Water to cement ratio is the ratio between the weight of water to the cement weight used in a concrete design mix. The water to cement ratio can significantly impact the workability and strength of the concrete.
Water to cement ratio – Significance
Concrete is manufactured by mixing cement, aggregates, and water in designed proportions. The process of proportioning is done as a volumetric (nominal mix) or by weight (design mix). Cement is the main ingredient of the concrete and acts as a binding material. In combination with water, cement undergoes a chemical reaction leading to the formation of thick and sticky gels responsible for the adhesion between the ingredients. The chemical process is called the heat of hydration. Cement and water are the most important ingredients of concrete and their ratios have a huge impact on the quality and strength of concrete. So for a design mix of required strength, the ratio of water to cement has to be maintained in the right proportions.
CONCRETE POURING
Water-cement ratio – Calculation
Cement requires 23% water for initiating the chemical reaction and another 15% for the formation of gel to fill the voids.38% percent by weight of water to cement ratio is essential for the complete hydration process.
Table 5- IS 456
As per IS 10262, the water-cement ratio varies from 0.4 to 0.6 based on exposure conditions. For the calculation of water to cement ratio, we need the cement content of the design mix. The minimum cement content is to be confirmed from IS 10253 for different grades.
For Mix 1:2:4 Moderate exposure condition water requirement would be-
Plain concrete(moderate) Table 5 IS 10252
The Minimum cement content for M15=240 kg/ m3
and Min water cement ratio =water/cement =0.60
=water/240=0.60
Min water requirement for mix=240*.60=120 liters
For Design mix, the W/C Ratio will depend upon the workability, strength requirements.
Fig 1 IS 10262
Water-cement ratio effect on the workability of concrete
The water cement ratio has a huge impact on the workability and strength of the concrete. The workability of concrete means the ability of concrete to perform a concreting process involving mixing, transporting, placing, compacting with ease, and without any segregation. In other words, the workability of concrete indicates the ability of concrete to work easily. W/C ratio is also an important consideration for the workability of concrete. A high w/c ratio leads to higher workability because inter particle lubrication is increased. Similarly, a lower w/c ratio leads to lower workability because there is a lack of inter particle lubrication. However the w/c ratio is not the only parameter that decides the strength of concrete. The strength of concrete depends on a lot of factors like aggregate quality, cement proportions, etc.
A high w/c ratio leads to higher workability because inter particle lubrication is increased. However, the overall concrete strength is reduced with the increase in the w/c ratio. The addition of more water gives dilute paste that has more pores at the micro-level and segregation of concrete.
HOW TO FIND OUT WATER CEMENT RATIO FOR DESIGN MIX AND NOMINAL MIX
The aggregates and cement particles take the excess water that is present in concrete. This consumption is uncontrollable if a large excess of water is present in the concrete. Hence, separate water channels are created resulting in bleeding on the surface. This creates weak zones in concrete that are susceptible to cracking under service loads. Concrete with a higher w/c ratio is also more susceptible to cracking and shrinkage. Shrinkage leads to micro-cracks, which are zones of weakness.
Once the fresh concrete is placed, excess water is squeezed out of the paste. When there is a large excess of water, that water bleeds out onto the surface. The micro-channels and passages that were created inside the concrete to allow that water to flow become weak zones. These weak zones are responsible for shrinkage cracks and micro-cracks when applied with service loads.
Concrete placing
Effect of low w/c ratio
Lower water to cement ratio can contribute to high strength and high-quality concrete. For higher-strength concrete, lower ratios are used, along with a plasticizer to increase flowability. But the w/c ratio alone cannot give good concrete. A good mix proportion and quality aggregates and binding materials contribute to a good mix design. A low w/c ratio is hence one of the factors influencing good mix design.
Using low w/c ratio is the usual way to achieve high strength and high-quality concrete, but it does not guarantee that the resulting concrete should possess sufficient strength. Unless the aggregate gradation and proportion are balanced with the correct amount of cement paste, excessive shrinkage, cracking and curling can result. Good concrete results from good mix design and low w/c ratio is just a part of a perfect design mix.
Classification of roads or Types of road is an important topic in transportation engineering. It varies with different parameters. Let’s go through the important types of roads every civil engineer should know. We will see important details about cement concrete roads and types of road surface through the course of journey.
Road classification is fundamental for effective infrastructure planning and management. It involves the categorization of roads into specific categories of roads to ensure optimal functionality and connectivity. Understanding classified roads helps in addressing different transportation needs and designing suitable solutions. This blog will delve into road classification, exploring the various ways roads are categorized based on their use and characteristics. We will specifically highlight what are 6 types of roads, including National highways, Highways, District roads , village roads, each playing a crucial role in maintaining an efficient and well-organized transportation network.
Road classification is essential for understanding the diverse categories of roads. There are six basic types of roads based on various factors, including surface type, location and function, number of lanes, weather conditions, pavement type, and traffic volume.
There are 6 basic types of roads depending on a mouthful of factors.
Types of roads based on volume of traffic they handle
We are going to sneak peep into types of roads in detail.
Classification based on type of road surface
This category in the types of roads is based on the type of road surface used in the construction. Classification based on type of road surface is a key aspect of road classification. This involves understanding classified roads by their construction materials and surface characteristics. By exploring these categories of roads, we can determine their durability, maintenance needs, and suitability for various conditions.
These are the cheapest type of road and is used at the places where traffic is rare. The type of road surface used in these roads is soil. The pavement structure is totally made up of soil available at site. The performance of these roads mainly depend upon the effective maintenance and proper drainage.
Gravel roads
These are intermediate between earthen and metalled roads. The carriage way of these roads is made by compacting a mixture of gravel and earth. These type of road surface usually consists of 26 percent sand, 13 percent clay and 61 percent gravel.
Kankar roads
The type of road surface used in this classification of roads is Kankar. Kankar is impure form of limestone. Hard variety of kankar may be as strong as stones, but soft variety may be very weak. The road having pavement layer of kankar are termed as kankar roads. Traffic capacity of this type of road depends on the type of kankar used.
Moorum roads
In this type of roads, Moorum is the material used for building the road. Moorum is obtained due to disintegration of igneous rocks by weathering agencies. In this road, the surfacing of the traffic way is constructed from Moorum. These type of roads are low and is equivalent to gravel and Kankar road in performance.
Water bound macadam roads (WBM roads)
The broken stones of base and surface course, if any are bound by the stone dust in presence of moisture is called WBM rods. Total thickness may vary from 7.5 to 30cm depending upon the traffic.
Bituminous roads
Most of the roads around the world are constructed by using bitumen. It is also called flexible pavement because it changes according to nature of loads and sub base. This is an important member in the types of roads in India. For the road construction, the major concerns, as with concrete, are cost and durability.
Applications of bituminous roads
Bituminous roads, a vital category of roads, are known for their durability and smooth surface. This classified road type is widely used due to its ability to withstand heavy traffic and diverse weather conditions. In road classification, bituminous roads are favored for highways, arterial roads, and urban streets, providing a comfortable and safe driving experience. They are also commonly used for airport runways and parking lots. When exploring what are 6 types of roads, bituminous roads stand out for their cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance, making them a preferred choice in various transportation infrastructures. The application of bituminous road is mainly used in
Highways
Express ways
Runways
Now, let’s meet cement concrete roads.
Cement concrete roads types – Most durable classification of road
Cement concrete roads are the roads whose wearing surface is constructed with cement concrete. They are otherwise called concrete roads. They can be constructed either reinforced or plane type. Cement concrete roads are compatible to all weather conditions. It comes under rigid pavements. These are best suitable to roads having higher traffic.
Main applications of cement concrete roads
Parking aprons, taxiways and runway take off areas in airports
Parking grounds for vehicles of heavy weight
Heavy duty Industrial floors (vehicles on tracks and military tanks)
Floors for handling and storage of containers at ports
Industrial floors with high requirements in terms of flatness and durability to abrasion and surface exposure to aggressive attacks (use of toxic materials, welding etc)
Bridge decks
Road pavements in long tunnels for fire safety reasons, immediate reuse of the road following a fire and better energy consumption during service life (lower intensity lighting required)
Pavements at toll stations (resistance to braking and acceleration)
Now, let’s move on to the next classification of roads.
Classification of roads according to location and function
Classification of roads according to location and function is a key aspect of road classification, organizing roads into specific categories of roads. This classified road type includes national highways, highways, district roads, and village roads. National highways connect major cities and regions, while highways link significant urban and rural areas. District roads serve local connectivity, and village roads provide access to smaller communities.
Roads can be classified according to the location and function as follows.
National highways
Highways
District roads
Village roads
Going deep to each of them,
National highways- top member in classification of roads according to location
Main highway runs through the length and breadth of the country. Roads connecting the neighbouring country. are also called national highways. Roads connecting the neighbouring countries are also called national highways. It should have high class surface finishing together with adequate structural strength.
Highways
These are the main roads within a state. These connect important towns and cities of the state. Highways should be two lane wide, but if it is one lane only, it must be provided with wide shoulder.
District roads
These roads should carry the traffic to the interior rural areas. These roads are considered as main branches from NH or SHs. District roads are of 2 types. Major district roads and other district roads.
Village roads
These roads are mainly meant for village roads use. These connect villages with each other and also with nearby towns. These roads can be stabilised each roads, but if metal surface is provided it can serve more useful purpose.
Moving on to the third classification…
Classification of roads based on number of lanes
You might have observed this type of classification while you travelled. There are mainly 4 types as given below.
Single lane road- having only one lane for to and for mobility.
Double lane road- having two lanes for direction to opposite sides
Three lane road- having three lanes for movement in a road
Multi lane road- having more than three lanes for vehicle movement.
The decision on which of the above lanes is to be chosen is based on the traffic.
The next classification of roads is based on the geographic location of the roads.
Types of roads depending on weather
These are of 2 types.
All weather roads- Roads which are compatible to all weather conditions. Types of roads in India should mostly belong to this type. Because the weather conditions are extreme.
2. Fair weather roads- Roads which are not compatible to worse weather conditions.
Next is an interesting classification based on the geometry of roads.
Types of roads based on Road pavement type
Parallel roads- These are local roads running parallel to a higher-speed, limited-access road
Unparallel roads- These are local roads that don’t run parallel to a higher speed and limited access road. The village roads that connect small geographical places best fit for this classification other than other types of roads in India.
Cool. Let’s jump into the last classification of a road.
Types of roads according to the volume of traffic they handle
Roads can be classified depending on the traffic through it.
Light traffic road- Road carrying up to 400 veh/ day
Medium traffic road- 400- 1000 veh/day
Heavy traffic road- More than 1000 veh/day
That’s it. Any doubts or comments? Drop it in the comments. Let’s dwell on more.
Surface Types: Roads are categorized by surface type, including natural earth, gravel, kankar, moorum, water-bound macadam (WBM), bituminous, and cement concrete roads.
Location and Function: Roads are classified by their function, such as national highways, highways, district roads, and village roads, each serving specific connectivity needs.
Lane Number: Classification includes single-lane, double-lane, three-lane, and multi-lane roads, based on traffic volume and requirements.
Weather Compatibility: Roads are categorized into all-weather and fair-weather types, based on their ability to handle different weather conditions.
Pavement Type: Roads are also classified by pavement type, including parallel and unparallel roads.
Traffic Volume: Roads handle varying traffic volumes, categorized into light, medium, and heavy traffic roads.
Conclusion
Road classification is vital for infrastructure planning and management, addressing diverse transportation needs. Understanding road types based on surface materials, functional roles, lane numbers, weather conditions, pavement types, and traffic volumes ensures optimal road design and maintenance. By categorizing roads appropriately, civil engineers can enhance connectivity, safety, and efficiency in transportation networks, catering to both urban and rural needs. This structured approach aids in strategic development, maintenance, and resource allocation, ultimately supporting effective and sustainable transportation systems.
We have seen the basic details about intelligent transportation system in the previous blog . If you haven’t gone through the blog, please go there and gather the knowledge before you begin here. I will take you for a trip starting from the major applications of intelligent transportation system, then to the disadvantages of intelligent transportation system. Later we will take a stroll through the intelligent transportation examples.
All set? Then let us start with why intelligent transportation system is a buzz word.
The picture talks faster than words, right? Look at the figure below which explains why ITS is an oxygen mask in the present traffic conditions.
NEED FOR ITS
From the figure, we can reach at the following conclusions.
The transportation system framework is highly complex
It is composed of a wide range of infrastructures, such as terminal facilities, travel ways, transportation fleets, and information systems
Transport should be open and accessible, extensive and ubiquitous, effective and adaptable
Critical transportation infrastructure has great importance for the national economy, security and functioning of the state
It is essential for:
national priority
providing basic services
their reliability and availability
ensuring trade flows
supports economic growth
Now, we are going to jump on to the interesting topic related to the intelligent transport system.
Applications of intelligent transportation system
Tracking feature in screen
The important applications of intelligent transportation system are broken down in this section. Starting from the familiar electronic ticket machines,
1.Electronic ticket machines
Replacement of conventional ticket sytem by electronic ticket machines.
ETM acts as the focal point for peripheral devices (e.g. card readers) with which it can communicate
The ETM has two distinct aspects, which provided the twin platforms of operational/data generating devices, and back-office/data analysis systems :
Cash receipts and sales management
Data generation, understanding of the business
2. MCV
These are one of the interesting applications of intelligent transportation system.
These MCVs were connected to the ETMs by the RS485 network
Received initiation and reference data from the ETMs
Passed their transaction data back to the ETMs for storage and subsequent transfer to the company’s data systems
3. Autofare system- ancient among applications of intelligent transportation system
The Autofare system was implemented in 1995
Drivers no longer handled any cash or gave change
Customers purchasing a ticket on board placed sufficient cash in the autofare device
The driver issued a ticket from the ETM for the requested fare
If the cash tendered exceeds the fare, a supplementary receipt is also printed from the ETM for the difference
When the tickets are issued, the cash drops into a safe beneath.
While the autofare achieved is the primary function, it had multiple issues:
Very high back-office burden – removal of safes every day, handling the safes, transfer of safes and money, safe management and reconciliation
Cash reconciliation and accountability, since multiple drivers may be assigned to a bus during the day, and hence associated with the takings in the individual safe
Limited integration with the ETM
4. Radio system
Implemented a Trunked Radio System, broadly similar to mobile phone.
This gives call privacy, the dispatcher controls the radio exchanges, calls the drivers individually,
The drivers cannot directly initiate calls but must request to speak and await the dispatcher contacting them
Group calls can also be made
An emergency facility is available which overrides and allows the driver to communicate directly.
5. Wayfarer ATM
The main characteristics are:
It replicates the functions of the old ETM system, with which everyone was familiar
The entire fares and routes tables can be held by the ETMs, due to greater memory capacity
It supports the Integrated Ticketing System – i.e. the ticketing requirements of the scheme supported by the Department of Transport (this was obligatory on Dublin Bus)
Wireless communications are used for data downloads
this removes the previous requirement for portable data modules which each driver had to bring to the depot for download at the end of his/her shift
Wireless communication is also used for uploading information and data updates
Used for uploading software upgrades, removing the previous requirement to physically change the (E)EPROMs in each ETM every time software was amended
6. Readers
A reader in the cash office downloads the data when the safe is being emptied and the cash counted
It automatically knows which bus the safe has come from, and which drivers were associated with it for that day.
A permanent identified of the vehicle is embedded in the ETM tray (permanent fixture on the vehicle)
This is transferred to the ETM and from the ETM to any other device that needs it.
It means that whenever ETMs are switched they automatically pick up the vehicle number, and in turn are automatically assigned within the system.
7. Smartcards- one of the recent applications of intelligent transportation system
Smart Cards were implemented in 2008
Smart Card readers are installed on the buses (one per bus) in parallel with the MCVs
The SCRs are another device on the ETM-hosted RS485 network.
8. AVLC
The AVLC was implemented from 2009
This involves real-time tracking of vehicles
Buses are polled on a 20 second cycle
The location data is based on GPS and Odometer
The Odometer provides the primary means of location, with the GPS supplementing it
Seems that they left the option open in the tender process, and this was what the market proposed
8. Real time passenger information- One of the revolutionary applications of intelligent transportation system
Real-time passenger information can process real-time information (forecast arrival times) about the travel information to the passengers.
9. CCTV
It has a network of 140 CCTVs providing excellent coverage of most of the key junctions and streets, and most potential disruptions points for the Dublin Bus network. It is very useful in difficult or disrupted circumstances.
That was a hell lot of information, right? Relax now. We have reached at the shore of the wide of ITS. The main disadvantages of intelligent transportation system are as follows.
Disadvantages of intelligent transportation system
We have seen some impressive applications of ITS. But who is perfect? Let’s see the important disadvantages of intelligent transportation system below.
Difficult to use in mixed traffic
Preliminary difficulties in understanding
Equipments of ITS is costly
High maintenance cost
The control system software could be hacked by hackers
Can’t make quick response to emergency or congestion due to sudden accident
Not dedicated for traffic data collection
What do you think about the disadvantages of intelligent transportation system? Worth giving attention, right? Let’s wrap up with some intelligent transportation system examples to add cherry on the top of the ITS cake.
Intelligent transportation system examples
The figure shows the intelligent transportation system examples which comes under each category.
So, we are done. Now, Tech-savvy, tell me your feedbacks and doubts in the comments.
Types of shallow foundations – Foundations are broadly classified into shallow foundations and deep foundations. This article is a total overview of shallow foundations and the types of Shallow foundations.
What is a shallow foundation ?
Shallow foundations transfer the load laterally to the soil. It is also called stripped foundations. The depth of a shallow foundation is less than its width. Shallow foundations are adopted when the load acting on a structure is reasonable and has a competent soil layer capable of negotiating the loads available at a shallow depth or shorter depth.
A shallow foundation is placed on the surface of the ground. The depth of a shallow foundation can range anywhere between 1 meter to 3.5 meters and sometimes more. The width of the shallow foundation is greater than the depth.
There are different types of shallow foundations adopted as per site conditions and design requirements.
Shallow foundation – Spread footing or isolated footing
The spread footing is one of the most commonly used types of shallow foundations. They are also called isolated footing or individual footings. Spread footings are further classified into simple spread footing, sloped spread footing, and stepped spread footing based on the shape of the footing.
Simple spread footing
Sloped spread footing
Stepped spread footing
Simple spread footing
This is a common type of spread footing. Simple spread footing consists of a base footing with a single column over it. This type of foundation is used for structures with reasonable loads and bearing capacities.
Types of shallow Foundations -Isolated or spread Footings.
Sloped spread footing
In this type of foundation the footing is sloped as shown in the figure. The footing carries a single column. The cross section of these types of footings are trapezoidal.
Sloped Spread Footing
Stepped spread footing
When the loads are high steps are provided in the footings as shown in the figure.
Stepped Spread Footing
Types of shallow foundations- Strip footing
Strip footings are also called wall footings. They are used for providing load-bearing brick/stone/RCC walls over the footings. Strip footings run continuously throughout the wall area of a building. These types of footings are also used when the spacing between the columns is very less and the footings overlap each other.
Strip Footing
Types of Shallow foundation : Strip Footing
Types of shallow foundations – Combined footing
Combined footing consists of two or more columns over a single footing. These types of footings are adopted when the distance between the two individual footings are very less and overlap each other. A combined footing is also provided in areas where further excavation is not possible due to any flushing with the boundary. A combined footing is classified as rectangular combined footings and trapezoidal combined footings.
Trapezoidal Combined Footing
Rectangular Combined Footing
Strap footings
Strap footings are also called cantilever footings consisting of two individual footings connected through a beam strap. The beam strap is designed as a rigid structure. These types of foundations are economical than combined footings.
Raft foundation – One of the most commonly used types of foundation in construction is a continuous slab resting on the soil and covering the total area of the proposed structure. There are different types of raft foundations based on their applications. The selection of the type of raft foundation depends on a lot of factors like bearing capacity, loads, site conditions, etc.
Raft Foundation
Raft foundation/Mat foundation is a solid slab placed at a designed depth spreading over the entire area of the structure. Raft foundations consist of columns and shear walls for transferring loads coming on the structure to the ground. These types of foundations are mainly used when the bearing capacity of the soil is low and becomes difficult for individual footings to negotiate the loads. The raft foundation helps to transfer the entire load of the structure to a larger area.
Shallow foundations are very easy to construct and do not require highly skilled manpower and professional supervision. These foundations can even be done with the help of medium-skilled workers. A shallow foundation is very economical when compared with a deep foundation. Shallow foundations are end bearing type foundations that transfer loads to the end of the foundation.
Shallow foundations are considered as the most preferred option when the safe bearing capacity of the soil is reasonable and the structural loads are within the permissible limits.
AAC Blocks vs red bricks – AAC blocks are also known as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks. They are lightweight, load-bearing, durable, and economical. AAC blocks can be manufactured to meet any requirements. AAC blocks are considered a green option instead of red bricks. They have enormous potential in terms of insulation, fire resistance, and thermal resistance. AAC blocks are environmentally friendly. They are a superior material compared to concrete, wood, brick, and stone. They can enhance the construction speed, reduce the costs, and unwanted wastage at construction sites.
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks are superior to conventional red clay bricks in a lot of factors. Considering the impact and necessity of these factors we can easily make a choice.
AAC blocks are superior to red bricks in a lot of factors relating to quality, speed, workability, cost, and wastage. There is much to discuss about the advantages of AAC blocks. They hold benefits over Red bricks, fly ash bricks, Cement Concrete hollow blocks, and CLC blocks.
AAC blocks are manufactured from materials like sand, fly ash, lime, and cement. They are lightweight, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient. Their efficiency is due to 80% voids and the use of industrial waste.
AAC blocks are superior to conventional bricks for several reasons. They are lightweight and have eco-friendly properties. These blocks offer better insulation and energy efficiency. They also utilize waste materials like fly ash.
Let us have a comparison between AAC blocks and red bricks in terms of following parameters.
Availability of sizes
Technical Properties
Construction speed
Savings in labour
Material Savings
Availability of sizes.
Customization in size is the most important aspect in deciding the choice of bricks/blocks for a particular structure.
AAC blocks
Conventional red bricks
AAC blocks are available in varied sizes are can be customised for special requirements.
Mostly available in one or two standard sizes. No customisation is possible.
AAC blocks vs red bricks- Technical properties
AAC BLOCK DIMENSIONS
RED CLAY BRICK DIMENSIONS
AAC Blocks
Conventional Bricks
AAC blocks are available in 600 mm/625 mm (length) X 100–300 mm (height) X 230/240 mm (width).
Bricks are available in 225 mm (length) X 115 mm (width) X 75/70 mm (height).
The dimension tolerance of the AAC block is +/- 5 mm.
The dimension tolerance of brick is +/- 5 mm to +/- 15 mm or more.
Density ranges between 500-650 kg/cm³.
Density ranges between 1400-1900 kg/cm³.
The drying shrinkage of AAC blocks is 0.4%, which is very low compared to conventional bricks.
The drying shrinkage of bricks is 0.8%, which is comparatively high compared to AAC blocks.
AAC blocks vs red bricks – Construction speed
AAC blocks are considered cost-effective and economical in comparison with conventional bricks. The cost-effectiveness of AAC blocks is mostly related to the construction speed. AAC blocks can enhance construction speed when compared to conventional bricks. This improvement is due to some unique characteristics detailed out in the following table.
AAC blocks vs red bricks
Let us take a wall of 3mtr x 3 mtr size and 4 inch thickness
AAC Blocks
Conventional Bricks
Area of Block
Area of Brick
Area of block = 24 inch x 9 inch (600 mm x 230 mm) = 0.138 sqm
Area of brick = 9 inch x 3 inch (230 mm x 70 mm) = 0.0161 sqm
Wall area = 3m x 3m = 9 sqm
Wall area = 9 sqm
No. of blocks = 9 sqm / 0.138 sqm = 65 blocks (600 mm x 230 mm x 100 mm)
No. of bricks = 9 sqm / 0.0162 sqm = 555 bricks (230 x 110 x 70 mm)
Total Mortar Joints
Total Mortar Joints
85 rmt (approx)
170 rmt for 4-inch wall & 240-250 rmt for 9-inch wall
Weight
Weight
Weight of an AAC block (9 inch) = 16-17 kg
Weight of brick = 3-3.5 kg (approx)
1 no. 9 inch block = 14-15 bricks
Bricks are heavy
From the above comparisons, it is clear that the AAC blocks are lightweight and covers more area than bricks. Brick masonry got 3-4 times higher mortar joints and around 14-15 bricks constitute an AAC block. That is why Brick masonry is very slow. AAC blocks are big, got fewer joints, and can be completed very fast.
Factors influencing construction speed
Factors Influencing Construction Speed
AAC Blocks
Bricks
Dimensional Accuracy
AAC blocks are factory-made and possess dimensional accuracy, making them easy to place and plumb.
Red bricks are locally made, irregular, and less dimensionally accurate, making them difficult to place, level, and plumb.
Number of Joints
AAC blocks have fewer joints, increasing construction speed.
Red bricks have 4 times more joints than AAC blocks, significantly reducing construction speed.
Coverage Area
AAC blocks cover a larger area.
Bricks cover a smaller area.
Skill Requirement
AAC blocks can be placed by semi-skilled workers due to their dimensional accuracy and shape.
Brickwork requires skilled masons because of inaccuracies and shape issues.
Mortar Joints
AAC blocks use ready-mix block adhesive with a joint thickness of 3-5 mm.
Brickwork uses site-mixed mortar with a minimum joint thickness of 10 mm.
Savings in labor
Savings in Labor
AAC Blocks
Bricks
Pre-curing and post-curing labor
AAC blocks do not require any pre-curing. AAC block masonry joints are air-cured and do not require any curing. Infrastructure and labor involved in the curing process can be eliminated.
Bricks must be soaked in water before use. Additionally, 7-day curing is required for brickwork, which demands curing infrastructure and labour involvement.
Labour saving in mortar mixing
Labour Saving in Mortar Mixing
AAC Blocks
Bricks
Mixing Process
AAC blocks use ready-mix bonding adhesive as jointing material, available in 25-30 kg packs and mixed with water before use.
Brickwork uses site-mixed mortar that involves handling, mixing, and conveying of raw materials and mortar.
Labour Cost
This can save substantial labour costs incurred for mortar mixing and conveying.
Extra labour costs involved for mortar mixing and conveying.
AAC BLOCKS VS RED BRICKS – MORTAR MIXING
Conveying and re-handling labour
Conveying and Re-handling Labour
AAC Blocks
Bricks
Supply and Conveying
AAC blocks are supplied in pallets. They can be easily lifted and conveyed to work spots using cranes and tower cranes directly from the trucks.
Bricks are supplied loose and unloaded manually. They need to be filled in buckets for lifting to heights, requiring more labour.
Labour and Wastage
Saves labour in unloading, conveying, and lifting. Less handling generates zero wastage.
Brick shifting and conveying involve heavy labour and generate a large amount of wastage.
AAC block work rates are comparably less than brickwork due to the saving involved in the labour part. The rate per cum of AAC blocks will be around INR – 650/- to -750 /- per cum whereas brickwork is around INR 1400-1500/- per cum.
Material saving
Saving in mortar
AAC blocks got fewer mortar joints of 3-5 mm thickness whereas brick masonry generates 3-4 times higher number of joints of 12 mm thickness. This can save substantially in terms of jointing material.
Analysis of Mortar for Brickwork
Description
Quantity
x
Rate (INR)
=
Cost (INR)
1 CUM Brickwork = 0.35 to 0.4 CUM mortar
Sand cost (Rs. 2500/- per CUM)
0.35
x
2500
=
875
Cement
1.3
x
300
=
390
Total cost per CUM of brickwork
INR
1265/-
Analysis of Block Adhesive
Description
Details
1 CUM block work
30 kg of block adhesive
Rate per kg
Rs. 12-15 per kg
Cost for 30 kg
Around INR 400/- per CUM
Conclusion: Block adhesive costs approximately INR 400/- per CUM, whereas mortar costs around INR 1250/- per CUM.
Saving in plastering
AAC blocks are dimensionally accurate and both faces of the block-work look even without any undulations. The undulations can be levelled by providing a minimum plastering thickness of 10 mm inside and 12-15 mm outside. AAC blocks can even be painted by directly applying putty/Gypsum plaster over it.
Brickwork has a fair face and unfair face. To cover up undulations, a 12 mm plastering thickness is required for the fair face. A minimum of 18 mm thickness is needed for an unfair face.
AAC blocks offer other value-added benefits. They are superior in fire resistance, termite resistance, and thermal resistance. Additionally, they serve as a green building material. Please read ADVANTAGES OF AAC BLOCKS.
Final year Civil engineering project are the tipping point of your college activities. While you prepare yourself to bid goodbye to your college, this is like a nagging friend. Well, not really. It is the last chance to exercise your skills in civil engineering and practice what you learnt in the textbooks. You will come across all the details on final-year civil engineering projects as well as final-year civil engineering project topics in the blog.
b) Picking the right team for project topics for Civil engineering project
You should be keen while choosing your teammates. First of all, they should have similar interests as you and should be able to fill in the gaps where you are weak.
c) Approaching a guide for the project
The guide for your final year civil engineering projects should be able to provide you with the required guidance for completing the project. And supportive too (why allow backstabbing?). You may ask the guide’s previous team about their experience with them.
So, the first baby milestone is taken care of. Now, let me introduce the major topics for the final year project in civil engineering.
100 Civil engineering project topics for you
Final year civil engineering projects
I have categorized the civil engineering project topics based on the branch of civil engineering to which they belong. For any details regarding the listed topics for Civil engineering project please mail me
I’m pretty sure that you will have a lot more doubts regarding your final year civil engineering projects that hover around your brain. Also, when you want more details on any of the above-mentioned civil engineering project topics, drop them in the comments!
vin civilworld 