PROJECT -
Topic: Traditional Timber Formwork & Scaffolding

To construct the columns, firstly we need to prepare the timber formwork. It is easy to produce but has a relatively short lifespan. However, due to the low labour costs and flexibility, this method is extensively used.

We ensure that each board is rigidly constructed, propped and braced both horizontally and vertically to retain its shape. Ensure that the formwork has no damage to the concrete. They should be resting on the firm base. From the diagrams above, it shows that the concrete has cast perfectly after removal of the formwork.

Next, to construct and support formwork in the level above, scaffolding is used as a temporary structure. It provides workers the platform around the building to work at heights. It is a movable platform as well, which is very important in construction work.

PROJECT A-
Topic: Beam and Slab Formwork

PROJECT A -
Topic: Beam and Slab Formwork

Slab formwork essentially supports the weight of the concrete during the curing process. As you can see in the pictures above, the timber is cut and arranged in that way, forming flat surfaces for the construction of beams and slabs.

We then placed reinforcement steels inside the spacings. The steel reinforcing and welded wire reinforcement should be supported and sufficiently tied together to minimise movements during concrete placing. The reinforcement steels are then supported to ensure that there is no sag between supports. Otherwise, the reinforcement may not be properly located in the slab.

PROJECT A-
Topic: Concrete Mixing

PROJECT A -
Topic: Concrete Mixing

After all of the preparation work is done, it's time to mix and cast concrete. Cement mixer truck is used to mix dry ingredients with water and other additives as needed to deliver the exact quantity of concrete for small and large concrete pours. Then, the fresh concrete is brought upwards using a concrete crane.

A mechanical vibrator should be used to compact the concrete. The vibrator is poke into the fresh concrete until the concrete settles. Ensure the steel reinforcements remain in its own place. Level the surface of the concrete with a screeding board to further compact the concrete.

Once the concrete is set, the formwork is stripped. Your beam and slab is now ready.

PROJECT A-
Topic: Casting First Floor Column, Roof Beam and Slab

PROJECT A-
Topic: Casting First Floor Column, Roof Beam and Slab

As the project is a one and a half-storey design, we will then construct columns on top of the first floor slab to transmit all of the loads from the roof above to the supporting elements below. As usual, we get ready with the rebar tightened up with the stirrups, preparing the wooden formworks for the columns and lastly pouring concrete into the formworks for the casting process.

After the curing process was done, we moved the scaffoldings below up to the first floor. Similarly, they are used to support the timber horizontal joists and timber panels which act as a formwork for the construction of roof beams and slab.

Your structural work is really neat. What's the purpose of the diagonal rebar? Btw is that a water outlet pipe inside Ground floor new column ?

Thanks . We always put a lot of effort in creating a safe and neat structural work for our clients.
For your information, the diagonal rebar we used is known as Y16 steel bar. It gives a better mechanical anchoring to the reinforced concrete. It enhances the stiffness of the structural system even more, which is what we emphasize on in every project we made.

Ya, you are right. the pipe concealed inside the new column is the rainwater downpipe right in front of the car porch. This is to hide the downpipe from viewers, as it may affect the aesthetic of the house if left exposed. However, there is no right or wrong in this case.

PROJECT A-
Topic: Roof Slab and Brick Walls Construction

PROJECT A-
Topic: Roof Slab and Brick Walls Construction


From the pictures above, you could clearly see that the roof slab construction is exactly having the same working process as the 1st floor slab done previously. Rebars are placed technically while fresh concrete is levelled properly.
With the new design, brick walls on the first floor are added up to the roof as shown in the picture. Lastly, plaster the gable end brick walls on both sides.

PROJECT A-
Topic: Construction of Internal Walls, Door Frame, and Staircase

PROJECT A-
Topic: Construction of Internal Walls, Door Frame, and Staircase

Moving into the internal parts of the house, brick walls are laid according to the layout. To lay the bricks perfectly, we would need a string line acting as a guide. While laying the bricks, the top of each brick in the row should just touch the top of the line. Apply mortar on the sides to affix the bricks next to it.

The door frames are also constructed on site, built as “H” frames with steel angles screwed on both sides so that the bricks can be laid on top of it, binding together with mortar. Lay all the bricks up to the beam above.


Before the construction of the concrete staircase, ensure that the starting of the entire staircase is connected to the small concrete foundation so that the loads are transferred into the ground successfully and to resist the movement of stairs. We prepare a proper formwork, a standard angle of flight with proper dimension of treads and risers. Next, we place the steel bars inside as reinforcement and fix the wooden boards to create the steps. Lastly, pour the concrete into the formwork and wait for the stairs to dry out completely to prevent cracks due to thermal expansion.

Hi,

I recently bought a new house that comes with laminated flooring at the upper floor. Do you know how durable and reliable it is? My whole life I've been living on a tiled-floor and this is the first time I'm going to experience laminated flooring (undercon project)

Sorry for the late reply!

For your information, laminate flooring is actually durable but it depends on the types of quality. It is suitable to use in high traffic areas like living room. The pricing is also lower than those engineered wood. Laminate flooring can withstand with scratches and dents which is very good in properties. So, you can have a try on it. But remember, not to install laminate flooring in wet areas, which are not so suitable!

PROJECT B - Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic: Preparation Work









This post has been edited by My Maison: Aug 11 2021, 01:54 AM

The topic that we are going to share with you today is a renovation project of toilets in residential housing.

Throughout this few weeks, we will share more about
a) preparation/protection works we had actually done
b) hacking, concrete works
c) piping and waterproofing, installation of fixtures
d) High-skilled Tiling work process

From time to time, we will update photos of work in site until the completion works for sharing.
For today's topic, we will start off with preparation work. As you can see, we put a lot of efforts in protecting the condition of the house surrounding including furniture, tiles in other areas. We have to ensure that along the route to the working areas (toilet), they are always in good condition and no damaged is caused. We cover them with canvas for future ease hygiene.

PROJECT B - Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic: Hacking and Plumbing

PROJECT B - Renovation of Toilet Areas

Topic : Hacking and Plumbing Works


After done all of the protection and preliminary works, we move on into the hacking process to remove all of the old unwanted walls layout, wall and floor tiles, bathtub etc. As shown in the illustrations, all of the wastes are then packed into a few packets of disposal bag before disposing outside.

While hacking work is done, at the same time, we do consider about the pipeline flow. Places for piping to be embedded inside are made, and they are installed and being concealed inside. Lastly, plaster them with cement.

PROJECT B- Renovation of Toilet Areas
Topic: Formwork and Countertop










This post has been edited by My Maison: Aug 16 2021, 12:51 AM