What Is Vibrator? Types Of Vibrators Used In Construction
Introduction
Vibrators are used to compact concrete on the construction site. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Some Concrete Vibrators are smaller, more efficient, and run on battery power, while others are much larger and rely on electric power.
In the event of vibration, compacting is caused by a reduction in internal friction between various concrete particles due to particle oscillation, resulting in a dense and compact concrete mass.
It is primarily utilized in the construction of roads, trains, and buildings for concrete compaction. It compacts newly poured concrete by removing trapped air and excess moisture. Its purpose is to secure the concrete in the formwork.
This is done to ensure correct concrete consolidation and prevent product faults. These vibrators can have vibration frequencies ranging from 2800 to 15000 rpm.
Types Of Vibrators Used In Construction
1. Internal Vibrators
Internal. vibrators, also known as immersion or concrete needle vibrators are the most common types of vibrators used on construction sites.
It comprises a steel tube with an eccentric vibrating element within (one end closed and rounded). The poker vibrator machine comprises a steel tube connected to an electric motor, a diesel engine, or a gasoline engine via a flexible tube.
The size of poker ranges from 40 to 100 mm in diameter. The poker diameter is determined by taking into account the distance between the reinforcing bars in the formwork.
Internal vibrator machine’s needle sizes range from 25 mm to 90 mm, with a minimum of 25 mm and a maximum of 35 mm used for roof slab casting.
For the compaction of concrete mass in column and beam structures, we should utilize a vibrator machine with 40 mm and 60 mm needles.
When proposing a strong footing and various bridge structures, we should use a vibrator machine with a 75 mm and 90 mm needle to compact the concrete mass by capturing air gaps and preventing honeycomb.
Vibrations from vibrator machines have a frequency of up to 15000 rpm. However, with an accel, a range of 3000 to 6000 rpm is advised as a preferable minimum.
2. External Vibrator
These vibrators are clamped rigidly to the form work at the pre-determined points so that the form and concrete are vibrated. They consume more power for a given compaction effect than internal vibrators.
The external vibrator is also known as shutter shape vibrator. It includes a base plate. It is used to compact the surface of precast concrete as well as the freshly poured concrete. A three-phase induction motor powers it.
Its construction is completely dosed. It’s also trustworthy and easy to maintain, with a power cord made up of four rubber-coated cables. The casing is usually built of an aluminum alloy casting. It has a highly efficient lightweight motor structure.
According to the building pattern, the machine is secured to the formwork horizontally or vertically at acceptable spacing but not exceeding 90 cm in both directions.
3. Surface Vibrator
Surface vibrators are permanently affixed to the concrete mass. During the screening process, they vibrate the concrete away from the surface.
When used in conjunction with concrete with low water to cement ratio, it is an excellent choice for the compaction of shallow elements.
For greater depth than 250 mm of the concrete, we should not use it. With the help of this machine, even dry mixes can be compacted successfully. Surface vibrators include things like pan vibrators and vibrating screeds.
It is commonly used for compacting small slabs, mending, and fixing horizontal. surfaces such as pavement stabs. It spins at a frequency of around 4000 rpm.
4. Vibrating Table
Although the formwork is clamped to the vibrator, the principle of vibrating the concrete and formwork remains unchanged. The vibration flavor is also comparable.
A fast-spinning eccentric weight, in general, produces In a circular motion, the table vibrates. The system is made up of two shafts that rotate in opposite directions.
The table can be subjected to a horizontal component of vibration that can be neutralized. Only in the vertical direction is there a simple harmonic motion.
There are also some minor positives. Vibrating tables of high quality powered by an electromagnet powered by alternating current. The frequency range reached is between 1,500 and 7000 rpm.
A table with variable amplitude should be utilized for vibrating concrete sections of various diameters or laboratory purposes. Vibrations with varying frequencies are a bonus. A vibrating table is a safe and effective way of compacting precast concrete.
The benefit of providing consistent treatment electrically or pneumatically controlled vibrating tables is particularly beneficial for precasting work.
The vibrating tables are very efficient in compacting stiff and harsh concrete mixes required for manufacture of precast elements in the factories and test specimens in laboratories.
What Is Cantilever Bridge? Types Of Cantilever Bridges. Advantages and Disadvantages
Introduction
A cantilever bridge is a bridge whose main structures are cantilevers, which are used to build girder bridges and truss bridges. A cantilever bridge has advantages in both simply supported and continuous bridges, like they are suitable for foundation with uneven settlement; they can be built
without false-works but has larger span capacity.
For cantilever bridges with balanced construction, hinges are usually provided at contra-flexure points of a continuous span, and an intermediate simply supported span can be suspended between two hinges. Cantilever bridges were not only built as girder bridges but also widely used in truss bridges.
Cantilever bridges are widely seen in major cities and movies. Though you have seen them but might not know the name it is called.
A cantilever is a structure with one of its ends fixed and free at other ends. The other end projects horizontally into space, and it is this end that helps support the bridge.
A cantilever bridge works in such a way that the bottom part of each cantilever is fixed or anchored into the ground, while the upper end of the cantilever supports the bridge itself.
The Cantilever bridge is a widely constructed bridge all over the world. These bridges are widely adopted mainly because They do not need any support. Usually, cantilever bridges are built when providing many supports is not possible.
Type Of Cantilever Bridges
The cantilever bridges are mainly divided into two types:
Balance Cantilever Bridges
Continuous Cantilever Bridges
1.Balanced Cantilever Bridges
The Balanced Cantilever Bridge does not require any falsework. Usually, this type of bridge is opted for constructing a long-span bridge.
If the bridge construction requirement is not suitable for simply supported or continuous frame type structures, then balanced cantilever bridges can be used.
We know that constructing a long-span continuous or simply supported bridge requires a solid foundation, which would be more expensive to construct.
Generally, balanced cantilever bridges are the combination of both simply supported structure and continuous structure.
The cantilever structure, which is constructed with only one cantilever length, must be small; otherwise, there may be chances of uplift at another end.
Cantilever balance Bridge has advantages of both continuous and simply supported structures. Like continuous bridges, The cantilever balance Bridge needs one line of bearings over the piers.
2.Continuous Cantilever Bridges
The continuous cantilever bridge is a truss bridge that extends across three or more supports without hinges or joints. Cantilever bridges are highly simplified, but they will explain the basic concepts of a conventional beam.
The abutments should be made heavy to compensate for the absence of a balanced cantilever. These types of Cantilever bridges work as continuous beam feet span between two support by maintaining their bending moment and Shear Strength throughout the beam.
Cantilever Bridge Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages Cantilever Bridges
Generally, the requirement of falsework is not much, other than the requirement for the pier.
The suspended bridges sections are assembled that can only be elevated and attached between two cantilever spans.
Only one side of each cantilever requires support.
The floor of the bridge is simply formed into sections to preserve uniformity and ensure high quality.
It is less time-consuming, As multiple cantilever spans construction can be started simultaneously from all its columns.
Navigation or passage under the bridge is not disturbed during the construction process.
There is no need for synthetic support if the area has a strong rock structure and anchor arms are connected to the surrounding rock.
The span of cantilever bridges is usually longer than conventional beams since the cantilever is attached at the ends of the bridge.
Cantilever bridges can withstand the effects of thermal expansion and floor speed than other types of bridges.
In cantilever bridges, the lack of supporting piers provides extra flexibility to the styles and geometry of the highway supported by this bridge.
These bridges are most suitable for flood-prone areas and deep rocky valleys, where falsework might be dangerous or difficult.
Disadvantages Of Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges cannot be constructed in extreme climate conditions due to the lack of multiple seasons.
Cantilever bridges require advanced analysis to prevent future fatigue failure of elements and welds.
Disability of the RC floor as part of a composite section.
It is challenging to construct and maintain these bridges, as they are largescale structures.
Requires bigger and stronger support columns to withstand the bridge load.
Generally, Long span bridges have truss bridges between the two cantilevers to reduce their weight.
Cantilever beams are not suitable for earthquake-prone areas or areas with low-rock stability.
A cantilever bridge requires a heavier structure to take care of its own stability by creating stability between compressive and tensile forces.
During the construction of Cantilever bridges, they experience a high level of tension which is known as negative moments.
Culvert boxes are an essential component of any roadway infrastructure. They play a critical role in preventing flooding, erosion, and environmental damage. Proper design, construction, and maintenance are necessary to ensure their effectiveness and longevity. By protecting our transportation systems and preserving the environment, culvert boxes contribute to a safer and more sustainable future.