Construction is an integral part of human life. It is an activity that has been practiced for ages. The first huts or other residential quarters were constructed using hands or simple tools. Maintenance is an activity that comes along with construction. It is the sector that focuses on the efficient working and the checking and fixing of any crucial functioning unit that is a part of the construction. Construction and maintenance go hand in hand once constructed, the structure needs maintenance to survive and function at the optimal rate.
According to surveys, in the year 2015, countries including India, US, China and Japan saw a large increase in the total output (or GDP) in the construction sector. It is a business that has been growing substantially year-on-year. Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) is a popular and embedding concept of maintenance. It involves fixing or repairing of plumbing, mechanical or electrical devices.
Fast-track construction: A concept of the new era
Fast-track construction is a new concept that has been widely popularized in the 21st century. It is an efficient and time-saving procedure that is resorted to while taking up most projects today. Fast-track Construction involves implementing and working on a particular project before it is complete. The basic idea is to save time.
While it may involve undertaking a few risks, the concept has revolutionized the construction industry and by trickle-down effect, the maintenance industry as well. It caters to the urgent needs of the public, not to mention, the quick and prompt time-to-market span of the manufacturer(s).
This strategy is also cost efficient. It minimizes overheads and the cost of financing. The best results are achieved through cohesive planning and well thought-out construction phases.
Advancement of technology and up-gradation of techniques
With the advancement of technology and knowledge, sophisticated and modern methods have been introduced to maximize efficiency. With the introduction of 3D printing technology, the planning and implementing coordination has increased by a considerable margin. Use of state-of-the-art technology has led to an increase in efficiency and output and a reduction in construction waste.
Maintenance The inevitable aftermath
Most constructed structures tend to malfunction or depreciate. That is when the need for maintenance arises. It includes both direct and indirect labor, plants and machinery. The aim of maintenance is to ensure that the serviceability and efficiency of every functioning unit is maintained. It includes overhauls, inspection, repairing and replacing. A successful maintenance program is one, which is systematically strategized and periodically implemented. It ensures perfect output and reduces future expenses. Therefore, maintenance is a necessity that cannot be overlooked.
Construction is a term that means the science and art required to construct, build or form structures, organizations, and objects. It is derived from the Latin term constructionem’ and the Old French term construction.’ The phases of construction are multiple folds. They are:
Vision/fantasy/idea A concept that may or may not be intended to be built (may be a structural design)
Proposed A concept that is under review by the owner and the government
Approved A concept that will be constructed shortly
Design A contract between the owner and the contractor mentioning a detailed specification of what is to be built
Procurement The selection of the contractor or contractors to implement the construction plan
Diversions Before the construction starts, any services or facilities on the site, which must be operational to serve other adjacent sites, must be diverted.
Under-construction Ongoing construction of a fully-designed building
Groundworks Construction below ground level (construction of basements and foundations)
Topped-out A fully designed building where construction has reached the highest or the topmost point of the building
Fitting out Installation of the decorative and non-structural additions after the main structure of the building has been completed (ceilings, paintings, light fittings, etc.)
Commissioning or setting to work Once the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, communications, and building control systems have been installed, they need to be tested and adjusted accordingly.
Substantial completion / beneficial occupancy The point when the work is almost complete so that the owners can occupy or reside.
Complete/built A fully-designed building that has been completely built
Building operation Day-to-day activities that are needed to make sure the building can be used.
Maintenance The work needed to ensure the building continues to operate by its design, plan, and efficiency
Repair Replacing and mending building elements that have been damaged
Renovation Modification to the building
Demolition Destruction of the constructed building, which may include collecting some of the elements for reuse.
Maintenance is the process of taking care and looking after the amenities and the proper functioning of the infrastructure and the types of machinery associated with it. It involves looking after and mending the tools and the elements that ensure the optimal functioning of the structure.
Why are construction and maintenance needed?
Construction is a necessity because it leads to the creation of something new. With an ever-growing population, more and more infrastructure is needed to sustain life. Management is essential because it ensures the proper functioning of the constructed structures. It involves providing a healthy and sanitary environment for residents and everyone else.
With the growing rate of unemployment and population, the growth in the construction industry can be a great source of help. It can provide large-scale employment and infrastructure to cope with the growing population. It is one of the biggest and most illustrious career options today, with the industry earning high revenue, every year.
For years together, the construction industry has been surging in terms of generating income and employment opportunities, increasing the overall GDP of a country and upgrading the infrastructure of the country. Maintenance has grown hand in hand so as to ensure that the rise is in no way, cut short or short-lived. The industry has provisions for skilled, semi-skilled and highly educated employees.
The concept of the construction industry is very wide. It does not revolve only around the construction of schools, residential and non-residential quarters, bridges, schools and other infrastructural aspects. It also involves modification and preparation of new sites and projects.
Maintenance is the sector that deals with the activities necessary to make sure the infrastructure is not subjected to wear and tear. It is also responsible for repairing or replacing any part or unit that seems to be functioning at a level below the expected point. While it is considered to be a part of the construction industry itself, with the growth and diversification of the construction sector, the maintenance sector has come to exist as an industry per se.
Sectors of the maintenance department
The maintenance department draws its segregations from the construction department as well. Some of the professions under this sector are as follows:
Maintenance Engineering
Maintenance engineering is the discipline that involves applying engineering knowledge, skills and concepts for maintenance and optimization of machinery and equipment. With the rise in demand for residential and non-residential structures, the demand for machinery and equipment has been on the rise as well. Maintenance engineering is essential for the optimal and efficient functioning of those tools.
Since the Industrial Revolution, the need for maintenance engineers has been on an upsurge. The need for advanced equipment, machinery, devices, and structures has been high for quite some time now. A significant amount of knowledge in statistics, probability, and logistics is required to be a proficient and renowned maintenance engineer. The demand for construction engineers has indirectly increased the demand for maintenance engineers. Efficiency is desired and the durability of equipment is something that cannot be compromised with.
Predictive and unplanned maintenance
Predictive maintenance revolves around the concept that some functional unit will disintegrate, depreciate or malfunction at some point in time. These problems are strategically attended to since their remedies are planned beforehand. Unplanned maintenance, on the other hand, is the type of maintenance that arises suddenly (without prior notice) and needs to be attended urgently.
Construction is the process of making or constructing a building or any kind of infrastructure. Its generic definition pertains particularly to infrastructure and building-making. Construction is a booming industry in the developed and the developing countries, comprising almost 9% of the GDP. It is usually a three-step procedure: Planning, Designing, and Financing.
Maintenance is the process or procedure necessary to ensure that the constructed buildings or other infrastructure strike out as appealing and work optimally and at full efficiency (technically). It not only includes looking after infrastructure to prevent it from decay and vandalism, but also ensures performance levels and sanitary factors aren’t overlooked.
Maintenance Diversity as an industry
Maintenance has two main classifications. They are:
Preventive maintenance Also known as scheduled maintenance, this division of maintenance is associated with inspection, maintenance and protection of equipment and facilities or infrastructure, before problems start to occur.
Corrective maintenance This division of maintenance is associated with the repairing or replacement of equipment or infrastructure after it has been subjected to wear and tear or has malfunctioned.
In the world of engineering, real estate, telecommunications and other sectors, the term maintenance’ has a diverse and branched form of meaning.
Activity Any action taken to restore or replace a particular unit or units, so that it can function as efficiently as it is supposed to be called an activity. This may include but is not limited to, measurement, adjustments, repairs, replacements, etc.
Restoring material Maintenance refers to all the actions carried out to ensure material is in near-perfect condition. It may include, testing, servicing, inspections, etc.
Optimal functioning The activities needed to ensure every material or functioning unit is in the perfect condition so that the output is not affected also fall under maintenance.
Equal efficiency Maintenance includes the steps taken to ensure that the regular grinding of equipment and machinery, does not, in any way, reduce or curb the efficiency of the machinery.
Construction A booming industry
Construction is an ever-growing industry that is responsible for a major growth in GDP of developing countries. It is one such industry, whose need seems never-ending. The wide category of construction is divided into three major parts.
Building construction This is further divided into residential buildings and non-residential buildings.
Infrastructure construction Also known as heavy engineering or heavy civil, it deals with the construction of railways, highways, dams, bridges, etc.
Industrial Construction This sector deals with the construction of waste refineries, mills, manufacturing plants, etc.
The construction industry is a major career choice today. The various divisions are:
Unskilled and semi-skilled laborers It involves general construction site work that requires little or no qualification or studying.
Skilled laborers Tradesmen, apprentices and on-site construction managers who have sufficient knowledge and experience in the profession form part of this group.
Technical and management sector This group includes graduates and personnel with qualification and degrees. They design the plan and train and manage the personnel. The technical and specialized management has various sub-sections such as civil engineering, architecture, project management, structural engineering, etc.
It is impossible to imagine sleeping comfortably on beds or walking about one’s home without floors and foundations. Failing to repair damages in the floor or foundation of a structure can result in problems like water seepage, framing issues, and deep wall cracks. Thus, one must repair such damages through tried-and-tested methods to avoid further deterioration and ensure habitable conditions. Here are some common and effective floor and foundation repair services and methods:
Steel pressed piling
In this process, steel piles are inserted into the ground through a hydraulic ram, which is a cylindrical water pump powered by hydropower. In some cases, hollow steel piles are filled with concrete to provide additional support to the piles and alleviate the risks posed by erosion. Steel-pressed piling is simple, hassle-free, and effective and is typically not time-consuming.
Slab jacking
Slab jacking refers to elevating one side of a concrete slab from below. This process results in re-leveling of the slab and typically takes some hours to complete. Nowadays, polyurethane foam, as opposed to mud or concrete, is the preferred substance used to raise concrete in the slab-jacking process. Slab jacking requires specialized equipment and should be undertaken only by professionals with considerable experience in the activity.
Crack sealing
Sealing cracks is a temporary solution to the foundation and floor damage. Adhesive sealants are typically used to fill up the cracks on the pavement surface. However, crack sealing should not be a permanent resort; it is an effective method to prevent further damage until other permanent procedures like steel-pressed piling are employed.
Soil modification
Soil modification is a process in which gaps in soil layers are filled with chemical substances to facilitate soil stability and stiffness. The process is similar to slab jacking; however, it requires considerable expertise and should be carried out only by trained professionals. Moreover, it is more expensive than other foundation-repair methods and requires high maintenance.
Resin insertion
This is a type of grouting used for repairing underground pipes or tunnels. This process is used to repair cracked concrete surfaces, particularly those caused by water leakage. However, the cost involved in this process is considerably high; therefore, it is usually not employed to fix shallow or pattern cracks. As a temporary solution, crack sealing is a more economical method to fill up cracks.
Gravity filling method
This technique is among the most basic crack-filling methods, wherein gravity-filling machines fill gaps in floor surfaces. These machines have basic designs and are easy to use, contributing to the popularity of this technique. Furthermore, gravity fillers do not employ a recirculating mechanism and do not require expertise.
Concrete pressed piling
In this process, deep holes are drilled into the structure to be repaired, then filled with concrete, reinforcement, and, sometimes, precast concrete piles. This procedure involves low costs and does not require heavy equipment. However, avoiding this procedure as a long-term solution for cracked floors and foundations is advisable.
Steel piers
While installing steel piers is an excellent long-term solution, it is relatively expensive and is avoided by individuals with strict budget limits. The procedure involves inserting galvanized steel posts deep into the earth, allowing it to penetrate the foundation and reach the bedrock. The procedure may be carried out in any soil condition and is durable.
Poured concrete piers
Here, a deep hole is dug underneath the foundation and filled up with wet concrete. These concrete piers may be used in different soil conditions and are bell-bottom-shaped for additional support.
Shimming
Shimming involves shims, or small pieces of steel or other material, stacked until the stack attains the desired height. Shimming is a common process used to fill gaps in foundations and floors. These shims are durable and provide considerable support to foundations; hence, they effectively facilitate long-term foundation repair.
Micro-topping treatments
These toppings are made of thin layers of polymer-modified concrete containing sand. They are applied to brushes or trowels and typically dry quickly; thus, this technique is time-saving and popular for foundation repair. However, the resulting texture of the surface depends on the expertise with which the micro-topping is applied to the floor. Typically, one can begin walking on the treated surface after about 42 hours from the time of application.
Stamped concrete surface treatments
This procedure is commonly employed to treat external as well as internal floor surfaces. A thin layer of stamped concrete is applied to an existing slab, and a stamping tool is then used to texture the stamped concrete layer, ensuring that the layer resembles brick or tiled surface. A coat of concrete sealer is applied as the final step.
Dry packing
Dry packing involves manually placing a mortar with low water content, followed by ramming the mortar into place. The low water content ensures that the surface is durable and prevents shrinkage.
Helical piers
Helical piers, also called screw piles or anchors, are installed to repair fragile foundations and support weak structures. These piers may be used to repair various types of damage, including cracks on interior plaster walls, uneven floors, leaning chimneys, and popping up of nails on the ceiling. They may also be used to repair industrial floors.
Your boots have to be different, and it all depends on the type of cold weather you are facing or going to face. Cold weather can be mild, and this is the time when you can dress smart – wear V-neck sweater, no scarf, bare your ankles and be comfortable. You can still look cute.
In winter every inch of skin needs to be covered. Winter is not kind, and it does not fool around. You need to begin with warm winter boots they need to be versatile, warm and good looking. They have to protect your feet and keep them warm. You can find many boots from various brands like Baffin, Sorel, Merrell, The North Face, Columbia, Timberland, and Salomon, etc. You can choose from different types of brands, styles, snow boots, hiking boots, and insulation needed. Whether it is women’s winter boots or men’s, whether there are winter boots on sale or not, the following aspects will help you choose the apt one for your feet:
Bipolar disorder is a complex medical condition in which the person has a tendency to experience extreme variances in thinking, mood patterns, and behavior. In some medical terms, bipolar disorder is often called manic depression. It is not the same for every person, and the symptoms can differ vastly from person to person. For some people, the symptoms occur very rarely so much so that often they do not know they have this condition. Let us look at this situation in depth.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder:
Apart from extreme mood shifts and changes in their behavioral patterns, the most common symptoms can include:
Change in sleep patterns
High activity levels
Extreme energy levels (both high and low)
However, not every person may experience these symptoms. Individuals who have this condition often exhibit trouble in schools and work places, display poor judgment values, and have damaged relationships. In extreme cases, people with bipolar condition are driven to suicide.
A person with bipolar disorder may experience depressive mood swings and these symptoms can include:
Restlessness
Feeling of worthlessness
Low energy
Irritability
Loss of general interest in every activity
Bipolar disorder can be categorized into many types “ the most common being bipolar I and bipolar II conditions. These depend on the severity of the issue and how long depression or mood swings last. In some cases, the levels can last from a few hours to few days. There have been cases where the maniac levels have been noticed for even years.
Diagnosis
Researchers have established that the average age a person can get this condition is from 25 years old. There could be some minor indications during their childhood or late adulthood where they might have experienced glimpses of aggression and depression. Having them rarely is not a cause for concern, but if you are experiencing these symptoms frequently, do consult your doctor immediately. Also, you might want to get treated for other medical conditions such as anxiety disorders, thyroid diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Also, substance abuse can be one of the underlying conditions.
Treatments
Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, and no single treatment plan can aid in the treatment. The treatments depend on the severity of the condition and how far the person is open and willing to get treated. In most of the cases, therapies along with medications would be prescribed to the individuals suffering from the disorder. The medications can include antidepressant drugs and mood stabilizers. Long-range treatments can include easing the person back into his/her favorite past times or hobbies where he can act more freely, thereby pulverizing the bipolar effects.
Bipolar disorder is a very treatable condition, and the chances of improvement can be highly positive if proper medical attention is given in the early stages.
Child neglect is the most common form of maltreatment of children where their basic needs are not sufficiently met. These needs include adequate clothing, food, education, nurturing, emotional support, and health care. Neglect can result in harm or distress for the child or interfere with their development. So, it is important to recognize the common signs of child neglect to address the issue and protect the children using the right support measures.
Common signs of child neglect
Neglect can be physical and emotional. Some of the common signs of child neglect are:
Poor hygiene and unkempt appearance
When a child is physically neglected by caregivers, they may seem untidy. They could also lack good personal hygiene and have severe body odor. Further, the child may not wear appropriate clothes for the weather, and the clothing can seem unwashed or smelly. Due to unhygienic conditions, they may also show symptoms of skin infections such as scabies, flea bites, rashes, ringworm, and sores. For toddlers and infants, this form of neglect may manifest as recurring occurrences of nappy rashes.
Extreme changes in behavior
This is a sign of physical as well as emotional neglect that has developed over a long time, sometimes years. At a certain point, one may notice severe behavioral changes in the child. They can become extremely clingy or withdrawn into themselves, refusing to socialize. Sometimes, the child will exhibit aggressive or obsessive behavior. Some children experience anxiety, paranoia, and depression due to neglect. Further, persistent neglect can make a child exhibit antisocial behavior.
Poor academic performance
Another common sign of child neglect is drastic changes in performance at school. A neglected child undergoes trauma and psychological distress, making it hard for them to pay attention in class. Also, due to parental or guardian neglect, the child will often miss school leading to poor attendance records. As a result, they find it hard to keep up with the rest of the class and may not be able to grasp what is being taught in class. The child will be unable to complete assignments and projects on time and may persistently fail in tests. Their social skills become poor, and they may find it difficult to relate or connect with their classmates.
Frequent health issues
Another telltale sign that a child is neglected is failing health. This mostly results from a lack of regular and well-balanced meals. The deficiency of adequate nutrients, along with the psychological distress due to neglect, manifests in the form of several health issues in the child. They will show symptoms of anemia, weak muscle tone, malformed joints, and dental problems. Also, the child may go through recurring infections, such as in the ears or stomach. As a result, their abdominal region may appear too slim or swollen. The child may also have untreated injuries resulting from frequent accidents due to a lack of supervision. Additionally, they may experience fatigue. The caregivers may also not keep up with the child’s medical appointments.
Developmental problems
Another common sign of a child being neglected is developmental problems. Emotional and physical neglect affects the kid’s ability to reach developmental milestones that other children their age achieve. As a result, the child may have below-average language and social skills. Also, they may experience stunted or slow physical and emotional growth.
Housing issues
This is a less apparent sign of child neglect, which only becomes known when a social worker or a community worker visits the child’s home. They may observe that the kid’s bedtime, daily routine, and curfew time are overlooked. Also, the home could be unfit and unsanitary for a child, say, it lacks proper heating, light, or running water. Further, the child could be left unsupervised and alone for long periods of time. Sometimes, the child’s needs are neglected when they are compelled to become a caregiver for another member of the family, like younger siblings or an ailing parent.
Support measures
A child exhibiting just one of the above-mentioned signs does not necessarily mean they are neglected. But it becomes crucial to pay close attention if one notices such signs. In such cases, the following measures can be taken:
Listening to the child: It is important to avoid dismissing the child if they say they are being mistreated or neglected. So, one should refrain from questioning or doubting their claims or memory of the neglect. Dismissing their experience can make the child shut down and become afraid to report what they are going through. The best thing to do in such situations is to remain calm and reassuring.
Ensuring safety: Before helping the child, one should ensure their safety so that the intervention does not cause more harm to the child. Also, it is possible that the support may be considered a threat when caregivers suspect interference. So, one should observe the situation closely and connect with professionals to avoid putting themselves and the child in danger. Professionals will be able to handle the situation in the best way.
Reporting neglect: If one has reason to believe that a child is being neglected and it is threatening their wellbeing, it is important to report it. In addition, if it is evident that the incidences of neglect have been occurring repeatedly, one should report each incident separately. When significant information is provided over time, there is a higher chance the child will receive adequate assistance.