It is impossible to imagine sleeping comfortably on beds or walking about one’s home without floors and foundations. Failing to repair damages in the floor or foundation of a structure can result in problems like water seepage, framing issues, and deep wall cracks. Thus, one must repair such damages through tried-and-tested methods to avoid further deterioration and ensure habitable conditions. Here are some common and effective floor and foundation repair services and methods:
Steel pressed piling
In this process, steel piles are inserted into the ground through a hydraulic ram, which is a cylindrical water pump powered by hydropower. In some cases, hollow steel piles are filled with concrete to provide additional support to the piles and alleviate the risks posed by erosion. Steel-pressed piling is simple, hassle-free, and effective and is typically not time-consuming.
Slab jacking
Slab jacking refers to elevating one side of a concrete slab from below. This process results in re-leveling of the slab and typically takes some hours to complete. Nowadays, polyurethane foam, as opposed to mud or concrete, is the preferred substance used to raise concrete in the slab-jacking process. Slab jacking requires specialized equipment and should be undertaken only by professionals with considerable experience in the activity.
Crack sealing
Sealing cracks is a temporary solution to the foundation and floor damage. Adhesive sealants are typically used to fill up the cracks on the pavement surface. However, crack sealing should not be a permanent resort; it is an effective method to prevent further damage until other permanent procedures like steel-pressed piling are employed.
Soil modification
Soil modification is a process in which gaps in soil layers are filled with chemical substances to facilitate soil stability and stiffness. The process is similar to slab jacking; however, it requires considerable expertise and should be carried out only by trained professionals. Moreover, it is more expensive than other foundation-repair methods and requires high maintenance.
Resin insertion
This is a type of grouting used for repairing underground pipes or tunnels. This process is used to repair cracked concrete surfaces, particularly those caused by water leakage. However, the cost involved in this process is considerably high; therefore, it is usually not employed to fix shallow or pattern cracks. As a temporary solution, crack sealing is a more economical method to fill up cracks.
Gravity filling method
This technique is among the most basic crack-filling methods, wherein gravity-filling machines fill gaps in floor surfaces. These machines have basic designs and are easy to use, contributing to the popularity of this technique. Furthermore, gravity fillers do not employ a recirculating mechanism and do not require expertise.
Concrete pressed piling
In this process, deep holes are drilled into the structure to be repaired, then filled with concrete, reinforcement, and, sometimes, precast concrete piles. This procedure involves low costs and does not require heavy equipment. However, avoiding this procedure as a long-term solution for cracked floors and foundations is advisable.
Steel piers
While installing steel piers is an excellent long-term solution, it is relatively expensive and is avoided by individuals with strict budget limits. The procedure involves inserting galvanized steel posts deep into the earth, allowing it to penetrate the foundation and reach the bedrock. The procedure may be carried out in any soil condition and is durable.
Poured concrete piers
Here, a deep hole is dug underneath the foundation and filled up with wet concrete. These concrete piers may be used in different soil conditions and are bell-bottom-shaped for additional support.
Shimming
Shimming involves shims, or small pieces of steel or other material, stacked until the stack attains the desired height. Shimming is a common process used to fill gaps in foundations and floors. These shims are durable and provide considerable support to foundations; hence, they effectively facilitate long-term foundation repair.
Micro-topping treatments
These toppings are made of thin layers of polymer-modified concrete containing sand. They are applied to brushes or trowels and typically dry quickly; thus, this technique is time-saving and popular for foundation repair. However, the resulting texture of the surface depends on the expertise with which the micro-topping is applied to the floor. Typically, one can begin walking on the treated surface after about 42 hours from the time of application.
Stamped concrete surface treatments
This procedure is commonly employed to treat external as well as internal floor surfaces. A thin layer of stamped concrete is applied to an existing slab, and a stamping tool is then used to texture the stamped concrete layer, ensuring that the layer resembles brick or tiled surface. A coat of concrete sealer is applied as the final step.
Dry packing
Dry packing involves manually placing a mortar with low water content, followed by ramming the mortar into place. The low water content ensures that the surface is durable and prevents shrinkage.
Helical piers
Helical piers, also called screw piles or anchors, are installed to repair fragile foundations and support weak structures. These piers may be used to repair various types of damage, including cracks on interior plaster walls, uneven floors, leaning chimneys, and popping up of nails on the ceiling. They may also be used to repair industrial floors.
Construction is an integral part of human life. It is an activity that has been practiced for ages. The first huts or other residential quarters were constructed using hands or simple tools. Maintenance is an activity that comes along with construction. It is the sector that focuses on the efficient working and the checking and fixing of any crucial functioning unit that is a part of the construction. Construction and maintenance go hand in hand once constructed, the structure needs maintenance to survive and function at the optimal rate.
According to surveys, in the year 2015, countries including India, US, China and Japan saw a large increase in the total output (or GDP) in the construction sector. It is a business that has been growing substantially year-on-year. Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) is a popular and embedding concept of maintenance. It involves fixing or repairing of plumbing, mechanical or electrical devices.
Fast-track construction: A concept of the new era
Fast-track construction is a new concept that has been widely popularized in the 21st century. It is an efficient and time-saving procedure that is resorted to while taking up most projects today. Fast-track Construction involves implementing and working on a particular project before it is complete. The basic idea is to save time.
While it may involve undertaking a few risks, the concept has revolutionized the construction industry and by trickle-down effect, the maintenance industry as well. It caters to the urgent needs of the public, not to mention, the quick and prompt time-to-market span of the manufacturer(s).
This strategy is also cost efficient. It minimizes overheads and the cost of financing. The best results are achieved through cohesive planning and well thought-out construction phases.
Advancement of technology and up-gradation of techniques
With the advancement of technology and knowledge, sophisticated and modern methods have been introduced to maximize efficiency. With the introduction of 3D printing technology, the planning and implementing coordination has increased by a considerable margin. Use of state-of-the-art technology has led to an increase in efficiency and output and a reduction in construction waste.
Maintenance The inevitable aftermath
Most constructed structures tend to malfunction or depreciate. That is when the need for maintenance arises. It includes both direct and indirect labor, plants and machinery. The aim of maintenance is to ensure that the serviceability and efficiency of every functioning unit is maintained. It includes overhauls, inspection, repairing and replacing. A successful maintenance program is one, which is systematically strategized and periodically implemented. It ensures perfect output and reduces future expenses. Therefore, maintenance is a necessity that cannot be overlooked.
Construction is a term that means the science and art required to construct, build or form structures, organizations, and objects. It is derived from the Latin term constructionem’ and the Old French term construction.’ The phases of construction are multiple folds. They are:
Vision/fantasy/idea A concept that may or may not be intended to be built (may be a structural design)
Proposed A concept that is under review by the owner and the government
Approved A concept that will be constructed shortly
Design A contract between the owner and the contractor mentioning a detailed specification of what is to be built
Procurement The selection of the contractor or contractors to implement the construction plan
Diversions Before the construction starts, any services or facilities on the site, which must be operational to serve other adjacent sites, must be diverted.
Under-construction Ongoing construction of a fully-designed building
Groundworks Construction below ground level (construction of basements and foundations)
Topped-out A fully designed building where construction has reached the highest or the topmost point of the building
Fitting out Installation of the decorative and non-structural additions after the main structure of the building has been completed (ceilings, paintings, light fittings, etc.)
Commissioning or setting to work Once the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, communications, and building control systems have been installed, they need to be tested and adjusted accordingly.
Substantial completion / beneficial occupancy The point when the work is almost complete so that the owners can occupy or reside.
Complete/built A fully-designed building that has been completely built
Building operation Day-to-day activities that are needed to make sure the building can be used.
Maintenance The work needed to ensure the building continues to operate by its design, plan, and efficiency
Repair Replacing and mending building elements that have been damaged
Renovation Modification to the building
Demolition Destruction of the constructed building, which may include collecting some of the elements for reuse.
Maintenance is the process of taking care and looking after the amenities and the proper functioning of the infrastructure and the types of machinery associated with it. It involves looking after and mending the tools and the elements that ensure the optimal functioning of the structure.
Why are construction and maintenance needed?
Construction is a necessity because it leads to the creation of something new. With an ever-growing population, more and more infrastructure is needed to sustain life. Management is essential because it ensures the proper functioning of the constructed structures. It involves providing a healthy and sanitary environment for residents and everyone else.
With the growing rate of unemployment and population, the growth in the construction industry can be a great source of help. It can provide large-scale employment and infrastructure to cope with the growing population. It is one of the biggest and most illustrious career options today, with the industry earning high revenue, every year.