1. How Cement consumption is calculated in building 1 sqft of wall?

The standard table:

For building a wall of dimension 1 sqft.
1 sqft= 1/10.76= 0.0929 sqm.
For wall thickness of 8 inch, brick quantity = 0.0929 x 8 x 0.0254 (Note: 1 inch= 0.0254 m) = 0.0188 cubic meter

Now, considering mortar ratio of 1:6 (as per standard table),
Cement required = 0.0188 x 1.4 bag
                                = 0.0263 bag
                                = 1.31 kg.

2. What is Steel Cement ratio in building a house?

In building a house the Cement Steel Ratio can be assumed as 1: 1.5 which means that a Civil works which requires a Cement quantity of 100 Kg ( 2 Bag) will approximately require 150 Kg of Steel.

3. How to test the strength of a wall and pillar?

The strength of a wall depends on the materials used and the construction method employed. Several types of walls are known for their exceptional strength and durability, including concrete, masonry, and steel-framed walls. Concrete walls are renowned for their strength and resilience. To Test the strength of Cement in Brick Wall, a sample of Cement mortar shall be collected and sent for Quality Testing in laboratory, which will give the Bond Strength of Brick Mortar in the wall. On the other hand, the strength of a concrete pillar can be analyzed by non- destructive test. In-situ strength estimation and thereby assessment of relative quality of structures are carried out using Rebound Concrete Test Hammers. The compressive strength (fc) is established by measuring the hardness (rebound value R) of the concrete surface and with the conversion curves. Rebound Concrete Test Hammers with various impact energies can be used depending on the form and sizes of the concrete structures (lower impact energy for thin and/or weak components).

4. Best Building Practices

Thumb rules for good concrete practices:

Cement: Use fresh cement of approved quality and preferably from the same source. Store it properly to prevent deterioration. Quantity of Cement shall be as per the standard requirement. Necessary test shall be carried out from time to time.

Aggregates: Use well graded aggregates, free from silt, organic matter and other undesirable impurities and preferably from the same source

Batching: Batching materials by weight is preferable. If batched on volume basis, use measurement boxes in units of 35 liters which is the capacity of one 50 kg bag of cement. The cement should, in any case, be batched only by weight and preferably by whole bags. Correction for bulking of aggregates in necessary

Formwork: Use formwork which is rigid and closely fitted, with sufficient strength to support the wet concrete.

Reinforcement: Reinforcement used must be free from rust, oil, mud etc., ensure that it has adequate cover. Coat it with recommended coating materials to avoid corrosion.

Quantity of mixing water: Use minimum mixing water, consistent with the degree of workability required for easy placing and compaction of concrete. 

Mixing: Use a mixing machine. Avoid hand mixing. In the case of hand-mixing, mix cement and sand first and the add aggregates

Transporting: Avoid drying out, segregation and setting. Do not use set concrete Placing: Place concrete in its final position before setting starts. Avoid segregation of material and disturbance of the formwork. Lay concrete in suitable layers without any break of continuity.

Compaction: Use proper hand tools or vibrators, avoid over-vibration.

Finishing: Finish after a little stiffening

Curing: Keep concrete moist as given IS-456. Concrete with PPC or PSC need more curing period. Avoid wetting and drying cycles.

5. Best Piling Practices

Pile Foundation: It is used when good foundation at a suitable depth is not possible due to poor soil or water logged soil. The common types of piling methods used by any piling company in India in construction projects include bored piling, driven piling, micro piling and sheet piling. Bored piling involves drilling holes and filling them with concrete and reinforcement for large and deep foundations. During construction, Piles should be properly driven up to the required depth, properly cleaning the hole before inserting of the Reinforcement cage. Cover Block should be uniformly fixed and concreting should be done using Tremie Pipe from the end.

Pile should be tested as per IS Code.

Piles are used for buildings, bridges, docks etc. Types of concrete piles:

• Pre-cast piles
• Cast-in-situ piles / in place
• Pre-stressed concrete piles