Beam and Block Precast slab offer several benefits over conventional cast-in-place concrete slabs, especially during bad weather conditions. The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya MET) has issued a warning that the country may experience El Nino conditions in the coming months.
Have you ever wondered what causes the El Nino rains?
When the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, El Niño occurs, disrupting weather patterns worldwide.
As ocean temperatures rise, atmospheric circulation changes, causing shifts in rainfall zones and leading to El Niño rains.
Depending on location and climate, El Niño rains bring both positive and negative impacts to different regions.
For example, El Nino rains can bring relief to drought-stricken areas, but they can also cause floods, landslides, and crop failures in other places. In this blog post, we will explore some of the disadvantages of El Nino rains in construction and ways to mitigate them.
Disadvantages of El Nino rains in construction
– Increased risk of landslides and mudslides: El Nino rains can saturate the soil and increase the pressure on slopes and hillsides, leading to landslides and mudslides that can bury roads, bridges, buildings, and people. According to a study by the World Bank, El Nino events between 1997 and 2016 caused more than 23,000 deaths and $45 billion in damages worldwide, mostly due to landslides and floods.
– Delayed or canceled projects: El Nino rains can also affect the construction schedule and budget of projects, as workers may face difficulties in accessing sites, transporting materials, and operating machinery. Heavy rains can also damage equipment and materials or cause structural failures.
– Reduced quality and durability: El Nino rains can also compromise the quality and durability of construction projects, as excess moisture can affect the curing process of concrete, the strength of steel, and the performance of electrical systems. Moisture can also promote the growth of mold and fungi, which can pose health risks for workers and occupants.
– Increased environmental impacts: El Nino rains have a negative environmental impact on construction projects, as they can increase soil erosion, water pollution, sedimentation, and habitat loss. For instance, El Nino rains can wash away topsoil and nutrients from agricultural lands, reducing their productivity and increasing their vulnerability to droughts.
Ways to Mitigate the Effects
As we have seen, El Nino rains can pose significant challenges for construction projects. Therefore, it is important for construction managers and engineers to plan and adopt measures to mitigate the risks and impacts of El Nino rains on their projects. Some of these measures may include:
- Conducting a thorough risk assessment and contingency plan for each project
- Choosing appropriate materials and designs that can withstand moisture and water damage.
- Implementing drainage systems and erosion control measures to prevent flooding and landslides.
- Monitoring weather forecasts and adjusting work schedules accordingly.
- Ensuring adequate insurance coverage and emergency funds for potential losses
Advantages of precast beam and block during bad weather
If you are looking for a durable, economical, and easy-to-install flooring system for your building project, you might want to consider precast beam and block construction. High-quality manufacturing: Manufacturers produce precast concrete beams and blocks in a controlled environment, ensuring consistent quality. Once delivered to the site, construction teams place them efficiently to form a durable and reliable suspended floor slab.
The system offers several benefits over conventional cast-in-place concrete slabs, especially during bad weather conditions. Here are some of the benefits of the precast beam and block construction during bad weather:
Faster installation: Construction teams can install the precast beam and block flooring system quickly and efficiently, without relying on extensive formwork, curing time, or skilled labor. As a result, this approach shortens construction time and reduces delays caused by weather interruptions. Furthermore, since temperature and moisture variations do not affect the system, builders can install it in any season.
– Improved performance: Precast beam and block flooring system provides a durable and resilient floor slab that can withstand heavy loads, impacts, vibrations and fire. The system also has improved acoustic and thermal properties, as the hollow blocks create air pockets that reduce sound transmission and heat loss. The system can also be combined with a cast-in-place concrete topping to create a composite slab that enhances the structural strength and stiffness of the floor.
Reduced excavation: Engineers use the precast beam and block flooring system to create a suspended floor slab, significantly minimizing excavation and soil removal. This is especially beneficial where the site conditions are unfavorable or where the environmental impact of excavation is high. The system also allows for greater flexibility in design, as it can accommodate different shapes and sizes of floor plans.
Conclusion
Precast beam and block construction is a proven and reliable flooring system that offers many advantages over conventional cast-in-place concrete slabs. It is particularly suitable for intermediate floors in residential and commercial buildings, where sound reduction, fire resistance, and thermal mass are among its key benefits. Visit our website, www.ecoconcrete.co.ke, to learn more about precast beam and block construction.