Sheet Piling (UK) Ltd has taken delivery of a second unique, long-reach telescopic leader rig, with even more capabilities than its 2018 groundbreaking rig, as the company continues its march to deliver programme benefits and costs savings to Tier-1 contractors on a wide variety of projects. The new TM 20
Concrete is a material that has long been used for industrial buildings and home construction for several decades. It is one of the most durable materials that is used for building projects. But did you know that it has numerous uses aside from conventional construction projects? Concrete can be used
Concrete forms are designed to withstand heavy loads, but they aren’t invincible. That’s why it’s important for contractors to avoid placing excessive and unnecessary pressure on their forms when pouring concrete. Until concrete cures, it behaves like a liquid. That means it exerts hydrostatic pressure on the forms into which
Building materials supplier CEMEX has expanded its mortar range by adding 25kg bagged options to two of its dry mixes, in order to provide customers with increased flexibility of supply. CEMEX’s M4 and M12 Natural Mortar are now available in 25kg bags, as well as 1 tonne bags alongside the
Architectures, designers, general contractors and builders need different types of metals in construction projects. To choose the best metal, they consider efficiency, maintenance and durability of metals for their projects. Metals offer striking beauty, versatility and clean looks than other materials. For a construction project, you have to consider economic
Charlie Carlton, Head of Digital at IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery, has commented on the UK economy entering a recession and the outlook for the construction industry: “The UK has now officially, and inevitably, entered a recession, with the economy shrinking by 20.4% between April and June, compared
Global building materials supplier CEMEX presents VIAMAIN, a sustainable alternative to conventional materials designed with the utility contractor in mind. The benefits it delivers include improved air void compliance and a reduction in the number of defects associated with trench reinstatements through enhanced workability and compaction properties. Furthermore, the enhanced
The NHBC has presented Pasquill with a Pride in the Job award in recognition of their role supplying timber trusses to a development in Devon. For 40 years, Pride in the Job has celebrated the housebuilding industry and worked to build confidence in new homes. The competition focuses on exceptional
If you do your research and find the correct structural steel fabricators, your project will be able to be completed efficiently. It will have an effect on the end item, how much time is required to complete the project, and also your total bill. You need to know that not
Marine plywood is made with waterproof glue and has excellent quality. However, this type of plywood is not decay-resistant because it is not chemically treated. It is also a common choice for boat parts and constructing boats. It is used for outdoor furniture because of its durability, especially when it
Sheet Piling (UK) Ltd has taken delivery of a second unique, long-reach telescopic leader rig, with even more capabilities than its 2018 groundbreaking rig, as the company continues its march to deliver programme benefits and costs savings to Tier-1 contractors on a wide variety of projects. The new TM 20 long-reach telescopic leader rig joins the already unique TM 12/15 long reach rig within Sheet Piling UK’s fleet, giving the steel sheet pile specialist two rigs that are peerless within the construction sector. The TM 20 LR boasts the same long-reach capabilities of its slightly older sister rig, being able to reach a full three metres further than anything else on the market when accessing the pile line. However, it can install and extract longer piles – up to 20 metres in length rather than 16 metres. This enables the two rigs between them to tackle any sheet piling project with ease, proving their huge financial worth in scenarios where an expensive and project-delaying temporary platform would typically have to be built, just to allow the sheet piling rig to reach the desired pile line. Other enhancements have been added to the TM 20 LR, including an increase in the size of the vibratory hammer, remote control unloading and loading function, which allows the operator to rig and de-rig the machine working with unhindered visibility on the ground, and a hydraulic rapid-changing docking station. The latter allows for timely interchanging of machine attachments, with any working at height eliminated. A fixed boom hinge fabrication has been added to the centre slew of the base machine, in order for the long reach capability to be achieved, and the rig comes with a unique infrastructure mode for reduced machine footprint. Specially designed vertically stacked counterweights also reduce machine overhang. Sheet Piling UK’s managing director, Andrew Cotton, and plant manager, Bill Lloyd, took over possession of the TM 20 long-reach telescopic rig from the managing director of ABI Equipment UK, Mark Lee, at a handover at ABI Equipment UK’s Northamptonshire base. The rig was manufactured to Sheet Piling UK’s specification, at ABI’s base in Germany. It was then transported to the UK. During the week of handover, the company’s plant fitters and operators underwent familiarisation training with their new giant of a rig, with the Sheet Piling UK order book already impressively full. The rig is now fully commissioned, with a full order book until mid-November and started its first project on September 8 2020). Its first projects will be the A421 upgrade scheme for Morgan Sindall, a permanent basement construction project for McLaren Construction, at a manufacturing facility in Warwickshire and the A19 improvement scheme for Balfour Beatty. Tier-1 contractors working on road and rail infrastructure, marine and river and general construction projects are all likely to benefit from significant time and cost savings, if incorporating the rig’s use into the sheet piling phase. Any type of project normally requiring temporary enabling works can benefit from erasing those from the schedule of works, whether the ultimate project purpose is rail infrastructure widening, SMART motorway Emergency Rescue Area installation or the building of a new quay wall. The TM 20 and the TM 12/15 LR rigs are both seen as having potentially enormous positive impacts on HS2, the SMART Motorway Alliance project and the Road Investment Strategy (RIS2). Andrew Cotton says: “The demand for our first long-reach rig, the TM 12/15 has proved so great that it quickly became apparent that we would need to secure a second long-reach machine. We are a forward-thinking business and so the decision to commission the TM 20 LR was almost inevitable. “We studied the key performance attributes of the first rig, to further enhance the benefits that can be delivered, and believe we now have two superb long-reach rigs, not just unlike anything else in the construction sector but also as suited to delivering on the requirements of Tier-1 contractors as they can possibly be. “We have already demonstrated that we can save around £40,000-£60,000, on average, per Smart motorway ERA where a 100-metre sheet pile installation is required. That is just one example of the financial benefits these rigs can deliver to contractors. At a time when costs are under such scrutiny, it makes no sense to ignore these benefits and stick to old and expensive ways of dealing with earthwork stabilisation, groundworks and infrastructure widening.” Sheet Piling UK says it wishes to engage further with the construction industry, to make these benefits more apparent and is not ruling out further rig commissioning, if demand continues to be as intense as it has been over the past two years. The rig’s design is patented by Sheet Piling (UK) Ltd within the UK.
Concrete is a material that has long been used for industrial buildings and home construction for several decades. It is one of the most durable materials that is used for building projects. But did you know that it has numerous uses aside from conventional construction projects? Concrete can be used for landscaping, decorating, spraying, block filling, and many more building applications. If you want to learn more about its uses, then you have come to the right place. This article will discuss the different uses of concrete, and some of the essential things you need to know. What is Concrete? According to an article by the Concrete Network, concrete has three components: cement, water, and aggregates. Aggregates can come in the form of rock, sand, or gravel. Once the three components are mixed and combined, the product becomes the durable material used for construction projects. What is the difference between Concrete and Cement? One of the common misconceptions when it comes to the construction industry is that concrete and cement are the same; this is not true. As mentioned above, cement is just a component to create a concrete mixture. Concrete for Landscaping When the topic of home landscaping comes to mind, the common things people think about are grass, wood, and rocks. Concrete seldom becomes a part of the conversation when people talk about landscaping, which should not be the case. Concrete can be a material used for landscaping as it can also provide the elegant touch that grass, wood, or rocks produce. Concrete nowadays comes in different colours, which can complement the architectural design of your home. If you want the exterior of your home to stand out, then you should try concrete. Concrete for Decorative Purposes When it comes to interior design, the common choice of homeowners for their walls is wood, which goes the same for flooring. If you are planning to build a new home or remodel it, you should consider concrete for your interior design. Concrete nowadays can be used for decorative purposes as well. Concrete that has exposed aggregates of small rocks and stones can be used for both flooring and walls of your household. It can then be further enhanced by honing and polishing once the mixture has already hardened. Concrete as a decorative material can transform the appearance of any room in your home, whether it may be the bedroom, living room, kitchen, and even entrances. Concrete Driveways Concrete has become the material of choice for constructing driveways because of its benefits and advantages. For instance, concrete driveways have a longer lifespan (50 years or more) than other alternatives, such as asphalt and gravel, lasting between 20-30 years. Concrete driveways are also more alluring to look at, and it drastically improves the curb appeal of your home. Homes with concrete driveways also have a considerably better price tag compared to asphalt or gravel driveways. Concrete as a material has a full range of uses, as mentioned above. Concrete can be used with aesthetics in mind, whether for landscaping or decorative purposes. Concrete is undoubtedly the best material for any building application. However, it would be best to get products from reliable and trusted sellers to ensure that you get high-quality materials.
Concrete forms are designed to withstand heavy loads, but they aren’t invincible. That’s why it’s important for contractors to avoid placing excessive and unnecessary pressure on their forms when pouring concrete. Until concrete cures, it behaves like a liquid. That means it exerts hydrostatic pressure on the forms into which it is poured, acting laterally on the vertical faces of the formwork. This hydrostatic pressure is temporary since fresh concrete changes from a liquid to a quasi-solid relatively fast. In the meantime, though, the formwork must be solid and secure enough to withstand vertical and horizontal loads and lateral pressure. Vertical Loads Using prefabricated Lightweight Formwork rated for the intended use is the easiest way to avoid formwork system failures, but there are some applications that require custom-built forms. When designing custom forms, keep in mind that the vertical load will include not just the weight and hydrostatic pressure of the wet concrete but also the weight of the forms themselves. It’s often the case that the forms must also withstand vertical loads from equipment, tools, and workers, as well. Concrete with normal reinforcement ratios exerts a dead load of 22 to 25 kN/m3. It’s fine to use this estimated dead load to calculate vertical loads in most cases. However, the weight of the materials must be computed separately if the reinforcement appears to be heavy. According to the American Concrete Institute (ACI), live loads, including workers, tools, and small equipment, can be estimated at a minimum of 2.39 kPa. If motorized carts or buggies will be used, assume a minimum vertical live load of 2.39 kPa. Both the vertical dead load and the live load must be taken into consideration when designing formwork. Horizontal Loads While vertical loads are caused by the weight of the material, the forms, the concrete workers, and any tools or equipment they will be using, horizontal loads are caused by factors like inclined supports or inclined dumping of concrete, seismic loads, and wind loads. The ACI Committee 347 offers detailed recommendations for designing formwork to accommodate minimum horizontal loads. They suggest using the greater of 1.5 kN/linear meter or 2% of the total dead load on the form calculated as a uniform load per meter of edges as a guidepost for ensuring adequate bracing to prevent lateral collapse. Lateral Pressures Vertical concrete formworks are subject to internal lateral pressures in addition to horizontal and vertical loads. Lateral pressures are more difficult to calculate since they vary based on the type and depth of the concrete, its state of curing, and the speed of vertical placement. It’s always best to consult a licensed engineer for help with calculating lateral pressure. Keep in mind that the lateral pressure exerted on concrete walls and columns is transferred to the external tie elements found on the sides of forms and to the plywood, studs, and tension ties found on wall forms. That means not just the form materials themselves, but also all external tie elements must be strong enough to withstand strong lateral pressures. The Bottom Line Calculating horizontal and vertical loads for concrete foundations and lateral pressures for concrete walls and columns requires a good deal of specialized knowledge and experience. The easiest way for amateurs to ensure that their formwork will be able to withstand the pressure of poured concrete is to purchase prefabricated forms rated for their intended purposes. Those who plan to make custom forms should always consult licensed engineers before using them.
Building materials supplier CEMEX has expanded its mortar range by adding 25kg bagged options to two of its dry mixes, in order to provide customers with increased flexibility of supply. CEMEX’s M4 and M12 Natural Mortar are now available in 25kg bags, as well as 1 tonne bags alongside the original dry silo option, to ensure all masonry requirements can be met – whatever the size of the site or requirements of the job. Both sizes of bags are fully waterproof to make storage even easier; perfect for sites which are too small for a silo or need the mortar to be moved to different areas throughout the job. A bagged product also allows for a more efficient use of labour. Readymixed, CEMEX’s M4 and M12 Natural Mortar is easy to use; customers simply add water until the required workability is achieved. It is available as both natural and in a wide range of colours. CEMEX M4 and M12 Natural Mortar is suitable for brick laying, block laying, repointing, general masonry repairs and for laying patio and paving slabs. Additionally, M12 Natural Mortar is specifically designed for below ground and DPC environments where increased durability is required. Both mixes are factory made for guaranteed consistency, using dried, constituents, accurately blended to approved mix designs to produce M4 and M12 mortars that comply with the requirements of BS EN 998-2. Michael May, Sales Manager for CEMEX Mortars Europe, commented: “It is important that we continually adapt our product portfolio to provide increased flexibility for the customer, which is why we have included two bagged dry mortar options in the range. Bulk and 25kg bags are suitable for smaller sites where storage is a challenge, or making good where the volume required on site doesn’t lend itself to a silo. “This means that whatever the size of the site or the needs of a job, we can provide a high quality, easy to use and consistent dry, pre-blended solution, compatible with a wide range of bricks and blocks.”
Architectures, designers, general contractors and builders need different types of metals in construction projects. To choose the best metal, they consider efficiency, maintenance and durability of metals for their projects. Metals offer striking beauty, versatility and clean looks than other materials. For a construction project, you have to consider economic benefits, versatility and sustainability of metals. Here are some widely used metals in the construction industry. Steel It is widely used and most recycled metal. Steel is frequently used in the construction industry because of its sustainable structure. If you want this metal for your construction project, you have to choose a reliable supplier for the best steel supplies in Melbourne. Steel structures are available at low costs. These may be available in coastal defenses, bridge deck plates, high-rise buildings, educational buildings, low-rise buildings, security fencing, stadiums, office buildings and hospital buildings. Aluminum Nowadays, the use of aluminum is increasing because of its physical properties. It is an ideal material for different construction projects. Aluminum is lightweight and strong. This metal is highly resistant to corrosion. The fluidity of this metal gives freedom to designers and architects. Aluminum is used in walls and ceilings, roof covers, window frames, HVAC systems and to construct bridges and stadiums. Remember, aluminum is malleable and highly conductive. It is resilient to the harsh climate. This metal is frequently used in wire, doors, and windows. Aluminum handles, walling roofs and HVAC ducts are frequently available in the building industry. Iron Wrought and cast irons are two different products with specific objectives in construction. Cast iron is poured, molded and melted. Wrought iron can be rolled in the final stages of its production. It is used in different architectural projects. Remember, the dome of the United State Capitol is made of cast iron. Wrought iron is easy to rivet to make things, such as rafters, trusses and beams. Copper It is an old metal to add versatility to engineering projects. Copper is a versatile material with amazing physical properties. Remember, copper features strength, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. In the construction industry, copper is an excellent metal. It is suitable for cladding, heating systems, gas and oil lines, electrical wiring, roofing, and rainwater systems. With the use of copper, you can add strength and versatility to your building. Copper tubing is available in two types and famous for pipes in constructions. Inflexible copper tubing can be used as cold and hot tap water pipes. Moreover, soft copper is suitable to make refrigerant lines in heat pumps and HVAC systems. Malleable metal and copper ductile is resilient to corrosion for soil and water. Titanium Titanium is an extra-strength, lightweight metal famous in the construction industry. It is used for cooling and heating system because of its corrosion resistance. Titanium is famous for its use in roofing, security systems and pipes. Remember, plates of titanium offers additional reinforcement. Copper tubing, stainless steel, carbon steel and aluminum are all strong, corrosion-resistant and durable metals. These are frequently applied in the building industry. Use of these metals is common in the construction of door frames, staircases and pipes.
Charlie Carlton, Head of Digital at IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery, has commented on the UK economy entering a recession and the outlook for the construction industry: “The UK has now officially, and inevitably, entered a recession, with the economy shrinking by 20.4% between April and June, compared to the first three months of 2020. “The construction industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with the lockdown causing output to plummet since March. In April, it fell by a staggering 40.2% – the highest monthly fall since such records began in 2010. “However, while construction output remains around a quarter (24.8%) lower than it was pre-lockdown, there are certainly signs of recovery. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that output increased by 23.5% between May and June, which was also a record. “The sectors which grew the most were repairs and maintenance of private housing (44%) and the building of private new houses (42.3%). “In other more positive news, the number of unemployed construction workers dropped by 3,000 in the months between April to June (compared with March to May), and this was joined by a rise in average weekly earnings, from £578 up to £590. While this is 9% lower than the equivalent period last year, it is the first increase in 2020, so hopefully it will continue to rise. “The slow, but visible signs of recovery are also evident in our sales figures, as IronmongeryDirect saw record numbers for both orders and revenue in June. We experienced an 80% year-on-year increase in web traffic and a 75% rise in transactions. “While there is undoubtedly still a long way to go before the construction industry fully recovers, it’s great to see that there are a few signs of progress after an incredibly challenging few months. While we are about to hit a hard time as a nation, there can be hope that we’ll recover in full force.” For more information about IronmongeryDirect, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/.
Global building materials supplier CEMEX presents VIAMAIN, a sustainable alternative to conventional materials designed with the utility contractor in mind. The benefits it delivers include improved air void compliance and a reduction in the number of defects associated with trench reinstatements through enhanced workability and compaction properties. Furthermore, the enhanced durability means VIAMAIN has a significantly decreased whole life carbon footprint compared to traditionally used materials. This can be further reduced by the use of a Warm Mix version VIAMAIN ECO. “For our customers the risk of defects associated with trench reinstatements is one of the major issues they face and by using VIAMAIN they’re seeing a reduction in both visual and core defects, which saves their business money in defect charges and rectification,” explained Martin Ashfield, National Technical Manager (Asphalt & Surfacing) for CEMEX UK. “The sustainability benefits are an added advantage, as we are seeing more and more customers looking to choose more eco-friendly options for their projects. We offer a wide range of sustainable products to our customers for all types of work and we continue to collaborate with others to increase our eco range.” CEMEX customers, D T Hughes Contractors and Ryeland Developments, are two out of 120 that have switched to VIAMAIN for their multiple trench reinforcement projects. Liam Cannon, Reinstatement Manager at D T Hughes, said: “VIAMAIN has lowered air voids by roughly 50% and lowered the number of defect complaints received. It’s an all-round better product visually and because it passes the air content test saving the company money and time.” CEMEX has partnered with Shell Bitumen as their leading Bitumen supplier in the UK and Carl Platt, Director of Asphalt, Paving, and Building Products for Europe, said: “It’s important to us that we offer sustainable and durable solutions to customers. We’ve been working with Shell Bitumen in the UK for a long time and they understand our business and strategic priorities. Increasing our sustainable product range aligns to our strategy and Shell’s robust supply chain and quality products support us to deliver a reliable high standard to our customers.” VIAMAIN mixes are fully compliant with the requirements of the Specification for the Reinstatement of Opening for Highways and mixes are available as a 20mm binder course and a 10mm & 6mm surface course, all of which fully conform to BS EN 13108-1. The product is providing customers with a lot more confidence in the durability of their reinstatement work and Ryeland Developments Operations Manager, Callum Whitfield, said: “VIAMAIN is far superior to standard 6mm batches, operatives prefer to lay the material and customers are happier with the end-product.”
The NHBC has presented Pasquill with a Pride in the Job award in recognition of their role supplying timber trusses to a development in Devon. For 40 years, Pride in the Job has celebrated the housebuilding industry and worked to build confidence in new homes. The competition focuses on exceptional site managers, along with the suppliers and contractors who support them in the goal of creating high quality homes. Pasquill, the UK’s leading supplier of timber roof trusses, was acknowledged for supporting Baker Estates with its Hayne Lane development in Honiton. The collection of two, three-and four-bedroom homes, garages and flats were supplied with trusses and spandrel panels via Pasquill’s Bodmin site. The trusses for the houses are a mix of standard trusses with some raised tie trusses. Chris Powell, Sales Director at Pasquill, said: “These days a little bit of good news goes a long way. This is a terrific achievement, so I’d like to say thank you to all my colleagues who were involved on this project – from administrator to delivery driver. “Building quality homes is the goal, and it takes a team of experts to achieve this. We’re proud to have played our part and are delighted to be recognised alongside our fellow suppliers.” For more information, please visit www.pasquill.co.uk
If you do your research and find the correct structural steel fabricators, your project will be able to be completed efficiently. It will have an effect on the end item, how much time is required to complete the project, and also your total bill. You need to know that not every structural steel fabricator functions similarly in terms of equipment, kinds of projects, etc., therefore it is necessary to know what to look at before working with a certain business. The following are some tips to help you out with the above aim. Look for where there are experts Structural steel fabricators function differently therefore you need to see whether the company you have selected has experience in your project. If you can find some experienced brand that knows about the kind of fabrication you need, this will allow the work to be completed fast. It will also be done well as they will have had experience in the task. How many years have they been working for? You need this question to be answered. No doubt, some fresh companies may give you excellent service, but it is rather risky selecting a business that does not have much experience and is new. For those whose task is really large and tough and if you do not want any complications, select an established brand that has been working for some years. The reason for this is that they have been present for some years and know how to handle tasks and customers. They are doing something correct that’s why they are in business for some time. Check out reviews Nowadays it is simple to know what consumers think about a certain company as there is the internet. It is a good idea to see online reviews. Do not only look at the reviews present on the company’s website. Check out ones present on social media. Professional brands usually have customer testimonials present on their page. No doubt these are wonderful, however, see off-site ones present on other platforms such as Instagram, Google My Business, etc. Does the business invest in equipment and staff? Those brands which spend money on equipment, technology as well as staff are often likely to complete the task faster, better, and well. The employees are a vital part and the way they work is important in determining how they will complete your project. Therefore, see their credentials also. Registration is important See if the business is registered in the area it is present. For instance, if you are looking for structural steel fabricators in Melbourne, check if they are registered over there. If they are then it means that they will give items and services which are of a good standard. Only those businesses get registered that are effective. One spends much cash on a project and they will want it to be completed according to their requirements. You will want to be satisfied that you have selected a professional brand that will give you excellent results. Consider the above tips for this.
Marine plywood is made with waterproof glue and has excellent quality. However, this type of plywood is not decay-resistant because it is not chemically treated. It is also a common choice for boat parts and constructing boats. It is used for outdoor furniture because of its durability, especially when it gets a solid protective finish. What Is Marine Plywood? Almost all marine plywood is made from peeling a massive sheet of veneer from a spinning log – imagine a tissue paper coming off its roll. There are two species of plants used for marine-grade plywood: Douglas-fir and western larch. All plies shouldn’t have knotholes but may have knots. Marine plywood come in different grades: Cases of Use Marine plywood is preferred in the construction of boats and docks thanks to its waterproof nature. It is proven to perform longer in wet and humid conditions. It can also resist fungal attack and delamination. It can also be used for kitchen and bathroom walls. These two areas in the house are prone to moisture; that’s why you need waterproof plywood. Using marine plywood for your kitchen floor will prevent it from deforming and rotting. Woodworkers also love using marine plywood in making outdoor furniture such as: What makes it Special? Marine plywood is super strong because: Whether you are planning to DIY or work with a professional, you need to use high quality materials for your home construction/renovation. Luckily, Sheet Materials Wholesale got your backing. Here you will get quality class 3 plywood at the most competitive prices.