Wednesday 23 November 2016

Economic of Facility Investments

Economic of Facility Investments

1) EFFICIENCY OF EVALUATION SYSTEM

  1.  The essential element of economic evaluation is project cash flow analysis, which requires quantifying all monetary items and specifying the time of their occurrence.
  2.   conceptually depicts the information for an economic evaluation of a capital building construction project. 
  3. All expenditures and revenues should be accounted for the analysis in forms of quantity and time within the prediction period.
  4.  For multiple alternates (the initial plan and its revisions), quantifying and scheduling of all the items for each alternate is a challenging task. A practical system, for the use by practitioners, should be able to deal with all the quantity and time information in an integrated way based on automated estimating and scheduling.
  5.  However, the system should consider the trade-off between automation and flexibility – the efficient use of un-detailed project information supported by the automation, as well as the flexibility, i.e., allowing manual adjustments by users.

  

2) CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATING. 

  1. Estimating in the Conceptual Phase In the conceptual phase, cost estimate with a reasonable accuracy is required within a limited time period while information is limited .
  2. Various estimating methods for the conceptual phase have been proposed: simple square foot method, regression analysis, probabilistic estimating, neural network, case-based reasoning, fuzzy models, etc.
  3. Meanwhile there are criticisms on some empirical estimating models, e.g., black box with no explanation of output .
  4.  In the conceptual phase, cost estimators commonly use analogy-based estimating methods, i.e., an estimator selects a similar one from past projects and adjusts it based on similarities and differences perceived by the estimator, which depends on his individual experience or perception. 
  5. Also, simple square foot or assembly costs methods are preferred by many cost estimators in the conceptual phase.
  6.  However, under limited project information in the conceptual phase, lack of historical data frequently could lead to the estimator’s bias, which could result in under budget or over budget.
  7.  Combined Cost Estimating Estimators usually desire to have their estimates compared with the actual costs of past similar projects, which makes them feel comfortable. 
  8. Also, many professionals in construction desire to have a list of quantities and costs in a form of cost breakdown structure (CBS), in which the real values are present for different work packages even though the CBS has a low level of detail in an early phase. 
  9. For instance, a building is decomposed into work elements whereas unit cost of each element can be assessed and the total cost is the sum of the products of the quantities multiplied by their corresponding unit costs. 
  10. Considering the points addressed above, the current study proposes a combined estimating method using historical data and assembly costs for the conceptual phase. There are advantages by using both methods simultaneously to determine an estimate in such an early phase. 
  11. A historical data-based estimate can be made using similar projects data selected based on their similarity to the current project while the similarity is determined by major project information (design parameters). 
  12. At the same time, an assembly cost-based estimate can be prepared by calculating the required quantity and cost of an assembly (a set of material/labor/equipment) for major construction methods selected by estimators for different work packages. 
  13. Even if using such un-detailed information, the comparison S13-5 468 of the two estimates can reduce the chances of possible under or over estimate and improve estimators’ confidence.
  14.  Data for the Combined Cost Estimating The data for the estimating method described above include historical data for past projects and different types of assembly costs. 
  15. The historical data, in which the projects (all single-use buildings) are classified by the type of building, provide unit cost as well as duration information. Different types of building should be considered in cost estimating since the type of building has an important effect on the project cost.
  16.  Each project needs to be indexed by major parameters, i.e., site, size of building (square foot and story), building-to-land ratio, floor space index, etc. 
  17. These building characteristics are used as the multiple search conditions to find similar projects to estimate the current project.
  18.  When a building includes multiple uses, the system calculates a weighted average unit cost per area (M2 ) to estimate the total cost whereas weights are determined based on the areas of different uses. 
  19. An assembly represents a specific construction method, which involves a set of materials, labors, and equipments.
  20.  Each assembly has its own pre-determined equations (developed by experienced estimators) to estimate the required quantity for a set of materials, labors, and equipments and its composite unit cost. 
  21. For instance, if a user selects concrete for the superstructure of a building, the program estimates the quantities of materials (concrete, form, steel, etc.), labors (formwork, reinforcing, and concrete placement, finishing), and equipments (concrete pumps) based on the design parameters, i.e., the perimeter of the building, stories, floor area, height, etc. 

3). DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM.

  1.  Framework of the System The system consists of four analytical steps (project planning, construction costs estimation, projection of incomes and expenditures, and economic evaluation) and database. 
  2. The database in the current system includes historical data (cost and duration) for 301 past projects and 131 different types of assembly (equations and composite unit costs).
  3. the overall framework of the system, in which project information flows from Project Planning to Economic Evaluation.
  4. The system is dynamic in terms of that changes in a previous step are automatically reflected in the next steps.
  5. Commonly, project planning and cost estimating are performed using estimating software programs while the others separately using economic evaluation software programs. A detailed description of each analytical step and linkage between the steps is provided below. 
  6. Project Planning In the system, users develop a project plan for one or multiple buildings by specifying major project information, which include project name, location, site area, building area, floor area, gross floor area, building-to-land ratio, floor space index, number of stories, average height, areas of different uses, perimeter of building, area of exterior finish, parking area, etc. 

 4) CONCLUSIONS 

  1. The current study developed a comprehensive but practical economic evaluation system for capital building construction projects, which can be used in the conceptual phase. 
  2. This system has unique aspects: the efficient management of information flow based on the integration of analytical steps; the combined cost estimating method, which enhances the confidence in the final estimate; the automated tabulation and scheduling of cash flow; 4) tradeoff between automation and flexibility; and  the revision features. 
  3. Regarding the estimating method, the comparison of the two types of estimates was so favored by practitioners during the case study. 
  4. There are improvements to make for future study: the generic Scurve needs to be developed for different types of building and more historical data and assemblies need to be accumulated, which improve the accuracy of the estimates.

Tuesday 22 November 2016

use heavy equipments in civil engineering

      Excavator 

  • An excavator is a construction vehicle used to excavate or move large objects. 
  • An Excavator is basically made up of  2 parts: a driving base associated a powerful boom arm with an attachment designed for excavating.
  •  The o-operator sits within a small cab connected to the base and controls the arm.The excavator uses a Hydraulic system to generate a Hydraulic force to control the mechanical arm of the machine.
  • It also uses a chain wheel system for it’s movement. Excavators are been used in large and small scale constructions.
  •  They are used for small housing projects to do a cut and fill, used in road construction, used in marine structures to place armors and large rocks,   and also been used in larger sites to excavate, move construction material, remove construction waste etc….. 
  • There are several types of excavators which are classified on use, brand and purpose.

                2.use Of steer loaders in construction 

  • A skid loader or skid-steer loader is a small rigid frame, engine-powered machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools or attachment.     

                 3.use of grader in construction
  •    a grader mostly use in before road construction.
  • A grader, also commonly referred to as a road grader or a motor grader, is a construction machine  with a long blade used to create a flat surface during the grading process. 
  • Typical models have three axle, with the engine and cab situated above the rear axles at one end of the vehicle and a third axle at the front end of the vehicle, with the blade in between. In certain countries, for example in  Finland , almost every grader is equipped with a second blade that is placed in front of the front axle.
  •  Some construction personnel refer to the entire machine as "the blade". Capacities range from a blade width of 2.50 to 7.30 m and engines from 93–373 kw(125–500 HP). Certain graders can operate multiple attachments, or be used for separate tasks like underground mining.

               4.use trucks in civil engineering 

  • Haul trucks are used in large surface mines and quarries. 
  •  They have a rigid frame and conventional steering with drive at the rear wheel. As of late 2013, the largest ever production haul truck is the 450 metric tones.

Sunday 25 September 2016

Work or duties in civil engineer

              duties of civil engineer

  1. Analyze long range plans, survey reports, maps, and other data in order to plan projects
  2. Consider construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards, and other factors in planning the stages of, and risk analysis for, a project
  3. Compile and submit permit applications to local, state, and federal agencies, verifying that projects comply with various regulations
  4. Perform or oversee soil testing to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations
  5. Test building materials, such as concrete, asphalt, or steel, for use in particular projects
  6. Provide cost estimates for materials, equipment, or labor to determine a project’s economic feasibility
  7. Use design software to plan and design transportation systems, hydraulic systems, and structures in line with industry and government standards
  8. Perform or oversee surveying operations in order to establish reference points, grades, and elevations to guide construction
  9. Present their findings to the public on topics such as bid proposals, environmental impact statements, or descriptions of property
  10. Manage the repair, maintenance, and replacement of public and private infrastructure

     

Thursday 18 February 2016

Career in civil engineer

Image result for career of civil engineering

  Careers

The education and careers of our students are our Raisonsed entre. The faculty, staff, 
and university administration would not be here were it not for the students. It is 
self-understood that after providing them with a superb education, we also assist 
them with career counseling and job placement. This is one of the major advantages
 we have as a small department in a small engineering school. We can afford to pay
 individual attention to our students after graduation.

The Greater New York Area has more job opportunities to offer to civil engineers than
 any other city in the country. Our faculty maintains close relationships with the local
 industry. Many of our adjunct faculty are practicing engineers from the area and hold
 leadership positions. We have an Industry Advisory Committee that consists of industry
 leaders and meets regularly to advise us on educational and professional matters. Then
                   there are many close ties to our alumni as well to industry and local professional organizations that facilitate the job placement of our graduates.
               

Wednesday 3 February 2016

Future or career in civil life


                                 Career as Civil Engineer

 Civil Engineering is the oldest branch of engineering and incorporates the design and construction of roads, airports, tunnels, bridges, water supply and sewage systems, dams, harbours, railroad systems, docks, power supply systems, buildings and even nuclear power plants etc.
   
 Civil Engineering has several specialties.
                                   
Civil engineers work as construction engineers, transportation engineers, hydraulic and irrigation engineers, Geotechnical engineers,
   environmental engineers, public works engineers.

                                           job profile

- Civil engineers have to work in the office and at the site. Contracting engineers as well as consulting civil          engineers have to work on several sites at the some time

-They are also required to deal with critical problems such as disaster mitigation and management

- Structural  engineers design oil rigs, multi-storied car parks or office blocks to ensure that the structural
    framework of the building is strong enough to take the load for which the structure is meant. It is also               designed to withstand heat, cold and tremors. They develop non conventional construction materials and          techniques, e.g., special bridge structures,building framework etc.

-Water management engineers specialize in water supply, sewerage systems and pollution control Highway
 engineers are involved in assessing, planning rebuilding road networks, one way systems, traffic lights, lanes,   parking spaces etc.

-Highway engineers are concerned with road building and traffic management

Sunday 31 January 2016

civil engineering steam

diploma in engineering


The Diploma in Engineering Diploma in Technical Studies is a technical degree below the undergraduate rank which aims to provide students with some basic knowledge of engineering, scientific, computing, mathematical techniques, a sound knowledge of English to communicate in the job field and ability to apply the basic problem solving techniques. Its duration is 3–4 years. Many countries in the world recognize it as equivalent to Inter-Science or Pre-Engineering for further studies purpose. After successful completion of Diploma in Engineering course, students can either continue further Engineering studies in undergraduate level or get employment as supervisors, foremen, sales engineers, workshop technicians, graughtsman, service station managers, auto engineers, agricultural overseers, farm managers, junior instructors, workshop superintendents etc. In most of the countries one can apply for studying diploma in engineering degree after completion of 10th grade or the secondary school certificate.

Friday 29 January 2016

Some basic knowledge about civil survey

Definition of surveying


Surveying Surveying is the technique of determining the relative position of different features on, above or beneath the surface of the earth by means of direct or indirect measurements and finally representing. them on a sheet of paper known as plan.  position of int       Surveying is the science and art of making all essential measurements to determine the relative position of   physical and cultural details above, on, or beneath the surface of the Earth, and to depict them in a usable form, or to establish the position of points or details.re usually on the surface of the Earth, and they are often used to es
   

  Importance of surveying   


The knowledge of surveying is advantageous in many phase of engineering. Surveying is of vital importance in any engineering project. Some of the basic importance of Surveying is discussed below.The first necessity in surveying is to prepare a plan and a section of area to be covered by project. From these prepared maps and sections the best possible alignment, amount of earth work and other necessary details depending upon the nature of the project can be calculated.

    The planning and design of all civil engineering projects such as railways, highways, tunneling, irrigation, dams, reservoirs, water works, sewerage works, airfields, ports, massive buildings, etc. are based upon surveying measurements.
    During execution of project of any magnitude is constructed along the lines and points established by surveying.
    The measurement of land and the fixation of its boundaries cannot be done without surveying.
    The economic feasibility of the engineering feasibility of a project cannot be properly ascertained without undertaking a survey work.
    The execution of hydro-graphic and oceanographic charting and mapping requires.
    Surveying is used to prepare topographic map of land surface of the earth.

Construction engineering

Construction Engineer 1) what is a construction Engineer?           Construction Engineering which deals with the designing, planning,...