Coordinating Soil Compaction Methods on Site

Coordinating Soil Compaction Methods on Site

Explanation of what expansive clay is and how it behaves under different conditions

Overview of common soil compaction methods used in construction and repair projects


When it comes to construction and repair projects, one of the critical steps that often gets overlooked is soil compaction. Professional foundation repair service ensures the structural safety of a home professional foundation repair service wood. Proper compaction ensures that the soil beneath structures like buildings, roads, and bridges is stable and can support the weight and activity they'll endure. Here's an overview of some common soil compaction methods used on construction sites.

First up, we have dynamic compaction. This method involves dropping a heavy weight, typically between 10 to 40 tons, from heights ranging from 30 to 100 feet. The impact of the weight densifies the soil, especially useful for loose, granular soils. It's like giving the soil a good shake to settle it down. This method is particularly effective for deep compaction and is often used for large areas where traditional rolling equipment might not reach.

Next, we've got vibratory compaction, which is a bit like using a giant, industrial-sized vibrator on the soil. This method uses machines that vibrate at high frequencies to shake the soil particles into a denser configuration. It's especially good for cohesionless soils like sand and gravel. Think of it as a soil massage that helps everything settle into place.

Then there's pneumatic tire rollers, which are pretty much what they sound like-large rollers with big, air-filled tires. These rollers apply both static and dynamic loads to the soil as they roll over it, compacting it in the process. They're versatile and can be used on a variety of soil types, making them a popular choice on many construction sites.

For more specialized tasks, you might see kneading compaction being used. This method employs machines with large, paddle-like feet that push and pull the soil, kneading it into a denser state. It's particularly effective for clayey soils and is often used in areas where achieving a high degree of compaction is critical.

Lastly, we have impact rollers, which are essentially heavy drums filled with concrete or steel shot. As they roll over the soil, they apply a combination of static weight and dynamic impact, effectively compacting the soil. They're great for achieving uniform compaction across large areas and are commonly used in road construction.

Each of these methods has its own set of advantages and is chosen based on the specific requirements of the project, the type of soil being compacted, and the depth of compaction needed. Coordinating these methods on site requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the soil is compacted to the right density, setting a solid foundation for whatever structure is to be built on top.

Factors influencing the choice of soil compaction method for residential foundation repair


When it comes to residential foundation repair, choosing the right soil compaction method is crucial for ensuring the stability and longevity of the structure. Several factors influence this decision, each playing a significant role in determining the most effective approach.

Firstly, the type of soil present at the site is a primary consideration. Different soils, such as clay, sand, or gravel, have unique compaction characteristics. For instance, clay soils may require different techniques compared to sandy soils due to their varying moisture retention and density properties.

Secondly, the depth and extent of the foundation repair needed impact the choice of compaction method. Shallow repairs might benefit from surface compaction techniques, while deeper repairs may necessitate more invasive methods like dynamic compaction or vibro-compaction.

Thirdly, environmental conditions, including weather and groundwater levels, can affect soil behavior and compaction effectiveness. Rainy seasons may require adjustments in compaction techniques to account for increased moisture content, which can alter soil properties.

Additionally, the available equipment and expertise on-site play a crucial role. Some compaction methods require specialized machinery and skilled operators, which may not be readily available for every project. Therefore, the practicality and feasibility of implementing a particular method must be assessed.

Lastly, budget constraints and project timelines also influence decision-making. Certain compaction methods may be more cost-effective or time-efficient than others, impacting the overall project schedule and financial considerations.

In conclusion, selecting the appropriate soil compaction method for residential foundation repair involves a comprehensive evaluation of soil type, repair depth, environmental conditions, available resources, and project constraints. By carefully considering these factors, engineers and contractors can ensure optimal soil compaction, leading to a stable and durable foundation for the residential structure.

Steps to assess soil conditions and determine the appropriate compaction technique


When it comes to coordinating soil compaction methods on a construction site, assessing soil conditions and determining the appropriate compaction technique is paramount. This process not only ensures the stability and durability of the structure but also prevents potential issues such as uneven settling or structural failures down the line. Here's a step-by-step guide to assessing soil conditions and selecting the right compaction method:

1. **Soil Sampling and Analysis**: The first step involves collecting soil samples from various depths and locations across the site. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to determine their composition, moisture content, density, and other critical properties. Understanding the soil's characteristics is fundamental as it dictates the compaction approach.

2. **Identifying Soil Type**: Based on the analysis, classify the soil type according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) or another relevant standard. Soils can range from gravelly to clayey, each requiring different compaction techniques. For instance, granular soils like sand and gravel compact well with vibratory rollers, whereas clayey soils might need kneading rollers.

3. **Determining Optimal Moisture Content**: Soil compaction is highly dependent on moisture content. Too dry, and the soil won't compact effectively; too wet, and it can become unstable. Using the Proctor compaction test, determine the optimal moisture content for maximum density. This test involves compacting soil samples at various moisture levels to find the sweet spot.

4. **Selecting the Compaction Equipment**: With the soil type and optimal moisture content known, choose the appropriate compaction equipment. Options include vibratory rollers for granular soils, sheepsfoot rollers for cohesive soils, or pneumatic tired rollers for a general-purpose approach. The choice depends on the soil's characteristics and the project's specific requirements.

5. **Layer Compaction**: Compact the soil in thin, even layers. The thickness of these layers should be based on the compaction equipment used and the soil type. Over-compaction or under-compaction can lead to issues, so it's crucial to monitor the compaction process closely.

6. **Quality Control**: Throughout the compaction process, conduct regular checks to ensure the soil reaches the desired density. This can be done using a nuclear density gauge or other non-destructive testing methods. If the soil doesn't meet the required density, adjust the compaction technique or moisture content as necessary.

7. **Final Inspection**: After compaction, perform a final inspection to confirm that the soil has been compacted to the required standards. Look for signs of uneven compaction or areas that may require additional work.

In conclusion, assessing soil conditions and determining the appropriate compaction technique is a meticulous process that requires a thorough understanding of soil properties and compaction principles. By following these steps, construction professionals can ensure a stable foundation for their projects, ultimately leading to safer and more durable structures.

Coordination strategies for integrating soil compaction methods into the overall repair plan


Sure, here's a human-like essay on coordination strategies for integrating soil compaction methods into the overall repair plan:

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When it comes to site repair and construction, integrating soil compaction methods into the overall plan is crucial for ensuring the stability and longevity of the project. Proper coordination strategies help to streamline the process, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of the work. Here are some key strategies to consider:

First and foremost, communication is vital. All stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, and subcontractors, need to be on the same page regarding the soil compaction methods to be used. Regular meetings and updates can help ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. This also provides an opportunity to address any concerns or changes in the plan promptly.

Next, a thorough site assessment should be conducted before any compaction work begins. This involves analyzing the soil type, moisture content, and existing compaction levels. Understanding these factors will help in selecting the most appropriate compaction methods and equipment. For example, vibratory rollers might be more effective for granular soils, while impact rollers could be better for cohesive soils.

Scheduling is another critical aspect. Compaction work should be planned in a way that minimizes disruptions to other site activities. This might involve working during off-peak hours or coordinating with other teams to ensure that the site is prepared and accessible when compaction equipment is brought in. Proper scheduling also helps in managing resources efficiently, reducing downtime, and keeping the project on track.

Training and expertise are essential. Ensure that the personnel operating the compaction equipment are well-trained and experienced. This not only improves the quality of the compaction but also enhances safety on the site. Providing ongoing training sessions can keep the team updated on the latest techniques and equipment.

Lastly, monitoring and quality control are indispensable. Implementing a system to regularly check the compaction levels using tools like nuclear density gauges can help in verifying that the soil has been compacted to the required specifications. Any deviations should be addressed immediately to prevent future issues.

In conclusion, integrating soil compaction methods into the overall repair plan requires a combination of clear communication, thorough site assessment, careful scheduling, trained personnel, and rigorous monitoring. By employing these coordination strategies, you can ensure a more efficient, cost-effective, and durable construction project.

Collaboration with contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders in implementing soil compaction


Effective collaboration with contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders is vital for the successful implementation of soil compaction methods on site. This collaborative effort ensures that all parties are aligned with the project's goals, understand their roles, and work cohesively towards achieving optimal soil compaction. Here's how such collaboration can be fostered and maintained:

Firstly, clear communication is essential. From the outset, it's important to establish open lines of communication among all stakeholders. Regular meetings should be held to discuss progress, address any challenges, and make necessary adjustments to the compaction plan. These meetings provide a platform for stakeholders to voice their concerns, share insights, and suggest improvements.

Secondly, defining roles and responsibilities clearly helps in avoiding confusion and overlap. Each stakeholder, whether it's the contractor, engineer, or another party, should understand their specific duties in the soil compaction process. This clarity not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that everyone is accountable for their part in the project.

Thirdly, leveraging the expertise of each stakeholder is crucial. Engineers bring technical knowledge and insights into the best compaction methods and machinery to use. Contractors, on the other hand, provide practical experience and understanding of the site conditions. By valuing and integrating these diverse perspectives, the team can develop a more robust and effective compaction strategy.

Furthermore, adopting a flexible approach allows the team to adapt to unforeseen challenges. Soil conditions can vary significantly even within the same site, requiring adjustments to the compaction methods. A collaborative environment encourages stakeholders to propose alternative solutions and innovate when faced with obstacles.

Lastly, continuous monitoring and feedback are key to ensuring the effectiveness of the compaction process. Regular site inspections and soil tests should be conducted to assess the compaction levels achieved. Feedback from these assessments should be shared among all stakeholders to inform future actions and improve the compaction process.

In conclusion, collaboration with contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders is not just beneficial but necessary for the successful implementation of soil compaction methods on site. Through clear communication, defined roles, leveraging expertise, flexibility, and continuous feedback, stakeholders can work together to achieve optimal soil compaction, ensuring the stability and durability of the construction project.

Monitoring and quality control measures to ensure effective soil compaction during repair work


When it comes to coordinating soil compaction methods on a construction site, monitoring and quality control measures are critical to ensure effective compaction. Proper soil compaction is essential for the stability and durability of any structure built on it. Without adequate compaction, the soil can settle over time, leading to structural issues and expensive repairs down the line. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective monitoring and quality control measures to ensure that the soil is compacted to the required standards.

One of the primary monitoring measures is to use specialized equipment to measure the density and moisture content of the soil. This equipment can provide real-time data on the compaction levels, allowing site supervisors to make informed decisions about whether additional compaction is required. Regular testing should be conducted throughout the compaction process to ensure that the soil is being compacted to the required specifications.

Another important aspect of monitoring is visual inspection. Site supervisors should regularly inspect the soil to ensure that it is being compacted evenly and that there are no areas of low compaction. This can be done by observing the soil's surface for any signs of unevenness or depressions, which may indicate that the soil is not being compacted adequately.

In addition to monitoring, quality control measures are essential to ensure effective soil compaction. One such measure is to establish clear compaction standards and specifications that all site personnel must adhere to. These standards should be based on the project's requirements and the type of soil being compacted. Site personnel should be trained on these standards and regularly reminded of their importance.

Another quality control measure is to implement a system of checks and balances. This can involve having multiple personnel involved in the compaction process, with each person responsible for a specific aspect of the process. For example, one person may be responsible for operating the compaction equipment, while another is responsible for monitoring the soil's density and moisture content. This system of checks and balances helps to ensure that all aspects of the compaction process are being monitored and controlled.

In conclusion, monitoring and quality control measures are essential to ensure effective soil compaction during repair work. By using specialized equipment to measure density and moisture content, conducting regular visual inspections, establishing clear compaction standards, and implementing a system of checks and balances, site supervisors can ensure that the soil is compacted to the required specifications. This, in turn, will help to ensure the stability and durability of any structure built on the compacted soil.



Interior of part of a damaged home in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina
Family photographs damaged by flooding
A smaller and more minor water spot caused by rainwater leaking through a roof

Water damage describes various possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, mold growth, bacteria growth, rusting of steel, swelling of composite woods, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, short-circuiting of electrical devices, etc.

The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as burst pipes and flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property.

An insurance policy may or may not cover the costs associated with water damage and the process of water damage restoration. While a common cause of residential water damage is often the failure of a sump pump, many homeowner's insurance policies do not cover the associated costs without an addendum which adds to the monthly premium of the policy. Often the verbiage of this addendum is similar to "Sewer and Drain Coverage".

In the United States, those individuals who are affected by wide-scale flooding may have the ability to apply for government and FEMA grants through the Individual Assistance program.[1] On a larger level, businesses, cities, and communities can apply to the FEMA Public Assistance program for funds to assist after a large flood. For example, the city of Fond du Lac Wisconsin received $1.2 million FEMA grant after flooding in June 2008. The program allows the city to purchase the water damaged properties, demolish the structures, and turn the former land into public green space.[citation needed]

Causes

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Water damage can originate by different sources such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher leakage, broken/leaking pipes, flood waters, groundwater seepage, building envelope failures (leaking roof, windows, doors, siding, etc.) and clogged toilets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 13.7% of all water used in the home today can be attributed to plumbing leaks.[2] On average that is approximately 10,000 gallons of water per year wasted by leaks for each US home. A tiny, 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day.[3] According to Claims Magazine in August 2000, broken water pipes ranked second to hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of claims (on average $50,000 per insurance claim[citation needed]) costs in the US.[4] Experts suggest that homeowners inspect and replace worn pipe fittings and hose connections to all household appliances that use water at least once a year. This includes washing machines, dishwashers, kitchen sinks, and bathroom lavatories, refrigerator icemakers, water softeners, and humidifiers. A few US companies offer whole-house leak protection systems utilizing flow-based technologies. A number of insurance companies offer policyholders reduced rates for installing a whole-house leak protection system.

As far as insurance coverage is concerned, damage caused by surface water intrusion to the dwelling is considered flood damage and is normally excluded from coverage under traditional homeowners' insurance. Surface water is water that enters the dwelling from the surface of the ground because of inundation or insufficient drainage and causes loss to the dwelling. Coverage for surface water intrusion[5] to the dwelling would usually require a separate flood insurance policy.

Categories

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There are three basic categories of water damage, based on the level of contamination.

Category 1 Water - Refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as "clean water". Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines.

Category 2 Water - Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to. Known as "grey water". This type carries microorganisms and nutrients of micro-organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.

Category 3 Water - Known as "black water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, storm surge, ground surface water or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originates from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination regardless of visible content or color.[6]

Classes

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Class of water damage is determined by the probable rate of evaporation based on the type of materials affected, or wet, in the room or space that was flooded. Determining the class of water damage is an important first step, and will determine the amount and type of equipment utilized to dry-down the structure.[7]

Class 1 - Slow Rate of Evaporation. Affects only a portion of a room. Materials have a low permeance/porosity. Minimum moisture is absorbed by the materials. **IICRC s500 2016 update adds that class 1 be indicated when <5% of the total square footage of a room (ceiling+walls+floor) are affected **

Class 2 - Fast Rate of Evaporation. Water affects the entire room of carpet and cushion. May have wicked up the walls, but not more than 24 inches. **IICRC s500 2016 update adds that class 2 be indicated when 5% to 40% of the total square footage of a room (ceiling+walls+floor) are affected **

Class 3 - Fastest Rate of Evaporation. Water generally comes from overhead, affecting the entire area; walls, ceilings, insulation, carpet, cushion, etc. **IICRC s500 2016 update adds that class 3 be indicated when >40% of the total square footage of a room (ceiling+walls+floor) are affected **

Class 4 - Specialty Drying Situations. Involves materials with a very low permeance/porosity, such as hardwood floors, concrete, crawlspaces, gypcrete, plaster, etc. Drying generally requires very low specific humidity to accomplish drying.

Restoration

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Water damage restoration can be performed by property management teams, building maintenance personnel, or by the homeowners themselves; however, contacting a certified professional water damage restoration specialist is often regarded as the safest way to restore water damaged property. Certified professional water damage restoration specialists utilize psychrometrics to monitor the drying process.[8]

Standards and regulation

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While there are currently no government regulations in the United States dictating procedures, two certifying bodies, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the RIA, do recommend standards of care. The current IICRC standard is ANSI/IICRC S500-2021.[9] It is the collaborative work of the IICRC, SCRT, IEI, IAQA, and NADCA.

Fire and Water Restoration companies are regulated by the appropriate state's Department of Consumer Affairs - usually the state contractors license board. In California, all Fire and Water Restoration companies must register with the California Contractors State License Board.[10] Presently, the California Contractors State License Board has no specific classification for "water and fire damage restoration."

Procedures

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Water damage restoration is often prefaced by a loss assessment and evaluation of affected materials. The damaged area is inspected with water sensing equipment such as probes and other infrared tools in order to determine the source of the damage and possible extent of areas affected. Emergency mitigation services are the first order of business. Controlling the source of water, removal of non-salvageable materials, water extraction and pre-cleaning of impacted materials are all part of the mitigation process. Restoration services would then be rendered to the property in order to dry the structure, stabilize building materials, sanitize any affected or cross-contaminated areas, and deodorize all affected areas and materials. After the labor is completed, water damage equipment including air movers, air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, wood floor drying systems, and sub-floor drying equipment is left in the residence. The goal of the drying process is to stabilize the moisture content of impacted materials below 15%, the generally accepted threshold for microbial amplification. Industry standards state that drying vendors should return at regular time intervals, preferably every twenty-four hours, to monitor the equipment, temperature, humidity, and moisture content of the affected walls and contents.[6] In conclusion, key aspects of water damage restoration include fast action, adequate equipment, moisture measurements, and structural drying. Dehumidification is especially crucial for structural components affected by water damage, such as wooden beams, flooring, and drywall.

See also

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  • Indoor mold

References

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  1. ^ "Individual Disaster Assistance". DisasterAssistance.gov. Retrieved 2009-09-28.
  2. ^ "How We Use Water". 16 January 2017.
  3. ^ The University of Maine Corporate Extension – www.umext.maine.edu
  4. ^ Herndon Jr., Everette L.; Yang, Chin S. (August 2000). "Mold & Mildew: A Creeping Catastrophe". Claims Magazine. Archived from the original on 2000-08-15. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  5. ^ Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction and Maintenance. December 2013.
  6. ^ "Water Damage Restoration Guideline" (PDF). Northern Arizona University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-26. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  7. ^ "The Basics Of Water Damage Restoration Training". www.iicrc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
  8. ^ "Chapter 6: Psychrometry and the Science of Drying". IICRC Standards Subscription Site. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  9. ^ "ANSI/IICRC S500 Water Damage Restoration". IICRC. 22 December 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  10. ^ "California Contractors State License Board". State of California. Retrieved 2010-08-29.

In geotechnical engineering, soil compaction is the process in which stress applied to a soil causes densification as air is displaced from the pores between the soil grains. When stress is applied that causes densification due to water (or other liquid) being displaced from between the soil grains, then consolidation, not compaction, has occurred. Normally, compaction is the result of heavy machinery compressing the soil, but it can also occur due to the passage of, for example, animal feet.

In soil science and agronomy, soil compaction is usually a combination of both engineering compaction and consolidation, so may occur due to a lack of water in the soil, the applied stress being internal suction due to water evaporation[1] as well as due to passage of animal feet. Affected soils become less able to absorb rainfall, thus increasing runoff and erosion. Plants have difficulty in compacted soil because the mineral grains are pressed together, leaving little space for air and water, which are essential for root growth. Burrowing animals also find it a hostile environment, because the denser soil is more difficult to penetrate. The ability of a soil to recover from this type of compaction depends on climate, mineralogy and fauna. Soils with high shrink–swell capacity, such as vertisols, recover quickly from compaction where moisture conditions are variable (dry spells shrink the soil, causing it to crack). But clays such as kaolinite, which do not crack as they dry, cannot recover from compaction on their own unless they host ground-dwelling animals such as earthworms—the Cecil soil series is an example.

Before soils can be compacted in the field, some laboratory tests are required to determine their engineering properties. Among various properties, the maximum dry density and the optimum moisture content are vital and specify the required density to be compacted in the field.[2]

A 10 tonne excavator is here equipped with a narrow sheepsfoot roller to compact the fill over newly placed sewer pipe, forming a stable support for a new road surface.
A compactor/roller fitted with a sheepsfoot drum, operated by U.S. Navy Seabees
Vibrating roller with plain drum as used for compacting asphalt and granular soils
Vibratory rammer in action

In construction

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Soil compaction is a vital part of the construction process. It is used for support of structural entities such as building foundations, roadways, walkways, and earth retaining structures to name a few. For a given soil type certain properties may deem it more or less desirable to perform adequately for a particular circumstance. In general, the preselected soil should have adequate strength, be relatively incompressible so that future settlement is not significant, be stable against volume change as water content or other factors vary, be durable and safe against deterioration, and possess proper permeability.[3]

When an area is to be filled or backfilled the soil is placed in layers called lifts. The ability of the first fill layers to be properly compacted will depend on the condition of the natural material being covered. If unsuitable material is left in place and backfilled, it may compress over a long period under the weight of the earth fill, causing settlement cracks in the fill or in any structure supported by the fill.[4] In order to determine if the natural soil will support the first fill layers, an area can be proofrolled. Proofrolling consists of utilizing a piece of heavy construction equipment to roll across the fill site and watching for deflections to be revealed. These areas will be indicated by the development of rutting, pumping, or ground weaving.[5]

To ensure adequate soil compaction is achieved, project specifications will indicate the required soil density or degree of compaction that must be achieved. These specifications are generally recommended by a geotechnical engineer in a geotechnical engineering report.

The soil type—that is, grain-size distributions, shape of the soil grains, specific gravity of soil solids, and amount and type of clay minerals, present—has a great influence on the maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content.[6] It also has a great influence on how the materials should be compacted in given situations. Compaction is accomplished by use of heavy equipment. In sands and gravels, the equipment usually vibrates, to cause re-orientation of the soil particles into a denser configuration. In silts and clays, a sheepsfoot roller is frequently used, to create small zones of intense shearing, which drives air out of the soil.

Determination of adequate compaction is done by determining the in-situ density of the soil and comparing it to the maximum density determined by a laboratory test. The most commonly used laboratory test is called the Proctor compaction test and there are two different methods in obtaining the maximum density. They are the standard Proctor and modified Proctor tests; the modified Proctor is more commonly used. For small dams, the standard Proctor may still be the reference.[5]

While soil under structures and pavements needs to be compacted, it is important after construction to decompact areas to be landscaped so that vegetation can grow.

Compaction methods

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There are several means of achieving compaction of a material. Some are more appropriate for soil compaction than others, while some techniques are only suitable for particular soils or soils in particular conditions. Some are more suited to compaction of non-soil materials such as asphalt. Generally, those that can apply significant amounts of shear as well as compressive stress, are most effective.

The available techniques can be classified as:

  1. Static – a large stress is slowly applied to the soil and then released.
  2. Impact – the stress is applied by dropping a large mass onto the surface of the soil.
  3. Vibrating – a stress is applied repeatedly and rapidly via a mechanically driven plate or hammer. Often combined with rolling compaction (see below).
  4. Gyrating – a static stress is applied and maintained in one direction while the soil is a subjected to a gyratory motion about the axis of static loading. Limited to laboratory applications.
  5. Rolling – a heavy cylinder is rolled over the surface of the soil. Commonly used on sports pitches. Roller-compactors are often fitted with vibratory devices to enhance their effectiveness.
  6. Kneading – shear is applied by alternating movement in adjacent positions. An example, combined with rolling compaction, is the 'sheepsfoot' roller used in waste compaction at landfills.

The construction plant available to achieve compaction is extremely varied and is described elsewhere.

Test methods in laboratory

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Soil compactors are used to perform test methods which cover laboratory compaction methods used to determine the relationship between molding water content and dry unit weight of soils. Soil placed as engineering fill is compacted to a dense state to obtain satisfactory engineering properties such as, shear strength, compressibility, or permeability. In addition, foundation soils are often compacted to improve their engineering properties. Laboratory compaction tests provide the basis for determining the percent compaction and molding water content needed to achieve the required engineering properties, and for controlling construction to assure that the required compaction and water contents are achieved. Test methods such as EN 13286-2, EN 13286-47, ASTM D698, ASTM D1557, AASHTO T99, AASHTO T180, AASHTO T193, BS 1377:4 provide soil compaction testing procedures.[7]

See also

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  • Soil compaction (agriculture)
  • Soil degradation
  • Compactor
  • Earthwork
  • Soil structure
  • Aeration
  • Shear strength (soil)
Multiquip RX1575 Rammax Sheepsfoot Trench Compaction Roller on the jobsite in San Diego, California

References

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  1. ^ Soil compaction due to lack of water in soil
  2. ^ Jia, Xiaoyang; Hu, Wei; Polaczyk, Pawel; Gong, Hongren; Huang, Baoshan (2019). "Comparative Evaluation of Compacting Process for Base Materials using Lab Compaction Methods". Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. 2673 (4): 558–567. doi:10.1177/0361198119837953. ISSN 0361-1981.
  3. ^ McCarthy, David F. (2007). Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. p. 595. ISBN 978-0-13-114560-3.
  4. ^ McCarthy, David F. (2007). Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. pp. 601–602. ISBN 978-0-13-114560-3.
  5. ^ a b McCarthy, David F. (2007). Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundations. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. p. 602. ISBN 978-0-13-114560-3.
  6. ^ Das, Braja M. (2002). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. p. 105. ISBN 0-534-38742-X.
  7. ^ "Automatic Soil Compactor". cooper.co.uk. Cooper Research Technology. Archived from the original on 27 August 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.

 

Merchandise on display in a hardware store
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The concept of home improvement, home renovation or remodeling is the process of renovating, making improvements or making additions to one's home.[1] Home improvement can consist of projects that upgrade an existing home interior (such as electrical and plumbing), exterior (masonry, concrete, siding, roofing) or other improvements to the property (i.e. garden work or garage maintenance/additions). Home improvement projects can be carried out for a number of different reasons; personal preference and comfort, maintenance or repair work, making a home bigger by adding rooms/spaces, as a means of saving energy, or to improve safety.[2]

Types of home improvement

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Man painting a fence

While "home improvement" often refers to building projects that alter the structure of an existing home, it can also include improvements to lawns, gardens, and outdoor structures, such as gazebos and garages. It also encompasses maintenance, repair, and general servicing tasks. Home improvement projects generally have one or more of the following goals:[citation needed]

Comfort

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  • Upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
  • Upgrading rooms with luxuries, such as adding gourmet features to a kitchen or a hot tub spa to a bathroom.
  • Increasing the capacity of plumbing and electrical systems.
  • Waterproofing basements.
  • Soundproofing rooms, especially bedrooms and baths.

Maintenance and repair

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Maintenance projects can include:

  • Roof tear-off and replacement.
  • Replacement or new construction windows.
  • Concrete and masonry repairs to the foundation and chimney.
  • Repainting rooms, walls or fences
  • Repairing plumbing and electrical systems
  • Wallpapering
  • Furniture polishing
  • Plumbing, home interior and exterior works
  • Shower maintenance

Additional space

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Additional living space may be added by:

  • Turning marginal areas into livable spaces such as turning basements into recrooms, home theaters, or home offices – or attics into spare bedrooms.
  • Extending one's house with rooms added to the side of one's home or, sometimes, extra levels to the original roof. Such a new unit of construction is called an "add-on".[3]

Saving energy

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Homeowners may reduce utility costs with:

  • Energy-efficient thermal insulation, replacement windows, and lighting.
  • Renewable energy with biomass pellet stoves, wood-burning stoves, solar panels, wind turbines, programmable thermostats,[4] and geothermal exchange heat pumps (see autonomous building).

Safety, emergency management, security and privacy

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The need to be safer or for better privacy or emergency management can be fulfilled with diversified measures which can be improved, maintained or added. Secret compartments and passages can also be conceived for privacy and security.

  • Interventions for fire protection and avoidance. Possible examples are fire sprinkler systems for automatic fire suppression, smoke detectors for fire detection, fire alarm systems, or passive fire protection (including some wildfire management strategies).
  • Technical solutions to increase protection from natural disasters, or geotechnical and structural safety (e.g. hurricane or seismic retrofit).
  • Interventions and additions to increase home safety from other hazards, like falls, electric injuries, gas leaks or home exposure to environmental health concerns.
  • Physical security measures:
    • Access control systems and physical barriers, which can include fences, physical door and window security measures (e.g. grilles, laminated glass, window shutters), locks;
    • Security lighting, security alarms and video surveillance.
  • Safes and vaults.
  • Spaces for emergency evacuation, like emergency exits and rarer escape tunnels.
  • Spaces which provide protection in the event of different emergencies: areas of refuge, storm cellars (as protection from tornadoes and other kinds of severe weather), panic rooms, bunkers and bomb shelters (including fallout shelters), etc.
  • Home renovations or additions used to increase privacy can be as simple as curtains or much more advanced, such as some structural surveillance counter-measures. They may overlap with physical security measures.
  • Public utility outage preparedness, like backup generators for providing power during power outages .

Home improvement industry

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Screws and bolts in an OBI home improvement store in Poland

Home or residential renovation is an almost $300 billion industry in the United States,[5] and a $48 billion industry in Canada.[6][full citation needed] The average cost per project is $3,000 in the United States and $11,000–15,000 in Canada.

Professional home improvement is ancient and goes back to the beginning of recorded civilization. One example is Sergius Orata, who in the 1st century B.C. is said by the writer Vitruvius (in his famous book De architectura) to have invented the hypocaust. The hypocaust is an underfloor heating system that was used throughout the Roman Empire in villas of the wealthy. He is said to have become wealthy himself by buying villas at a low price, adding spas and his newly invented hypocaust, and reselling them at higher prices.[7]

Renovation contractors

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Perhaps the most important or visible professionals in the renovation industry are renovation contractors or skilled trades. These are the builders that have specialized credentials, licensing and experience to perform renovation services in specific municipalities.

While there is a fairly large "grey market" of unlicensed companies, there are those that have membership in a reputable association and/or are accredited by a professional organization. Homeowners are recommended to perform checks such as verifying license and insurance and checking business references prior to hiring a contractor to work on their house.

Because interior renovation will touch the change of the internal structure of the house, ceiling construction, circuit configuration and partition walls, etc., such work related to the structure of the house, of course, also includes renovation of wallpaper posting, furniture settings, lighting, etc.

Aggregators

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Aggregators are companies that bundle home improvement service offers and act as intermediary agency between service providers and customers.

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Home improvement was popularized on television in 1979 with the premiere of This Old House starring Bob Vila on PBS. American cable channel HGTV features many do-it-yourself shows, as does sister channel DIY Network.[8] Danny Lipford hosts and produces the nationally syndicated Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete co-host the nationally syndicated The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show.

Movies that poked fun at the difficulties involved include: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy; George Washington Slept Here (1942), featuring Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan; and The Money Pit (1986), with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. The sitcom Home Improvement used the home improvement theme for comedic purposes.

See also

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  • Home repair
  • Housekeeping
  • Maintenance, repair and operations

References

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  1. ^ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/home-improvement
  2. ^ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/home-improvements
  3. ^ "Add-on". English Oxford Living Dictionary (US). Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on February 21, 2017. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  4. ^ Use a Programmable Thermostat, Common Sense, to Reduce Energy Bills Archived July 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Brett Freeman, oldhouseweb.com
  5. ^ "Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 2007" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  6. ^ "Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - Société canadienne d'hypothèques et de logement". Archived from the original on October 23, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  7. ^ "Canada Homeowners Community - Example of Low-Cost Advices used by Canadian Homeowners (Community) for Home Improvement that boost the sale of your Home". Canada Homeowners Community. January 12, 2020.
  8. ^ Cerone, Daniel (September 17, 1991). "Tim Allen's Power Tools : Television: The comic who had Disney and cable executives abuzz parlayed his luck to develop 'Home Improvement". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.

Further reading

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  • Richard Harris, Building a Market: The Rise of the Home Improvement Industry, 1914-1960. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2012.
  • Michael W. Litchfield (2012). Chip Harley (ed.). Renovation (4th, Completely revised and updated. ed.). Newtown, Conn.: Taunton Press, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1600854927.
[edit]
  • Media related to Home improvement at Wikimedia Commons

 

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Jeffery James

(5)

Very happy with my experience. They were prompt and followed through, and very helpful in fixing the crack in my foundation.

Sarah McNeily

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USS was excellent. They are honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and conscientious. They thoughtfully removed the flowers and flower bulbs to dig where they needed in the yard, replanted said flowers and spread the extra dirt to fill in an area of the yard. We've had other services from different companies and our yard was really a mess after. They kept the job site meticulously clean. The crew was on time and friendly. I'd recommend them any day! Thanks to Jessie and crew.

Jim de Leon

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It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

Chris Abplanalp

(5)

USS did an amazing job on my underpinning on my house, they were also very courteous to the proximity of my property line next to my neighbor. They kept things in order with all the dirt/mud they had to excavate. They were done exactly in the timeframe they indicated, and the contract was very details oriented with drawings of what would be done. Only thing that would have been nice, is they left my concrete a little muddy with boot prints but again, all-in-all a great job

Dave Kari

(5)

What a fantastic experience! Owner Rick Thomas is a trustworthy professional. Nick and the crew are hard working, knowledgeable and experienced. I interviewed every company in the area, big and small. A homeowner never wants to hear that they have foundation issues. Out of every company, I trusted USS the most, and it paid off in the end. Highly recommend.

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