The Importance Of Land Surveying

What Is Land Surveying?

Land surveying is a method of measuring and mapping of real estate in one dimension, using mathematics, specific technology and specific surveying tools and equipment. The land survey shows the corners, measurements and boundaries of a land in five units of distance: feet, metric, and old surveyors use term poles, rods perches and chains. The direction is measured in degrees, while the form of measurement is defined as acres. Those who perform surveys are called surveyors and with the help of their building surveying equipment, they are able to measure just anything on the land, in the ocean or in the sky.

How Important Is Land Surveying?

To ensure order in our physical world that surrounds us, we depend on land surveying. Surveyors play the most important role in land development, from planning and designing, through to the final construction of utilities, roads and landscaping. Actually, surveyors are the first people that come on any construction site, to measure and map the land with their specific surveying tools and equipment. Surveying tools and equipment include hand-held computers, optical instruments for measuring angles, a level for establishing heights, a plane table, barometer, total station and other building surveying equipment. With proper surveying tools and equipment, it is easy to made the initial measurements, which are helpful to the architects of the construction to understand the ground on which they will build and make the most unique landscape when designing. Engineers on the other hand, need those measurements in order to plan the structures most accurately and safely and ensure the buildings are able to be constructed, not only to fit with the landscape.

Land surveying serves on how well the boundaries can be determined. The management of the structures rely on the building surveying equipment and the calculation on the assessment made possible once the land surveying is completed. It can be applied to properties designed for home use, commercial buildings and residential use. The location is another important aspect to consider and requires a land surveying in order to reduce the mistakes. When a building comes out shorter or taller then it should have, it would cost lots of money and effort to fix it. In such case, the land surveying acts as a preventive method.

Also, the land surveying identifies the topographic location of a building, giving a distinction between a man-made and natural made resources around the building. Underground features, wiring, walls or electrical lines can be also identified with land surveying. The topography locations gives an important view on how well the building will meet the requirements of the companies and is the easiest way make a strategy. And finally, the land surveying provides a safe estimate, giving results to help in determining the areas which are subject to risk. The most common risk is the occurrence of flood or other natural elements, but using the proper surveying tools and equipment, the risk will be minimized. When the whole land surveying is done, it is safe to start building a structure on that ground.

Benefits Of Hiring Proper Equipment For Construction Job

Construction jobs require various construction equipment and the construction companies are required to have a wide range of equipment. Whether their own or hired for a certain project, without proper construction equipment they are not able to start their job. Also, construction sites can be dangerous if quality construction equipment is not used. And still, many companies do not find it important to supply proper construction equipment and search the most economic way to complete the job.

When it comes to construction equipment, most companies have a doubt which the better option is: buying or hiring. They do a deep research and compare the costs of owning and renting, then they are able to choose an option. But, the purchasing equipment is suggested for those companies that will use it on a daily basis. Hiring on the other hand, is a much better option, as it cuts the owning and maintaining costs. It is not as expensive as it seems, but brings many benefits. For example, hiring proper construction equipment maximizes the productivity, reduces the costs significantly, provides an easy disposal and allows the companies to create their custom payment plan. In addition of this article are the two most used pieces of construction equipment for hiring and improve your construction jobs significantly.

Cranes – A crane uses pulley and a cable system to create a mechanical advantage and lift big loads. The crane is an essential tool of many construction operations, as it brings many benefits. The biggest benefit of the cranes is their incredible powerful capability and ability to move very heavy materials upward, downward or horizontally. There are many crane types, but the newer crane types use hydraulics, an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, so they can provide even more powerful performance. Operating a crane is a very accurate work and the person that operates it should be very careful when dealing with heavy loads. Even the smallest mistake could cost a life.

Concrete Mixers – A lot of construction work depends on concrete equipment and it is important to use quality concrete equipment with incredible accuracy. There is a wide selection of concrete equipment, but the most used are the concrete mixers. Different mixers for different applications, there is a concrete mixer for any kind of concreting job. Thorough mixing is key for producing high-quality concrete, so every company should consider investing in quality concrete equipment.

Cranes - Integral Part Of The Construction Industry

The cranes are very useful machines in the construction sector because they are capable to simplify the work at the construction site, especially when heavy weight items or materials need to be lifted and transferred to certain heights. Generally, a crane is a piece of construction machinery designed for lifting materials with the help of many cables and pulleys. The cranes simplify the work of the construction worker at the job site, because without the cranes the tasks of loading, unloading or lifting materials need to be completed manually. These machines enable workers to complete their work in a quick and efficient manner. Many different crane models and types can be found, and each one is used for different purpose. The following article will present various crane types that are very common at the construction sites across Australia.

Tower Crane. The tower crane is the most commonly used crane type in the construction sector. This particular type has been invented in Europe and it is globally used. It is used basically for the construction of tall buildings and structures, because the tower crane can reach heights up to 80 meters. It can be extended up to 60-70 meters and can lift loads with weight up to 20 tons. The tower crane is strongly secured on the ground with concrete blocks for high stability. Special mechanisms are used for raising the crane up in the sky, and for lowering the tower crane down to the ground.

Vehicle Mounted Crane. Because the cranes are widely used, sometimes they can be mounted on special vehicles. These crane types are very popular because they can be moved very easily from one place to another. The vehicle mounted cranes can move on roads and highways, and no additional equipment is required for the transportation of these lifting machines to the construction sites. When these cranes are used, the outriggers of the vehicle need to be extended horizontally for stability.

Terrain Crane. There are two main types in this category: rough terrain crane, and all terrain crane. The rough terrain crane is one special crane model that is mounted on a truck. A undercarriage is used for these crane types so that they can be mounted on trucks. The undercarriage includes rubber tires which can be used in off-road terrains. Outriggers are also used for stability. The all terrain cranes are ideal machines for various industrial projects, off- road and on- road applications. These crane types are not affected by the weather or by the ground conditions. They are designed with built in frames, digital displays and safety devices.

Crawler Crane. This is a mobile crane, and with this type outriggers are not used for stability. For the crawler crane a chassis is used for mounting. The chassis includes track set rather than tires. These cranes have lifting capacity of about 40 to 3000 tons. The crawler crane needs to be dismantled into smaller pieces for easy transportation from on to another location.

Floating Cranes. The floating crane is another type of mobile crane which is generally used in the construction of waterways like ports, dams or bridges. These cranes are usually mounted on a specially designed boats.

Sky Cranes. These cranes are also known as aerial cranes. Basically they are helicopters that have the ability to lift and to transfer very heavy materials and loads. The sky cranes are very useful and effective in situations when the traditional tower crane cannot be used. They are also used for disaster and risk relief programs.  

Everything You Need To Know About Mini Skid Loaders

A mini skid loader is a small machine, powered by an engine with lift arms and it is used to attach various tools and attachments for various applications. Usually, the mini skid loaders have four wheels and the left ones are independent from the right ones. On this way, the wheel speed and direction of rotation of the wheels shows the next direction of the mini skid loader. As all skid loaders able to turn in their own tracks, they are extremely maneuverable and indispensable for compaction related applications.

The lift arms are not like those that the typical front loader has, they are alongside the operator and the pivot points are located right behind the shoulders of the operator. In the past, the first mini skid loaders were not so safe, especially when entering and exiting. But the modern mini skid loaders have entirely closed cabinets and many other features that protect the operator. As the front loaders, the mini skid loaders also can push and move material in their buckets from one location to another, as well as to load material on a truck.

Mini skid loaders are sometimes used as replacement of large excavators by digging a hole from inside. The machine first digs a ramp, which leads to the edge of the excavation and then uses the ramp to carry the material out of the hole. The mini skid loader makes the ramp longer and sharper. This technique is especially useful in cases of digging under a structure, where overhead space does not allow an entrance of the boom of a usual skid steer loader, such as digging a basement under an existing house.

Mini skid loaders are very versatile machines with a range of attachments which only offer an increase of their versatility. For example, the regular bucket of mini skid loaders can be replaced with various specialized buckets or attachments, most powered by hydraulics. Speaking of attachments, the most used mini skid loader attachments are: bucket, forks, compactor, backhoe, angle broom, sweeper units, excavator, planer, pallet forks, tree spade, crane jibs, grabs, post hole auger, breaker, drilling rig, trencher cutters, snow blade and stump grinder.

If you are looking for a mini skid loader for sale, consider these mini skid loaders brands, which are the most popular ones:

• Bobcat;
• Caterpillar;
• JCB;
• Avant;
• Case;
• Dingo;
• Gehl;
• John Deere;
• Terex;
• Mustang;
• Toro;
• Himac.

Integrated Tool Carriers Offer Optimal Visibility

The concept of integrated tool carrier has changed the construction equipment. Backhoes, loaders, excavators and other machines are no longer a single function machines. When equipped with couplers, these construction machines can be converted into versatile machines capable to perform and to complete various construction tasks. By installing different integrated tool carrier attachments, the construction machines provide greater flexibility and visibility for the operators, in order to complete all of their daily tasks.

Contractors and operators today are looking for machines that offer greater flexibility, productivity and visibility. The equipment manufacturers around the world are investing significant resources towards designing and engineering useful attachments that fit and operate well on the machines on which are used. Excavators, wheeled loaders and backhoes are being upgraded with couplers that allow many different integrated tool carrier attachments to be added. The integrated tool carrier is certainly the machine to be used at every construction site, because it offers greater productivity, flexibility and visibility for the operator.

There are many advantages and benefits that can be gained by using the integrated tool carrier. Some of them are the following ones:

• Quick integrated coupler that allows for fast tool replacements and changes
• Broad range of available tools that can be used for different applications
• Greater height and reach
• Excellent load control by the high tilt force
• Greater visibility for the operator

The manufacturers of the integrated tool carriers every year are improving their machines in order to provide more productivity, versatility and of course to provide excellent visibility for the operator. Therefore, many classic models like the wheeled loaders have been redesigned and upgraded by having the operator needs in mind. By understanding the importance and the need for excellent visibility, the manufacturers are upgrading their machines, so that a greater visibility and versatility can be provided for the operator. By evaluating the placement of the components and by rerouting the hydraulic lines, the integrated tool carrier increases the operator line of sight substantially. By providing more clear lines of sight and viewing area, different attachments can be used and changed quickly and the operator can lift and move materials from the ground in a more safe and secure manner.

Additionally, the buckets of the integrated tool carrier have been expanded greatly. A wider bucket selection enables the operator of the integrated tool carrier to closely match the density of the materials for optimal productivity. In addition to the buckets, the manufacturers continue to develop new and innovative tools for the integrated tool carrier.

The structural strategic changes that have been made into the design of the construction machines allow for higher work capabilities and stability, while at the same time without reducing the performance and the responsiveness. The end result is higher productivity on the job site.   

Types of Construction Projects

The construction industry is a huge industry that involves a variety of construction projects. If there was not the construction industry, we wound not have these houses, sidewalks, highways, bridges and everything else that is an essential part of our lives. There are a few main types of construction projects and it is important on what type of construction project are you working on, in best interest of mechanics lien and bond claim rights. The differences are of big importance because the laws governing the projects you are working on are significantly different depending on the type of construction project. Construction projects can be commissioned publicly (for instance, by a municipal agency) or privately by a owner of property.

Each type of construction project requires a specific construction equipment and construction machinery and a unique way to plan, construct, design and maintain the project. We divided the construction projects into three categories: building construction, industrial construction and infrastructure construction.

Building Construction – Building construction is the largest segment of construction industry and it requires earthmoving equipment to perform the process flawless. Although the building construction is divided in two categories (residential and commercial buildings), all building construction projects include these elements in common: financial, design and legal considerations.

• Residential Construction: Whenever a construction work is being performed to a residential facility or to a single-family residence, it is a residential construction project. Residential projects consist of dwellings for people and it could involve constructing houses, apartment buildings, townhouses, condos, farmhouses, etc. using earthmoving equipment.
• Commercial Construction: The commercial construction is a construction process of any buildings for commercial purposes (structures as universities, schools, skyscrapers, hospitals, sports stadiums, retail chain stores, shopping centers, medical clinics, warehouses, etc.).

Industrial Construction – The industrial construction is a small segment , but a very important one. Generally, owners of such projects are for-profit, large, industrial corporations and use only quality construction equipment to get the project done. The industrial construction involves power plants, solar wind farms, manufacturing plants, refineries and they can be found in industries, such as medicine, chemical, manufacturing, power generation, petroleum and others. Projects of industrial construction are usually very expensive, as the buildings/structures are huge and require highly specialized expertise in planning, designing and construction.

Infrastructure Construction – Infrastructure construction projects are earth moving equipment and earth moving machinery oriented works and involve moving large quantity of bulk materials such as earth, concrete and steel. This means that these projects include constructing of railways, bridges, highways, airports, transmission lines, nuclear power plants and other projects that require earth moving equipment and earth moving machinery. The infrastructure construction projects help the growth of the economy and it serves to the public interest.

Rotary Lobe Pumps- Application Guide

The rotary lobe pumps are very useful machines which are used across different industry sectors like: food industry, beverage, pulp and paper industry, chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology and many other sectors. What makes them to be so popular and massively used is the high sanitary qualities provided as well as the high efficiency, the corrosion resistance and the reliability characteristics. These pumps can be found either for industrial or sanitary applications. The following text will highlight where the lobe pumps can be mostly found and used.

Brewery. The rotary lobe pumps are used at all stages in the brewing process, starting from the wort handling to the beer pasteurisation and filling. Generally, the rotary lobe pumps show best results when they are used for high fluid viscosity applications, like for the liquid sugar tanker offloading and for the malt syrups. For low liquid viscosity applications, the centrifugal pumps show great results. The rotary lobe pumps with their gentle pumping action are ideal pumps during the fermentation process.

Confectionery. The rotary lobe pumps are being used by all major confectionery companies throughout the world. These pumps are used for high viscosity products like chocolate, biscuit cream, glucose, fondant and other high viscosity materials and products. Many confectionery products that include particulate matter, like fruit pie fillings, can be handled efficiently by the rotary lobe pumps. The centrifugal pumps on the other hand are used for fat and vegetable oil applications.

Dairy. The rotary lobe pumps are used heavily into the dairy industry for milk and cream processing, and for other milk cultured products like the yoghurt. The hygienic construction and the satisfied 3-A standards, make the rotary lobe pumps to be so popular in this particular industry sector.

Other Food. The “Other Food” means other products not confectionery, dairy or sugar products. Lobe pumps are used for handling many different products from different industry sectors like pet food, various sauces or flavourings.

Pharmaceutical. Rotary lobe pumps can be used for many different products from this category like: cosmetic cream for face and hands, protein solutions, perfumes, toothpastes, shampoo and also for blood products. The rotary lobe pumps are needed when hygiene and corrosion resistance is required.

Soap And Detergent. Centrifugal and rotary lobe pumps are used for handling many product from this category like neat soap sulphonic acid, fabric conditioner dishwash detergent, fatty acid and many other similar products.

Soft Drinks. Centrifugal pumps are used for handling liquid sugar solutions, various flavourings and water, while the rotary lobe pumps are used for handling high viscosity products like the fruit juice concentrates.

Sugar. The ability of the rotary lobe pumps to handle high viscosity products makes them to be used for different sugar refined products which need hygienic handling, like: boiled sugar products, glucose products and also for sugar syrups which are heavily used in carbonated soft drinks, brewing and bakery products.

Water. The centrifugal and the lobe pumps also offer very effective solutions for many different water applications. 

Different Types Of Road Rollers

Properly compacted ground surface is essential for many reasons. Generally the soil compaction is a necessary activity when the subsurface or the surface of the road needs a smooth finish. Proper soil compaction is required for roads that are intended for heavy traffic usage. Improper ground compaction can result in irregular and extensive ground wear. Today different types of construction equipment is used for ground compaction. Many different construction machines are used at the construction sites for conducting soil compaction. The road roller is one of those construction machines that is used mainly for soil compaction during the construction of roads. Different road rollers are available and are used for different purposes. The main function of the road rollers is to provide proper compaction, to ensure that the ground foundation is compacted properly and to prevent the ground materials to be become to much loose. What type of road roller is going to be used depends on the type of the construction materials which are being utilized, the condition of the soil, the level of moisture, and the particular weight that is required in order the desired compaction results to be achieved. The most commonly used road rollers are: the static roller, the vibrating roller, the padfoot roller, single drum roller, multi wheel roller and many other road roller variations.

Static Roller. The static road roller operates by using its own weight for different compaction activities. This roller type can be further divided into steel wheel roller and tire wheel roller. The static roller is mainly used for compacting different ground materials such as crushed stones, gravel, sand, sand macadam and many other materials. This road roller is widely used in road construction, site developments, industrial yard and road construction. The static roller provides high safety and reliability features, excellent gear shifting, high flexibility and of course high quality.

Vibrating Roller. The vibrating rollers usually are equipped with one or two vibrating drums. They are equipped with a powerful engine capable to compact different non cohesive ground materials like crushed rocks and stones, gravel, sand, and also can be used for slightly cohesive types of soil. Some vibrating rollers when used for asphalt compaction are equipped with water pump systems. Such water systems prevent the asphalt from sticking to the vibrating drum. The vibrating rollers are designed for large construction projects like highways, dams, airports, harbors, industrial facilities and other areas. These rollers are classified into:

• Single drum vibrating rollers. These rollers are designed for non cohesive materials compaction, like gravel, stones and rocks, sand macadam.
• Walk Behind Vibratory Rollers. These types are suitable for compacting small ground areas like ground trenches.
• Twin Drum Vibrating Rollers. These road rollers are designed to be used for compacting and maintaining roads, parking areas, lawns, sidewalks. They have small compact design and are heavily used by the construction companies.

Padfoot roller. This model is another useful static roller which is used for many different purposes. The padfoot roller, sometimes known as sheepfoot roller, is mainly used for compacting cohesive type soils but it shows great results also on other soil types. What makes this road roller to be so widely used is the greater compacting depth provided when compared with the smooth drum roller. The padfoot rollers are typically single drum rollers with capabilities to meet and to complete different construction jobs. 

Different Bricklaying Techniques

Bricklaying is a job that back in the time only experienced bricklayers were able to perform it, but nowadays, there are various bricklaying techniques which require specific bricklaying equipment and bricklaying tools and can be implemented in only few hours and mastered in a couple of weeks. Beginners willing to invest a small amount of time to learn the basics of bricklaying and using bricklaying tools and equipment are able to choose a specific bricklaying technique and master it.

A good bricklaying job depends on a good workmanship, quality bricklaying equipment and efficiency. The efficiency involves doing the work with the fewest motions possible and every motions should have a purpose. For maximum efficiency, the builders should develop all the bricklaying methods. The bricklaying procedure should run smoothly; the builder should make a plan before beginning with the work and be supplied with bricks, mortar and bricklayer tools. However, here are a few different bricklaying techniques.

Staggering – In this method, all bricks are staggered in order to increase the strength and durability of the brick wall. Staggering is done on this way: each brick row is installed so that the end of each brick lands in the middle of the prior brick row bricks. There are similar bond patterns, such as Flemish bond where the bricks can vary between whole and half bricks.

Flemish Bond – Flemish bonds are usually replicated in the half-brick outer leaf of a wall by using whole bricks as stretchers. The headers on the other hand, are created by half-bricks called snap-headers or not-so-frequently bats. Unfortunately, the flemish bond is a little weaker than the English bond at one brick thick.

Mortaring – The bricks should be pressed into a so-called mortar-bed and stuck together at each other with smeared mortar. To lay the bricks correctly, spreading cement mortar in a mud bed with a trowel is very recommended, in order to bricks bond together. This trowel is also used to spread mortar over onto the ends of each brick before pushing it into the mortar bed.

English Bond – The English bond is a method that uses alternative courses of stretchers and headers. It might be the strongest bond method in case where the wall is one brick thick. The English bond is preferred bonding method for embankment walls, bridges and other architectures.

Stretcher Bond – In the beginning, the stretcher bond was used for single brick walls, but later it became the absolute choice for cavity walls with the least amount of cutting required. This bricklaying technique is the most economical and is extensively used in modern building.

Header Bond – Many years ago, this method was used for buildings of high quality (most common for curved brick-work). Today, the header bond technique is very strong as the width of the brick wall is the whole length of a brick. Each brick is laid flat with the short end exposed.

If you want to find out more about bricklaying tools and equipment click here.

What Do You Need To Know About Crawler Cranes?

A crawler crane is a lifting machine mounted on a set of tracks with a crane apparatus attached to it. It is capable of working on soft surface due to its weight proportions of the track. Of all crane types, the crawler crane is the most stable, due to its steel tracks. The crawler crane is also capable of lifting significantly more weight than a rubber tire-equipped type of crane with same crane attachment.

The crawler crane consists various parts: track propulsion system (which form the basis of the crane), an engine that sits on the top of the track, control area and a cab. The area above the cab is called boom, from which cables run through and attach to the object about to be lifted. In some cases, the crawler crane has a small extension on the end of the boom that sticks horizontally from the boom. This attachment is called jib and allows the crawler crane to move objects away from its center.

As I mentioned, the track propulsion system is the basis of a crawler. It is based on an old design, but it has proven to be effective and there is no need for change. The tracks are made of steel and allow the crane to operate on soft surface with much greater stability, due to the increased ground contact. This makes the crawler crane the most versatile and maneuverable machine of all the other crane types.

As all other crane types, crawler cranes come with a few advantages and disadvantages as well, which depend on their use. The main impair of the crawler crane is its massive size. Most crawler cranes are so huge that they must be taken apart from one job site to the next one by another huge vehicle (usually truck or train). But the massive size and weight allow the crawler cranes to lift loads up to 3,500 tons to massive heights and maneuver them into position. The cost is the only difficulty in transporting the crane.

Crawler cranes' main advantage is that they are able to perform each lift with quick set-up and move around on job site, as they are very stable on the tracks. The crawler cranes are capable of traveling with a load. As mentioned above, their main disadvantage is their massive size and they can not be transported easily from one job site to the next without significant expense.

Cranes are present since a very long time ago as various crane types, mainly in terms of form. Heavy lifting would be a big concern for the world as it is now, if our ancestors haven't invented the crane. However, the crawler crane is one of the most used machine for any kind of job site, mainly because of its versatility and maneuverability.

Different Types Of Hydraulic Pumps

Nowadays, each hydraulic pump found in almost any industrial and mobile application uses pistons, vanes or gears to create a pumping action that produces constant flow. Each method of pumping action of a hydraulic pump features individual characteristics that differ it from all the others and make it suitable for a particular range of application.

Piston Pumps

The pumps with the highest input speed capabilities are the piston pumps. They usually have pistons arranged in a radial or axial fashion. The radial types are used only when applications require very high power, while the axial types are used in a wide range of pressure capabilities and displacement (which makes them very suitable for various mobile and industrial tasks). The axial-piston pumps consist of a set of pistons fitted in a cylinder block and powered by an angled swash plate. As the swash plate rotates, the pistons provide a pumping action so that reciprocate bores in the cylinder block. A unique characteristic of the piston pumps is that the displacement can vary with changing the angle of the swash plate.

Piston pumps have a greater service life than any other hydraulic pump, but also highest pressure ratings and a significant advantage of variable displacement, which makes them the best choice for application where high power and high efficiency are important.

Vane Pumps

Vane pumps are know for making very little vibration and being the quietest pumps. They generate flow using a set of vanes which can move along within a slotted rotor that rotates in an elliptical chamber. A typical vane pump uses an elliptical cam ring with a rotor spinning in the cylinder and a pair of side plates to form the pumping chambers. The displacement is possible to vary, but it is not a common occasion. Most vane pumps used in mobile and industrial applications have a fixed and stable displacement.

Vane pumps are hydraulically balanced, which means their efficiency is enhanced a lot. Many designs of this kind of hydraulic pump, I mean vane pump, place the rotating group in cartridge, so their repair is much easier. The whole rotating group can be easily removed and replaced by removing the back cover, pulling out the damaged rotating cartridge and replacing it with a new one.

Gear Pumps

Gear pumps are known for having the shortest service life, so they are much more often replaced than repaired because of the cost. The gear pumps are very simple and they use a pair of gears which rotate in an oval chamber to produce a constant flow. With the gear rotating, the size of the chambers changes and so provides the pumping action. There are other designs that use an external rotating ring with internal gear teeth that mesh an internal gear as it rotates. As the internal gear rotates, the tooth engagement creates chambers of diminishing size between the inlet and outlet positions to create flow.

More sophisticated variants of gear pumps is the gerotor pumps, consisted of a non-concentric internal and external rotor with different numbers of teeth. As the internal and external rotor rotate, the pumping action is created by the changing volume of the space between the rotors.

All gear pumps have a fixed displacement, making them relatively inexpensive compared to the piston and vane pumps with similar displacements. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, they have a shorter service life than any hydraulic pump and are not generally economically repairable.

Australian Construction Regulations And Institutions

Australia is a country that lately has developed its building and construction industry and it is becoming very profitable industry. For the construction industry in Australia, the regulations are getting beefed up and the situation is getting more tight, as lots of safety codes and other laws must be fulfilled and respected.

However, there are also many new rules specifically about Australian construction equipment and construction machinery, which are valid only in Australia. In addition you can find out about some of the most important Australian construction regulations and institutions.

Australian Paint Approval Scheme (APAS), The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation – The Australian Paint Approval Scheme is one of the largest and most recognized paint scheme approval in the whole world, developing minimum performance standards for coatings, approving products for the market and publishing an annual list of approved products and buildings. APAS tests are performed with specific construction equipments and they ensure the consumers that the product meets the performance specifications.

Federal Safety Commissioner, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace relations - The Federal Safety Commissioner or shortly known as FSC has a vital role in the construction industry, as it promotes and improves the safety and health in the building and construction industry through an OHS scheme for the Australian Government construction work.

Your Home, Department of Environment – Your Home is an institution that provides guide materials and construction equipments in order to encourage the design, renovation and construction of homes to be healthier, more comfortable, cheaper while more friendly for the environment. The manual of Your Home is written by builders and designers meant for designers and builders, and contains information how to design and build a more comfortable and more stylish home.

Royal Commission Into The Building And Construction Industry, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet – In August 2001, Royal Commission was appointed in order to inquire into certain matters related to the construction and building industry. The Royal Commission includes various transcripts and reports, discussion papers, the terms of reference and submissions.

Building Approval (ACT), Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate – A building approval must be acquired before any construction begins and Building Approval is the institution for it. It is required for most developments in Australia, to ensure building complies with building laws.

Fair Work Building and Construction, Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) – Previously known as the Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner, the FWBC is an institution that regulates the workplace laws in the building and construction industry through advices, compliance activities and education. FWBC helps building industry participants to understand their rights and responsibilities under workplace laws, which are included in their fact sheets.

The Benefits Of Concrete Mixer

On my previous blog post you can read how concrete is made, and now let's talk about the benefits of the concrete mixer.

The most common ingredient in any kind of building structures is cement and to form it, a reliable method and bricklaying tools and equipment are required. The concrete mixer, or also known as cement mixer, is a device for mixing components of concrete, such as gravel, cement, limestone, sand and others together. Such piece of bricklaying equipment is much more preferred than the hand mixing with many benefits. A typical mobile concrete mixer has a rotating drum with blades that spin and mix the ingredients, but it is more recommended for smaller works. For bigger jobs, concrete mixing plants are recommended as they are fixed and stable mixers for mixing a larger amount of concrete.

However, it is very important to be on clear what kind of concrete mixer is needed for the job and then seize all its benefits. There are many benefits of the concrete mixer and they come in addition of this article.

Saves A Lot Of Labor – The most important benefit of the concrete mixer is that it saves a lot of labor. Mixing cement by hand is a time-consuming process and difficult also, while a concrete mixer can save a lot of time and labor. For the business owners, it is a great solution as it can make the employees' time fully optimized, not just wasted. By having such piece of bricklaying equipment, the workers can switch to multitasking, as they are sure their concrete is mixing. Multitasking is equal to saving both money and time, so having one of such bricklaying tools should be well reconsidered.

Provides A Constant Movement – Unlike mixing by hand, the concrete mixer provides a constant movement, thanks to its revolving drum. Mixing concrete by hands with simple bricklaying tools, such as shovel, trowel, jointer, brick hammer, etc., requires a lot of effort and causes fatigue after a short period of time. The constant movement of the concrete mixer prevents drying and allows achieving longer time frames between mixing and pouring.

Ensures A Better Concrete – Yet another benefit of using this irreplaceable piece of bricklaying equipment is that it can ensure a much better concrete. The concrete mixer ensures that the concrete is blended properly and homogeneously, which creates a better and superior result than mixing by hand and helps in preventing flaws in the finished cement.

Off-site Mixing – The concrete mixer allows off-site mixing of the concrete, if needed. This portability is achieved usually with a cement truck, which has a specific rotating drum to prevent drying during the transportation.

How Is Concrete Made

Many people confuse the terms cement and concrete, so let's clear that out. Cement is a fine great powder used to make concrete. Concrete is a building material that is made from four basic ingredients: sand, gravel, cement and water. The technique of making a concrete dates back from 3000 B.C. when the ancient Egyptians used a gypsum and lime mixture. Today, this mixture has been modified and is commonly used in the construction industry.

However, the concrete can be seen everywhere, because of its huge implementation. Roads, highways, buildings, houses, bridges, they can all be built of concrete. The concrete can be composed of various dry materials mixed with water to form a hardened paste mixture, which is used to form various forms and shapes. Its main ingredient is cement, which can be made of limestone, gypsum, clay, gravel and various chemical additives. Like baking a cake, the concrete requires a proper method and proper measures to ensure a strong concrete. There are many techniques of making concrete, but here is our choice of how it's done.

Get The Needed Materials – Acquiring all the needed materials and concrete equipment to produce concrete is the first step. Water, additives, cement, aggregates and air are the usual ingredients for concrete, and concrete mixer, road forms, vibrating poker, float, concrete test cube mold are the usual concrete equipment. Additional minerals can be added in order to ensure the proper chemical composition for making.

Mixing The Concrete – The key to producing a quality concrete is proper mixing. There are several techniques of mixing the concrete with various bricklaying tools and bricklaying equipment. The bricklaying tools and equipment should be capable of effectively mixing concrete materials to produce practical mixtures for work. In order to increase the compressive strength of the concrete, we recommend mixing the cement and water separately and then combine it with the other materials.

Pouring The Concrete - Once the materials have been mixed, it is time to pour the concrete. There are many concrete pouring machines and your choice mainly depends on the size of your jobsite. Usually, wooden molds are used to help pour the concrete into the prearranged forms. In case of reinforced concrete, the prearranged forms should contain steel rods or mesh. After the pouring of the concrete, it can be compressed as much as needed.

Concrete Drying – The most important factors of proper concrete drying are the moisture and the temperature. The concrete shrinks as it dries, but it can be prevented with keeping the surface of the concrete damp. Another problem could be a low or very high temperature. Extreme heat can cause rapid curing, while cold temperatures can draw the process and produce a weak concrete. Because of the temperatures, the construction companies work during the cooler part of the day in the summer and use various warming additives during cold weather in the winter.

The Many Uses Of Wheelbarrow

The wheelbarrow is one small hand propelled cart that is specially designed to carry different kinds of materials and loads. This cart enables the operator to carry and to move medium sized loads from one place to another. Without such assistive tool or device, it would be impossible for the operator to move the loads easily. The wheelbarrows can be seen in many different shapes and sizes, and they are regular tools and equipment at every construction site, garden and many other places. The main design and shape of the wheelbarrow is not changed greatly over the years. It can be made from wood, metal or plastic and usually comes with one wheel on the front, one bucket or barrow and two handles. Some modern wheelbarrows have two or more wheels on the front. The operator moves the wheelbarrow by lifting the handles and pushing the wheelbarrow forward. The main function of the wheel on the front is to lighten the load that is being carried. The wheelbarrows can be used for many purposes. Generally these devices on wheels are mostly used in the construction sector, in landscaping and of course in gardening.

Construction. The wheelbarrows are standard wheeled devices which are used by the masonry and concrete workers when mixing mortar and concrete. These wheeled carts are also used as a bricklaying tools and bricklaying equipment in the construction of residential walls of a house or residential building. Here the wheelbarrows are used for transporting and using small amounts of concrete when laying bricks on the walls. Although the professional concrete and mortar workers have a need of a big concrete trucks or big cement mixers for completing large areas, many small residential repair jobs require small amount of concrete or bricks to be placed. For these small jobs the wheelbarrows are ideal and very effective bricklaying tools. A masonry worker places concrete into the wheelbarrow and mixes the concrete with water to create cement. Then uses the wheelbarrow to move the cement where bricks need to be placed. Other construction workers use the wheelbarrow to transport different kinds of construction materials, or to clean up the construction site from waste and debris.

Landscaping. The professional landscapers generally use large vehicles and equipment like trucks or small loaders in order to transport large amounts of gravel, waste material or sand from one location to another. But for small quantities the wheelbarrows are also very useful tools. Many residential landscapers also use the wheelbarrows as a device to transport small trees and shurbs, and also to transport the fertilizer when planting the trees.

Gardening. The wheelbarrows are the most commonly seen tools on every garden along with other garden tools and equipment. These wheeled carts help the gardeners a lot when moving large bags of soil or compost. Some wheelbarrows have specially designed broad wheels not to damage the lawns. The wheelbarrows are also useful for weeding, because a wheelbarrow can move easily through the garden and the weeds can be placed on the barrow. Many gardeners use the old wheelbarrows as a place where to plant flowers permanently. 

Energy Efficient Homes Are Made From Bricks

Sun's warm rays worsen the temperature in our houses in the summer and the cold weather in the winter is a little tricky as soon as it nears. In order to enjoy the comfort of your home and pay lower bills all year long, you need to know how to build your home in the most energy efficient way.

To build an energy efficient home, the construction workers use various bricklaying tools in the building process. With proper bricklayer tools and bricklaying equipment the construction workers can build a house of bricks in short period of time. In a recent research, it was discovered that 60 percent of potential home buyers prefer house of bricks, as it has been confirmed as the most efficient solution in terms of energy. So, the potential buyers usually contact some construction company that has professional bricklaying tools and equipment to ask a few question about the building process and the finished product.

Energy efficiency means less energy usage to perform. Bricks' exceptional thermal mass allows them to absorb heat and slow down the heat transfer. Using bricks to build your house with good insulation and solar design, you will have a house that requires no artificial heating or cooling, which means you will keep your house cool in the summer during the hottest days and warm in the cold winter days. Although they are a little more expensive than the other options, brick houses are well accepted in the whole world as a durable and traditional option.

Brick-houses have many advantages over less costly options. They increase the value of your house, always have a higher resale price and they are virtually maintenance-free. Bricks do never need painting, staining or caulking. Bricks will never burn or rot like any other material and also decreases the fire possibility by up to 50 percent. It will cost you more, but the result will be a house that will use much less resources in long run.

Centrifugal Pump - Easy Operating Guide

A centrifugal pump contains rotating impeller to move water into the pump and pressurize the discharge flow. It is designed to hold the water with a small valve when the water comes in for the first time. For proper operation and use of a centrifugal pump, you need to read a guide first.

This easy operating guidance provides reference to pump safe application and operating, pump maintenance and installation instructions and pump start-up, operation and stopping procedures. The centrifugal pump needs to be operated only by qualified personnel who have read the whole guide carefully before operating with a centrifugal pump.

Unpacking, moving and lifting instructions

When unpacking the centrifugal pump, you need to stick to some instructions. First of all, you need to check for visible damage on the crate that occurs often during the transportation. Then, carefully remove the packaging material and check the centrifugal pump for some visible markings such as scratches, dents or damages that might occur during the transport. In case of damage, you should report it to the transport company right away.

After the unpacking of the centrifugal pump, you need to know how to move and transport it properly. In fact, it is simple – the pump must always be transported and moved in horizontal position. Just keep in mind the following characteristics: centre of gravity, total weight, lifting points locations and maximum outside dimensions.

For a safe lifting, position ropes or belts on the pump properly and lifting eyebolts with correct movements, to prevent any material damages or personal injuries. Lifting eyebolts fitted on single components of the assembly should not be used to lift the total assembly.

Storage instructions

After unpacking the centrifugal pump, it needs to be repackaged and stored on the right way, if not immediately installed for use. For a proper storage of a centrifugal pump, there are a few things you need to pay extra attention. The pumps needs to be stored in a closed location, which is dry, free of vibrations, clean and not have a lower temperature than 5°C. You can also fill the pump with a rust-preventative liquids compatible with the pump gaskets and elastomers. Before you lay the pump, you should rotate the shaft in order to drench all internal surfaces and stop the connection of the pump internals with the atmosphere. At the end, it is recommended to cover the centrifugal pump with plastic sheet or some similar protective material.

Safety tips

• Always have a fire extinguisher near you when you are installing the pump;
• Do not try to remove the safety guards when the pump is on;
• Any work on the pump should be carried out by at least two people;
• The electrical connections on the motor must be carried out by authorized personnel;
• Always be properly dressed when approaching a centrifugal pump;
• Inside a company, always be informed where is the first aid and read the safety and medical first aid prescriptions in force;
• Disconnect the power to the motor prior to working or removing the pump from installation;
• Never operate with the pump in the wrong direction of rotation;
• Never step on pump piping connected to the pump;

Lobe Pumps - Working Principle And Applications

Lobe pumps are very useful pumps, as they are the right solution for any kind of pumping process. Regardless of the application or what are you pumping, how small or small the flow might be, lobe pumps can help you do your pumping job with ease in the most efficient way. Lobe pumps are able to handle solids, pastes, slurries and various liquids. If wet, lobe pumps offer a superb self-priming performance, a performance which minimized product degradation.

Lobe pumps offer irregular and continuous reversible flows and it can operate dry for a short period of time, but only if flushed seals are used. The flow is independent of changes in the pressure process, so the output is constant and continuous. There are special models available for highly abrasive liquids, shear sensitive liquids or aggressive chemicals.

Lobe pumps characterize with highest efficiency, reliability, superb hygienic qualities and great corrosion resistance. The working principle of lobe pumps have over 50 years of experience and with the years passing by, they became very easy to maintain. To meet every need and to serve the broadest applications, there are a few types of lobe pumps, each with specific user benefits.

Working Principle

The working principle of the lobe pumps is achieved by the counter rotation of two pumping elements called rotors within a rotor case. Those pumping elements are located on shafts, which are mounted within an external gearbox and supported by bearings (which are also located on the shafts).

The timing gears transmit the energy to the driven shaft and also synchronize the rotors on a way that they will rotate without making any contact with each other. As the pumping elements pass the port, the achieved cavity increases, decreasing the pressure, which induces the pumped medium to flow into the rotor case.

Applications

Lobe pumps find their use in a variety of applications in various industries. As they are known for superb hygiene qualities, reliability, corrosion resistance, easy maintenance and high efficient, they are most commonly used in food related industries. For example, lobe pumps are used in the chemical industry for continuous conveyance of almost any substance (acids, solvents, resins, solvents, adhesives, detergents, paints, etc.) while dosing in proportion to rotation speed. Other industries that use lobe pumps are: pharmaceutical industry (mixing perfumes or similar additives, drying fatty acid, blending, recovery, soap and detergent) and sugar industry (glucose, treacle, molasses, liquids sugar, magma, sugar syrup).