Modern construction techniques

By : Ashish, CEO/MD/Director, A S Laser Systems Pvt Ltd

The laser level is certainly becoming normal equipment on building sites across the world these days.The building industry has been completely revolutionised by the laser level and the rotary laser level. The entire task of leveling has been significantly de-risked by the use of high accuracy laser levels/ self leveling rotary laser levels. It is nowadays a comparatively effortless task to check footings for level or to confirm the positioning of steel forms. The best construction rotary laser levels are really simple to operate. You take the level out of its protected carrying case and place it on the tripod. You set the device roughly level and press the button. The rotary laser level will be ready for operation as soon as it has completed its automatic leveling routine. Working a rotary laser level is a very simple procedure. Once switched on the level will work through its automatic self leveling procedure and when set will begin to emit the laser line. It will continue to do this as long as it is undisturbed. If the level is knocked it will transmit an audible error signal and cease broadcasting the beam. It will then work through its self leveling method and return to emitting the beam following a short delay.With the laser level set and functioning it is simple to check the heights of footings and other constructions all over the site. All it takes is a special receiver mounted on a simple rod and a series of measurements. The special receiver is tuned to detect the thin laser beam. It can also identify the relative height of the beam and will give off an audible signal to signify high/low or level measurements. So with the receiver fixed at a specific height on the rod it is possible to take readings along the footing and figure out precisely how true it is.There are a wide variety of uses all over the building site for the laser level. * Concrete forming * Depth control for excavations * Basements * Footings However importantly the use of the rotary laser level has substantially de-risked important duties like the setting of footings, boards and anchor plates for steelwork.There are now a number of options associated with the rotating laser level that have been adapted to cater for

distinct aspects of the construction and building trades. There are rotary laser levels for internal use, outside use and with different ranges. There are also laser levels with single or dual grading capability. Grading is another term for slope so a laser with grading capability can be used to ensure that the necessary inclines are attained. Rotary laser levels can also be used to provide the reference for machine control for excavators. Errors caused by bad measurement are becoming a thing of the past thanks to the use of the rotary laser level.. The rotary laser level has turned out to be the decreased risk option thanks to its straightforward one touch operation. Rotary laser levels are designed to be sturdy enough to survive the severe construction environment.
Source: Modern Cnstruction Technique Ashish http://toostep.com/trends/modern-construction-techniques

Modern methods of construction

Using new technologies to build homes more quickly and efficiently
Timber frame is a modern method of construction that offers an important high-quality solution to the many housing and construction challenges facing the UK. As one of the leading modern methods of construction, timber frame has grown consistently year on year. Its regarded as a means of achieving higher quality, reducing time spent on-site, increasing safety and overcoming skills shortages in the industry, and will play a vital role in the creation of 200,000 homes in sustainable communities by 2016.

Building for the future

Construction through the 20th Century focused on brick, block, concrete and plaster all of which were reliant on aggregates and water. Replenshiable components were not recognized. Ever decreasing build times and more volatile weather conditions forced sites into more labour and plant resources, constantly increasing the carbon footprint.

It is now time for change;

Use more effective materials Reduce waste Speed up housing creation Maintain high standards of traditional design quality

Lower resource consumption Embrace the Egan agenda

Flexible design to meet every challenge

There is a timber frame system to suit every modern method of construction category, including open panel, closed panel, volumetric, hybrid systems and SIPs.

Fast and precise

With developments in integrated computer design, engineering and manufacturing systems, the frame of the building is produced quickly and accurately within the controlled environment of a modern factory.

Cost-effective
Timber frame is a modern method of construction which gives you efficiency savings at every step. With a fixed priced and timelines, it eradicates the possibility of ever increasing sub-contractor costs.

Predictable
Technology enables architects and manufacturers to stay in touch throughout the design process. This online dialogue throughout the early modern method of construction stages means potential problems are dealt with before they arise on-site. The fact that large chunks of the building are created off-site means that your schedule is also less vulnerable to external influences like bad weather, helping you to keep every project bang on schedule.

Environmentally friendly
Wood is the only renewable commercial building material and as a modern method of construction is effectively carbon neutral. When you use timber frame youre actively helping to reduce the effects of global warming. Further enhanced by its low embodied energy and excellent insulation properties, it means happy customers with lower heating bills and a brighter future for the planet.

Low risk, marketable and saleable

Timber frame is a trusted modern method of construction among mortgage lenders too, satisfying all of their concerns about asset value and saleability.
Source: Modern methods of construction http://www.innovationonsite.co.uk/modern-methods-of-construction.aspx

Modern methods of construction (MMC)

The concrete industry embraces innovation and modern methods of construction (MMC) by offering concrete solutions which can be used to reduce construction time and promote sustainable development, as well as offering cost savings.

Precast Flat Panel System

Floor and wall units are produced off-site in a factory and erected onsite to form robust structures, ideal for all repetitive cellular projects. Panels can include services, windows, doors and finishes. Building envelope panels with factory fitted insulation and decorative cladding can also be used as load-bearing elements. This offers factory quality and accuracy, together with speed of erection on-site.

3D Volumetric Construction

3D Volumetric construction (also known as modular construction) involves the production of three-dimensional units in controlled factory conditions prior to transportation to site.

Modules can be brought to site in a variety of forms, ranging from a basic structure to one with all internal and external finishes and services installed, all ready for assembly. The casting of modules uses the benefits of factory conditions to create service-intensive units where a high degree of repetition and a need for rapid assembly onsite make its use highly desirable. This modern method of construction offers the inherent benefits of concrete, such asthermal mass, sound and fire resistance, as well as offering factory quality and accuracy, together with speed of erection on-site.

Tunnel Form

Tunnel form is a formwork system that allows the contractor to build monolithic walls and slabs in one operation on a daily cycle. It combines the speed, quality and accuracy of factory/offsite produced ready-mix concrete and formwork with the flexibility and economy of cast in-situ construction. This fast-track method of construction is suitable for repetitive cellular projects, such as hotels, apartment blocks and student accommodation. It offers economy, speed, quality and accuracy, as well as utilising the inherent benefits of concrete, such as fire and sound resistance.

Further information can be found in the publication 'High Performance Buildings using Tunnel Form Concrete Construction' published by The Concrete Centre. Click here to download. To find out more click here.

Flat Slabs

Flat slabs are built quickly due to modern formwork being simplified and minimised. Rapid turnaround is achieved using a combination of early striking and flying formwork systems. Use of prefabricated services can be maximised because of the uninterrupted service zones beneath the floor slab; so flat slab construction offers rapid overall construction, as it simplifies the installation of services. In addition to saving on construction time, flat slab construction also places no restrictions on the positioning of horizontal services and partitions. This offers considerable flexibility to the occupier, who can easily alter internal layouts to accommodate changes in the use of the structure. Post tensioning of flat slabs enables longer and thinner slabs, with less reinforcement, and hence offers significant programme and labour advantages.

Hybrid Concrete Construction

Hybrid Concrete Construction (HCC) combines all the benefits of precasting with the advantages of cast in-situ construction. Combining the two, as a hybrid frame, results in even greater construction speed, quality and overall economy. HCC can answer client demands for lower costs and higher quality by providing simple, buildable and competitive structures that offer consistent performance and quality.

Thin Joint Masonry

Thin Joint Masonry allows the depth of the mortar to be reduced from 10mm to just 3mm or less, resulting in faster laying and improved productivity, particularly on long runs of walling. Construction speed can be further increased by some 13.5 per cent using large-format concrete blocks, which have a face size equivalent to two traditional concrete blocks. The mortar cures rapidly, achieving full bond strength within one to two hours, eliminating the problem of 'floating' therefore enabling more courses to be laid per day.

Insulating Concrete Formwork

Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) systems consist of twin-walled, expanded polystyrene panels or blocks that are quickly built up to create formwork for the walls of a building. This formwork is then filled with factory produced, quality assured, ready-mixed concrete to create a robust structure. The expanded polystyrene blocks remain to provide high levels of thermal insulation and the concrete core provides robustness and good levels of sound insulation.

Precast Foundations

Precast concrete systems can be used to rapidly construct foundations. The elements are usually to a bespoke design and cast in a factory environment, giving assured quality for the finished product. The foundations are often supported by concrete piles and connected together. These systems improve productivity, especially in adverse weather conditions, and reduces the amount of excavation required particularly advantageous when dealing with contaminated ground.
Source: Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) http://www.concretecentre.com/technical_information/building_solutions/modern_methods_ of_construction.aspx

Building Construction Techniques

Building construction is the process of adding structure to real property. The vast majority of building construction projects are small renovations, such as addition of a room, or renovation of a bathroom. Often, the owner of the property acts as laborer, paymaster, and design team for the entire project. However, all building construction projects include some elements in common design, financial, and legal considerations. Many projects of varying sizes reach undesirable end results, such as structural collapse, cost overruns, and/or litigation reason, those with experience in the field make detailed plans and maintain careful oversight during the project to ensure a positive outcome. Building construction is procured privately or publicly utilizing various delivery methodologies, including hard bid, negotiated price, traditional, management contracting, construction management-at-risk, design & build and design-build bridging. Trump International Hotel and Tower (Chicago) May 23, 2006 September 14, 2007 Residential construction practices, technologies, and resources must conform to local building authority regulations and codes of practice. Materials readily available in the area generally dictate the construction materials used (e.g. brick versus stone, versus timber). Cost of construction on a per square metre (or per square foot) basis for houses can vary dramatically based on site conditions, local regulations, economies of scale (custom designed homes are always more expensive to build) and the

availability of skilled tradespeople. As residential (as well as all other types of construction) can generate a lot of waste, careful planning again is needed here. The most popular method of residential construction in the United States is wood framed construction. As efficiency codes have come into effect in recent years, new construction technologies and methods have emerged. University Construction Management departments are on the cutting edge of the newest methods of construction intended to improve efficiency, performance and reduce construction waste.
Source: Building Construction Technique http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Building_construction_techniques

House Construction Methods

There's an ever growing number of house construction methods available for your self build, each with their own advantages. We'll have a look at the more popular options and highlight a few niche techniques that might be of interest to you.

In this section, 'house construction methods' refers to the construction of the main structural load-bearing shell or 'superstructure' of a house. In most cases, the same facing materials can be used and the appearance of a completed house is similar, irrespective of the build method used.

'Traditional' Methods
The majority of new homes in England and Wales are built using traditional masonry construction. Most of us are familiar with this method and, along with a number of advantages, there is a deep historical and psychological attachment to masonry construction that has contributed to its continuation as the main house building method in the UK. A national survey by MORI found that 61% of respondents would prefer to buy a newly built property of traditional block construction. Timber frame covers a number of build systems and in essence it is a traditional method of construction, however

manufacturing developments have moved many of these methods into the classification of modern methods of construction discussed below. It is the second most popular technique for new home construction in the UK and, according to the UK Timber Frame Association, is the fastest growing method of construction in the UK. Traditionally used in areas rich in timber resources such as North America and Scandinavia, it comes with some good environmental credentials.

Modern Method of Contruction

As technology, manufacturing processes and construction knowledge increase so do the number of house construction methods available to house builders. The term 'Modern Methods of Construction' refers to a collection of relatively new construction techniques that aim to offer advantages over traditional methods. Although referred to as Modern Methods of Construction, some of these have been used for some time. Conventionally this is an area where self builders pioneer, particularly in terms of sustainable construction. Where developers were happy to stick with proven methods of construction that suited buyer demand, many self builders were and still are, willing to research, invest and try something a little different in order to achieve an individual home that meets their needs. You only have to watch a couple of episodes of 'Grand Designs' before you come across an unusual build method.

In light of increasing housing demand, skills shortages and the targets set by The Code for Sustainable Homes, the Government is encouraging the house-building sector to use and develop MMC in an attempt to meet these challenges. Most of these modern house construction methods have evolved to some degree from their traditional predecessors. Methods such as thin joint systems with Aircrete blocks and structural insulated panels (SIPS) are part of the ongoing evolution of masonry and timber frame construction. Other techniques more familiar in larger scale commercial construction have developed, bringing alternatives with some interesting qualities to house building.Steel frame systems have developed and in-situ concrete techniques have led to the development of insulated concrete forms (ICF). Another unlikely material to make its way into the modern methods of construction is straw. A company called Modcell have developed a timber, straw and hemp panel system that can be produced in 'flying factories' then delivered and erected on-site. A common denominator of the modern methods is a reduction in construction time on site and an increase in the amount of manufacture that takes place in a controlled factory environment.

This brings prefabrication to mind but contrary to the images that 'prefab' conjures up, many of the kit houses that are available break new ground in terms of design and construction.

These modern methods and the increase in offsite construction offer the following perceived advantages:

Reducing the effect that weather has on production. Reduced impact on residents. Fewer materials deliveries and so reduced disruption and fuel consumption. Controlled manufacture. Reduced construction times. Fewer defects. Higher quality. Reduced energy use. Reduced wastage. Meeting demand during skills shortages. Reduced labour requirements. Improved safety.

More accurate cost forecasts. Use of better materials. Improved manufacture times.

Other Methods
In addition to the traditional and the modern there are a number of other, 'niche' house construction methods available and anyone interested in something alternative, natural or more sustainable might be interested in the following:

Earthship Homes Straw Bales Cannabricks - Hemp based products. Cordwood - Logs and masonry mortar. Adobe - Sand, clay, water and sticks or straw are mixed and formed into blocks for building. Cob - Similar to Adobe in constitution but applied wet rather than forming blocks. Rammed Earth - Another earth construction method but this one uses formwork.

Log Cabin Homes Dome Houses

o o

Geodesic Dome Homes Monolithic Dome Homes

Comparing the Methods

Each house construction method has its own advantages and due to the complex nature of the processes involved and the unique requirements of different projects it is very difficult to directly compare them in terms of cost, time and sustainability. When assessing the environmental impact of a system, the whole lifecycle of the products involved needs to be considered including acquisition of raw materials, transportation, processing, manufacture, waste generation, operating efficiency, specification, lifespan and recyclability at the end of its life. Time comparisons also require further investigation and although site times may be reduced by offsite prefabrication, lead and manufacture times must also be considered to give accurate schedule predictions. To compare costs accurately, the best way is to build up a set of costs for each method and compare them directly for

your specific project. Have a look at ourMoney section for tips and techniques.

Making a Choice
The links from this page provide more information on the various house construction methods. Weigh up the pros and cons and compare them to what you want from your selfbuild home. Before proceeding too far with your plans, check your position in relation to:

Mortgage Lenders. Insurers. Warranty Providers. Building Control.

Most of the modern methods are gaining acceptance and shouldn't be a problem but now is the time check. Despite many methods laying claim to being the 'future of construction', there is no definitive solution to choosing one of the house construction methods, it really comes down to feasibility and which one suits your personal requirements the best.
Source: House Contruction Methods
http://www.the-self-build-guide.co.uk/house-construction-methods.html