A building generally goes from concept to design to final construction. A set of architectural drawings helps to guide the building process. As often happens with plans, they can change, which means changes in the architecture and how the building is finally constructed. Fortunately, when a building is complete and ready for use, an as-built drawing can provide detailed information on the final construction. You might wonder: What does as built drawings mean? As-built drawings accurately represent the building’s architectural design as it was built. Why As-Built Drawings Matter You might own a home or another property that you want to... View Article
Soil compaction testing is critical in any construction process. Soil that hasn’t been adequately compacted can be detrimental to the structural integrity of buildings, roads, pavements, and other retaining structures. Consequently, proper soil integrity can either make or break your structure. Due to the role that soil plays in structure reliability, soil compaction is necessary in most cases. That’s why the transportation department in America and building codes require soil compaction procedures. So, what is soil compaction test, and how does it help your construction or engineering work? This post covers everything you need to know. What Is a Soil... View Article
Retaining walls are popular in both commercial and residential properties. They are beautiful and can transform your landscape easily. They also prevent soil erosion, allowing greenery to stay in place. Whether you are a residential or commercial developer, below, we have highlighted four different types of retaining walls to consider for your project. Cantilevered Retaining Walls These walls are also referred to as reinforced retaining walls. They have steel bars running through the masonry or concrete retaining wall. The retaining walls are attached to a slab foundation that is usually under the soil, giving the wall an L-shape. The weight of... View Article
Geotechnical swell tests determine the amount of expansion or swelling in soil when it is saturated with water. The test is typically performed on compacted soils but can also be done on natural, in-situ soils. The test results can predict how the soil will behave under different moisture conditions and can help engineers design foundations, retaining walls, and other structures that can withstand the swelling pressure of the soil. Types of Geotechnical Swell Tests There are two main types of geotechnical swell tests: oedometer tests and triaxial tests. Oedometer tests These tests are performed in a laboratory using a device... View Article
The front range Colorado Springs cost increase is one that has shocked the area. Rent prices have gone up more than 20 percent in some areas, and worker shortages have caused those numbers to rise. These are some of the ways the cost increases can affect construction and what you can do about it if you’re planning to build a new property: How the Pandemic Slowed Construction The pandemic kicked off a massive slowdown in construction housing demand and supply. Many workers had to halt their projects to keep themselves safe during the pandemic and meet the state’s guidelines. Furthermore,... View Article
