LEB Construction Ltd’s Post

Here’s our next shortlisted project for the CRA Awards Large Project of the Year (£1M+), Newport Schools, submitted by STEVE DAVIES, managing director of BETON BAUEN LIMITED. This concrete repair project for Newport schools, working with structural engineers Jubb and materials manufacturer Fosroc, used BetonBauen’s comprehensive skill set, technical abilities and dedication to delivering a high-quality end product, requiring the seamless coordination of complex repair work for client Newport Norse across several active primary and secondary schools. Managing concrete repairs across multiple sites required robust project management skills, with challenges including the need to minimise disruption to the school schedule and ensure the safety of students and staff. The project management team coordinated complex logistics, scheduled work during school breaks and after hours, and maintained a high standard of quality control, highlighting organisational competence and flexibility. BetonBauen’s adherence to stringent safety protocols, from the initial risk assessments to the implementation of safety measures during construction, demonstrated the company’s expertise in maintaining a secure environment for both workers and the school community. All safety standards were met or exceeded to create a safe working and learning environment. A key challenge was the diverse and often difficult site conditions of the various school buildings involved. Each school had its unique set of structural issues, many exacerbated by buildings' age and condition. Some schools were in densely populated urban areas, making access and material transport difficult. Narrow streets, limited parking, and the proximity of residential areas required meticulous planning to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of both the construction crew and the local community. To overcome logistical challenges, the project team implemented a phased approach to the repairs. Work was scheduled during off-peak hours eg. evenings, weekends and school holidays, to reduce the impact on daily school operations and neighbourhood activities. Advanced planning and coordination with local authorities allowed for temporary road closures and designated delivery windows, ensuring smooth and efficient transportation of materials to site. The project also faced environmental challenges, particularly related to the handling and disposal of construction materials. Working in an active school environment required strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations. Dust, noise, and debris had to be carefully managed to prevent any adverse impact on students, staff, and nearby residents. Pictured below is one of the repaired buildings after painting. #ConcreteRepair #SchoolRefurbishment #ConstructionAwards

Our team has been working through a multi-level, modular project at Wellington Girls College. This project includes the manufacturing and installation of five new double story school Blocks. These five Blocks are made up of: 16 distinct spaces 14 new classrooms 2 new administration spaces With a 5 week build time in our factory, the 14 new classroom installation only taking 3 days to land! We have now landed four of these brand-new Blocks, with the fifth and final landing now locked in for the first week of January. The scale of this project and the tight timeframe required has meant our team has been under the pump to ensure the plan for the students to be able to start the new school year in these new classrooms remains on track. Over the course of this project's landings, our team has been continuously improving their landing strategies for this newly developed multi-story complexing methodology. It's been pretty incredible watching this project come together, and for us here at Niche being able to showcase the massive benefits of our, off-site manufactured, multi-story capabilities on this scale has been an incredible privilege. Special thanks to: Ministry of Education New Zealand WSP Legacy Contracting Ltd Cliff Scott Engineering Wildboar Footings Ltd TDM Transport Richro Cranes Nebulite Wellington Inspire Plumbing and Drainage Studio One

WOli the great builder real construction PRATICAL training class. I will explain five important benefits of filling concrete hollow blocks as a structural engineer cum construction engineer for the past 23 years . This is based on practical training sessions conducted with Woli the Great Builder. 1. Increased Structural Integrity : Filling hollow blocks with concrete enhances their load-bearing capacity, providing greater structural strength and stability to buildings. Strengthening blocks with a weak concrete mix of ratio 1:3:6 or 1:4:8 can significantly improve their performance, given the generally lower strength of commercial blocks. 2. Reduced Water Penetration{ Dampness) : Solid blocks are less prone to water penetration, reducing the risk of moisture-related issues such as dampness that can cause structural damage. In foundation work, it's common to find blocks that have turned to sand due to moisture. Blocks filled with weak concrete hollow fillings tend to remain stronger and more resistant to such damage. 3. Increased Durability: Filling hollow blocks with concrete enhances their durability, making them more resistant to wear, impact, and environmental factors. For projects where durability is crucial, filling the hollow blocks is highly recommended. 4. Improved Load Distribution ( Evenly Distribution) : Filled blocks can distribute loads more evenly, reducing stress on individual blocks and preventing cracks and other forms of structural failure due to minor settlement. 5. Enhanced Security ( Hard to break ) : Solid blocks are more difficult to break through, providing better security against potential intrusions from the foundation. This can help prevent unauthorized access through the foundation, which is a concern in some areas. Check the link in the comment section to join the real construction practical training for daily hands-on experience in construction. #repost #WOli

CONSTRUCTION AND LIFE How life works can easily be compared with how construction is esp in building construction. >In life we have that expectancy stage no one knows well what they will nring on earth but we are all optimistic that it will be a good thing just like in construction design stage we tend to assume the best designs. >Then we have this stage where the bby is born and that is where in construction the groundbrreaking is done. >Then we have this stage when suckling goes on and is a very vital stage where if anything goes wrong we have a very tough life later on this is where vaccinations are done, you tame your infant in the balconies to prevent him from accidents and all that again just like in construction we have excavations and foundation works (substructure) if all the parties involved here are not on their toes then we might have the worst product on earth. > Come to this stage the bby is all grown and is now aging very fast all you have to do is now take good care and alot of guidance so that you will see him age gracefully and we come to construction and now we got everything right on the sub structure nkw we have the superstructure where works like walling, plaster works, roofing, will move very fast. >We Move to this stage in life where almost everything seems to move slow and we have such a stage in construction during finishes where things are moving not very fast and not too slow but progress is usually not that perceptible. At this stage the project is getting to its completion stage and everyone wants it complete the developer to settle and other parties to move to other projects. >Finally after living that long life with or the positive and negative things, challenges in life and the good moments it comes a time and we die and other peoples lives continue who also die in the long learn and others are conceived and are born. And that is where in construction the project comes to completion and other projects start as others continue waiting for their completion.. Everything has its process how it commences and how it ends just like life.

🔨 Theory in Practice: Master Timber Construction with Rothoblaas Looking to elevate your timber construction skills? Join our hands-on training in London! 🇬🇧 Learn from industry experts and gain practical experience in all phases of timber building, from foundations to roofing. Key Benefits: Comprehensive Knowledge: Master both theory and practice of timber construction. Avoid Common Mistakes: Learn to identify and prevent errors on-site and in design. Hands-On Experience: Work on a full-scale model to experiment with different techniques. Expert Guidance: Learn from seasoned professionals in the timber industry. Course Highlights: Full-scale model: Learn by doing with a hands-on approach. Expert speakers: Gain insights from industry leaders @Eurban @storaenso @mintconstruction Practical skills: Master techniques like connections, membranes, and waterproofing. Theoretical foundation: Understand the principles behind timber construction. Who Should Attend: Carpenters Construction companies Foremen and project managers Designers Technical salesmen Register now: https://lnkd.in/eef_wQdr "Limited spots available! Don't miss out." Santi Davi'Stuart ClarkTom Turner #timberconstruction #training #hands-onlearning #rothoblaas #london #masstimber #practicalcourse

The Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes recently announced a meeting in December to begin discussing adopting a version of the 2024 International Building Code. Across the state we currently use the 2015 Michigan Building Code. We can assume the 2024 code will be adopted eventually with some revisions. Lets zero in on one area of the code: INSULATION. The code is complicated so we are going to focus on the southern part of the state. Three major changes are coming to residential buildings. 1. Attic insulation is likely to increase from R38 minimum to R49. This means that new attics will need a pile of cellulose about 15" thick where 10" was compliant before. 2. Basement or crawl space slabs will require 5.5" of Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS - the only waterproof foam board) where we currently use 3". This requirement is only for the perimeter of the slab. 3. Wood framed walls (most of the walls we build are wood) have higher requirements but also some new options. The 2015 code allows R13 in the wall cavities if you have R5 continuous insulation on the exterior - think 2x4 wall with fiberglass and 1" of poly-isocyanurate insulation outboard (we try not to use XPS) OR R20 - think 2x6 wall with either fiberglass or stone-wool. Bear with me The 2024 International Building Code references the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (a separate document). That document allows: R27 cavity insulation - This could be done with closed cell spray foam in a 2x6 wall, or a 9" thick wall with cellulose, fiberglass, or rockwool. R20 like we have now but with R3.8 of continuous insulation like foam board. R13 but with R7.5 of continuous insulation (2x4 wall with fiberglass and 1.5" of polyiso on the exterior) OR R16 continuous insulation with no cavity insulation. That would be 2.5" of polyiso continuous without anything in the stud cavities. Good bad or otherwise, this will change the way we build! Lots to think about and plan for!

If you have a keen interest in CLT and don't often get a chance to use tools, then DON'T WAIT AROUND, sign up for the best, hands on course, Rothoblaas have ever done! ✅ 🔨 Theory in Practice: Master Timber Construction with Rothoblaas Looking to elevate your timber construction skills? Join our hands-on training in London! 🇬🇧 Learn from industry experts and gain practical experience in all phases of timber building, from foundations to roofing. Key Benefits: Comprehensive Knowledge: Master both theory and practice of timber construction. Avoid Common Mistakes: Learn to identify and prevent errors on-site and in design. Hands-On Experience: Work on a full-scale model to experiment with different techniques. Expert Guidance: Learn from seasoned professionals in the timber industry. Course Highlights: Full-scale model: Learn by doing with a hands-on approach. Expert speakers: Gain insights from industry leaders @Eurban @storaenso @mintconstruction Practical skills: Master techniques like connections, membranes, and waterproofing. Theoretical foundation: Understand the principles behind timber construction. Who Should Attend: Carpenters Construction companies Foremen and project managers Designers Technical salesmen Register now: https://lnkd.in/evsXpz7y "Limited spots available! Don't miss out." #timberconstruction #training #hands-onlearning #rothoblaas #london #masstimber #practicalcourse

Over the weekend, I had the privilege of working with a seasoned chief mason on the construction of a soakaway drainage system, and it was a truly enriching experience. We started with a pre-excavated pit, which set the stage for the project. The base was intentionally left natural, allowing water to seep directly into the soil for efficient drainage. The walls were constructed using solid concrete blocks, but instead of following conventional methods, we employed an innovative technique. Using a chisel, we created holes in the block joints as indicated by the orange marked spots in the image below intentionally leaving gaps where mortar would typically seal the joints. These gaps were designed to facilitate controlled water drainage through the walls while maintaining the structural integrity of the soakaway. Next, we installed pipes at the upper level of the structure to direct liquid waste into the soakaway. This setup allowed solids to settle at the bottom while liquids escaped through the chiseled holes and the unsealed base. To further enhance drainage, the exterior of the soakaway walls was surrounded by gravel, which acted as a porous medium to prevent soil clogging and promote water dispersal. Finally, the structure was capped with a removable slab, ensuring accessibility for future maintenance. This hands-on experience was a powerful reminder of how practical engineering, traditional craftsmanship, and innovative thinking come together to solve real-world problems. Working alongside an expert, I gained invaluable insight into sustainable construction techniques that balance functionality and durability.

Article explains why in-situ mock ups can improve building projects. Buildings are expected to be even more sophisticated, presenting more challenges for designers and contractors alike. Factory manufactured, assembled components, and intricate infrastructure systems are overtaking traditional ones. In-situ mock-ups can be applied to many building elements or components to keep planning organized and less prone to cost overruns. #construction #buildings #building #realestate #projects #steelbuildings #steel #metal Canadian Construction Association - Association canadienne de la construction Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) VRCA - Vancouver Regional Construction Association Edmonton Construction Association Calgary Construction Association Regina Construction Association Saskatoon Construction Association ICBA | Independent Contractors and Businesses Association contra

Amrose Associates is actively engaged in 4 postwar school rebuilding projects right now, all of which have been identified as having been built using what’s known as an Intergrid system. This all follows the RAAC aerated concrete crisis. Intergrid was a low cost, quick build system developed in the 1950s. The structures have reached the end of their lifespan and typically have asbestos embedded in the concrete, posing an extra risk if they collapse. This means the buildings can’t just be demolished – they have to be deconstructed. What we’re doing on site: ·     Detailed structural surveys ·     Defining deconstruction methodologies ·     Designing temporary building bracing systems for safe site clearance. We’re one of only a few engineering specialists that has a good understanding of Intergrid system-built structures. It’s complex engineering work, made all the more critical by the materials used and structural weaknesses. We expect to be involved in many more projects like this as the DFE expands its postwar school rebuilding programme. We’re looking forward to using our expertise to plan the safe and methodical removal of Intergrid from educational premises to keep everyone safe and clear the way for rebuilding. We recently wrote an in-depth article about Intergrid and our work on school sites built using this system. The article gives you a bit of history about the construction method and why it’s presenting such a risk now. Head down to the comments below for a link to read the feature.