hydraulics

Types of Culverts – Culverts meaning and Culvert types Explained

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The types of culverts to be deployed depends on the site conditions and the purpose of the culvert. Culverts are tunnel structures constructed beneath rail tracks or roadways to facilitate cross drainage or to convey electrical cables from one side to the other. It is completely encircled by ground or soil. Pipe, box, and arch culverts are the most common types of culverts deployed under roadways and railroads. They should run parallel to the ground. The culverts protect the road from erosive forces and other water-related concerns. Hydraulic, water surface elevation, roadway height, and other parameters influence culvert designs. Moreover, culverts are used to regulate the flow of water.

This article is about the meaning of culverts, the types of culverts, and their advantages.

What are culverts?

A culvert is a permanent or temporary structure that enables water to flow beneath a road or railroad. It is best suited for locations where roads or railroads need to be built near existing rivers or canals without interfering with water movement. Generally, the length of the culvert should be 6 meters or less. As a result, they are quite large. Concrete, aluminium, and steel are among the materials used in the culvert’s construction. However, the material choice is influenced by criteria such as hydraulic efficiency, strength, cost, and installation technique. Concrete is preferred for culverts due to its strength and durability. Moreover, they are also more resistant to highly corrosive conditions.

Materials for culvert construction

Culverts are similar to pipes but much larger in size. They are manufactured from a variety of materials, like

  • Concrete
  • Steel
  • Plastic
  • Aluminium
  • high-density polyethene

Culverts made of concrete are typically preferred. Concrete culverts can either be reinforced or unreinforced. Culverts that are built on-site are known as cast-in-situ culverts. Precast culverts, which can be manufactured elsewhere, transported, and assembled on-site, are another possibility.

The aforementioned materials can be combined to create composite culvert types.

Different Types of Culverts

There are numerous varieties of culverts. The amount of water, the elevation of the road, the site’s condition, the area of water release, etc. are all taken into consideration while choosing the size and type of the culvert.

Most used culvert types are as follows

  • Pipe Culvert
  • Pipe Arc Culvert
  • Box Culvert
  • Arch Culvert
  • Bridge Culvert/Slab culvert
  • Metal Box Culvert

Pipe culverts

A culvert is a covered hydraulic structure that conveys fluid. Pipe culverts are constructed by inserting a pipe into an excavated trench to convey water away. It is the most frequently used drainage system. Pipe-type culverts are fairly prevalent due to their economical cost and ease of installation. In terms of hydraulic performance, the round section is the best geometrical section. Pipe culverts, on the other hand, come in a variety of shapes, including elliptical, pipe arch, and others. In general, the shape of the culvert is governed by site constraints and conditions. The culverts could be single or multiple. For comparatively small discharges, circular precast concrete pipes and ductile iron pipes are commonly used.

pipe culverts
pipe culverts

Pipe Arch Culverts

Arch culverts are semi-circular in shape. They are appropriate for larger waterway openings with steady water flows wherein fish can benefit from a greater hydraulic advantage. however, need to provide a steady water flow. Fish or sewage in the drainage is easily moved to the outflow due to the arch shape, as there is no stocking at the intake or bottom of the channel. Depending on the need, this type of culvert can also be provided in multiple numbers. Additionally, they offer little clearance and are undoubtedly quite artistic. Pipe arches have a hydraulic advantage at low flows and are particularly beneficial for locations with limited headroom. The main advantages of pipe arch culverts are their light weight and ease of installation.

pipe arch culverts
pipe arch culvert (Photo credits: https://www.rinkerpipe.com/Products/ArchPipe.aspx

Box Culvert

Box culverts
Box culverts

These culverts are used for intakes and outtakes, holding tanks, steam tunnels, corridor linkages, road crossings, service tunnels, and utility trenches. They are one of the most useful structures in modern construction and are common components in road and highway construction. These box culverts allow water to flow beneath roads and highways without interfering with traffic flow and serve as alternate animal crossings. Box culverts are rectangular or square in design, and they must be sturdy to endure traffic loads and harsh weather conditions. Because of this box culverts are constructed using Reinforced cement concrete. The most difficult aspect of building a box culvert is that it must be installed in a dry area with a firm base.

When a significant amount of water is anticipated, the strength of the concrete floor allows for a shift in the water flow direction. Box culvert may also be of the precast type. Circular concrete pipes are replaced by precast concrete box culverts. They have higher strength, can easily withstand greater water flow than standard pipes, and can drain extremely huge amounts of water. Box culvert installation is simpler and more practical than other types of culverts.

Precast box culvert can be prepared in advance, and then installed in the locations required when the time comes.

Arch Culvert

An arch culvert is constructed of metal, stone masonry, concrete, RCC, and other materials. Arch culverts are similar to pipe arch culverts, except in this instance an artificial floor is constructed underneath the arch. The arch culvert demands the construction of a superstructure, that comprises one or two segmental arches. It is frequently used for narrow passages. Contrary to box culverts, installation can be completed quickly and without disrupting the flow of the water, therefore water diversion is not necessary. The natural integrity of the wash bed is preserved by this type of culvert.

arch culverts
arch culvert

Similar to masonry bridges, arch culverts are economical, fast, and easy to construct. They benefit from the design-build advantage and improved hydraulic effectiveness. The arch culvert is also made of steel but it is very extortionate. The arch culverts are not provided with the piers to the sides of the abutment

Slab culvert/Bridge Culvert

Bridge culvert
Bridge culvert

Bridge culverts are generally constructed on rivers and canals. They are also used as vehicle bridges. As a result, it is referred to as a multi-purpose culvert. Most foundations are built below the surface of the ground. A number of culverts are installed, and then a pavement surface is placed on top of them. Slab culverts and bridge culverts may have three sides or may just be flat slabs. Both sides of it are buried in the ground. These culverts, which are typically rectangular in shape, can take the place of box culverts if artificial flooring is not required. The typical span length is between 8′ and 48′. Being able to accommodate traffic on it, being the most expensive river crossing, being extremely sturdy, and got a very strong foundation.

The benefits of a bridge culvert are that it allows traffic to travel through it, it is the most expensive river crossing, it is very strong, and it has a very strong base. Because slab culverts don’t have bottom slabs, the normal flow of water is maintained, and the natural bottom substrate remains undisturbed. The slab culvert is safe for high-velocity vehicles because it has no sharp corners.

Metal Culvert

Metal culverts
Metal culvert

The metal box culvert is an economical alternative to bridges. These bridges are made of conventional structural plates or deep-corrugated structural plates. They are the ideal bridge replacement since they keep the same road grade level. Construction of a metal box culvert requires little time and is relatively easy to install. They are more durable and have a longer service life.

For projects that need larger diameter pipe than what Metal Culverts can manufacture (more than 144′′ diameters), Structural Plate and Aluminum box Culverts are ideal. This solution enables quick and simple installation at a fraction of the price and time that replacing a steel bridge would cost. Aluminium box culverts and structural plates are available for use in various applications, such as small bridge replacements, pedestrian passages, livestock underpasses, and stream enclosures. Structural Plate’s shape also helps maintain the natural environment in which pipes are installed. The arch shape allows wildlife to pass through without difficulty and can also leave natural stream beds intact.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

A Comprehensive Guide To Construction Drawings For Your Building

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The Construction drawings for a house are the most important document in home-building. It contains instructions on how to construct your new house or add-on, which contractors to hire, and how they should do their job.

A blueprint is an overview of the entire construction project photographed from above. It means that all of the construction drawings for your building will be contained within a single blueprint sheet, making it easy to follow along with what’s happening during various stages of construction. A blueprint sheet will have a lot of information.

Each scale drawing has a title, starting with the plan, the number, and name of the architect, scale measurements, and legal description of the property. You will also see different scale drawings.

Different Types Of Assembly Drawings

There are many types of assembly drawings. They include foundation, tanking and foundation cut-always, crawl space and slab information, parapet wall, and roof details. Foundation drawings are required for new construction, additions, and modifications to existing structures. It shows all the walls, floor supports, and footings used to support the house’s floors, structures, and external components.

1. Standard Assembly Drawings – 

These drawings are a set of drawings that show how to put the parts together. It establishes a basis for construction and design. The main elements are framing, sheets, lumber, blocking, and trim/molding materials.

Structural fabrication and erection

2. Outline Assembly Drawings –

A preliminary set of drawings establishes the general appearance of the work.

3. Detail Assembly Drawings – 

It provides more detail on construction details such as existing and proposed walls, ceilings, and other finishes.

4. Assembly Working Drawings – 

The drawings show the construction process and include foundation details of the framing, floors, cabinets, and stairs.

5. Tabular Drawings – 

It contains all the information needed to construct the project. They are usually kept in a text file or spreadsheet and give you information on the actual sizes, quantities, and room locations.

6. Diagram Drawings – 

Diagram drawings are simple drawings of a floor plan and elevation drawings that show how any given elements work to create the project’s design.

Also read: Areas of building | Built-up area | Carpet area | Super built-up area

Why Are Assembly Drawings Necessary?

All structural elements of the building must be drawn in detail, anticipating all expected loads on the structure. These details must also include all internal and external spaces within the new building, anticipate potential problems, and propose solutions.

Structural drawings are the blueprints of the construction sheets: they show all structure elements, including beams and columns, walls, and flooring. It is a series of symbols and lines that illustrate any load-bearing or non-load-bearing walls. Sustainable cities and constructions of the future require high-quality structural drawings.

What Are The Major Inclusions Of Assembly Drawings?

Building plans include a profile view of your house, including the side elevations or front and rear views. In addition, the plan sets out the orientation of your house, inside to outside. When reading a structural drawing, you need to understand that there are many different kinds of assemblies. However, there are three basic types of structurally significant assemblies: frame, floor, and roof.

  1. A-frame assembly comprises a top plate, bottom plate, and posts. The basic elements of an assembly are the post. These are angled beams that are attached to foundation walls, floors, or exterior walls.
  2. The landfills and roof beams are considered as frame assemblies. They include facets such as posts, beams, headers, and joists or wooden floorboards. The next assembly is a floor assembly. It is a structural system that supports the weight of all upper floors and roofs. 
  3. The roof assembly is the third major structural assembly. It consists of a top and bottom chord, common rafters, collar ties, or trusses.
Building construction drawing

The Importance Of Construction drawing In Designing A Building

  1. Scope of construction – 

Construction drawings are all about explaining and showing the finished product. The job is to document and view the construction process. That’s why structural engineers design the building, show their drawings, and then give their clients a set of construction drawings.

  1. Importance of construction drawing

The drawing is about the design and the assembly of everything working together for a living space, so you need to be able to tell more than one story. It deserves a lot of attention.

  1. Staff size – 

It is a big job, and they usually work with several people who help them draw the design and then give the construction drawings to the client.

  1. Provides information – 

It involves many people who have to provide a lot of information. This information should be precise and clear, as it is about planning for the future.

  1. Safety –

 It plays an important role in the design and construction process to ensure the safe construction of the building.

How To Produce A Construction Drawing 

There are many ways to make construction drawings. Today’s most common ways workers use photo plotting, CAD (Computer Assisted Drawing), and hand drafting. CAD is an advanced technology, and using it is quite easy. India CAD works enable you to make construction drawings with ease. You can create as many construction drawings as possible and share them with your clients. Many construction companies use it to execute their projects and make best-selling construction drawings for their clients. With CAD, you can create various drawings, from simple to complex. You can design and add any number of view layers and color them in any way you like.

Environmental engineering, Land pollution

Sustainable Waste Management – Full Details

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Sustainable Waste Management has become the need of the hour with the ever-increasing amount of garbage that humans generate. According to the United Nations, around 11.2 billion tonnes of solid garbage are collected worldwide, with humans accounting for nearly all of it. As a result, we must devise plans for long-term sustainable waste management.

In this blog, we will discuss the importance of sustainable waste management, its importance as well as the ways of doing so. Let’s get started with the definition of sustainable waste management.

What is Sustainable Waste Management?

Sustainable waste management refers to the collection, transportation, valuation, and disposal of different types of garbage in a manner that does not damage the environment, human health, or future generations. It encompasses all activities involved in waste management, from production to final treatment.

Sustainable waste management aims to limit the amount of natural resources utilised by

  • reusing as much natural materials as possible
  • producing as little garbage as possible.

A well-functioning sustainable waste management system should have feedback loops, a process-oriented approach, adaptability, and methods for waste diversion. It is critical to adhere to environmental sustainability in this regard so that we can manage all the garbage efficiently rather than dumping it in landfills.

Also read: Land Pollution Effects – Top 7 Effects Explained

Why Sustainable Waste Management Is Important?

Let’s have a look at the importance of sustainable waste management and what makes it an attractive option.

Creates space

In the absence of a proper waste management system, garbage will end up on land, either scattered or centralised in a landfill. Landfills are large structures that take up a lot of space. Densely populated cities can’t afford a lot of space for the sake of landfills.

In such cities, we have to manage and sustainably control our waste so that we can dispose of it properly without wasting space for landfills. Before you move to the next section, make sure that you check out Landfills – Causes, Operation and Life Cycle- Everything you should know

Sustainable waste management Saves and also makes money

Recycling more can help us save money since we will not need to buy another identical item once we have reused or recycled it. Sustainable waste management, in line with the concept of money, can assist some businesses in generating revenue.

Municipalities that collect garbage, for example, might charge collection and recycling fees, gaining money in the process. This will also deter institutions that generate a lot of waste, making them more sustainable and environmentally conscious.

Prevents Pollution

Each type of rubbish we dump has a unique impact on the ecosystem. Pharmaceutical waste, for example, contaminates our water, and discarded meals attract flies and rodents. To avoid this, we should return pharmaceutical waste to the manufacturer for proper disposals, such as burning. Food waste can be sent for composting and plastics for recycling.

All of these measures, as well as others, will aid in pollution control. As a result, pharmaceutical waste won’t pollute the water, plastics won’t block marine life, and food waste won’t attract mice. Sustainable waste management enables us to better understand our garbage and how to manage it.

Also read: Land Pollution Causes -Top 6 causes explained

Waste Management Hierarchy in Sustainable Waste Management

The waste management hierarchy is the foundation for sustainable waste management. It focuses on

  • Avoidance
  • Reduction
  • Reuse and recycle
  • Energy recovery
  • Treatment or disposal

Its goal is to prioritise behaviours that maximise resource efficiency, with renewable and less wasteful methods at the top of the pyramid. We’ll look at how the waste management hierarchy is crucial to long-term waste management in the upcoming section.

Reduction and avoidance

The primary aim is to avoid and reduce the amount of waste produced. This can be accomplished by increasing efficiency while lowering consumption. To begin with, businesses and consumers should select products that take the least amount of resources to manufacture including the packaging.

Additionally, wherever possible, we should abstain from using single-use or disposable commodities. These materials form the core of linear waste, in which resources are harvested, processed, and redistributed only to be discarded.

3R concept
3R concept

Reuse and Recycle

If we cannot avoid the consumption of a product then we should choose things that are reusable. Also, we should promote awareness on how to reuse waste products. Processing new materials require money, energy, and often other resources. Since reusing helps us to save these resources, we prefer it over solutions lower down the hierarchy.

One of the core aspects of the zero-waste concept is reuse, which can take the form of having shoes repaired, giving clothes and objects for others to use, and even finding recipes for food leftovers rather than tossing them away. If an object cannot be reused, recycling is the next best choice.

Recycling is suitable for materials that have reached the end of their usable life in their existing form. It minimises the need to extract virgin resources and mitigates some of the negative consequences of waste disposal. Recycling is less desirable than reusing and reducing because it needs more energy, money, and resources to convert the garbage into useable products.

Energy Recovery

Energy recovery is the next stage, which involves converting waste into useable heat, power, or fuel, such as biogas. This is accomplished using a variety of techniques such as

  • Incineration (with energy recovery),
  • Gasification
  • Pyrolysis
  • Anaerobic digestion
  • Landfill gas (LFG) recovery

Combustion is a typical technique of energy recovery for non-hazardous waste. and while it is less favourable to reuse or recycle, it helps lower the physical volume of waste transported to landfills and also produces energy from the burning process that would otherwise require fossil fuels.

Treatment or Disposal

Treatment or disposal is the final and least desirable step in the hierarchy. This usually refers to landfills or incinerators that do not recover energy. Some waste demands treatment but we should avoid it as much as possible by using sustainable waste management techniques.

Sustainable Waste Management Solutions

What criteria must professionals and citizens use to decide if waste management procedures are “sustainable?”

Fundamentally, building a circular economy of waste, as opposed to the make-use-dispose paradigm, is crucial to sustainable waste management. In a circular economy of waste, it returns as a new product or source of energy in a sustainable manner.

Solutions for long-term waste management include:

Composting

Composting is a green and environmentally friendly technique to dispose of waste. Common household items that can undergo composting include excess fruits, tea bags, eggshells, coffee filters, etc. Since it will nourish the soil, the compost pit will be an excellent addition to your workplace or home garden.

To keep odours and fruit flies at bay, tightly close the composting bin or bag. In general, composting converts and recovers organic matter into stable, sanitary, and soil-like products that are high in humic chemicals that replenish the soil.

composting
composting

Avoid Single-use products


We must promote reusable products instead of single-use ones. Get mugs or glasses instead of cardboard coffee cups. Even at professional composting facilities, many supposedly green things, such as compostable coffee cups, don’t undergo composting. They eventually end up in landfills. If we can switch to a greener option like glass which we can reuse and recycle it could save both the environment and money.

Make the switch to digital.

Paper and paper products account for the majority of Municipal Solid Waste. Switching as much paperwork as possible to digital forms is a simple strategy for organisations to improve sustainable waste management. This includes

  • Sending and receiving bills electronically rather than in paper
  • Keeping meeting minutes in a shared document rather than printing them
  • Converting to online banking

Conclusion

If the correct framework is in place, waste management can be sustainable in both enterprises and homes. But, more importantly, the implications of ignoring waste are just too serious to ignore. So, let us join our hands to manage waste, adopt sustainable waste management solutions into our day to day life and convert waste into a resource.

Happy Learning.

Indoor plants

Top 10 Indoor Plants and their Benefits – Must Read

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Nothing can add as much beauty and comfort to our homes and offices as the luxuriant blossoms and leaves of indoor plants. Bedrooms, toilets, kitchens, and cubicles, to name a few… There isn’t a room in the house that a houseplant can’t lighten up. Simply add light and water, and you’ve got yourself an interior garden in the making.

Indoor plants not only look good but also make you feel good. Bringing plants into your home is not just aesthetically pleasing, but provides significant health advantages as well! Numerous studies show that indoor plants make you healthier and happier, providing both psychological and physical health advantages.

Buckle up your shoes as we go on a trip meeting some amazing indoor plants and understanding their benefits. Let’s get started.

What are indoor plants?

Indoor Plants are those plants that are cultivated indoors, usually in spaces like homes and workplaces for decorative purposes. Tropical or semi-tropical epiphytes, succulents, and cacti are common indoor plants. They require the right amount of hydration, light, soil, temperature, and humidity. Most indoor plants will quickly perish if these criteria are not met. In addition, indoor plants require the proper fertiliser and pot size.

Also read: Hydroponics – Everything you should know

Benefits of Indoor Plant

Indoor plants have been shown in numerous studies to make you healthier and happier, providing psychological and physical health advantages such as:

  • Indoor plants help in lowering stress levels.
  • Aids in sharpening your attention.
  • Working with plants has therapeutic benefits.
  • Helps you recover from illness quickly.
  • Improve the indoor air quality.
  • Increases productivity and focus in the workplace.
  • Enhances pain tolerance and healing process.

Impact on Air Pollution

Indoor plants minimise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, toluene, and xylene, as well as other pollutants in the air. The presence of indoor plants reduces these VOCs by 50-75%. Soil microbes are principally responsible for the removal of these chemicals.

Plants can generate and convert benzene, then convert it to carbon usage for future use, according to several tests of benzene purification by houseplants. It can help eliminate carbon dioxide from indoor spaces, which can lower our work performance. Plants appear to minimize airborne microorganisms while also increasing humidity.

Also read: What are air pollutants? | Types, sources and effects of air pollution

List of Indoor Plants

Here’s a list of the best indoor plants for every situation at your home:

  • Low Maintenance Indoor Plants: Marble Queen Pothos, Tillandsia Ionantha
  • Low Light Indoor Plants: ZZ Plant, Modern Bamboo
  • Indoor Plants For Small Spaces: Snake Plant, Peperomia Obtusifolia, Opuntia Microdasys
  • Indoor Plants For Pet Owners: Bird’s Nest Fern, Ponytail Palms, Pilea Peperomioides
  • Flowering Indoor Plants: Anthurium, Hoyas
  • Indoor Plants For Clean Air: Parlor Palm, Red Maranta Prayer Plant, Burgundy Rubber Tree Plant
Indoor plants
Indoor plants

Also read: Aeroponics – Process, Types, Advantages – Full Details

Best Indoor Plants having Low Maintenance

If you are someone who often forgets to water the plants or have less time to take care of them, here are some options for you:

Marble Queen Pothos

The Marble Queen Pothos is one of the easiest home plants to grow. With exquisite heart-shaped leaves and vines, they will rapidly fill your plant shelf with beauty. This low-maintenance species is good for novices or anyone who isn’t always careful with their plants. It can grow in low-light conditions and with less watering.

Bromeliad Summer

Air plants, such as Bromeliad Summer, have no roots and absorb nutrients through their leaves. This makes them a great choice for anyone who forgets to water their plants or doesn’t have time to deal with soil problems. These air plants are extremely easy to care for and require only indirect light and a monthly dip in the sink. Just make sure to dry them upside down to prevent the water from rotting the base.

Best Indoor Plants For Low Light

A wannabe plant parent living in a shady apartment? No worries, we have options for you as well.

ZZ Plant

Another good plant for beginners is the Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also known as the ZZ plant. It can resist a variety of adverse conditions, such as infrequent watering or dry air. They can also easily endure low-light conditions, which is very important for apartment residents or those who live in other shady areas. The ZZ plant is a joyful alternative for the kitchen or bathroom, and it looks great on its own or in a group with other plants.

Modern Bamboo

While many plants grown indoors require a lot of light to flourish, some plants like modern bamboo flourish well in dim light. The modern bamboo, which is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, is easy to care for and thrives best in low-light settings. Its size makes it ideal for any tabletop or desk. As per Feng Shui principles it will bring great energy to the environment it resides in.

Best Indoor Plants For Small Spaces

Do you think that small apartments can’t offer the luxury of having an indoor garden? Not anymore after meeting these vertically growing plants.

Snake Plant

This cheerful succulent comes in a variety of colours and grows straight up, making it an excellent choice for those with little space. The narrow, upright leaves of this tropical plant have uneven banding that resembles snakeskin. Snake plants filter benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene from interior air. Arrange a couple in various sizes near a bedroom window to add a touch of green to your sleeping place.

Indoor plant - snake plant
Indoor plant – snake plant

Best Indoor Plants For Pet Owners

Apprehensive about being a pet owner and plant parent at the same time? Check out these pet-friendly plants that are non-toxic to your pets.

Pilea peperomioides 

Pilea peperomioides is another non-toxic plant that is great for a pet-friendly home. It’s visually appealing and easy to care for. The leaf resembles miniature lily pads, and it doesn’t require a pond. The soil needs to dry completely between waterings, which in certain regions means watering once every few weeks. and, It self-propagates when properly cared for.

Calathea Orbifolia

Calatheas don’t prefer direct sunlight since it burns their leaves. This houseplant prefers partial shade, making it ideal for a plant stand or shelf in an area with limited natural light. A regular watering regimen, as well as keeping your plant in a room with temps between 60 and 80 degrees F, will keep it healthy and hydrated. It also likes a lot of humidity, so mist it frequently or put it near a humidifier.

pet friendly indoor plant
pet friendly indoor plant

Best Indoor Plants For Clean Air

If you wish to use your indoor garden as an air purifier, then these are the plants you should include.

Parlor Palm

The parlour palm is a tropical plant popular for its ability to remove benzene and trichloroethylene, two pollutants typically dispersed by furniture off-gassing. It’s also a low-maintenance plant, requiring just one to two weeks of watering. It grows in indirect to low light. It’s also pet-friendly, so you won’t have to keep it locked away from your furry friends.

Red Maranta Plant

The herringbone pattern on the Red Maranta prayer plant is distinctive, with touches of red throughout. This plant not only adds charm and natural beauty to one’s house, but it also has relaxing and air-purifying properties. This plant thrives in indirect light. It’s best to keep it out of direct sunlight, as the colour of its leaves may fade and possibly burn.

Bird’s Nest Fern

The fronds of the Bird’s Nest Fern have rippled edges and grow out of a nest-like crown. It makes a stunning interior hanging plant. Indirect light and a humid climate are ideal for them. Ferns filter formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.

Shall we wrap up?

Conclusion

We saw the best options to be included in an indoor garden. There’s no doubt that investing in a few indoor plants would bring many more benefits than aesthetic beauty. Try adding a dash of green to your office room and see your productivity and mood going up. Which plants are you going to add to your living space? Comment Below.

aeroponics, Environmental engineering

Aeroponic Farming – Process, Types, Advantages – Full Details

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Aeroponic farming is one of the major techniques in indoor farming. This techniques is becoming popular these days due to greater yields. It also allows the ability to control the growing environment. Greenhouse and vertical farming are the two main types of indoor farming.

Vertical farming is becoming a more cost-effective method in horticulture, allowing for more resource utilization and land efficiency. Plant cultivation in vertically stacked irrigation systems using artificial or natural light is known as vertical farming. This method frequently employs soilless growing settings as well as hydroponic or Aeroponic irrigation systems.

  1. What is Aeroponic Farming?
  2. Aeroponic Farming
  3. Different Types of Aeroponic Systems
    1. Low-Pressure Aeroponics (LPA)
    2. High-Pressure Aeroponics (HPA)
  4. Hydroponics vs Aeroponics
  5. Tools used in Aeroponics
  6. Aeroponics Advantages
  7. Drawbacks of Aeroponics
  8. Conclusion

What is Aeroponic Farming?

Aeroponics involves growing plants in an air or mist environment. It does not use soil or an aggregate medium. Sounds unbelievable right? You would be shocked to know that mother nature has employed aeroponic growing in plants such as epiphytic orchids and bromeliads. These plants absorb naturally occurring aerosols like mist through their leaves and aerial roots.

Read on to find more about aeroponics, its types, equipment, benefits etc. as I take you on a short trip through an Aeroponic farm. Let’s begin by understanding the process of Aeroponic farming.

Also read: Green Walls – Vertical Gardens – Top 10 healing benefits

Aeroponic Farming

  • Aeroponic farming involves growing plants hung in a closed or semi-closed environment. This is achieved by spraying a nutrient-rich water solution onto the plant’s dangling roots and lower stem.
  • We insert the plants into the holes on top of a reservoir and placed into a sealed container.
  • We need to provide a support collar to keep stems in place. There’s no root zone medium for them to anchor in. These collars must be hard enough to hold plants upright. They also need to keep roots in place. Additionally, they should be flexible enough to allow roots to grow.
  • The pump and sprinkler system produces vapour from the nutrient-rich solution. This vapour is a hydro-atomized spray mixture of water, nutrients, and growth hormones.
  • The dangling plant roots absorb the nutrients while spraying this mist in the reservoir. The spray delivers just the right amount of moisture to encourage the plant’s growth and development.
  • The timer provides the plants with pre-programmed spray intervals and durations.

Because of the sensitivity of root systems, sometimes we pair aeroponics with traditional hydroponics. It acts as a backup “crop saver” if the aeroponic equipment fails. Let’s have a look at the common types of aeroponics.

Aeroponic Farming
Aeroponic Farming

Different Types of Aeroponic Systems

Depending on the intensity of pressure to atomize the water droplets there are two types of Aeroponic systems. They are:

Low-Pressure Aeroponics (LPA)

  • Plant roots are held above a nutritional solution reservoir or inside a channel connected to a reservoir in low-pressure aeroponic gardens.
  • A low-pressure pump delivers nutritional solution via jets or ultrasonic transducers into the reservoir, where it drips or drains.
  • Plants in these units tend to develop dry parts of their root systems as they mature, preventing appropriate nutrient uptake.
  • Due to its ease of setup, availability at any hydroponic shop, and low cost, this is the most common aeroponic farming technique.
Aeroponic system
Aeroponic system

Also read: Methods of Irrigation- 3 Methods Full Guide

High-Pressure Aeroponics (HPA)

  • The HPA system operates at extremely high-pressure to atomize water into small water droplets of 50 microns or less.
  • A high-pressure (80 pounds per square inch (550 kPa)) diaphragm pump feeds nutrients to the roots via 20–50 micrometre mist heads.
  • Since this system produces such small droplets it provides more oxygen to the root zone than the LPA. Thus it is the most efficient aeroponic system available.
  • High-Pressure Aeroponics is more complicated and more expensive to put up due to the specialised equipment required. As a result, they find frequent use in commercial production rather than home growers.

Hydroponics vs Aeroponics

Aeroponics is distinct from hydroponics, aquaponics, and in-vitro (plant tissue culture) cultivation. Hydroponics relies on nutrient-rich water to provide nutrition to plants. In contrast, aeroponics uses nutrient-rich mist for plant nutrition. Unlike hydroponics, which uses a liquid nutrient solution as a growing media and critical minerals to support plant growth, and aquaponics, which uses water and fish waste to support plant growth, aeroponics does not use a growing medium.

Aeroponically Cultivated Cabbage
Aeroponically Cultivated Cabbage
AspectHydroponicsAeroponics
Growing MediumUses water with dissolved nutrients and a substrate like coco coir or perliteDoes not require a substrate; plants are suspended, and roots are misted with nutrient solution
Water UsageRequires a large amount of water but recycles it efficientlyMore water-efficient as it uses a fine mist for root nourishment
Nutrient DeliveryNutrients are delivered through water in a continuous or timed flowNutrients are delivered via misting, making absorption more direct and efficient
Space EfficiencyRequires larger space for setup due to containers or tanksMore space-efficient; plants can be vertically stacked for aeroponic farming
Setup ComplexityEasier to set up with fewer technical requirementsMore complex setup with misting systems, requiring regular maintenance and monitoring

Having understood the basics of aeroponics, let me introduce you to the tools used in it.

Tools used in Aeroponics

If you are planning to set up an aeroponic farm, you will need:

  • A reservoir/container to hold the nutrient solution
  • Nutrient pump
  • Mist nozzles
  • Tubing to distribute water from the nutrient pump to the mister heads in the growing chamber
  • Baskets to suspend plants
  • Enclosed growing chamber for the root zone
  • Watertight containers for the growing chamber
  • Timer to turn on and off the pump

Next, we are moving to the advantages of aeroponics.

Aeroponics Advantages

The following are some of the advantages of aeroponics:

  • Due to the lack of a growing substrate, plant roots can absorb the maximum amount of nutrients. This leads to greater plant yields. Studies report that Aeroponically grown plants like basil, parsley, cherry tomato, squash, bell pepper and red kale increased their yield by 19%, 21%, 35%, 50%, 53% and 65% compared to soil culture, respectively
  • Plant roots get oxygen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, resulting in massive plant growth. This encourages plants to develop quickly.
  • Because of the higher nutrient absorption rate, relatively fewer nutrients and water are consumed on average compared to conventional plants.
  • Aeroponic systems offer greater mobility. You can simply transfer plants or even entire nurseries around because all you have to do is move the plant from one collar to the next.
  • Only a small amount of room is necessary. This system does not require a lot of areas to set up. Plants are stacked on top of one another. You can make the most of limited space with this type of modular system.

Drawbacks of Aeroponics

Aside from its numerous benefits, aeroponics has several drawbacks that can’t be overlooked, including:

  • Since aeroponic systems are highly sensitive to external conditions, it necessitates continual monitoring of pH and nutrient density ratio.
  • Understanding and applying the proper ratio for nutrients, water supply can be challenging for beginners, and should only be tried by people who are more experienced with such systems.
  • Initial setup can be expensive, costing hundreds of dollars per person.
  • Demands constant monitoring of the growing conditions.

Shall we wrap up?

Conclusion

As compared to other systems, the most significant advantages of aeroponics are the huge plant growth and higher yields. These benefits, however, come at a price. The cost of installing the system is high. It also requires technical know-how. Additionally, you need sophisticated knowledge of pH and nutrient density ratio. If you are new to hydroponics, carefully assess the pros and cons. Then choose the method you believe will work best for you now.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Areas of building | Built-up area | Carpet area | Super built-up area

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Reading the floor plan is an important skill that a civil engineer should possess. There are different types of areas in the floor plan of a building. In this article, we will see about the different types of areas.

Different types of areas in Building Construction

Before planning to purchase a home we should be familiar with the following areas adopted in building construction.

1. Plot area

2. Built-up area or Plinth area

3. Carpet area

4. Setback area

5. Super built-up area

Before getting into these terms first we have to know what is RERA 

Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016, (RERA)

The Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016, (RERA) is an act established by the Indian parliament. The main objective of RERA is to give prompt information between the buyers and sellers. This increases transparency and reduces the chance of cheating.

There are three different ways to calculate the area of the property. 

1. In terms of the Carpet area

2. In terms of Built-up area

3. In terms of Super built-up area

While buying a property buyer should pay for the area which is usable. RERA provides safety of money, buyer protection and balanced agreement.

Areas of building
AREAS OF BUILDING

Plot area (Areas of building)

The plot area includes the complete area which you own. This area comes under the fencing.

Plot-area
Plot-area

Carpet area (Areas of building)

Carpet area is a term which the real estate agent uses the most. It is the area of the building which can be covered by using carpet. It is also called a net usable floor area. 

Carpet Area = Total floor area – Area of internal/external walls

But as per RERA Carpet area = Total Floor area – Area of external walls

Carpet-area
Carpet-area

According to RERA flats should be sold on the basis of carpet area. The carpet area as per RERA is the area of usable spaces such as bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, toilet etc. It also includes an area covered by internal partition walls. It excludes areas such as Balcony, utility areas, external walls area, open terrace area, lift, lobby, staircase etc. Mostly carpet area is 70% of its built-up area.

Plinth area

The plinth area is also known as the Built-up area. It is the total area of the building within the plot area. It is mostly 30% of the total plot area. 

Built-up Area = carpet area + Area of walls

Plinth-area
Plinth-area

It includes living room, bedrooms, utility, bathroom, wall thickness, kitchen, balcony closed staircases etc. and excludes open terrace area, lift, open staircase, swimming pool etc. It is 10 to 15 % more than the carpet area.

Super built-up area

Super built-up area was used to measure the area of property before the RERA act came into existence. Because the super built-up area lowers the rate per square foot. Saleable area is another name of super built-up area.

Super Built-Up Area = Setback area + Built-up Area+20% of common area 

Super built-up area includes common areas like swimming pool, clubhouses, lobby, staircase, Lift, etc. and the built-up area of the flat.

Set back area

Set back area is the space between the boundary and the building. It is the minimum open space necessary around the building. As per the municipal regulation a specific margin should be provided between building and road. 

Setback-area
Setback-area

Setback area = Built-up Area – Plot area

This provides sufficient ventilation, ease in vehicle movement and protection from other entities.

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