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[Snapshots]: (PART-2/2) - Perfect example of an enchanting Temple Architecture

2010-07-17T07:02:00.001+05:30

Shri Radha-Shyam Temple near Kacheguda Railway Station, Hyderabad, India

About the snapshot:

A few days ago, we published the 5th post in the newly started series here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR (tag-labeled as - "SNAPSHOTS"). The title of the post was-- "Perfect example of an enchanting Temple Architecture and Photographic ecstasy" which showcased a beautiful Hindu Temple located near the Kacheguda railway station in the Indian city of Hyderabad.

The beauty of the image was the mesmerizing out-of-the-world whitish-silverish aura that the full moon embellished on the white colored medieval temple architecture on the otherwise pitch-dark night. The contrast between the resulting full moon rays showered on the temple against the dark sky background was like, as we stated in that post, like as if it symbolized victory of the Good over Evil.

Today's snapshot captures the same temple in almost the same picture angle, with the only difference that it is shot in the day time.

Who all of you, by the way, have seen this temple by yourself?

For quick reference, check out this snapshot we published a few days before here on this blog of the same temple in full moonlit night, with the full moon visible showering its eternal rays over the beautiful temple architecture.

Shri Radha-Shyam Temple near Kacheguda Railway Station, Hyderabad, India during a full moonlit night

Post title: [Snapshots]: (PART-2) - Perfect example of an enchanting Temple Architecture

Today's snapshot is from BRICKS-n-MORTAR 's own archives.
We would love to receive your very own caption(s) for this snapshot in the comments section below and/or by email / 'contact us' form.

This being the 7th post in the newly started series here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR, tag-labeled as - "SNAPSHOTS". This series is being published here on this blog every Friday to start with. You may also send in some of your splendid photographs relating to our theme and may earn value points adding up to our ongoing BnM's blog promotion contest - 2010

Get our Twitter updates via SMS by texting follow bricksNmortar to 53000 in India

2010-07-14T03:25:00.000+05:30

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[Snapshots]: Interesting Round-About Designs on the Roads of Jeddah in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2010-07-10T00:04:00.002+05:30

This is the 6th post in the newly started series here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR, tag-labeled as - "SNAPSHOTS". This series is being published here on this blog every Friday to start with. You may also send in some of your splendid photographs relating to our theme and may earn value points adding up to our ongoing BnM's blog promotion contest - 2010

Today's snapshots are from BRICKS-n-MORTAR 's own archives. We would love to receive your very own caption(s) for these snapshots in the comments section below and/or by email / 'contact us' form.

Interesting Round-About Designs on the Roads of Jeddah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

BnM>>

About the snapshots :

Today's snapshots highlight how artistic and innovative one can get while planning, designing and executing as humble a road feature as the round-abouts at road intersections that each one of us encounter at the road intersections.

Of course, one can extend a statement that cash or mineral rich nations can afford to have larger-than-life things which other nations cannot. But, don't we all know that its only a limp excuse to make.

All it actually requires is a will to do something awesome, and an efficient and willing management/ authority. Such designs and architectural features provide an aesthetic and larger-than-life civil engineering based entities that not only are a pleasure to watch, but also do their basic job-- MANAGE TRAFFIC AT INTERSECTIONS.

Note:- BRICKS-n-MORTAR recommends its readers to have a look at informative and meaningful article on round-abouts / road intersection designs at roundabouts.net, which the BnM's Edesk came across while surfing the net for more information on road intersection designs. A must read, we must say!

Post title: [Snapshots]: Interesting Round-About Designs on the Roads of Jeddah in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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[TechTalk]: Concrete Slabs | Common types of building Slabs | Slab basic design concept --- (PART-1/2)

2010-07-07T19:50:00.002+05:30

This short note is essentially useful for technical personnel and engineers, and may not serve much purpose to the majority of common people because of certain core civil engineering terms used to explain. However, like always, BRICKS-n-mortar Edesk has tried to explain in utmost simpler terms and language so that a non-technical person interested in knowing may also understand if he/she may so desire. This note is published on request of 'Chan Gul', one of our long-time avid subscribers.

Slab construction over deck sheet forms

What, in the first place, is meant by a 'slab' in the building design concept?

Before proceeding further, it would be prudent to explain for the understanding of our non-technical readers, as what is meant by a 'slab' in the technical jargon.

A slab is essentially a two-dimensional reinforced or non-reinforced cement concrete structural element of the modern building design concept that serves the purpose of a floor and/or a ceiling and/or a landing base. It is termed a two-dimensional structural element as it spans across the length and width (or trigonometric components of horizontal and/or vertical planes thereof like that in case of inclined roofs, stair waist slabs, etc.).

The most common examples of slabs being the floors, roofs, ramps, concrete staircases, etc. The slabs may or may not have composite beam(s) network associated with them, which provide inherent support and rigidity to the slabs per se.

Classification of Concrete Slabs

The classification of concrete slabs is basically done based on the following factors:

based on the position of slab :
i.e., whether the slab is to be constructed ..
- directly resting over the well compacted ground (called Slab-on-grade or Slab-on-ground). Such slabs can also be simply termed as ground floor slabs in layman's language as these are cast directly over well-rammed and compacted sub-base (ground), and serve the purpose of floors resting over the ground. That is why such slabs are commonly called as 'Ground Floors'.
- elevated slabs that are constructed somewhere higher on the structural frame (like first floor, second floor, roof, etc.)
based on the shape and geometry of the slab :
i.e., whether the slab is ..
- square, or
- rectangular, or
- circular, or
- annular ring slab
- triangular, or
- any other geometrical shape whatsoever.
- symmetrical slab
- asymmetrical or elongated slab
- dome slab
- curved slab
based on the end conditions (end supports) of the slab :
i.e., whether the slab is a ..
- continuous slab
- discontinuous slab
- simply supported slab
- fixed end slab (comprising multiple conditions with options like fixed at one end, two ends, three ends, all four ends, opposite ends, adjacent ends, etc.)
- cantilever slab
based on the reinforcement design principle of the slab :
i.e., whether the slab is a ..
- one-way slab
- two-way slab
based on the construction practices or usage or rigid design principles :
i.e., whether the slab is a ..
- flat slab
- sunken slab
- raised slab
- waffle slab
- ribbed slab
- corrugated slab
- staircase waist slab
- deck-resting slab
Concrete being poured for roof slab construction

Brief definition / explanation of the various types of Concrete Slabs

The above mentioned various types of concrete slabs shall be discussed in brief in the next concluding part of this post titled: Concrete Slabs | Common types of building Slabs | Slab basic design concept --- (PART-2/2)
that shall be published here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR(dot)com shortly. Do check in for the details if find the topic interesting.

Post title: [TechTalk]: Concrete Slabs | Common types of building Slabs | Slab basic design concept --- (PART-1/2)

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[Snapshots]: Perfect example of an enchanting Temple Architecture and Photographic ecstasy

2010-07-02T22:08:00.003+05:30

This is the 5th post in the newly started series here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR, tag-labeled as - "SNAPSHOTS". This series is being published here on this blog every Friday to start with. You may also send in some of your splendid photographs relating to our theme and may earn value points adding up to our ongoing BnM's blog promotion contest - 2010

Today's snapshot is from the photo archives of one of BnM Edesk members- 'P.Sood' who is an avid photographer. He insists to be termed amateur despite the fact that his works have been nominated in a couple of renowned e-galleries.

We would love to receive your very own caption(s) for this snapshot in the comments section below and/or by email / 'contact us' form.

An enchanting snapshot of a Temple near the Kacheguda Railway Station in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India

About the snapshot:

Looking at the picture, who would ever not praise the genius and supreme mastery of religious monuments' architecture?

World over, the religious monuments/ buildings/ structures/ artifacts/ construction (whatever one may call them as!) provide ultimate examples of architectural marvel-- be them the Hindu temples, Sikh Gurudwaras, Buddhist Matthhs and Stupas, Christian Churches, Muslim Mosques, Jain Mandirs, and the likes.

The factors like-- enormity of scale, architectural detailing and painstaking skill in constructing and finishing them-- are what attracts the attention of the worshipers and professionals as well.

And it is when the magical serenity of the place is captured aesthetically and devotionally by the means of a lens, the charm and bliss of the place becomes eternal.

This particular snap published today has been clicked in the Indian city of Hyderabad. The clicked Hindu Temple here in this post is located near the Kacheguda railway station.

The full moonlit Temple shines eternally in the backdrop of completely dark sky perhaps epitomizing the truth of "GOOD WINNING OVER THE EVIL"

Post title: [Snapshots]: Perfect example of an enchanting Temple Architecture and Photographic ecstasy

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[Delhi-NCR]: MCD Property Tax submission 2009-10

2010-06-30T17:01:00.016+05:30

This post is purposefully being published today as a reminder to all those people having properties in Delhi, that they need to submit the property tax by tonight if they want to avoid penalties and late submission dues.

Sheila Tyagi, one of our visitors, has urged us to remind everyone concerned. Thank you Sheila for your concern :-)

Those who have not submitted their taxes over immovable properties may still submit MCD property tax online by tonight without having to pay late fee.

The entire procedure and related links been available on one of our previous posts:
MCD Property Tax | Filing MCD Property Tax Online | FAQs about MCD Property Tax

Hurry up... only a few hours left now. Best of luck. Do ask us in case you have any doubts or need any kind of assistance.

[Snapshots]: Delhi Metro -- Chhugging the Way for Commoners traveling to and fro Delhi-Gurgaon

2010-06-26T00:15:00.001+05:30

This is the 4th post in the newly started series here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR, tag-labeled as - "SNAPSHOTS". This series is being published here on this blog every Friday to start with. You may also send in some of your splendid photographs relating to our theme and may earn value points adding up to our ongoing BnM's blog promotion contest - 2010

Today's snapshot is from our own archives. We would love to receive your very own caption(s) for this snapshot in the comments section below and/or by email / 'contact us' form.

Delhi Metro -- Chhugging the Way for Commoners traveling to and fro Delhi-Gurgaon

About the snapshots:

The Delhi - Gurgaon metro rail started its operation on a limited route on the stretch on the 21st June 2010 much to the joy and delight of so many commoners who were waiting for a reliable transport system to ply between India's capital city- New Delhi and the much-happening satellite city of Gurgaon.

Though it will take about a month more for the entire route (Central Secretariat to Gurgaon) to be functional, opening of Qutub Minar - Gurgaon part of the route has given the commuters a better choice than getting stuck in the traffic jams on the roads and lack of reliable public transport.

The snapshots do not need further explanation, as they speak pride for themselves.

Post title: [Snapshots]: Delhi Metro -- Chhugging the Way for Commoners traveling to and fro Delhi-Gurgaon

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Need of Better Planning for Averting Risks in Construction Industry

2010-06-23T17:29:00.001+05:30

Often when a greenfield project site is in the pipeline ready to hit the ground to take a desired physical shape, it takes enormous time for the managing and executing agencies to get the works rolling with the planned momentum. So, what happens when even the plans are in place on papers, but still the progress isn’t taking off in the required direction? The blame-game starts in such a situation with one agency accusing the others for the delays; the delays in turn becoming compounded; and the project cash flow going negative.

The key to avoid such a gloomy picture at any stage of a project, perhaps more importantly in the beginning stage of the project, is effective planning and monitoring, together with an all-aligned site organization. Since opening the site marks the physical execution of the project, it becomes imperative to take notice of the key points beforehand so that the project site is organized well to perform efficiently and economically.

Key Points

Like any important work, the early stage planning and orientation tools always help in chalking out the success path of the subsequent periods. The things to remember and implement are:

Making a clear picture

Knowing the contract, project requirements, plans, budgets, site organization, schedules and everything related to chalk out a clear picture of the project comes handy to get acquainted with the project. This helps in reducing the buffer time, which often gets wasted at the start of a project.

Earmarking an effective site organization

No matter if you are amongst the Client, the Consultant or the Contractor, it always helps to have an effective and balanced project as well as back-office teams created to suit the specific nature of the project and the project-site. A balanced and motivated team can do wonders in any sort of conditions.

Dividing the site into manageable sections

A site has different needs and functions from time to time. Creating functional and manageable core teams ensure that monitoring and aligning/realigning of the teams as well as the project activities are always under control. Such teams can be enhanced with or merged to garner more strength and skill as the project goes beyond initial embryonic stage.

Micro & Macro planning

Once the project has followed the macro plans, micro scheduling of activities should follow immediately by respective teams, but in concurrence with each and every correlated team. Such schedules and plans should be regularly monitored and updated vis-à-vis the actual progress and availability of resources. This helps in reflecting the bottlenecks and delays to the managers, who can thereafter take remedial measures without affecting the overall progress much.

Time management

It is unavoidable at any project to have automatic balance between the pressure of work and the remaining time in hand. But this bottleneck can be resolved stage by stage with effective time management. The art to learn and master is to prioritize the important activities first than the secondary ones, and planning to cater to the important ones foremost. All successful managers thrive on this very craft of time management on the first place beside of course other trade and/or personal qualities.

Authority and Responsibility

Delegation of suitable authority and responsibility to every functional member of the team is the last, but definitely not the least of the key requirements of a successful site organization. This helps in clear-cut roles that all the team members are required to perform in the organization

Original Post: Need of Better Planning for Averting Risks in Construction Industry
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[Snapshots]: Home improvement -- 'Buildings with wholesome beauty'

2010-06-18T20:20:00.001+05:30

This is the 3rd post in the newly started series here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR, tag-labeled as - "SNAPSHOTS". This series is being published here on this blog every Friday to start with. You may also send in some of your splendid photographs relating to our theme and may earn value points adding up to our ongoing BnM's blog promotion contest - 2010

Today's snapshot is from our own archives. We would love to receive your very own caption(s) for this snapshot in the comments section below and/or by email / 'contact us' form.

BnM's Caption:

Home improvement -- 'Buildings with wholesome beauty'

BnM

About the snapshot:

Some of old readers of BRICKS-n-MORTAR must have seen this picture earlier also in one of our earlier posts. Though already published, we find it imperative to share this pic with our readers again because of a reason.

The reason is to highlight the advantages of having a beautifully planned, constructed and maintained building... be it one's home, office building, commercial complex, etc. The wholesome goodness is attained if and only if details of each and every corner of the building is given the needed emphasis and attention to. Giving one's valuable time in maintaining even the usually lesser visited nooks and corners is what enhances the value and integrity of one's place.

This is what we emphasized in our mentioned earlier post too. Check out that post clicking here if you may feel like. And do provide us your valuable feedback, comments, suggestion, etc. as it helps us bettering our website and endeavor to serve the common man and the professionals alike :-)

Original Post: [Snapshots]: Home improvement -- 'Buildings with wholesome beauty'
Related earlier post: 'Buildings with wholesome beauty'~~ Does your dwelling looks all-round beautiful like this?

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[Taking stock]: Delhi Metro Rail's Delhi - Gurgaon & other Critical Rail Lines | Delhi Metro (DMRC) phase I & II projects' status

2010-06-17T19:15:00.001+05:30

As part of BRICKS-n-MORTAR 's round-ups of the ongoing infrastructure development and allied construction / upgradation / rehabilitation related works, which directly or indirectly relate to the successful show of Common Wealth Games 2010 (CWG 2010) to be held in New Delhi -- the capital city of India, today we take stock of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's (DMRC) metro rail construction and erection status of the projects in hand as on date.

The Delhi Metro Rail's mouthpiece had reported the status of its Phase-I and Phase-II projects sometime in the last calender quarter of 2009 as per which the status of the completed projects as well as the target route opening schedules of the corridors undergoing construction being:

Sn.	Name of the Corridor	Approx. Length \(in kms)	Target Route Opening Schedule	Status, as on Date
1	Shahdara - Dilshad Garden	3.09	Commissioned
2	Vishwavidyalaya - Jahangirpuri	6.36	Commissioned
3	Indraprastha - Yamuna Bank	2.10	Commissioned
4	Akshardham - New Ashok Nagar	5.90	Commissioned
5	New Ashok Nagar - Noida	7.00	Commissioned
6	Yamuna Bank - Anand Vihar ISBT	6.17	Commissioned
7	Inderlok - Mundka	15.15	March 2010	Delayed
8	Qutab Minar - Gurgaon	14.47	March 2010	Delayed; Expected by Jun' 10
9	Central Secretariat – Qutab Minar	12.53	June 2010	Delayed; Expected by Aug' 10
10	Kirti Nagar – Ashok Park	3.32	June 2010	Delayed
11	Central Secretariat – Badarpur	20.16	September 2010	Likely to meet schedule
12	New Delhi Railway Station– Dwarka Sector 21 (Also called Airport Express Line)	22.70	September 2010	Doubtful to meet deadline; However is given utmost priority
13	Dwarka Sector 9 to 21	2.76	September 2010	Likely to meet schedule
14	Anand Vihar ISBT – Vaishali, Ghaziabad	2.50	September 2010	Likely to meet schedule

With only about 15 weeks left as on date for the opening of the New Delhi hosted Commonwealth Games 2010

(CWG 2010), all the agencies, authorities, civic bodies, government departments, etc. involved in the infrastructure development are racing against time to complete the projects in time. Agencies like DMRC are doing their best in meeting targets, but somehow socks need to be pulled by all concerned in the fag end now.

At the time of publishing this post here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR, it is being contemplated by the agencies concerned to start the Qutub Minar - Gurgaon metro rail line from 21st June 2010, while the Central Secretariat – Qutab Minar stretch of the same line expected to be put to public use by August 2010, if not by end of July 2010.

Another much critical and awaited corridors under construction are the Airport Express Line (New Delhi Railway Station– Dwarka Sector 21) and the Central Secretariat – Badarpur metro rail lines. The same are given utmost priority so as to be completed on schedule.

Lets all wish the agencies concerned the best of luck so that they can meet the target dates. Its demanding and difficult of course, but surely not impossible!

Original Post: [Taking stock]: Delhi Metro Rail's Delhi - Gurgaon & other Critical Rail Lines | Delhi Metro (DMRC) phase I & II projects' status
Previous related post: Delhi Metro (DMRC) bridge collapse accident | Corrective Actions on Column Piers with faulty Cantilever Overhangs
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[Snapshots]: Construction basics -- 'Good Quality Work shows by itself'

2010-06-11T13:41:00.003+05:30

This is the 2nd post in the newly started series here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR, tag-labeled as - "SNAPSHOTS". This series is being published here on this blog every Friday to start with.
You may also send in some of your splendid photographs relating to our theme and may earn value points adding up to our ongoing BnM's blog promotion contest - 2010

Today's snapshot is from our own archives (BRICKS-n-MORTAR 's Edesk members' collection). Have a look and suggest your very own caption(s) to us in the comments section below and/or by email / 'contact us' form.

BnM's Caption:

Construction basics -- 'Good Quality Work shows by itself'

A building under construction in South Delhi region, INDIA

>> BnM pics

About the snapshot:

This Snapshot is of a building under construction in one of the prominent colonies of Lajpat Nagar that is located in the heart of South Delhi region.

Its well known that any construction is a visual treat to eyes as well as worth its money if it is executed incorporating top-notch quality work. The edge lines, corners and surfaces of the reinforced concrete framed structure, viz., columns, beams, slabs, etc. are absolutely clean, with no significant signs of honeycombing or bad form work.

The masonry (brickwork) is neat and tidy with the bricks looking well-burnt, and the brick joints nicely raked and finished with equal mortar bands. The other structural and/or non-structural elements like lintels, stairs, sunshades, etc. are also equally well done.

THIS IS WHAT IS CALLED COMPREHENSIVE QUALITY WORK.
Credit to the owners and the construction team involved with the project..

Original Post: [Snapshots]: Construction basics -- Good Quality Work shows by itself

Previous related post: [Snapshots]: Roadside Graffiti -- Standing tall.. fighting the headwinds
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[Construction, Budgeting]: Indicative Cost Components of a typical Home Construction

2010-06-08T20:09:00.001+05:30

A typical dream home construction of one's choice would require certain budget to carry out and finish the construction works.

One would require to properly estimate and workout a budget, which not only helps him/her in arranging the requisite funds at respective time schedules, but also assist the home owner to check if he/she is exceeding his/her pocket.

To plan and foresee the estimated costs, one would require to have certain amount of knowledge so as to have a basic understanding of things as well as tools to monitor the expenses involved.

Indicative Cost Components of a typical Home Construction

India's premier cement manufacturing company, ACC 's website, furnishes a very nice graphical representation of the typical breakup and contributing percentage of each of the major cost-head that is involved in incurring expenses during the construction of a home.

The graphical representation provides a broad estimate of the cost of materials, labour and other items as a percentage of the total expenditure.

Typical cost components of a home construction

The illustration lists the cost heads and respective cost components as following:

Design fees - 3 to 5%
Contractors' payments, etc. - up to 12%
Earthworks (excavation, back filling, disposal of surplus soil, etc.) - 2 to 6%
Cement - 10 to 14%
Sand - 3 to 5%
Stone aggregates (stone metal chips) - 2 to 4%
Water - up to 2%
Rebar / Reinforcement steel - up to 6%
Masonry - 8 to 10%
Flooring - 3 to 7%
Shuttering (Form work) - 2 to 4%
Electrical works - 4 to 6%
Doors, Windows, Gates, Shutters, etc. - up to 10%
External works (boundary, drainage, landscaping, etc.) - 8 to 10%
Plumbing and Sanitary works - up to 12%
Painting and finishing - up to 12%
Other (miscellaneous) expenses - up to 15%

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative based on a typical home construction primarily in reinforced cement concrete. The percentages and items will vary from case to case.

Related earlier post:

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[Go-Green]: 5 myths about Going Green | Green Homes | Green Buildings

2010-06-05T21:58:00.002+05:30

Today, the 5th day of June, is the World Environment day.

I've read quite a lot of articles in the news prints as well as watched many a programmes on the TV today about the topic. All of these programmes and newsprint articles essentially comprised of eco-awareness debates, news round-ups, sponsored construction project propaganda (ofcourse it means the paid commercial content on the TV by respective realtors), and what not.

While most of the printed / telecast content focused on telling what are Green Buildings, thereby stressing the plus points that we the earthlings can harness adopting such green way of living; the others focused on describing carbon credits and how irresponsible we have become by not adopting the new mantra of green living.

But, it was this small printed content in India's one of the leading media house's newspaper- Mail Today -- that stood out of all the other content.

Though I've not taken their formal permission to share this informative content on this blog submitting this in the form of a guest post, yet I do firmly believe that sharing such real-meaningful informative newsprint-content is alright in all senses since this is the right kind of information that one would need so as to understand the real meaning of GOING GREEN.

Sharing herewith the content with due credit to the people behind this content in Mail Today. This content lists out and briefly explains about the 5 common myths that we all usually associate the Green Buildings Concept with...

A green building is one that is surrounded by a tree cover: Not necessarily. It is about the right mix of design and construction techniques, materials and implementation which determines a green building.
Green housing is expensive: Actually green buildings can be cost-effective. Green buildings offer a lot of savings in the long run through energy savings. This helps the customer to repay the additional costs within three to four years. Reasonable levels of sustainable design can be incorporated into most building types at little or no additional cost
Golf course is a great example of a green development: On the contrary, golf course is one of the most non-green development factors. It consumes high volume of water and fertilizer
Green building is all about technology and material: Yes, and more. Green buildings are not only about the materials and technology used for the construction. Importance is also given on the location of the building, sunlight penetration and wind direction. Moreover, such buildings also take into account water efficiency, rainwater harvesting, etc. It’s about understanding the locality of your building
Green buildings do not look good and have a weird architecture: With new architectural designs, green buildings can actually be quite attractive. The application of design expression is no different from traditional architecture.

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[Snapshots]: Roadside Graffiti -- Standing tall.. fighting the headwinds

2010-06-04T17:28:00.004+05:30

We are glad to announce the start of a new series - "SNAPSHOTS" from today onwards that shall be published here on this blog every Friday to start with.

The idea for this new series has been given by one of our newer visitors and subscriber, named Kamal Pal, who is a fresh architecture graduate hailing from the beautiful city of Jaipur located in the northern state of Rajasthan, India.

Kamal receives 15 points for the picture he has shared with us + 10 bonus points for the idea towards the ongoing BnM's blog promotion contest - 2010

Caption:

'POWER-PLAY' :: Roadside Graffiti -- Standing tall.. fighting the headwinds

>> BnM pics

'POWER-PLAY' :: Roadside Graffiti -- Standing tall.. fighting the headwinds

About the snapshot:

All of us see the power transmission lines and the structural towers which support these transmission lines. But, have you ever looked a bit closely and analyzed how intricate their design must be?

Take a look again. The next time you come across one while traveling on a highway or while traversing country roads, pay an extra look admiring the otherwise lifeless looking structures. These giant yet so very humble looking structures as well as their designers deserve your admiration, you shall observe.

Blog Post Title: Roadside Graffiti -- Standing tall, fighting the headwinds

Suggested stuff of interest on Amazon.com:

Ask us if you have any query relating to civil engineering, architecture, building design & construction, interiors, etc.
Subscribe to get more such tips-n-bits, posts and articles delivered directly to your mailbox. Alternatively, subscribe to our RSS Feeds if you desire to access the content of this blog over any feed-reader of your choice.

Gigantic Earth Sinkhole in Guatemala City amazes Scientists, Geologists and People of all sections

2010-06-03T18:20:00.004+05:30

It was something very strange that was reported to have happened as recently as in the months of February and May this year in the Guatemala City, the largest city in the Central America region.

News flashes across the world reported a giant earth (sub-surface) sinkhole probably caused by the rains triggered by the recent tropical storm 'Agatha' in the Guatemala City. "The cavernous and almost perfectly round sinkhole — about 66 feet (20m) diameter and 330 feet (100m) deep — swallowed an entire intersection and a cloth factory, spooking people in the neighborhood but exciting geologists" reports the news sections in almost all forms of media across the world.

Now, having spent a quick but amazed glance at the pictures followed by subsequent bit deeper thought and a little research on it, the phenomenon of sinking of earth in such fashion is a tricky issue on its own, if not spooky in entirety.

What is a Sinkhole?

One may think what is a sinkhole which is being reported in the news reports. In simple terms, a sinkhole is typically a geotechnical / geological term that indicates sinking of part of the land due to certain external and/or internal sub-surface activities together with the water undercurrents flowing beneath the surface destabilizing the landmass over it.

Usually this happens where the soil is non-cohesive; the sub-surface in general is porous in nature; and an aquifer or any flowing water body is passing by underneath. The flow of water keeps on eroding the channel thereby creating kind of an underground cavity, which makes the ground above it susceptible to fall down on its own weight. Landmasses consisting of porous grade limestone, coal, soft sandstones, etc. as well as filled-up areas with loose non-cohesive soil types are in constant danger of such sinking of grounds, thereby creating caverns and large irregular holes on the land surfaces.

What can be done to avoid such tragic situations arising by Sinkhole?

Nothing much, to be very frank, in case one is living in an area which in entirety is naturally or man-made formed of such sub-surface.

But, having said so, one can avoid such situations by not choosing susceptible places like this for building their houses, buildings, factories, etc. This can be done getting acquainted with the subsurface properties by getting conducting detailed geotechnical (subsurface) investigations, which technically let us know the properties and nature of the soil strata of a particular place.

In case the geotech studies suggest the subsurface to be weak and the ground to be susceptible to sink, adequate design measures must be ensured which could make the structures building over it safer. All the same, having known the risks, one should avoid building structures in such places. Precaution is always better, all would agree after all!

Image source: AFP / TOI / Google images

Stuff of likely interest:

Win a chance of getting your Dream Home DESIGNED FOR FREE *

2010-05-31T18:08:00.006+05:30

Now, this must be one-of-a-kind golden opportunity for the subscribers, readers and visitors of this blog.

BRICKS-n-MORTAR, your favorite civil engineering and architecture based no-nonsense weblog, has got an eminent Delhi based Civil / Structural Design group to commit they shall offer their core structural design services* to one of our chosen subscribers FOR FREE*.

Yes, you read it right... absolutely free of cost*

This offer is being presented as part of our newly launched 'blog promotion cum members reward contest' discussed a few days back at this same blog.

The contest is being extended to the members, subscribers, readers, visitors of this blog who would like to participate in the contest to get a chance to be lucky so as to receive free structural design consultation services towards his/her home design by professional structural design team based in New Delhi, India.
(Note: * Disclaimer - BRICKS-n-MORTAR's T&C apply)

To get lucky and win this golden opportunity, all you need to do is to:

PARTICIPATE in "BnM's blog promotion contest - 2010" that shall run throughout the monsoons period (Jun 01, 2010 to September 30, 2010)
SHOW YOUR PATRONAGE and proving to us that you are an active part of this blog by one of the following deciding methods as enlisted under serial number 3 to 5 herein below:
SUBMIT YOUR GUEST POSTS comprising of original write-ups of about 200-300 words and/or non-bookish type user-friendly tips-n-bits and/or any other originally written/complied stuff that could be of some use to the readers of this blog.

Again we are emphasizing that the content should be original and not to be copied and submitted as such. All submissions are liable to be checked for originality, and may be rejected at the sole discretion of BRICKS-n-MORTAR 's Edesk.
- Fifteen (15) Points shall be awarded to any guest post that shall be shortlisted and published on this blog.
- Twenty (20) Points shall be awarded to the person submitting that guest post which receives five to ten (5-10) meaningful comments; while
- Twenty-Five (25) Points shall be awarded to the person submitting that guest post which receives eleven to twenty (11-20) meaningful comments.
- Thirty (30) points shall be awarded to the person submitting the guest post that receives either more than twenty (20) meaningful comments OR gets bookmarked fifteen (15) or more times on selected social media networks (digg, twitter, facebook, orkut, yahoo! buzz, stumbleupon, delicious, technorati, etc.).
REFER AS MANY FRIENDS and NETWORK CONNECTIONS to subscribe to the updates of this blog (either by Email subscription method or by RSS Feeds subscription method).
- Ten (10) Points shall be awarded to the referrer per successful subscription by Email subscription method, while
- Two (2) Points shall be awarded to the referrer per successful subscription by RSS Feed subscription method.
Referrers must however authenticate the successful activation of Email/ RSS subscription methods of their referred contacts by sending the names and email IDs (of the person(s) they claim to have referred/added to this blog readers list) through separate emails to us
[Emails intimating this authentication info should be sent to info(at)bricks-n-mortar(dot)com].
POST MEANINGFUL & CONTENT ORIENTED COMMENTS to the blog posts during the period of this contest. All the comments posted on this blog posts-- whether on newly published posts OR to old published posts-- shall be considered for calculating points adding to the cumulative score of respective entries.

The only catch here is that the comments should be meaningful; more than 25-30 words in length; appropriate and relating to the content of the respective posts; and non-generic lines (like nice post/ good info/ wonderful stuff/ etc. etc.).
- Two (2) Points each shall add to the cumulative score of the Sender of every qualified comment.

So, what do you think? Worth your spending valuable time with us on this blog or not? Participate, Be lucky and Get a chance to have your Dream Home Designed Absolutely Free.

As mentioned above, the contest kicks start tomorrow (June 01, 2010 onwards) and shall run till September 30, 2010. For any other information, feedback, etc. please feel free to contact us.

For other information and terms & conditions, keep visiting this blog and/or reading the updates regularly.

* Disclaimer: 'BRICKS-n-MORTAR's T&C apply' suggests in generality to all the participants of this contest to be abreast of the related terms and conditions of this contest, which in general limits the said design services to be provided based upon design augmenting inputs received from an individual's end, with this blog and/or their associated design team not committing any role in getting the inputs authenticated as received from the provider's end and/or not undertaking any statutory role whatsoever with local authorities/ design approving bodies, etc.)

Suggested stuff of interest :

[Readers' Query]: What is Web Content Syndication?

2010-05-28T15:00:00.018+05:30

Jennifer Cole (jenn...12@...org) asks us via BnM's feedburner platform:

"WHAT IS WEB CONTENT SYNDICATION'?

Quoting one of the nicely and simply explained meaning of web content syndication available at ehow(dot)com ...

"Content syndication is truly a broad area. Many consider syndication simply putting an RSS feed or two on their Web site and nothing more. But content syndication is much more than that.

Anytime your content is reproduced anywhere, it is considered syndicated.

For example, writing articles about your Web site and submitting them to article directories is a great form of syndication because, in turn, other web sites will reproduce that content and provide you with another link back to your Web site. One article submitted to many directories can literally end up on thousands of web sites after several months.

Social bookmarking is also another hot option. Promoting your web site in public on their social bookmarking pages is a quiet way of saying that they love your web site. In return, other surfers will see their pages and visit your Web site. Once again, a little syndication can go a long way.

Choosing the right method for your website, by taking a brief look at one's goals and quality/quantity of the content published over the webspace, content syndication can easily be shaped into an easy-to-execute promotion plan."

[Note: Those interested in reading the article in full may surf through the same at http://www.ehow.com/how_2003263_select-syndication-method.html]

In a nutshell:

Web content syndication is an internet based application and/or method primarily utilized for the simple purpose of republishing / reproducing / re-blogging / web link offering to third party websites
Main purpose is to either provide customized updates/ feeds of a particular website to its registered subscribers, or to offer link-baits on other websites, blogs and social media sites (like Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, Del.ico.us, Yahoo! buzz, Google Reader, and the likes) to gain viral marketing and receiving possible linking back web traffic.
Intended purpose of most of the genuine websites and blogs [like us, of course! :-) ] is also to provide link/ content information to their respective readers, visitors and subscribers by means of such Web Content Syndication.

BRICKS-n-MORTAR 's major feed syndication links:
(for ready reference)

Related previous posts of similar post interest/ tags/ labels:

[PART-1 / 2] : Opt to Receive blog updates by 'RSS Feeds Syndication' or 'Mailbox Subscription' methods?

[PART-2 / 2] : Opt to Receive blog updates by 'RSS Feeds Syndication' or 'Mailbox Subscription' methods?

Useful Utilities-n-Softwares

Ask us in case you also have any query relating to civil engg, architecture, building design & construction, interiors, etc.
Subscribe to get more such tips-n-bits, posts and articles delivered directly to your mailbox. Alternatively, subscribe to our RSS Feeds if you desire to access the content of this blog over any feed-reader of your choice.

More Recent Articles

[PART-2 / 2] : Opt to Receive blog updates by 'RSS Feeds Syndication' or 'Mailbox Subscription' methods?

2010-05-26T18:59:00.002+05:30

NOTE:- THIS POST IS THE CONCLUDING PART (PART-2 OF 2) UNDER THIS POST MESSAGE THREAD.
THOSE, NOT HAVING READ THE PART-1 OF THE POST, MAY GO THROUGH THE SAME CLICKING HERE.

PREVIEW TO PART-1 OF THE POST

In the first part of this post, we discussed about the often asked query of many of our readers and visitors asking:

How to choose the right & apt method of receiving our blog's Updates?
Asking which method of of 'Email Subscription' method or 'RSS Feeds Syndication' method was having an edge over another?
Seeking guidance & explanation as what is RSS Feeds Syndication, and how to install them / subscribe to them.

We had explained in the said previous part of the post that Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a service which is a simplistic means of offering content feeds of a website or a blog or any electronic data server in XML format to its visitors who desire to receive its updates on third party websites and/or web browsers and/or web applications. We had also suggested to read a good tutorial about RSS available on the internet published by Mark Nottingham.

FACTORS PRIMARILY INFLUENCING WHICH METHOD IS GOOD FOR AN END USER (SUBSCRIBER)

Since the End User (Subscriber) is the KING of any service oriented field, the parameters influencing his/her decision are of prime concern to any web-publisher (or any business strategy, for that matter of fact!). These parameters play a key role in letting the end user (subscriber) take a decision as which method would be suitable to him/her, which in turn, is largely based upon the various external conditions that the end user would be subjected to while accessing the updates.

Team BRICKS-n-MORTAR hereby analyze, deliberate and tabulate hereunder the key decision parameters which an end user can deliberate upon while taking a decision as which method of receiving web updates be more suiting to him/her:

MAJOR DECISION PARAMETERS THAT ONE MAY ANALYZE TO CHOOSE WHICH SUBSCRIPTION METHOD IS SUITABLE FOR HIM/HER FOR RECEIVING WEB CONTENT UPDATES FROM HIS/HER FAVORITE WEBSITES / BLOGS
Sn.	Decision Parameter	RSS Feed method	Email subscription method	Remarks
1.	Subscriber's control over the updates/content received	Full control for the moment-- in terms of the latest content being presented to the subscriber whenever he/she accesses the feeds over a electronic medium connected to internet.	Full control over the content -- in terms of all the desired web content being delivered directly into the end user's desired mailbox, as and when the content is published in the host website.	Decision may be taken by the end user depending upon whether he/she desires full control over the 'content available for the moment' OR full control over the 'content made available in entirety'.
2.	Subscriber's comfort and time factor	End user can log in to the RSS feed service once he/she is connected to an internet connection. Feeds/ Updates can then be read till the time one is connected to the net. (People using offline web content downloading however are an exception to this case).	Subscribers can go through to the received updates at their own behest and leisure as the content is available in their very own mailbox.	Both methods have pros and cons over one another. It entirely depends upon end users' habits, internet connection availability and intention how the content is going to be utilized that act as guiding principle.
3.	Subscriber's ease to browse content	One can perhaps read only the latest (recently available) content by this method, which is guided primarily by the settings of the web-content publishers and/or the capacity of the RSS Feeds reader/ browser.	Since the subscribers have the content available in their very own mailbox, they can access and utilize the content as and when desired.	The content is essentially momentary in case of RSS Feeds method, while it is available anytime in user's inbox till the time he/she decides to delete it in case of Email subscription method.
4.	Subscriber's choice/ limitation over disk space	For accessing content syndication over web browsers, the end users need not worry about the local computers' disk space as the content is available over the world wide web for that particular moment of time, and is not eating-up the personal quota of inbox/ webspace.	Opting the web content to be received through Email Subscription method calls for an end user to receive the content delivered electronically to his/her mailbox, thereby eating up the disk space and/or webspace (inbox) quota	One can decide on this parameter depending upon his/her preference for the availability of content vis-à-vis factor as how much disk space is available with them. Obviously, for those who don't have disk space worries, are more likely to opt for Email Subscription method.
5.	End user's reliance on the internet / mail service provider	Usually requires an internet connection to access the feeds over the web browser or other web applications installed in one's computer.	Requires an internet connection for accessing email services hosted by websites (like gmail, yahoo! mail, and the likes). HOWEVER, for email client platforms serviced by server based internet connections (like thunderbird, outlook express, etc.), one does not need to open the web browsers, and therefore, do not need active internet connection on their workstations all the time.	Again, both methods have an edge over the other depending upon end users' email clients and/or email services and internet connections availability.
6.	Ease of use, Technology-wise	One need to learn and understand pulling the desired link-feed URL that one intends to subscribe to, and install/ plug it in the desired RSS reader program (whether over web browsers or over installed web applications on personal systems).	One need not be a tech-geek to receive updates by Email Subscription method as there are no feed URLs to be plucked and no feed syndication applications and installed. One can simply receive desired web content subscribed by submitting his/her email address followed by validating the authenticity of the same once a email address verification mailer is sent by the publishing website/ blog.	For those who understand technology better, RSS Feeds subscription should not be a problem at all, as it only requires a few basic steps. Otherwise, for all non-geek kinds, Email subscription is the simplest way to received web content updates.

SUMMING IT UP IN SIMPLE TERMS FOR THE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR READERS

In a nutshell...

If one desires to receive web content updates of his/her favorite websites / blogs, one may choose either of the two OR through both the methods of receiving updates, i.e., by RSS feeds syndication method as well as by Email Subscription method
Majority of the modern-day internet users use both the methods of receiving updates.
While updates from general topics oriented/ news/ current affairs/ and similar websites are usually subscribed and read using RSS Feed Syndication Readers (like My Google, My Yahoo, Bloglines, FeedDemon, NewsFire, RSSOwl, etc.). These readers could be web browser based services or local PC installed applications too. The updates could also be subscribed in the form of XML, which readers with a reasonable tech-geek-skills usually use.
Subscription by Email delivery method is by far the easiest and least tech-knowledge-requiring method.
All in all, its the major decision parameters as listed in the table above, that need to be deliberated upon by anyone who desires to receive updates by either or both of the methods.
One should choose the method which he/she feels would help him/her the most in utilizing the matter and would require the least of his/her attention in streamlining, accessing and managing the stuff.

ALL THE BEST to all of you who are about to take the first ever step opting for web content syndication (publishing and/or receiving content). Do ask us in case you need any other information / assistance from our end.

BRICKS-n-MORTAR 's RSS syndication cloud as available presently for our visitors

SPECIAL END NOTES:

Note-A:

By the way, would like to pay a mention to the efforts of various web developers and eminent bloggers alike to generate awareness among netizens about the usefulness of RSS feed syndication towards which every 1st of May is being observed as RSS Awareness Day. Check out dailyblogtips' founder Daniel Scocco's post relating to this RSS Awareness Day for more insight on this topic.

Note-B:

THIS BLOG POST COMPRISES OF TWO PARTS, viz., Part-1 and Part-2, with respective hyperlinks being provided hereunder for ready reference to the readers to any of the two posts:

[PART-1 / 2] : Opt to Receive blog updates by 'RSS Feeds Syndication' or 'Mailbox Subscription' methods?

[PART-2 / 2] : Opt to Receive blog updates by 'RSS Feeds Syndication' or 'Mailbox Subscription' methods?

[PART-1 / 2] : Opt to Receive blog updates by 'RSS Feeds Syndication' or 'Mailbox Subscription' methods?

2010-05-25T18:54:00.001+05:30

NOTE:- THIS POST HAS BEEN DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS BECAUSE OF ITS LONGER CONTENT, THIS BEING THE PART-1 (OF A TOTAL OF 2 PARTS) UNDER THIS POST MESSAGE. PART-2 SHALL BE POSTED SUBSEQUENTLY ONCE THE ENTIRE MESSAGE IS COMPILED THEREIN.

-----

This is the crux of the question asked by at least twelve people (as per the last count we had while checking the mailbox over the weekend bygone)...

Dear Team BnM,

Please suggest "How to Choose the right & apt method of receiving your blog's Updates? That is, by means of 'Email Subscription' method and/or by means of 'RSS Feeds' method? Also, please guide what are RSS Feeds and how to be subscribe to them. "

Time and on since the time we have been publishing this blog and offering updates by means of 'Email Subscription' and 'RSS Feeds', and pursuant to the recent posts published here mentioning the useful information available through RSS Feed links at 'New Institute of Civil Engineering, UK' that appear on our blog as suggested study material, we have been receiving queries as what is the main difference between the two means of receiving updates, and what advantage one method has over the other.

Some of the interesting / intriguing queries and opinions shared by some our readers and visitors regarding the issue being:

Namrata S. asks: "I have subscribed to your updates by Email Subscription option since I don't know how to read RSS Feeds. Please tell me if I need to install some javascript code in my laptop in case I opt for RSS Feeds?"

Christa A. says: " 'm gonna nuts with this RSS thing... just don't know how to fix the damn thing. Wud appreciate if u guide me"

Ananda P.V. insists: "Hey Shelly, nice to have the weblinks to the NCE website's RSS links. They are useful. But, I must say I enjoy receiving updates directly in my inbox as I can read the selected stuff at my leisure and at any time of the day without having to open the web browser. RSS Feeds are OK, but they require internet connection to be ON so as to read the updates received by RSS Feed reader"

-----

Before going further, let us first explain what are RSS Feeds.

'RSS' stands for 'Really Simple Syndication' service which is a simplistic means of offering content feeds of a website or a blog or any electronic data server in XML format to visitors to this website.

Many web browsers support RSS feeds, saving the need for a separate piece of RSS reader software. In addition, RSS enabled browsers can detect relevant RSS feeds, adding them automatically if you wish to do so.

RSS reader applications work in the same way as RSS enabled browsers, but run on your PC or Mac as standalone software. If you prefer to read RSS feeds on the web, they can be added via many dashboard tools such as Google Reader, My Yahoo!, Bloglines, and a host of similar other services.

As Mark Nottingham puts it in his remarkable 'RSS Tutorial' webpage, available at under Creative Commons license:

RSS is an XML-based format that allows the syndication of lists of hyperlinks, along with other information, or metadata, that helps viewers decide whether they want to follow the link.
This allows peoples’ computers to fetch and understand the information, so that all of the lists they’re interested in can be tracked and personalized for them. It is a format that’s intended for use by computers on behalf of people, rather than being directly presented to them (like HTML).

We emphasize our readers (both web publishers as well as readers) to read this RSS Tutorial compiled and published by Mark as it will serve as a ready reference to you all understanding what is RSS syndication and how to use it.

-----

[END OF PART-1. PART-2 OF THIS MESSAGE SHALL FOLLOW SOON]

[Web-Share]: Sharing Useful RSS Feed links serviced by 'New Institute of Civil Engineering, UK'

2010-05-21T18:23:00.000+05:30

Active and ardent readers and visitors of BRICKS-n-MORTAR who read this blogsite over the web browsers must have noticed the feed links to certain technical stuff (viz., Journal of Structural Engineering, Journal of Architecture, Construction News journal, and the likes), which we have put in for ready reference and assistance of technical people as well as civil engineering related personal.

Those who are not able to remember as which feed links we are talking about may check out the right side widgets carrying column where these links are furnished under the widget heading-- "Blogs / Sites of Interest".

Sometime last week, someone sent a 'thank you email' mentioning the usefulness of such links on our blog, which serve as knowledge sharing content and weblinks.

We always feel happy whenever our readers and visitors find useful information, content, weblinks, etc. on this blog, and convey their positive acknowledgment. This particular post is specifically being published to further assist the sender of the said email, as well as to all those people with similar interests.

We are herewith sharing all the weblinks available at the websites of 'New Institute of Civil Engineering, UK', which we ourselves found having useful stuff, and are recommending to all our tech-oriented readers to peruse, if they would like to.

RSS Feed links at 'New Institute of Civil Engineering, UK'

Most Popular	Copy URLs to RSS reader
Breaking news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=681
Crossrail news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=809
Business news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=623
Transport news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=549
Structures news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=614
Energy and Waste news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=626
Geotechnical news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=624
Water news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=625
International news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=637
Major projects news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=615
Sustainability news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=638
ICE news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=628
Plant news	http://www.nce.co.uk/XmlServers/navsectionRSS.aspx?navsectioncode=640

Disclaimer and BnM's note:
Content published as well as Use of these RSS feeds is governed by the New Institute of Civil Engineering, UK's terms and conditions who own and publish the syndicated content.
BRICKS-n-MORTAR(dot)com do not own/partner/contribute to the above mentioned content & RSS feeds in any manner. The only purpose of sharing the links is to share the information with this blog's readers and visitors.

Feel free to share the information and weblinks with us if you feel they can be shared with all the readers of this blog, and which they can put for positive use.

Calling out people to Write, Guest Post & Contribute for this knowledge sharing blog

2010-05-20T10:35:00.001+05:30

Hi! This is Vivek, one of the five permanent members of BnM's Edesk as of now, writing in to you in an interactive way for the very first time. Though have wrote a number of posts on this blog otherwise, this is the first time am conversing with you in direct mode on particular instance of Shelly, who is on vacations. With no post published on the blog since last 10-12 odd days, she insisted me to write in to you asking for active contribution from your (the active readers and subscribers of this blog) end by means of knowledge-sharing contributions.

When we started this blog in April 2008, we knew little about blogging tricks and terms, so to say. While two our E-desk members and co-founders of this blog- Pankaj and Shelly- were amateur bloggers in their own personal capacity, the rest of us (counting a total of five in numbers as of now in the Edesk) had almost negligible experience as what were blogs and how blogs could be an effective tool in sharing knowledge with like minded people.

We all are amateurs still, but thanks to certain helpful blogs posting about tips and tricks of blogging, like dailyblogtips, quickonlinetips, and the likes which write stuff about do's and don'ts of the art of blogging.

Walking down the blogging lane since last almost 2 years, we now feel it would be good to ask like-minded professionals and readers to come on board as GUEST-WRITERS on our blog, and contribute to our primary objective of SHARING OF KNOWLEDGE.

In the same context, we ask fellow netizens to share their articles, short write-ups, tips 'n tricks, construction related news, views, snaps, etc. with the readers of this blog. Credentials and/or respective links shall be published alongwith for those who want link exchange by publishing their original content on our blog as Guest Writers.

Write to us at team(at)bricks-n-mortar(dot)com with your idea/ proposal/ summary of what you would like to post with us, and we shall get back to you with further details.

What more... As a special gesture, the best and most voted/commented upon guest post of the month shall receive a special mention in the blog and allied forums. Besides, the best adjudged guest post of a particular calendar quarter, viz., Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep and Oct-Dec (decided by the BnM Edesk in a transparent way on the basis of BnM's Edesk weightage points combined with the numbers of votes and/or comments received by a particular post) shall receive a gift voucher/ gift certificate/ amount transfer equivalent to US$10 on equivalent quarterly basis by means of any mutually suitable payment network (paypal, gift mate, etc.). No other means or cash payments be however entertained in lieu of the gift vouchers.
[Note: Standard global disclaimers and creative common guidelines suiting such similar services on other blogs of repute shall primarily apply to this service of ours also.]

Hurry up, and Write in to us. We shall be waiting for your suggestions as well as contributions.

About Shanghai World Expo 2010 & the amazing life-sized Pavilions constructed by Countries of the World

2010-05-04T21:14:00.014+05:30

The ongoing Shanghai World Expo 2010, suggestively the most extravagant and costliest world fair by all practical means till date in the world, is underway from May 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010 on the banks of the Huangpu River in the city of Shanghai, China.

Built over a staggering land area of 5.28 square km, this world expo (world trade fair) has cost an enormous $58m, with 190 countries and some 50 international organizations, having got built their life-sized pavilions to showcase their presence.

But, thinking back, does spending in the tune of millions and millions of American dollars on constructing pavilions and structures to showcase a country's or an organization's mark, be justified? Some may argue the move was right in the time of world's slowdown of 2008-2010 (2010 perhaps!!) when the world governments and authorities, etc. committed substantial funds to keep the economy wheel churning, and not get rusted resulting in a chain reaction of meltdown.

Whatever the reason behind this exorbitant construction spree be, let us-- for the purpose of pure academic interest-- focus more on the aspects of plan, design, architecture and theme behind the famous pavilions that have been in news.

For the purpose of sharing with our readers, the central theme behind the Expo 2010 has been christened by the Chinese authorities as-- "BETTER CITY, BETTER LIFE"-- exclaiming the world attention towards the coveted WORLD CITY STATUS to SHANGHAI, which is claiming the "next great world city" status in the world's geo-political domain.

There have been 5 main theme pavilions, namely

Besides these 5 main themes, pavilions of 190 countries and some 50 international bodies & organizations have been grouped in 5 zones, viz., Zone A, Zone B, Zone C, Zone D and Zone E.

Do check out the significant country-specific pavilions being spoken of for good themic designs on the official Expo 2010 website or any other reliable website that is reporting the fair.

As far as our opinion is concerned, some of the pavilions have been architectural marvels, while a few pavilions have simply been sorts of waste of money and efforts of course. Readers interested in reading about and looking into the pavilions of all the countries and organizations can surf through the content at the Official Website of Shanghai's Expo 2010.

Designs pictures of the Indian pavilion is reproduced hereunder, with a request to our readers to share the actual visit snaps if some of you happen to visit the place in person.

[Q&A]: Reg. new comment received on Brick Masonry work | "Why bricks be soaked in water....

2010-04-28T13:29:00.002+05:30

BRICKS-n-MORTAR's chief editor, Shelly's reply to recent comment received from Ms. Selvie on our earlier published post "[Q&A]: Brick Masonry work | "Why bricks be soaked ...":

Selvie wrote:

What if bricks are soaked more than required time? How to determine the optimum time of soaking? Please reply

Shelly replies:

Dear Selvie,

Like we said in the post itself, normally, about 2 to 6 hours of soaking of bricks in a tank full of potable water is suggested.
Otherwise, in case of paucity of time, a minimum period of one hour prior to bricks being laid must be adhered to.

In case the bricks have been lying in water for substantial part of time, say like one or two days or even more, ensure taking out the bricks and making them skin dry under sun or in the open air so that extra water retained in the pores of the bricks be let off.

One more thing to ensure after prolonged soaking of bricks is to take a visual note whether any white, yellowish or other patches have come up on the surface? Such patches, if they do come up on the surface, indicate presence of un-reacted lime in bricks, which is not desirable in any case (called efflorescence of bricks).

Hope this answers your query.

Shelly
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Related original post: [Q&A]: Brick Masonry work | "Why bricks be soaked in water before placing them?"

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Debating within... Should buildings be architecturally designed 'INNOVATIVE & UNIQUE'... or... 'WEIRD & UNWARRANTED themes'?

2010-04-22T23:45:00.006+05:30

Yesterday night, while editing the final version of the post scheduled to be published today here at BRICKS-n-MORTAR, we happen to take a tea break and took some more time off to check & prune our mailboxes as well as the network links that we follow.

One of such many updates was from ArchDaily, a daily architectural content website, the recent entry of which derailed us from what we were doing that very point of time. The entry, in subject, inadvertently got us into sort of an informal debate among ourselves, which we now think, could well be posted today instead of the earlier planned post and be shared with our readers to have their insight also.

ABOUT THE DEBATE WITHIN OURSELVES...

The debate started after looking at one of the architectural entries out of a total of eight there in this very update at ArchDaily, which was titled 'SHIP' and was a submission by some Japanese Architect agency, called Katsuhiro Miyamoto & Associates with their reported postal address indicating them to be located at Takarazuka, Hyogo, Japan.

The subject entry 'SHIP' made us follow its 'Read more' hyperlink in the received update mailer for two reasons--

ONE, the picture accompanying the entry was looking somewhat weird as compared to other content in the mailer; and
TWO, the seemingly weirdness of the entry made us more so very inquisitive to find out as what in the first place was the idea behind such a design?!!

This is how the house looks like... (reproducing and sharing the pictures of this weird looking entry from ArchDaily as ready reference)

Now, having visited their respective hyperlinks, this is what the website mentions about the Japanese architect agency's design:

A residence built on a two-tiered site with a level difference of 3 meters. Because of the concern remained about the credibility of embankment and retaining wall built along the housing development, the foundation was laid on natural ground beneath the lower tier which was more reliable as the supporting stratum. The steel-made volume for public rooms floats over the retaining wall and above the upper tier for better view. Private rooms are arranged along the lower tier where the atmosphere is calm, at a distance from the front road, within a reinforced concrete structure which functions as a counterbalance to the overhanging volume.

...The result is in fact much reminiscent of a ferryboat, in terms of both structure and layout, in which passenger decks and floating section are separated up and down with the vehicle decks in between.

Cor-ten steel used for the structure of this house’s first floor and up is entirely untreated on the surface and bare, expected to be covered with stable rust in the future. Contrastingly, the interior surfaces –floor, wall, ceiling- are finished uniformly white with elaborate thermal insulation. Combined with their curved forms, it is intended that a neutral space with a feeling of loss of depth is created.

THIS IS OUR OPINION ON THE DESIGN... but, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Despite reading the details and looking at various pictures of this weird-looking building, we couldn't be convinced as why foundations (deep foundations and/or pile foundations, etc.) couldn't be possible in the front half of the building, which could have let the building have some meaningful and natural shape? Moreover, we don't think this design could have been economic considering the fact that enormous quantity of steel structure would have been put in use to support such gigantic unsupported cantilevered upper storey part. The RCC overhang would also have been of larger volumes so as to provide a balancing counterweight.

All in all, we debated and debated for hours to find any reasonable meaning in designing such weird-looking buildings (apologies though to the conceiving Japanese architect agency in case we have not been able to understand their concept!!)

Let us ask now BRICKS-n-MORTAR readers to help take the debate further to some concluding decision as what such designs be termed as---

INNOVATIVE & UNIQUE...

or...

WEIRD & UNWARRANTED DESIGN ??

BTW, here's showing the picture of another entry of the same mailer, which is differently conceptualized, but is still looking amazing. Have a look! What do you say for this?

Source: ArchDaily

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2010-04-17T14:30:00.003+05:30

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[Q&A]: Reg. new comment received on Brick Masonry work | "Why bricks be soaked in water....

Debating within... Should buildings be architecturally designed 'INNOVATIVE & UNIQUE'... or... 'WEIRD & UNWARRANTED themes'?

Whats your viewpoint--- Publishing regular (ordinary) blog posts daily OR quality posts twice a week?

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