Assignment #3 how to Download the PMP handbook?

Assignment #3 Download the PMP handbook PMI, PMP exam preparation Course Tutorials, Project Management Professionals

AAC Blocks: Aerated Autoclaves Concrete Blocks

AAC blocks are lightweight Aerated Autoclave Concrete Blocks. It is manufactured through a reaction of aluminum and a proportionate blend of lime, cement and flies ash. During this process, the hydrogen gas that escapes creates millions of tiny air cells, rendering AAC with a strong cellular structure. AAC blocks are further strengthened by high-pressure steam curing in autoclaves. The product thus formed is not only lightweight but also has higher Compressive strength.

The density of these AAC lightweight blocks usually ranges between 550 – 650 kg/m³. Which is superior to most types of lightweight blocks. AAC blocks are 25% stronger than other products of the same density.

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks are new to the civil industry. It is replacing the current usage of red bricks. As it has many features when compared with the traditional red bricks. You can learn some of them from below.

Benefits of AAC Blocks:

1. The nominal size of AAC block is 9″ X 8″ X 4″-12″
2. When compared with the volume of normal redbrick with the AAC bricks
   

   Volume of 1 AAC Brick = Volume of 7 red bricks for (9″ X 8″ X 4″)

3. AAC block has a  weight of 9-12 kg depending on moisture conditions. When compared with redbricks 60% of dead load on structure is decreased.
4. It not only decreases the dead load on the structure. It also depreciates the use of Steel and concrete in the structure.
5. Jointing AAC bricks are economical. As mentioned 1 AAC brick = 7 bricks. For Jointing 7 red bricks with each other, it requires more jointing mortar when compared with jointing one AAC block to others.
6. Compressive strength of AAC block is higher 5-6N/Sq.m whereas the redbrick has a Compressive strength of 3.50 N/Sq.mm
7. Fire resistance: They offer good fire resistance from 2 hours up to 6 hours depends on the size.  These blocks are highly suitable for the areas where fire safety is of great priority.
8. The porous nature of the AAC blocks results in enhanced sound absorption. The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of the AAC blocks up to 45 DB. Thus, AAC blocks have been the most ideal material for the construction of walls in auditorium, hotels, hospitals, studios, etc.
9. Do you know the Impact of Earthquake = Weight of the structure? AAC is lightweight, it results in higher steadiness so it is safer and reliable than traditional red bricks.
10. As the AAC block is very easy to handle, manipulate and use ordinary tools for cutting the wood such as the drill, band saws, etc. could be easily used to cut and align the AAC. Moreover, the AAC blocks come with larger sizes and fewer joints. This ultimately results in faster construction work as the installation time is significantly reduced due to fewer amounts of blocks and the masonry amount involved is also lowered resulting in reduced time-to-finish.
11. AAC products do not contain any toxic gas substances.

Environment and Eco-Friendly:

AAC is a non-toxic product that does not pollute the air, land or water. During the manufacturing process, waste from the cutting process is recycled back with raw materials and used again. There is virtually no waste generated. The energy consumed in the production process is only a fraction compared to the production of other materials. The manufacturing process emits no pollutants and creates no by-products or toxic waste products. AAC is manufactured from natural raw materials. The finished product is thrice the volume of the raw materials used, making it extremely resource-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Comparison between AAC Bricks and Clay bricks:-

Description	AAC Bricks	Red/Clay bricks
Structural Cost	Steel Saving Upto 15%	No Saving
Breakage /Wastage	Less than 5%	Average 10 to 12 %
Construction speed	Speedy construction due to its big size, lightweight & easy to cut in any size or shape	Comparatively slow
Cement Mortar for Plaster & Masonry	Requires less due to flat, even surfaces & less number of joints	It requires more due to irregular surface and more number of joints.
Availability	Anytime	Shortage in monsoon
Energy Saving	Approx. 30% reduction in air-conditioned load	No such saving
Accuracy in dimension	99%	90%
Cost	30% cheaper than Red bricks	costlier

Role of Consultants in Construction Industry What is a Consulting Civil Engineer?

A consulting engineer or construction consultant can be termed as the one who is completely independent and professional engineer and performs well-detailed engineering services to his client on an agreed sum of money. The prerequisites of a consulting engineer are that he has to be registered in the state or the country resides to perform as a Professional Engineer.

The segment of services offered by a consulting engineer not only render to a specific profile as they also include with the general practice. The consulting engineer must be remain unbiased with the recommendation laid by him and should be devoid of any influence.

Qualities of consultants:

A consulting engineer along with his expertise field has various other qualities which enhance the work quality over the field. Some of which are expressed below:

• A good amount of brushed up knowledge of business and finances procedures.
• Human relations and team spirit to keep up the high morale
• Leadership skills to convince clients with the data
• Excellent language skills to have a conversation in a foreign language with clients in overseas countries.
• Maintaining sanctity by not accepting any amount of commissions in the delivery materials.

Need for a  Construction consultant:

The necessity of a consultant in the very early of the project cannot be by-passed as serious errors are prone to occur. In case the site is purchased for the construction of a building but soil analysis proved the site is unsuitable for loads of buildings and needs a special type of foundation. The excess of money spent over special foundation could have been easily retained in case a consultant had been hired before the purchase of site.

Roles of a construction consultant:

Consultation

Consultation is the situation that arises when a person needs and opinion regarding a technical engineering problem from an expert civil engineering consultant. This may be requiring a varied amount of time depending upon the critical nature of the problem. The duration of consultation may be brief or may be extended to some duration or may require considerable travel to the site.

Investigation of Problem

The construction consultant needs to study the problem over the field which might involve some amount of engineering calculations and whereas some consultants may also require a paid visit to the site and inspect the structure and the types of equipment over the construction site. Consultants also need to review the reports and investigation prepared by the client’s management and engineers.

Feasibility reports

These reports play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of the project after obtaining the results of the survey and engineering studies performed over the site. These reports are also necessary in order to confirm the engineering solution adopted to confirm the economic feasibility of the structure. The aspects considered in the feasibility report are the requirements and the special needs of the project, estimated construction cost, alternate solution, and expert recommendation and conclusions.

Engineering design

This aspect includes the dimensions and physical characteristics of the structure to be constructed. The dimensions of the structure are presented in the form of drawing which in laymen terms are refereed as the blueprint. These blueprints are supplemented along with written documents, commonly known as specifications.

Plans and specifications are curatively studied by consultant in order to direct the contractor regarding the work expected from him. The design process is also helpful in preparing the list of the materials to be procured often known as the bill of quantizes to initiate the construction process.

The role of a consultant in construction projects is to assist the clients with choosing the best contractor best for the project or also in case of the purchase of materials. Procurement is the crucial process in which consultant usually accepts receipts of proposals from one or many materials suppliers and selection is made on the basis of the quality of material and economical feasibility.

Bids are solicited from the manufacturers and contractors through public notices along with plans, specifications, bids and contract documents in accordance with the legal documents. As the bids and renders are opened publically, the consulting civil engineer recommends the best contractor according to bids posted to the client.

Construction Supervision

The consultant has to keep a keen eye over the construction which is primarily bifurcated into two parts as of general supervision and resident supervision:

General supervision

1. Timely and periodic visit to the site
2. Consultation and guidance to client/owner
3. Interpretation plan drawings and specification
4. Checking the authenticity of drawing and data provided
5. Processing and estimating contractor progress and further payments
6. Guiding in amendments to contractors contract
7. Final inspection and validation of project
8. Preparation of “as-built’ drawings

 Resident supervision

1. This aspect of supervision requires the consulting engineer to send a representative or an engineer to the site of the project.
2. The resident engineer over the site takes care of detailed inspection of the structure being constructed as per specifications and plans.

Legal services

Consultants play a vital role as an expert in the court proceeding and advise the client and lawyers on engineering related matters.
We hope now you are aware of the Role of Construction consultants in project management. Happy Learning!