How to check cost escalation
in construction
| Architects say wasteful expenditure in construction can be reduced by
choosing building materials wisely. |
Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup
LOW COST CONSTRUCTION: There are several ways to cut down cost.
Laurie Baker, master architect, who died in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday,
always believed that a house should jell with its natural habitat. Using
materials available in the surroundings was the best option in the construction
of houses. Un-plastered brick walls and frameless windows and doors were the
commonest features of his style.
Modern-day architects attracted to his style often adhere to
the principle of constructing houses blending with their environment. But today,
people want their dream homes to be cosy and ultramodern.
Cost escalation, thus, has become a big problem in building a
house. But planners say the only way then is to cut down wasteful expenditure
during the construction process. Even then a majority of people fail to apply
common sense in this aspect.
Building
materials
Architects say that wasteful expenditure can be reduced by
choosing building materials wisely. Most people will be in a dilemma since a
variety of building materials is needed for constructing a house. Sand, gravel,
bricks, steel, cement and water are the essential ingredients.
Experts at the Associated Cement Companies Help Desk say that
the selection of good and clean sand is important. Sand is used as a fine
aggregate to fill voids while concrete is made. Therefore clay, dirt, mica and
seashells should not be present in sand. Sand should also not contain water or
be damp and wet. You will need to add extra quantity of sand if wet sand is used
while making concrete or mortar.
Sand can be basically checked in two ways: one by touch and
other by testing. If sand contains mud, dirt or other contaminants, it will
stick to your palm. Sand should not be used if it contains clay, dirt, grit,
pebbles, dust and pieces. Mud bits are harmful and need to be separated using a
sieve.
Sand
Testing of sand is easy. Take sand in a glass tumbler and add
water to it. Stir with a spoon. If there is contamination, the water will turn
muddy.
If the thickness of the layer of mud is more than four per
cent of the layer of sand, then the sand should be washed before use.
Gravel which gives strength to concrete generally comes in
two sizes for use in construction activity. These pieces should be solid,
cubical and free from dirt. Clay, mud and dirt should be removed from them. The
space between big pieces of stone should be filled up by using small pieces and
the void between small pieces of stone also needs to be filled up using sand.
This will make dense concrete.
Bricks are the skeleton of your dream house. Quality bricks
have to be used to build a strong house. Always buy bricks straight from the
brick kiln, which will give you a good bargain and quality, the experts say.
What are the qualities of good bricks? The shape of bricks
should be proper and the corners sharp. Colour must be uniform. When a brick is
broken, it should not scatter into small pieces.
A good way of testing is strike two bricks with each other.
Quality bricks will produce a clear ringing sound on hitting. Drop a brick
vertically from a height of one metre. A quality brick will not break.
Moisten a brick in a water tank for a day till completely
wet.
Weight
Check its weight after another day. If there is more than 15
per cent difference between the dry and wet weights of the brick, it is not good
for construction.
Steel rods are placed inside concrete to provide necessary
strength to concrete. This is called reinforced cement concrete. Always use ISI-
certified steel rods.
It is good to check that there is no rusting on the surface
of the bars.
Cement is the vital element in construction works.
The proper selection of cement can guarantee a strong and
stable construction.
Purchase only well-known brands of cement from a reliable
trader.
Use of a good reliable brand of cement from a manufacture of
repute will ensure that your construction remains strong and stable with no need
for repairs.
Ordinary Portland cement and blended cement are two types
available in the market. Blended or composite cement has some advantages over
Portland cement. It offers long-term strength, durable construction and low
maintenance-cost, reduces leaching and prevents crack formation.
Resisting chemical attacks, protecting reinforcement rods
from rusting, providing a smooth finish, requiring less water to prepare
concrete and environment friendliness are the other advantages of composite
cement.
BIJU GOVIND
Courtesy: Property Plus, The Hindu
http://www.hindu.com/pp/2007/04/08/stories/2007040800080300.htm
