high bearing capacities, and is very good and strong for constructing foundations. As long as the rock particles are level, the foundation will be well-supported. Rock is impermeable to water solutions and does not change size or shape when touched by water. More so, once fixed, rock does not move, shift, or slide. This makes it more useful for constructing foundations. Foundations constructed with rocks would not have cracks.

Sand

This type of soil is formed from small particles of weathered rock so it has a gritty texture. Though it is not good for constructing a foundation, it is good for constructing other structures because of its ability to drain out water easily. For additional stability, this type of soil may be compacted. Another reason why sandy soil is good for construction is because of its irregular shapes, the soil particles catch against one another to lock into place. This, therefore, provides additional stability. Sometimes, sand is added to building foundations and compacted to create a more stable ground.

Chalk

Chalk is formed from very fine particles of alkaline rocks like limestone. Though chalk is a type of clayey soil, it is good for construction because it does not retain moisture and would no shrink or swell at the absence or presence of moisture respectively.

The four mentioned soil above are the types of soil found in Australia that are good for construction. More so, one of the most important physical properties to consider when choosing good soil for construction is the strength and stability of the soil. For instance, clay seemed to be more stable than sand but this is true only during the dry weather as clay becomes unstable in wet seasons. This is one reason why clay expands in the wet season and contracts during the dry season, leading to a crack foundation and walls.

Notable Plumbing Codes In Australia

Countries with special building codes that are enforced can prevent devastating structural damages. Apart from building codes, maintaining plumbing systems is easy when builders adhere to plumbing standards. According to Australia’s plumbing standards regulations, certified plumbers must follow the technical requirements for the design of plumbing systems, and installation of materials. Let’s explain what some of the notable plumbing codes in Australia mean.

What Is A Plumbing Code?

A code of practice defines how professionals in certain industries should behave when they execute projects. Generally, the code of practice is a set of technical provisions or guidelines for a specific industry. When government regulators implement a code of practice concerning any sector, everyone expects compliance because codes are often backed by legislation. Inspectors ensure compliance during civil constructions and sanction erring contractors. Also, approval will not be given to plumbing systems that violate the Plumbing Code of Australia.

How Does the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) Work?

Usually, any set of building rules in Australia is part of the overall National Construction Code. Like the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), industry regulators ensure that plumbers use the right designs, materials, and follow technical details during installation and maintenance tasks which include the clearing of a blocked drain. Every state in Australia and territory adopts the Plumbing Code of Australia 2019 (PCA). So, these set of codes apply to plumbers and building contractors.

In simple terms, the PCA is a pact between territory and state plumbing acts and regulations. Apart from the construction of facilities that use water, the technical provisions in Australia’s plumbing code cover maintenance jobs, replacement, and upgrades. Additionally, it’s the duty of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) to ensure that contractors are compliant.

Description of Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA)

Plumbing codes in australia

To make general inquiries regarding plumbing and drainage plumbing projects, visit the Water Efficiency Labeling and Standards Regulator (WELSR) in Australia. However, building and plumbing contractors will need to certify and authorize their designs before commissioning any project. Some aspects of plumbing and drainage projects require basic levels of compliance from the PCA. 

  • Water services, and residential drainage systems
  • Sanitary plumbing, and stormwater drainage systems
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
  • Onsite facilities for wastewater (treatment) management systems
  • Onsite facilities for liquid and waste management systems

Benefits of the Plumbing Code Of Australia

With the plumbing code, contractors can achieve acceptable standards during installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems. The right standards will improve hygiene, public health, safety, and quality of facilities. Also, ensuring proper plumbing codes helps to sustain infrastructure, manage resources, conserve the environment, and water. While ensuring the accountability of contractors, plumbing codes help to set up a transparent framework that checks the quality of materials. Materials of lower quality have been proven to be bad for the long run as these create more problems fast which would require more frequent drains repair. Additionally, the PCA is a national objective for assessing the performance of plumbing and construction projects.

Some Notable Plumbing Codes

Sanitary Drainage Systems

Sanitary plumbing codes for drainage systems cover sanitary appliances and fixtures. This regulation prevents loud noises from plumbing and disposal systems. So, contractors should install sound insulators on plumbing and drainage systems. It will dampen the noise from built-in mechanical components.

Accessible Plumbing and Drainage Fixtures for People with Disability

The requirements for designing and constructing sanitary facilities in any building must be friendly to people with disability. In the PCA, there’s a clear directive that plumbers should implement accessible facilities for people with disability.

Water Services

These requirements include verification processes for pressure and temperature control devices. Under the water service section of Australia’s plumbing code, warm water systems must maintain specific storage temperature. Also, the regulation requires heated water service pipes and drinking water pipes to be connected.

Laminate, Veneer and Solid Timber

Laminate, Timber Veneer, and Solid Timber have a part to play in the building of furniture equally in Healthcare and Commercial software. Generally Engineered timber is much more commonly utilized in Healthcare programs while Laminate and Timber Veneer are more frequently utilized in the industrial offices. There are also other applications for each of these timber products. In order to be able to use it effectively, we have compiled the information and benefits of the three products to give you a general idea on when to use them.

Laminate

Laminate is a decorative coating made from multiple layers of paper that are resin made out of thermosetting resins, this Surface is then glued into a strand board. Laminate is available in countless patterns, colors, and finishes. The principal benefits to laminate are that it’s lasting & hardwearing- it’s resistant to warm water (around 180ºc) dry heat, staining, and impact. This item is ideal for use on desktops, tables, and sideboards which frequently have exposure to fluid. They likewise don’t scratch as easily as wood meaning tops which are often subjected to heavy traffic and challenging conditions such cutlery are prone to survive longer. Laminated timber is normally more affordable than solid timber, hence, an economical option for low budget jobs. The drawback of using Laminate compared to wood is its physical appearance. Laminate can seem very unrealistic and lack the heat and one of a kind grain of the genuine wood.

From a healthcare product standpoint, Laminate is excellent for jobs with a lesser budget and perfect for furniture which will be subjected to the day daily moisture and overall daily wear and tear of all items like Dining tables, Bedside cabinets, and sideboards.

The application of these laminate products can be commonly seen on any jam packed restaurants in Hobart, using the material for their tables and bar tops.

Timber Veneer

Timber Veneer is actual timber that’s sliced very thinly and is then pushed onto MDF or particle board substrate. Veneer has the appearance and textures of strong timber with no price tag. The most important benefit of Timber Veneer is the fact that it has the heat and texture of genuine wood minus the price-tag of strong timber. Timber veneer can be offered in a vast assortment of distinct species and grain instructions. Timber veneer may also be stained to match present furniture or fittings. Veneer can be more flexible than solid wood for architectural curves and may be flexed and molded readily. The drawback is that of all three timber products, veneer wood has the least resistance to water. If cared for rather than subjected to moisture, Timber veneer will endure for several decades. The drawback of veneer is it is vulnerable to harm. When the veneer is subjected to liquid, then it gets through fibers at the veneer resulting in swelling and water damage. It may also be readily dented and scratched and shouldn’t be utilized in heavy business traffic places.

For safety concerns, timber veneer shouldn’t be employed on dining tables or bedside tables under any conditions. However, it is ideal for joinery, bookcases, and cabinetry that aren’t subjected to liquid.

Commercially Timber Veneers are fantastic for executive offices, boardroom tables, and joinery.

Solid Timber

The most exclusive solid Timber Furniture made in Tasmania is usually made with the rare Huon Pine. The benefit of strong, solid timber is its durability and is frequently known as a “life” merchandise, with the majority of pieces available using a 10+ year guarantee. Not only can it be a robust and durable product in general but it may also be readily refurbished for a portion of the price of replacement. In case the surface of the wood is stained or damaged it could be machined, sanded and resurfaced. Solid Timber can be not as inclined to swell in overall usage. The building of solid wood products increases its durability, with many wood joinery techniques just utilized in solid wood furniture. The organic look and warmth of strong weathered are unmistakable. Timber is organic, unique but may also be stained to match present furniture. A group of merchandise like a dining table, chair and sideboard can be made with a single species of wood allowing all goods to coincide. Solid Timber is also, nevertheless, a more expensive alternative to Laminate or Veneer. Additionally, there are limitations concerning accessibility to large pieces of wood and a variety of species available. Contrary to Laminate the Lacquer on wood can be broken with higher warmth, vulnerable to scratching or scratching from other or cutlery utensils. Solid Timber is perfect in Healthcare programs like dining chairs, tables, and frameless cabinets merely to mention a couple.

When in Hobart, check out the IXL Long Bar to check their beautiful, solid timber furniture while enjoying world-class cocktails.

Las Vegas Getting Brighter?

Las Vegas Getting Brighter?If you have been to the world famous lit up streets in Las Vegas, you may have thought to yourself what the power bill would look like to power so many lights in the city, let alone a few singular streets lit up like it’s midday. It is quite a sight for tourists but is surely costing an arm and a leg. Recently Las Vegas has set its sights on harnessing the sunny weather in the district and utilising that energy to power the street lighting that is draining the power grid.

Las Vegas city is now partnering up with a light specialist company in New York City to address this problem, a company known as EnGoPLANET. EnGoPLANET specialises in off-grid solar and pedestrian-powered state-of-the-art LED street lighting in Boulder Plaza. These lights feature photovoltaic panels on the top which absorbs the light energy from the sun, using and storing the energy when it is needed. Another feature of these lights is there are pads built into the sidewalk where pedestrians help generate energy whilst passing by. Motion sensors ensure that the correct lights turn on brighter as the pedestrian passes by whilst saving power when there are no pedestrians nearby. For extra visual pleasure, the lights can create a vibrant mood by changing colours in the tourist areas to maintain the lively ambiance.

Whilst providing light is the primary function, there are many new fancy extras that give a plain light post some life. These lights can also detect water, measure the air quality around it, keep an eye on citizens and even monitor the local traffic (great for cities). Other features also include USB ports for charging for the tech savvy and also wifi hotspots. What more could you really want from a light pole? And what next, carpark lighting will make carparks safer and these new light posts can even start generating power for nearby warehouse lighting

We are seeing a major shift from the Las Vegas council which is astonishing to see, one of the most iconic cities in the world taking a very large step to reduce its C02 contribution. The even more astonishing fact is that the city of Las Vegas has recently committed to harnessing 100% of its energy from renewable sources in the near future. The future is looking ‘bright’ for Las Vegas, with many large tech companies choosing to set up base here for their operations. Big things are coming.