₦airaland Forum

Hmmm, this is an example of the concern i raised earlier about myth or individual practices being adopted over time as industry standard process/best practice without technical justification, or like in this case scientific research.

Although this is argument is difficult to accept as it completely turns everything on its head, but who are we to belittle your body of work. I actually would love to read excerpts of the report if you don't mind sharing with me privately.

I understand geology in general so i get your point on porosity and permeability.

Just to be sure,which sand do you refer to as sharp and laterite in this case?

adanny01:
I know you disagree, these things are not always what they seem. It is like getting an online diagnosis for certain symptoms but nothing beats physical examination by an experienced Doctor.

Porosity is the reason sharp sand looks like it doesnt expand but infact it is most affected by water than laterite. I did permeability tests on laterite that made me sleep in the lab during my UG project. Like i said with the modification, you need to do proper compaction on the laterite and it beats sand any day any time.

Have you ever seen sand on road construction? In fact, if you meet a sand deposit on road construction you have to remove it same way you would with clay.

Think of it this way, sand allows water level to rise within it but properly compacted laterite stops water level.Water is the enemy here.

Thanks man.

Frankgoz:
I think the picture is clearer now. You are right about insignificant settlement with your adopted foundation (pile). settlement in deep foundations like yours is very infinitesimal. You can go with your choice of filling sand, but be mindful to compact fully in three layers and damp proof properly to eliminate permeability.......preferabely 'double layer' since according to you the site is water logged. Of course you and I kno this measure wil save the occupants the stress of running away during rainy season like most landlords and tenants in Lekki/Ajah

Sorry for the delayed response though and good luck in your project!!

So which locations in Lagos dredge the more desirable "Odo Ogun" sharp sand?

Which one is being dredged in Lagos Island around the Ajah, Jakande, Lekki axis?

gabbytabby:
The main or important factor is really that one has salt content which is more corrosive to metals so odo Ogun sharp is more desirable than osa sharp but often times your location determines which one you have access to.

p

You have demonstrated that you actually know more than the average "Nigerian Architect". This is much better than generalizing that sharp sand is sharp sand.

This is the kind of logical and factual submissions that we need to encourage.

akinolaolujide:
My Oga I don't think we should over flog this matter we all agree that there are different sharp sand . What we are simply saying is that these variations have different engineering properties and usage.
Afterall tiles is tiles but we still have floor and wall tiles designed for different purpose.
What we are trying to dissuade people is fallacy of hasty generalization.
As we all agree everything in construction has consequence. The quality of advice we give also have consequences .
I will conclude like this granite might have a general name but I have it in different sizes. For different types of engineering. Job, same for cement. Even our local gravel.
What do I know self am I not just a bloody Nigerian Architect

Where is your location?
do you still run this service?

Jeffflo:
Metalloid Tech is a full-service construction servicing firm interested in providing your equipment needs. We have payloaders, excavators,
jackhammers, swamp buggies, bulldozers et.al in any form of configuration.
Please contact us on 07033503357 for bookings. Thank you.

yes laterite is the red filling sand.
Actually i was initially referring to two types of sharp sand, but it appears not many are aware of the other type.

If you were using a pile foundation will you still use a sharp sand as against other cheaper alternatives

Rubbiish:
By laterite do u mean red sand?
If that is the case comparing sharp sand & laterite for filling for waterlogged is not debatable because of its properties. Sharp sand is better.

Thank you.

A soil test was done though, the result indicates that the immediate underlying soil is made of LOOSE GREYISH FINE GRAINED SANDS followed by SOFT DARK BROWNISH PEAT.

Is compaction really all that necessary with a pile foundation? i am just wondering, given that the superstructure will be supported by piles which are connected directly to the hard rock deep down. this is why i think the filing medium will not make that much difference. there will not be significant settlement (if any) to the structure whether you use sharp sand or not. i stand to be corrected.
for a two plots of land waterlogged seriously in excess of 1m, then you could easily be talking about over a million naira difference between this two choices of filling sand.

if it were a raft foundation, then the type of filling sand takes a greater significance.

Frankgoz:
Soil has varying engineering properties which are best determined in a soil labouratory. However from practice and experience, sharp sand is more densely packed. Which is a good 'property', compacting this to maximum dry density wil yield a very good result. U wil definitely achieve a uniform consolidation and settlement.

I recommend sharp sand. Plz in no way shud you consider mixing with another sand if ur aim is to achieve a uniform settlement.


However for question (B) ........the more the coarse the more volume you require. The soil will shrink considerably after compaction

God bless you!

It appears too many aspect of building is subject to personal preference of the builder/engineer. Maybe the minimum standard requirement are clearly known but they choose different methods. Maybe not.

You don't even need to select from different countries to see the inconsistency because in such case the building codes may differ.

Get 3 (or 5 in your example) of the "top" builders from this forum alone, hand them exactly the same building plan to execute, same land, same design, same building code, same everything and you will see the results and debate ensue;

- One will use mix ratio 1:2:3 while another will say 2:4:3 for the same stage.
- Some will say wire mesh prevents concrete cracking, yet others will say otherwise.
- You will see significant difference is iron rod size and qty recommendations
- You are likely to see sharp sand vs laterite for foundation
- Finishing stage order too is always subject to personal: tiles, POP, doors/windows frame, electrical, plumbing etc. order of installation will likely not be same for the builders.

I know some will say "there are different ways to skin a cat" bla bla. Yes true, but this is supposed to be engineering. While there may be many solutions to a particular problem, there is only one optimal solution.

In solving complex problems in business, engineering and other fields in general, even when they say there are no right or wrong answers, there is still that particular solution which fulfills your objective more than the others. That is the optimum solution that we should always strive for. In this case,the building codes and industry practice should serve as a guide to minimum acceptable standard, but there should not be so much variation in methodology like we see.

Way too many myth have been adopted as standard practice.

bixton:
Is there a guideline handbook for best practice?

Get 5 Engineers and 5 Architects from different countries and seek their opinions on certain things as regarding building construction then you have a debate.

Certain things we ascribe to are nothing but myths.

nothing but hearsay, so yeah that may just be another myth that should be substantiated or dumped.
however,the difference with that one is that a few professionals seem to allude to that. so i can easily believe that.

do you reckon the red filling sand will suffice in this case?

EgunMogaji:
Please explain your thoughts/findings on this.

Thanks.

There seem to be no consistent practice to this sand filling thing. tends to change depending on who you speak to, even the Engr/builders sometimes have different opinions.

Trying to sand fill a location for a project starting soon, max 3months, so they recommend sharp sand due to the short time. Then I find out there’s different sharp sand.

Questions:

(A) Can we use the white “sharp” sand being reclaimed from dredging activities? Since this may likely come cheaper, any downside? Will same settling be achieved with compaction?

(B) the other coloured coarse sharp sand. Is it true this soaks more water and therefore will require less volume to fill same area when compared to (a) above?

(C) Can both types of sharp sand be mixed? Can we use a combination of both? Any effect?
Since I understand sometimes clients can’t even tell the difference anyway, so might be happening a lot.

One thing I’ve agreed on is that the red filling sand is not an option due to the short period, but I’ll like clarity on the sharp sand characteristics and suitability.

Foundation type is Pile.

Thanks

lekki

fendorf:
location?

What is the cost of;

30T granite
20T sharp sand
binding wire per roll

Thanks

pls i need a spare key for a GL450 and program same. the car was shipped with just one key.
any ideas where i can get this done and cost?
thanks

How do you mean?
Is sand filling optional? how could the pilling and foundation be completed without sand filling before the super structure stage commences?

cleric:
Any reason for this change of mind? I suspect it would have worked but looking at the cost of the decking against the sand filling, it might not be a bad idea to simply sand fill. Kindly correct me if I am wrong. Very tidy job sir.

By the way I can see you are still in the art of taking a walk on ur reinforcements.

segcymoor:
Basically., the Piling is being designed to be suspended but we decided to fill it up

How could the original plan of "suspended" be done? Does that eliminate the need to sand-fill up to the pile tie beam level?
I'll like to understand.

Hello, whats your best rate for sharp sand (30T) delivery to Elegushi Lekki?
Multiple trips required for sand-filling.

There should be a way to roughly estimate the amount of sand (tonnage) required to sand fill a water logged land if we can measure the average depth of the water at various points on the land.

Most times we just hear keep pouring sand trips until its level, but i believe there should be a way of doing some calculation that could help plan the cost ahead.

Any ideas? Has anyone done this before?

How much to clear a 2007 Mercedes Benz GL 450 coming in a container with other cars from Texas?
Thanks

Thanks a lot man, especially for the prompt response.Now i have another unrelated question if you don't mind...

I am about to start sand filling ahead of commencing my project in a few months time (just waiting on building approval). Some have said no need to sand fill in advance while others advice to sand fill well ahead of time. Anyways i have decided to clear the bush, uproot the deep plants and start sand filling and would like to know;

1. how deep should the soil excavation to prevent movements in future
2. how many weeks/months ahead of construction is the optimal period to allow for the sand fill settlement
3. are there any other tips in achieving solid foundation for a duplex in a swampy area like mine

N.B: i will be engaging a builder for the project proper once approval is in place and time to commence work.
Thanks

spyder880:
This is the chain beam lintel, known as continuous lintel in technical circles. Its necessary if its recommended for your specific project, as no two lands or designs could be same. There might be structural considerations that will necessitate the use of continuous lintel.

Hello man, i want to start sand filling a land in preparation for building soon and will like to ask;
1. how much of the top soil (depth) has to be excavated before sand filling to avoid soil movements in future
2. how long should the sand fill be left before the foundation commences
3. any other tips to achieve solid foundation

recommended foundation type - raft
location - swampy/waterlogged
planned build - duplex (ground & first floors)

thanks

Is that the lintel going all the way around all the blockwork just like a beam?

Is this what is referred to as the "chain lintel"?

I have heard that word before and would like to know if that is what is shown in this picture, also is it really necessary to go all round versus just the areas above the doors and windows?

Thanks

spyder880:
Cast of the columns, beams

Seen. thanks.

rationalmind:
Mansard is also net of fees, just confirmed.

Cc: Megacontrol

ok man.

oliverjiad:
u know it's a special duty and die to the new policy, just be sure of the shipping line so as to give u my best rate

Jaid

Thanks man!
That's quite higher than i expected though,considering its an '07 vehicle. These customs are not smiling.

oliverjiad:
roro:#1.5m
Container:#1.650m

Jaid

Pls who will give me the best deal to clear 2007 Mercedes Benz GL450?
Roro
Container

Thanks

How to confirm that?
And comparing Stanbic vs AXA at current rates stated previously, is either of them quoting net rates?

ernie4life:
Not all are gross

rationalmind:
Mansard_16.07 and Stanbic_14.92 as of this morning/yesterday

If I were you, I'll pull my funds together and invest in just one of them.

what bank please?
I have the same situation with FBN.

Happyfellow147:
I'm yet to receive credit alert.
My investment period has lapsed

@Solace5
Go to their website
Click the "contact us" tab
Copy email address,send them an inquiry email and they will respond with registration forms

OR just locate the registration page on the site and create your account yourself

then you can upload all doc - ID, passport photograph, utility bill etc
they'll confirm and activate your account
then you can transfer money into your AXA MMF account via the account number they'll provide for you.

i never stepped into their office or bank and got all these done in a few days

[quote author=Solace5 post=65438805][/quote]

LOLZ! as you couldn't say it nah, someone had to help you.

NL1960:

You have made a good decision based on what you want in the investment, don't feel bad or seek justification in other people that may be in one or the other for different reason
I am vested in both and honestly don't see what the fuss is about with all the comparisons.

If you have opted for MMF, then great!
As you mentioned you can monitor and see your earnings daily. Other pros include: compound interest, ability to terminate anytime after the mandatory period (30days i think), higher % (presently), top up as you mentioned etc.

cybertek:
I am new to this and i decided to go for MMF, since i can monitor my earnings and i can add more money to it when i have.. pls what make TB better than MMF??

FYI you don't need to locate AXA Mansard branch to get yourself set up. I did everything electronically and got my account up and running within 2 to 3 days. Customer support has been great and they also have a better rate presently.

Solace5:
Please house, I have mf in fbnquest but the customer relation in ibadan is unfriendly and I don't want to increase my fund with them, which will you recommend BTW stanbic and axamansard customer relations wise and how can I locate mansard in ibadan