Benefits Of Soil Stabilisation

Soil stabilization is a alternative method of creating an improved soil surface using a special soil stabilizer equipment. The soil needs to be stabilized with the time in order to increase its strength and durability, but also to prevent dust generation and erosion. Almost any soil on any site can be improved for bulk fill applications and to build pavements, railways, embankments or roads. The soil stabilisation can be done using a soil stabiliser and lime, cement or other binder materials to improve a weak soil on the most cost-effective way. A soil stabiliser is a machine, or a vehicle powered by a metal drum, that blends the existing pavement with lime. Soil stabilisers are powerful and usually use carbide tips.

However, by stabilizing the soil in the same place where it is, the construction process can be performed very quickly and cost-effective. The many years of using soil stabilisers have proven to be the best method of soil stabilisation, so you should know all its benefits.

Cost-effective – The traditional dig & dump method is very expensive, while the soil stabilisation on-site is significantly more cost-effective. The traditional method includes the cost of involving vehicles to move the material and landfill taxes. Using soil stabilisers you can achieve a rigid and well-treated soil, which leads to reduced thickness design for a foundation or a pavement layer.

Time – The requirements for construction site preparation can be shorten by performing a soil stabilisation. With soil stabilizers, you can dry and strengthen a wet ground and make it ready for immediate building or setting foundation on it. This also means that you will be able to work with your soil stabiliser in extended periods of time and in the coldest winter.

No Landfill Taxes – The landfill taxes can be very high, so it is very important to avoid such. Soil stabilisation performed on-site makes the soil already available for building or setting foundations on it, so you avoid paying landfill taxes. And as all available soils can be immediately used, tipping is eliminated and some other associated tipping charges.

Great Environmental Impact – Soil improvement techniques involve removal and excavation of inappropriate and unwanted materials from the soil. All associated construction activities and movements of vehicles should be avoided, as they are very expensive, especially for larger projects. But fortunately, they can be replaced with the on-site soil stabilisation using a soil stabiliser and small amounts of cement. The result is lower cost, lower congestion and of course, less neighbor conflict.

Most Common Crane Types Used In Construction

The cranes are described as lifting machines that work by using cables and pulleys. They are very useful and valuable machines especially for the construction sector, because they are capable to lift and to move different kinds of heavy materials or machines from one location to another. The cranes make any loading, unloading, lifting and lowering task to be completed effectively and in a timely manner. The first ever crane was designed and invented by the ancient Greeks many years ago, and since then the cranes are used at every construction site, and are engaged in various construction projects like building construction, water dams construction, skyscrapers construction and many other projects. Today the cranes can be found in different sizes and shapes, capable to lift and to move materials up to several tones and can reach heights up to 800 meters.

The most common crane models which are used in the construction industry are the following ones:

Tower Cranes. Many different cranes are available today depending on the nature of the construction work and project. One particular model that is quite popular and widely used on the construction sites all over Australia is the tower crane. This model was primarily developed and used in Europe, but today it is popular and heavily used all over the world. The tower crane is generally used for the construction of tall buildings. Tower cranes are capable to lift items that weigh up to 20 tones and can reach heights up to 80 meters. The bottom part of the tower crane is fixed on the ground during the construction work. A strong concrete pad is used to support and to stabilize the tower crane when heavy loads are lifted and moved to the desired location.

Vehicle Mounted Cranes. For easy movement, some crane models are mounted on a vehicle so that they can be easily transported from one to another location. The vehicle mounted cranes can be driven on roads and highways. Because of that, no additional equipment is required to transport the crane to the final destination where is needed. The vehicles on which the cranes are mounted are equipped with outriggers, which are extended horizontally when the crane is raised. These outriggers support and stabilize the crane.

Rough Terrain Cranes. This is a special crane model, which is mounted on a undercarriage. The undercarriage is equipped with rubber wheels, specially designed for off road works and applications. For increased stability, outriggers are also required when the rough terrain crane is used.

Crawler Cranes. Outriggers are not required when the crawler crane is used. This mobile crane is mounted on a chassis that is equipped with tracks instead of wheels. The crawler crane is capable to lift loads with weight up to 50 tones and more. Although they are mobile, the crawler cranes need to be disassembled into smaller pieces for transportation from one place to another.

Aerial Cranes. These cranes are also known as sky cranes, because they are actually helicopters that are capable to lift and to move heavy loads from one place to another. The aerial crane is very useful machine, especially when the other traditional crane types cannot be used..

Other Crane Types. There are several other crane models which are also used in the construction industry. One of them is the floating crane. This model is generally included in various water construction projects such as bridges, dams, ports and etc. 

Why Do You Need Heavy Equipment Training?

Heavy equipment is usually referred to heavy-duty machines, manufactured for perform the most difficult tasks on the Earth. So, they can be also found as earth-moving equipment. They compromise a few equipment systems: implementation, structure, traction, control and information. A heavy equipment career is one of the most rewarding careers these days, but you need to be properly trained on one or more types of heavy machinery. For example, become a operator of loader, bulldozer or of crane. However, all jobs are paid above the average salary, because you are an expert in specific field. 

There are many program trainings and most of them have these requirements:

• Legal resident of your country;
• Older than 18 years old;
• A high-school diploma and a copy of it for the application;
• A copy of legal birth certificate for the application;
• A picture of valid drivers license to entry the training program;
• Operators of loaders and drillers need to pass a basic math, mechanical and reading tests, while surveyors must get a satisfactory score on the math test, assuming that they have a strong background in Algebra and Geometry.

As mentioned, not any heavy equipment training programs require these requirements, but most of them do. There are many reasons why do you need a heavy equipment training today, but here are the most important.

• High Paying Career – When you are fully and well trained, a high paying career is what yo should expect and seek for. You may be required to start from the bottom, but after a few years of operating loaders, for example, you can ask for a job that will be paid well for your heavy equipment skills.
• Secured Future – Heavy equipment jobs will never go away simply because there will always be that need of heavy machinery operators. The state and the local governments always hire trained operators with a little experience (giving a chance for the newer) for various projects, while private and public companies also hire trained operators for their building projects. For example, a loader operator will never be jobless because he is qualified to operate a loader in the most efficient way.
• Crane Operators Are Paid Most – If you have a heavy equipment ceritification for operating a loader or similar machine, you are qualified to work anywhere in the state. But if you have a certificate for operating a crane, you will have many more job opportunities and much higher salary.

Compaction Equipment - Part 2

Continuing from part 1...

The static roller compactors vary in the size and in the weight and different models can be found, from small static rollers to big rollers that can weigh up to 10-13 tones. The small static roller models are generally involved in smaller construction projects, such as for compacting small parking lots and driveways. The only variables that can be changed into the static roller are the weight of the ballast and the speed of the static roller. The static roller compactors are usually equipped with additional water tanks to prevent the asphalt material from sticking to the drums on the static roller. Such water system keeps the drums clean from picking asphalt materials during the compaction process. One important thing that needs to be highlighted when static rollers are used, is that the drums of the roller should always be faced towards the direction of the compaction operation. In this way the roller pulls the asphalt material under the drums and displacement or shoving is greatly reduced.

Pneumatic roller compactor. This roller is also known as rubber tired roller compactor. It uses static and manipulation force in order to compact the material. The pneumatic roller compactors are generally used for initial and breakdown compaction, as well as for intermediate compaction processes. Asphalt material is being compacted through tire pressure and through the ballast of the pneumatic roller compactor. The pressure in the tires ranges from 450 – 850 kPa depending on the number of piles in the tire construction. The inflation pressure in the tires in the key element for the proper operation of the pneumatic roller compactor. Higher tire pressure means higher compacting force transferred to the ground. For intermediate compaction the pressure in the tires is kept high for achieving proper compacting results. Overinflated tires can cause grooves to appear in the ground. Large tires are very effective in breakdown rolling. The same water spraying system is used with the pneumatic rollers. This system prevents the asphalt material from sticking to the tires.

Vibratory roller compactor. The vibratory roller combines the static and the impact force for more effective compaction. The compacting effort that is created from the static force is generated from the weight of the roller and from the drums. On the other hand, the compacting effort that is created by the impact force is generated by a rotating eccentric weight which is located in the drums. Dynamic force is being created as the weight rotates inside the drums.

The vibratory roller compactors can be found in different sizes and shapes. Most common are the single drum and the double or tandem drum vibratory roller compactors. The single drum roller is heavily used for soil and granular compaction. They are less used for asphalt material compaction. The tandem or double drum vibratory rollers are designed with rigid single or double articulated frame. These machines have the capability to work in any of the following modes: static with no vibrations, one static drum and one vibrating, and both drums vibrating.   

Compaction Equipment - Part 1

The compaction process is described as a mechanical process of increasing the density level in certain ground materials. With this process, the volume of the material is being compressed into smaller volume. The particles within the material that is being compressed move close one to another. This is caused by using specific types of compaction machines. The usage of proper compaction equipment is very important for achieving excellent compaction results on the ground. There are many different types and models of compaction machines from different manufacturers. Each model has its own unique characteristics, and it is used for certain purpose. From small plate compactors to big and bulky roller compactors, every type can be used for achieving great compaction results.

One particular compaction machine that is very popular and it is widely used, especially for asphalt material compaction, is the compaction roller. This particular machine today can be seen on every construction site where the ground needs to be compacted properly so that a nice layer of asphalt can be placed. And after the asphalt layer is placed, the roller compactor is still needed to compact the asphalt mixture. The following text will highlight which are the mostly used roller compactors for compacting asphalt mixtures.

Generally there are four types of roller compactors that are used for compacting asphalt material, and they are:

• Static roller compactor
• Vibratory roller compactor
• Pneumatic roller compactor and
• Combined roller compactor

Static roller compactor. The static roller compactor compacts the materials by applying static pressure. For many years, the static roller compactor was the main compacting machines used for compaction of asphalt mixtures. This roller compactor can be found in different sizes and shapes, and equipped either with two or with three steal wheels or steal drums. The static roller compactor compacts the asphalt material by using weight which is provided by ballast. The drums or the wheels of the static roller are filled with ballast, which can be either sand or water, and in that way a static pressure is being created all over the drums or on the wheels. The compaction effort of the static roller is determined by the amount of the ballast and the contact area. The static roller compactor is not suitable machine to compact materials that are thicker than 40 or 70 mm. Also the static roller compactors do not seek for a soft spots on the materials that are being compacted.

On many road construction projects, the static roller compactor is generally used to finish the rolling procedure of the asphalt material once the desired density of the material is being achieved. The so called “ironing” effect provided by the static roller, makes the surface smooth and also eliminates any previous marks created by other wheels or drums. The finishing task with the static roller must be completed while the asphalt material is still hot enough so that any irregularities can be eliminated with slight movements of the static roller. The temperature of the asphalt material is usually 55-75 degrees. 

Continue reading to part 2...

5 Question To Answer When Renting A Compactor

The compactor is one very effective machine that can be used for various tasks where ground compaction is needed. Generally the compactor is described as a construction machine that is capable to reduce the size of soil or waste material through the process of compaction. These machines are powered by hydraulics and can be found in many sizes and shapes. From small plate compactors, dirt compactors, ride on compactors, asphalt compactors, soil compactors to big drum roller compactors, they are included in various projects like road construction, landscaping, soil and asphalt compaction and many other construction tasks. Today on the market different models of compactors can be found depending on your needs. You can either purchase or decide to rent the compaction machine that is needed. The contractors are turning more towards the renting option, simply because it is more economical decision and because many of them do not have storage place where to keep the soil compactor once the job is done. Although it is more economical decision, renting however requires close attention. 

There are several questions that need to be answered in order to choose the right compactor for your job.

• What Type Of Material Is Going To Be Compacted? If you need the compactor for soil compaction, know exactly the type of the soil. For sand or gravel compaction, soil compactor with smooth vibratory drums is required. For clay materials you should look for pad foot or sheep foot roller compactor. The moisture level of the soil is another factor that needs to be closely considered when renting the compaction machine, because depending on the moisture level different compaction machines with different configurations are needed. If you plan to compact layers of asphalt, look for proper asphalt compactor, but keep in mind the density level that needs to be achieved. The asphalt mixture will affect whether you need to go for pneumatic compactor or vibratory drums asphalt compactor.

• How Thick Are The Lifts? The thickness of the lift is a key consideration when renting a compactor. If the lifts are very thick, high vibratory force and more weight is required. The weight of the machine is another important factor that needs to be considered in relation with the size of the lift and the compaction density. For example, a heavy compaction machine on a thin lift usually causes over compaction, while on the other hand a lightweight compaction machine used on very thick lift can leave some parts of the lift to be improperly compacted.

• What Is The Nature Of Your Work? The nature of your work will have a strong impact when renting a compaction machine. For example, soil compaction includes slopes or base compaction, trench compaction and many other related tasks. For completing all these tasks you will need to rent proper soil compactor with the required power performances. Asphalt compaction requires strong and powerful vibratory asphalt compactor. Small size compactors are ideal for light soil or asphalt works. Make sure that the rented compactor is powerful to meet and to complete your specific job.

• What's The Size Of The Area You Are Planning To Compact? The width of the drums is very important factor when compacting, and bigger drum is not always better. Some would say that bigger drums are more productive. But on the other hand, compactors with smaller drums can complete the job in few passes and can reduce over compaction. Normally for a tight and confined areas you will need compactors with smaller drums. For asphalt compaction take a look to the width of the asphalt mat.

• Is Water System Needed? For asphalt compaction you need to look for asphalt compactors that are equipped with water systems. Such water systems will prevent the asphalt materials from sticking to the drums of the compactor. Always rent compactors that are equipped with pressurized water tanks that are capable to hold enough water for the entire working day. These water tanks ensure that the right volume of water is being poured on the drums of the compactor. 

How To Inspect The Appearance Of A Used Mini Loader

Buying a second hand mini loader may be a good deal for many construction operators, landscapers, earth movers and other professionals who are short on budget. However if you are planning to buy a second hand mini front loader, there are some elements that need to be closely inspected so that any problems can be identified before purchasing the mini loader. The following text will present you one useful guidance on how to best check and inspect the loader you are planning to buy.

Appearance. Begin your inspection by slowly walking around the mini loader. Look for some external damages or any made repairs that can be easily noticed. Look for oil leaks, damages to the doors, tires, condition of the bucket and also consider the loader frame. As you walk around the mini loader check the fluid in the radiator, inspect the transmission system and check the batteries. Don't move quickly, take your time to investigate everything on the outer appearance. By closely looking at the loader appearance, you will know exactly how hard the loader has been used by the previous owner.

Tires And Wheels. Next for inspection are the tires. For proper inspection, the mini front end loader needs to be on a flat surface with all tires inflated with the same air pressure. Check each tire individually and see if there are some cuts or other damages. Look closely at the insides because usually this is where the damages are hidden. Estimate how long can you use the loader with the same tires. If the tires need to be changed, negotiate a lower price for the loader. When inspecting the loader wheels, inspect closely the rims for any damage.

Brakes. If the mini loader that you are planning to buy is equipped with outboard discs, take a closer look of the pads, discs, hydraulics and callipers. Investigate if the discs need to be replaced because they are expensive spare parts. If the mini loader is equipped with inboard discs, in that case the inspection can be done while driving the loader.

Frame. Inspect the structural frame of the loader closely because any damage of the frame can lead to major breakdowns. Identify parts or areas that have been repaired previously. Also inspect the loader frame so that signs of deterioration can be identified.

Engine. If the engine of the mini loader starts easily and doesn't make any strange noise, you can be sure that the engine is in good condition. While the engine is working, see if the gauges are working properly. If you see signs of bubbles or oil in the radiator, blue smoke coming from the engine, black or white exhaust smoke, you should think twice before purchasing the mini loader that is being offered to you. These are all signs of engine problems that can lead to expensive repairs.

Transmission. Like when inspecting the engine, if there are no signs of leaks, strange noise or any other serious damages, you can conclude that the transmission is working properly. If you are unsure about the condition of the transmission, you can contact your local loader dealer for assistance in your inspection.

Bucket. The bucket of the mini loader needs to be closely inspected so that any signs of wear can be identified. Look for excessive wear on the bucket mounting areas, like the bottom pins and bushes. Search for cracks on the bucket. The bucket repairs are not expensive but they can cost you a lot if there are damages to the teeth, and to the adaptor.

Buying a second hand mini loader can be a smart decision in terms of saving money. But it can also be a tricky decision, if the loader needs additional repairs that can cost you more than buying a new mini front end loader. Therefore, in order to avoid making a wrong decision, investigate the mini loader completely from the inside and from the outside. Compare the price of the new mini loader with the price of the second hand mini loader plus the repairs. If there is no big difference in the prices it is more advisable to buy a new mini loader from your local loader dealership.

When Smaller Is Better: Small Compact Equipment For Big Jobs

Every construction project requires certain construction machines to be used for completing various kinds of tasks. From excavators to dump trucks, every construction machine is used for different purpose. Today there is a trend among the contractors around the world, they are turning towards using small sized compact machines. There are countless situations in which a compact construction machine can do a better job than a much larger and heavy machine. Many different models and types of small compact machines can be found today offered by trusted and well known manufacturers like Caterpillar, JCB, Komatsu, New Holland and many others. Their product line of small compact machines includes: compact small loaders, mini front loaders, compact excavators, dozers, mini front end loaders, skid steer loaders and etc. The small size and weight, as well as the high maneuverability is what makes these compact machines to be so widely used and ideal choice for completing tasks of all sizes. Furthermore, these compact machines are specially designed so that many different attachments can be used, making the compact construction machines to be versatile.

In addition to their small size, weight and high maneuverability, the compact machines are also powerful enough to produce force so that large and tough jobs can be completed even more effectively than the big and heavy construction equipment. In many cases small compact machines, like the mini front loader, are more suitable for completing various jobs in confined and narrow spaces. They are designed so that there are no space limitations for them. These unique characteristics make the compact machines to be capable to complete various tasks which were previously completed only by heavy duty construction machines. Small compact machines, like the mini loaders, are very common in various industries like: construction, landscaping, renovation, demolition, agriculture etc. For example, in road construction and resurfacing projects, small compact machines like the skid steer loader and other mini loader models are heavily used for removing materials that other large heavy duty machines cannot reach. Different landscaping projects relay heavily on compact small loaders because of their small size and the reduced ground disturbance.

In short, the main advantages of the small compact machines are:

• Easy for transportation
• Wide selection and easy to rent
• Small size and lightweight
• Ability to work in narrow and confined spaces
• Similarities to large machines in terms of applications and machine operation
• Easy maintenance and service

All in one small sized compact machines are heavily used on big sized projects as more efficient alternative for the larger and less effective equipment. For instance, the mini loaders work in the same way as the big loaders but in a more efficient and quick manner. These small sized machines play a vital role, especially in the construction industry, for completing big scale projects.

Construction - Just How Expensive It Is?

Before starting any project, the construction company will spend most of its time in planning what construction equipment or construction machinery will be needed, and will project the costs and the budget of the whole project. This is very important step that needs to be undertaken, simply because in many cases as the project progresses it may go over the budget if other environmental factors are not considered closely. If you are searching for a construction company that will work on your planned project, it is important to plan your budget in advance so that any project delays can be avoided. Usually a professional, trusted and experienced construction company right from the start of the project will sit down with you so that all the necessary expenses can be determined properly. They will explain the whole process, and how they are planning to complete the project in accordance with your budget.

Not all construction companies work in the same way. For example some of them will charge per square foot. This cost model is actually an average cost per square foot model that needs to be adjusted to some changes as the project progresses. The most important thing is to ensure that the project is going in the right direction and in line with the planned budget. Let's look at some important factors that need to be considered as they may have strong impact on the construction costs.

Asymmetrical Costs. As the project progresses some tasks, like plumbing, hardware installation, insulation and other technical support tasks, at the end may turn out to be more expensive than others. These tasks may require additional construction equipment or construction machinery to be used, and also additional workforce such as plumbers, carpenters, insulators, and electricians to be involved. These additional requirements will increase the costs substantially. But on the other hand, there may be some other tasks that may turn out to be less expensive and under the average cost per square foot. These lower costs will eventually weigh the costs differences so that the project can continue without delays.

Keep The Design Consistent. If the construction project is a integral part of a much bigger site, it is essential the design of the new structure to be consistent with the rest of the existing site. What needs to be considered is the design of the windows, doors, cabinets, surfaces, and other fixtures. Another thing that needs to be considered is the layout of the site, like the relationship of the rooms, the materials that were used in the construction of the rooms and etc. Keeping the consistency may increase the costs if special materials are needed so that the layout of the existing building can be matched.

Fixtures And Fittings. The fixtures and the fittings of the construction project are also important factors that need to be considered. Part of the work of the construction company is to keep the work in line with the projected budget, but at the same time to ensure that they will do a good job in the end without cutting the budget. Very often, things like plumbing, electrical installation etc. tend to increase the costs because additional construction equipment and labor force may be involved. The selected construction company needs to plan in advance every step in the construction process, so that any obstacle can be eliminated in time.

No matter what your project is or what your budget is, make sure that you select the right construction company which will be open for cooperation with you. Also determine your needs and requirements at the beginning so that the costs can be kept close to the budget.  

Safety Tips Worth To Be Remembered When Construction Equipment Is Used

Safety at the work site is very important, especially for those who are using construction machinery and construction equipment. Workers, especially those in the construction sector, need to be always concerned about their personal safety and also to be concerned about the safety of the others around them. The construction managers and contractors need to be aware about the safety and the welfare of their workers, as well as to be concerned about the safety of the people who might be located near the construction site. Very often accidents do happen at the construction sites for a number of reasons, and therefore special attention needs to be devoted towards the safety of the workers who are operating near dangerous places or use heavy and dangerous construction machinery. It is essential for everyone included in the construction sector to fully understand the fundamentals of the work site safety, and also the necessary steps that need to be undertaken for proper safety.

A high percentage of the work site accidents are result of the improper use of the construction tools and the missing safety equipment. The construction tools and equipment are designed to be used only for specific purposes, and using them without appropriate safety equipment and for wrong applications can be extremely dangerous. Appropriate safety equipment like safety goggles, hard hats, hand gloves, boots and other safety items, are a must when construction tools need to be used for managing hazardous materials.

Operating heavy construction machinery and equipment requires special attention. The heavy construction machinery is very effective construction equipment that is used for completing various projects in less time. Although they are very effective, extra attention is required because these powerful machines can be very dangerous if appropriate safety procedures are not followed by the workers. For example, an excavator can complete the digging work for twenty workers, but the power of the excavator needs to be respected. One single malfunction or loss of attention can lead to very serious accidents and injuries, even death. So the operators of such construction machinery needs to ensure that the machine is working properly, and to ensure that the working area is secure.

When heavy construction machinery is used, two main safety concerns need to be remembered: distractions need to be eliminated, and the machine needs to be in perfect working condition. For increased safety workers need to be fully concentrated on their work and to try to eliminate anything that can distract them from their work. Furthermore, they need to ensure that the construction machinery that is used is in perfect working condition. This means that the regular machine inspections are essential, especially those inspections with focus on the cables, brakes, hydraulic systems, electronics and etc. such inspections can help the operator to identify any potential problems that can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

The construction workers are always prone to more dangers and accidents than any other workers. Construction industry will always bear some elements of danger no matter what safety procedures are being implemented at the job site. But by having in mind all these safety tips that have been presented here in this text, the workers can fight more efficiently against the potential dangers in their work.