Structural Surveys UK’s Post

Retaining Walls Retaining walls serve diverse purposes in civil engineering and landscaping. Primarily designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion, these structures can be used in various contexts. In residential landscaping, retaining walls are used to create terraced gardens, adding #aesthetic appeal while preventing soil movement. In highway construction, they #stabilise embankments, ensuring road safety by preventing slope #failure. In waterfront areas, retaining walls control shoreline erosion, safeguarding structures and ecosystems. Additionally, these walls facilitate the creation of #level surfaces on sloped terrain, optimising land use for development. Whether supporting infrastructure or enhancing outdoor spaces, retaining walls play a pivotal role in managing topography, mitigating erosion, and contributing to the overall stability and functionality of diverse environments #RetainingWalls #StructuralSupport #EarthRetention #CivilEngineering #ConstructionSolutions #InfrastructureDevelopment #SlopeStabilization #LandscapingDesign #ConcreteWalls #RetainingWallSystems

This week we are taking a look at this residential development project in Clacton-On-Sea, Essex, where our Civil Engineering and Sustainable Drainage Design teams provided full surface water drainage management design services to our client. The client planned to transform a 1.36-hectare plot of previously unused greenfield into 10 private dwellings. The site abutted the main B-Road, with each plot to be accessed via a single shared entrance off this carriageway. As with all residential and commercial developments we had to consider how it might impact local water systems to minimise the risk of surface water flooding. We worked with the client to design a system that would manage surface water discharge, keeping it as close as reasonably possible to the natural rate at any given site. Our team pride ourselves on being able to seamlessly integrate all necessary systems into the overall project design. In this instance, tailored solutions for the roof and roadway run-off detailed a pair of on-site interlinked detention basins, linked via a culverted pipe. The proposed systems not only manage the surface water run-off for the development but also ensure water quality and provide biodiversity on the site. Thanks to @Aldona Zawadzka and Radosław Zawadzki for their work on this project. Read more here - https://lnkd.in/er67_-DM #civilengineering #sustainabledrainagedesign #drainage #construction #engineeringexcellence #essexprojects #geotechnicalengineering #InnovativeDesign #sustainableconstruction #constructionindustry

Provision for adequate drainage is of paramount importance in road design and cannot be overemphasized. The presence of excess water or moisture within the roadway will adversely affect the engineering properties of the materials with which it was constructed. Cut or fill failures, road surface erosion, and weakened subgrades followed by a mass failure are all products of inadequate or poorly designed drainage. As has been stated previously, many drainage problems can be avoided in the location and design of the road: Drainage design is most appropriately included in alignment and gradient planning.

#BlackCottonSoil #CivilEngineering #BuildingConstruction #ProjectManagenent Black cotton soil, a cohesive soil, is considered a problematic soil for civil engineers. It has characteristics of swelling during rains and shrinking during summer. In both the conditions, it poses problems. During swelling, structure has uplift pressure and produces heave in the foundations, plinth beams, bottom of floors of buildings and canals, roads surfaces etc. and on shrinkage, cracks develop in walls, slabs, plinth protection, floors etc. Though, local construction technology has been developed traditionally in the places where such type of soil is found, still cracks are observed in the structures as sufficient precautions are not taken during construction and maintenance period of the buildings. Various types of damages can occur in the buildings due to up lift forces and settlement caused by the expansive soils such as Diagonal and vertical cracks in smaller direction of slab. Vertical cracks in internal and external walls. Horizontal cracks in slab as cantilever action is created in slab. Detachment of slab in outer walls towards outside. Bending action in outer walls towards outside. Detachment of plinth protection. Heave & settlement in floors. Black cotton soil cannot damage the structure if there is no change in its moisture content. The damages are caused by up heaving or settlement due to change in moisture content of the black cotton soil. It is the water which creates the uplift pressure which cause up heaving and when again it is the water which on removal from the soil causes settlement due to drying. Thus without water, even the black cotton soil cannot cause the damages to the buildings. There are two ways of preventing damages due to black cotton soils; 1. Replacement of black cotton soil 2. Prevention of water coming in contact with black cotton soil. #ConstructionKenya

Waterproofing a retaining wall in a basement is crucial for several reasons: Prevents Water Infiltration: Waterproofing helps prevent water from seeping through the retaining wall, which could otherwise lead to basement flooding and damage. Protects Structural Integrity: Continuous exposure to water can weaken retaining walls over time, leading to erosion or deterioration. Proper waterproofing preserves the wall’s strength and stability. Reduces Mold and Mildew: By preventing moisture ingress, waterproofing helps keep the basement dry, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth, which can cause health issues and unpleasant odors. Prevents Damage to Property: Water seepage can damage belongings, electronics, and other items stored in the basement. Effective waterproofing mitigates these risks. Enhances Longevity: Properly waterproofed retaining walls have a longer lifespan, which is beneficial for the overall durability of the basement structure and the home. Overall, waterproofing is a vital part of maintaining a dry, safe, and structurally sound basement environment. #construction #waterproofing #kuwait #american society of civil engineers #civil engineers #buildings #ASCE #KSE

To all those working in the residential building industry, the building commissioner has updated the advise around Soil Classification Reports for all buildings (including extensions and new residential and other small buildings). This is an extract from the "Building Commission NSW News" page (link below). "Soil classification reports    It is not acceptable for a principal certifier to rely on assumed or old information about soil classification. Certifiers should request a soil classification report that is current and recent, relates directly to the plot (not just based on nearby locations) and is prepared in accordance with relevant Australian Standards. Unreliable information may lead to inappropriate slab/footing design and, ultimately, structural defects. " This translates to the every construction needing a Soil/Lot Classification report that satisfies the AS 2870. Getting this done early will save cost and stream line the design and construction process as well as eliminate hold ups while seeking approvals. https://lnkd.in/ggey-XrY

Considering civil infrastructure, the cost of maintaining the structure is a significant factor. Long-term durability should carry more weight than short-term costs in the decision-making process. Can concrete maintenance costs be reduced? And not just by choosing cheaper maintenance, but by choosing a different method. Read on, for maintenance methods that increase durability of existing concrete structures: https://bit.ly/3UWMMa0

Okanagan Earthworks can get your property to a blank canvas with our Land Clearing and Site Preparation service. We don't cut any corners or skip any steps as we want to ensure thorough and efficient preparation of your construction site: Site Clearing: Removal of vegetation, debris, and obstacles to clear your land for construction. Site Surveying: Detailed land assessment to guide the construction process and ensure compliance with standards. Soil Testing: Analysis of soil composition and properties to determine suitability and stability for construction. Site Plan Design: Development of a comprehensive site plan based on thorough surveys and testing, optimizing space and resources. Grade and Compact the Site: Essential land grading and compaction to ensure a stable foundation and proper drainage for your project. Whether it's a new commercial development, a residential build, or an industrial project, we have the expertise and equipment to prepare your site for success. #sitepreparation #landdevelopment #contractors #construction #sitegrading #heavyequipment #soiltesting #sitesurveying

Water curing is a vital process in the construction of road concrete to ensure that the concrete gains strength and durability over time. It involves maintaining adequate moisture levels in the concrete after it has been placed and finished to prevent the water required for hydration from evaporating too quickly. Proper water curing enhances the concrete’s properties, leading to better strength, reduced permeability, and improved resistance to cracking and shrinkage. #civil #civilengineering #construction

#Didyouknow proper concrete testing is essential for ensuring the strength and durability of any construction project. By analyzing concrete composition and properties, engineers can make informed decisions about construction methods and material quality. Don't underestimate the significance of this vital step! #ConcreteTesting #ConstructionInsights