₦airaland Forum

EgunMogaji2:
This is the way things ought to be done but we like shortcuts in Nigeria. I did my gate like this. It stops pillars from caving in sometimes and I intend to drive heavy equipments into my compound.

One way, not the only way. Not a bibeli.

You’re saving for the rainy days sir

One day, you’ll need to drive a 30 tons truck into your compound, then you’ll understand that it’s not only earthquake that can wreck havoc in a house.

Talking about why should you overspend in some areas that require quality upfront in your private project when there’s no earthquake in Nigeria, I have this experience to share.

A decade ago, I built a house in a community that have a very solid and stable soil. I decided to do a raft as against what everyone else was doing.

5 years later, Government decided to dualize the major road few kilometer away from the project site and all the houses in the area started experiencing flash flood and rising damp issues except for the few projects with raft foundation.

Guess the cause?

The new road caused a bigger problem for the community due to lack of stormwater management. Govt manage to build roads in Nigeria, they don’t care so much about drainages.

When you build in a country like Nigeria where every man is a republic of his own, be sure of where to save and where not to bat an eye-lid. Be sure of what should be quality upfront and areas where you can shave costs.

Know what you can control and what you cannot.


RT: One way, not the only way. Not a bibeli

EgunMogaji2:
That’s an amateur level welding. And I know because I’m an amateur welder

You’re supposed to lay a continuous bead.

Seyi Makinde must hear about this.

vickzie:
Now I know why stanchions fail. Without gussets, Little ground movement, welds give way

Most of the decommissioned telecommunication masts in Nigeria are built this way.

micgray100:
As a colleague of structural Engineer.. I wonder why you spent so much material on a residential gate. You must have your reason... the reason is what we all want to hear.. Even industrial gate sliding gate I designed 10meter width and 4.5 meters high only gupped 20bags of Cement.. 1:2:4. Also from the pics, you use gravel instead of normal granite. why use gravel when you want to attain rich concrete mix...

But for residential house of yours, are heavy duty cars or machines the reason you used 500mm depth of beam.. please sheild more light to this... Before bricklayers start quotting 28bags to install gate now on nairaland ... smile

Maybe tomorrow, heavy duty trucks might start coming into my compound. Before then, let me do everything I can do now that I’m still able to.
But I live very close to an area where limestone is blasted almost twice a week and I felt I should do everything and anything to make my project maintenance free.
Some years ago, I heard a rumour that Calabar - Lagos railroad will pass through my area. I don’t want to wait till that time to do the right thing.

So if I may ask my honourable colleague of structural engineer, is there any problem with using that amount of concrete for gate pillars and beam?

I saw this type of beam (picture below) and I knew that’s definitely not what I wanted.


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By the way we didn’t use gravel for the mix sir.

GoodFaith:
So Explain 28 bags for two pillars and sliding
From Saydfact
"CEMENT - SAND - STONE relationship; In practice a 50kg of cement bag contains 2 head pan of cement; this means that if i have a plan to mix 1 bag of cement my mixing ratio would be:

1:2:4 = 1 bag of cement : 4 head-pans of sand : 8 head-pans of stone
1:3:6 = 1 bag of cement : 6 head-pans of sand : 12 head-pans of stone"

https://www.nairaland.com/3630752/cement-sand-granite-concrete-mix

No ma. I actually used C35 Concrete Grade (1:1.5:2.5 Cement/Sand/Aggregate)

Beam Depth: 500mm
Span: 5400mm
Column Width: 450mm
Column Height: 2550mm

GoodFaith:
Nigeria BS "plastering get level"

Please tell us in your highest level the number of bags of cement for a 12 x12 room
Just two pillars for one entrance or four pillars two entrance

"Someone like me used 26 bags of cement to cast 2 gate pillars and ground beam for my sliding gate. Someone else can use 8 bags to achieve same"

A typical naija Gate has 2 supporting pillars and you have a gate (like Pic 1 below).

But learned professionals on this platform will tell you that the gate design in pic 2 below is better and that was exactly how my gate (pic 3) was installed.

Both gate design/installation will work, I as a person just want something better.

mufutau55:
I will think so too o... because many tank stand I have seen are like I did. But the professional one he showed is very good too, but nah money go kill am. Thx.

Hajji M.

Unfortunately, not so much difference. It’s just the additional cost of gusset plate which is almost nothing.

GoodFaith:
With all due Respect
Give an idea for one room 12 x12 plastering in the best of all
We are here to help each other
Sorry there are contractors here to help their business

GoodFaith:
Nigeria BS "plastering get level"

Please tell us in your highest level of the number of bags cement for a 12 x12 room

I don’t mean to be insultive but I have no answer to your request.

I just gave him idea of what I spent on my project. You can do the calculations or discard it as another “Nigerian BS.”

It’s not bible.

GoodFaith:
300 bags of cements?
Please can we just talk about inside
Are you telling 100 bags of cement for inside?
the 8 rooms is about on the high end 8 x 3= 24 bags

Smiles.

The owner is buying the cement and the masons are using it.

Plastering get level. When it comes to finishes, I don’t involve myself in too much stuffs. I encourage owners to use what they can afford.

Someone like me used 26 bags of cement to cast 2 gate pillars and ground beam for my sliding gate. Someone else can use 8 bags to achieve same.

It’s not BS. It’s what you want.

So if 2 - 3 bags of cement can plaster a room with 3.1m headroom. Go ahead and use it.

Just make yourself comfortable!

All house na house.

Footstradamus:
Bro let me pick your brain a little on a question i asked earlier, how much do you think it would cost to plaster an 8 bedroom duplex, or better still how many bags of cement would you consider adequate, trips of sand and the likes. its 8 bedrooms, 2 sitting rooms, 2 kitchens, a store and laundry.

Budget - N2m

I spent N2.3m on almost same building configuration (7 rooms, 2 kitchen, 3 lounge, 10 toilets, gatehouse, gym, fence and other external works)


Make plans for:

300+ bags of cement.
Sand (Big Truck) = 6 - 8 trips
If small trucks, budget 14 trips.
Labour (local labour rate apply)

michlins:
Well I don't think that this talk about gussets are necessary because as a welder, it's not even possible for you to weld two 2" angle iron on a H channel without one. The space for you to weld is just 1½" and as such can't contain two 2" channel. So you will be needing at least 5" "plate" welded on the H channel before you can weld the two angle iron.


But that's how I work sha I don't know about others


PS. The colon (" in the above statement represents inches

This is still very valid too.

That plate you’re talking about is the gusset.

To have a very good understanding of how gussets are used in steel structures, check the popular Onitsha Bridge.

EgunMogaji2:
What I’ve learnt in welding is that welds matters. So you’re absolutely right.

I think what is important here is that whenever a junction exists where load points gather, then spreading the load with a gusset is ideal.

You came fully prepared baba

I love that welding machine.

micgray100:
As a structural Engineer, any type of joint used in design is good and well calculated for.. Using gusset plate or welding or bolt and nut are all good ways to connect structural members.. the design is what matters... Some are designed to be movable or rigid.. it all depends on the Engineers design... so, saying using gusset plate is the best form of joining members isn't a good structural advice because gusset plate are still welded to members...

This is valid!

Welded or bolted, you’ll agree that using a gusset plate to connect structural members is better.

Thanks bro.

n3xt:
Which year was this?

I don’t need to see the picture of the house but you can share the dimension.

Please kindly help with the rough figure of the amount spent on the following for learning purpose:

1. Foundation
2. Block Works (Ground & Upper Floor)
3. Slab (Decking)
4. Roofing Woodwork (parapet if inclusive)
5. Roofing Sheet (Aluminium, Slate or Stone-Coated)
6. Electrical Piping (if conduit)
7. Electrical Wiring
8. Plumbing
9. Ceiling (POP, asbestos or PVC)
10. Plastering
11. Windows
12. Doors
13. Burglar Proof
14. Flooring (Tiles, Carpet or concrete)
15. Balustrades (staircase & balcony railing)
16. Kitchen cabinets
17. Toilets, Shower, Wash Basin
18. Lights, Sockets and Switches
19. Septic tank/soakaway
20. Borehole/Well

Don’t bother to estimate for the following:

21. Fence (wall/plastering)
22. Gate
23. Tank Tower
24. Gate/Generator House
25. Change over/Gear switch/Meter board
26. Connection to NEPA
27. Compound flooring (sandfilling, flooring...)
28. Landscaping


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Here are the constants:

A standard 4 bed duplex will use the following material.

- At least 800 bags of cement (foundation - plastering)
- At least 7500 blocks
- At least 120 tones of granite
- At least 10 tonnes of iron rod (columns, beams, lintel)
- At least 400k on various formworks for decking, lintels and columns (whether rented or purchased)
- At least 200 tons of sharp sand (foundation, block works and slab)

edoman2016

This is my simple question. I know it’s possible. Just give us breakdown. I want learn how you did it and the areas you’re able to save.

It’s just that simple!!

Badgers14:
But do you think there are after the fact remedies for those water tanks installed without a Gausset plate?

Well this is really no big issue except where the welding of the joints or braces are not good.

Most residential tank projects will survive without one provided the welding of the joints, beams (secondary/primary) are good.

However, if there’s need to add the plates then it can still be introduced by cutting the braces.

There are also plywood/metal gussets for roof trusses. It’s not only used for steel structures alone.

mufutau55:
Thank you Sir for the detail explanations as usual.
I havecseen very many of the tanks stand made like in the pic2 which you said is unprofessional. That means we have been living under danger... unfortunately, stands on some of my projects are made like that. God save us.

Hajji M.

No na

At your height and the imposed load, your stanchions, tie beams, top beams and bracings will still provide the much needed support. So there’s no cause for alarm.

The post is just to enlighten us that there’s always a better way.

I used to work on Telecommunication Masts so I understand a lot about how steel towers are/should be built.

Going forward, we should always try to pay attention to most of the decommissioned mast/steel tower and collapsed steel structures to see how they’re built and their support braces. Most failures aren’t all substandard materials.

Good news

All for Naija at 60

A Nairalander from Ikorodu ordered some of our concrete sphere yesterday.

I personally want to thank you for choosing our concrete sphere. I appreciate your business and the opportunity to serve yesterday!!

Here are some design inspiration for you.



...driving miles to deliver smiles.

michlins:
oya pay me premium.


In other news, I am learning something new everyday day here and you and many others here are impacting the knowledge

For what exactly?

rotecch77:
Yes I agreed with you on this, nobody will like to visit and stay where adequate security to secure life and property is not guarantee.
But come to think of it, does Nigeria has the highest rate of crime in the whole word? The answer is definitely No.
Nigeria rank number 17 on the statistics of crime table
Many states in Nigeria are bigger than some of the countries listed.

As it’s presently we still have some Asian, European investors here doing fine.
But let’s OFF THE MIC here bcs here is property section so that we will not derail the primary purpose of this beautiful tread.

See the list
Country
Crime Index
1 Venezuela 84.36 28.9m
2 Papua New Guinea 80.04 8.06m
3 South Africa 77.29 58m
4 Afghanistan 76.97 37.17m
5 Honduras 76.65 9.5m
6 Trinidad And Tobago 72.43 1.345m
7 Brazil 68.31 209m
8 Guyana 68.15 780k
9 El Salvador 67.84 6.421m
10 Syria 67.42 16.91m
11 Jamaica 67.20 2.935m
12 Namibia 66.12 2.5m
13 Angola 65.74. 30.81m
14 Peru 65.65 31.99m
15 Puerto Rico 64.75 3.194m
16 Bangladesh 63.82 161.4m
17 Nigeria 63.27 195m
18 Bahamas 62.74
19 Libya 62.27
20 Argentina 62.26

Baba rotecch77, I add the population of the countries in bolded figure above.

63.27% of 195million is higher than 84% of 28.9million.

Though we are number 17 on the list, we still dey top chart after Brazil when you consider the population.

michlins:
Few weeks ago, you said that being efficient in delivery means he either lack skills or he doesn't have enough customers to keep him busy

If a service is Fast and Good it’ll never be Cheap.

Haven’t your heard of “express delivery” or “express service?”

InvertedHammer:
/
Side Note:

Why would some people who want to have clients in diaspora not spend just $100 to open a domiciliary account to make transactions easy for both parties? SMH.

/

Lack of experience.

A typical naija entrepreneurs, artisans or service providers do not understand that even though their ideas and skills matters, the speed and efficiency with which they execute matters more.

I encourage people to spend more on anything and everything that touch the customer.

Eg:

edit: Now Expanded

Airtime/Data - it can be frustrating telling your client/customer “I don’t have credit” or “I don’t have data.”

Internet Enabled-Smartphone - In this age of video calls/chats, your clients deserve more (videoconferencing, walkthrough video session etc)

Tools of Trade - Telling your clients to provide extra fund to hire tools for your job can be funny. Some people would rather use screwdriver instead of cordless screwdriver to install a kitchen cabinet and wardrobes.
Having these tools and a portable generator won’t be a bad idea.

Creditworthiness - if you must ask your client for mobilization for every job, then you might be on your way out of business soon. A good business person must have established relationship with reputable suppliers who can give some items on credit or huge discount.

Business Account - a lot of people (including me ) do operate with personal account when dealing with client/customers (especially those in diaspora), it’s not too professional. Have a corporate account for your business.

Business Address

Online Presence

Integrity



I don’t blame these people because most people just found themself in business and they’re are being warped into shape by daily experience.

______
As an entrepreneur, you must be able to deliver products/services with tangible and intangible benefits if you want to remain competitive in the rapidly changing world.

Every purchase is/should/and must be an investment - including opening a domiciliary account to ease transactions.

#personalopinion

Delivery Truck Urgently Needed!

I need a delivery van/pickup/truck to move some interlocking plastic molds from Ibadan to AP (Gberigbe road) Ikorodu, Lagos.

Nissan Cabstar, Ford Transit (High Roof), Mitsubishi Canter or any of the likes will be preferable.

Budget: N40,000


____
Pic 1 & 2:

A truck slightly bigger than the attached will be fine as I’m adding extra 500 molds to this.

Building Contractors/Vendors/Service Providers Wanted


Pls don’t contact me.

smallsmall:
I feel you Sir and l would have loved to remove it but for the fact that the 'benefit to the COLLECTIVE, always superceeds the inconvinience to the INDIVIDUAL'.
Since the Video will not play unless you click on it, l will suggest you dont go back to that page 1657 or click on it, as a compromise.
At times, we need to show the truth, as naked as it is, to jog our mind to reality otherwise, some would continue to live like the Ostrich which buries its head in the sand, while misleading the general populace.

I have added the word 'GRAPHIC' tothe post, as a warning to those of us with very soft belle and soft eyes; my own belle and eyes are made of granite stone.

Honorable smallsmall! Issokay!!!

true2home:
I agree with you Sir...The dynamism of Real Estate is very interesting to say the least in Nigeria!!!. No scarcity but yet we hype everything. I love your style; i refuse to pay more than N1M for any land as well. I am also willing to start in a Suburb as well. We are starter, not follower!!!

RT

mufutau55:
Please elaborate for learning purpose. I never stop learning o.

Hajji M.

Water is very heavy and as such the design of its supporting structure must be sturdy.

The conventional way of building a tank tower is to weld or bolt at intersections.
However, a gusset plate is a connection at the intersection of two beams or a beam preventing it from bending or buckling at the connection point when it is loaded or force is applied to it.

It acts as short brace and also give more area for welding or installing bolts. Thus making the connection between the 2 steel stronger.

If you check the last tank tower I shared sir, the braces are the angle iron and they have very little welding area (just the tip).
That can never be as solid as a tower reinforced with gusset plate.

Gusset plates not only serve as a method of joining steel members together but they also strengthen the joint which is the koko.

You’ll always see this used on telecommunication towers, bridges and other steel structures.

smallsmall:
We are discussing "Safety and Security" and the other guy was trying to paint a rosy, non-existent picture, what sort of pictures would l present (as long as it is not faked) to butress the point that the North of TODAY, is worse than Somalia and Yemen combined.?

Moreover, this same Video is the basis of 'a thread on nairaland' and no one has asked that it should be removed.
The same pitures are in various National newspapers and they have not been censored.

Can you please tell me exactly WHY you want it removed? Is it just because it is graphic?
I want to reason along with your position and will consider removing it, based on a convincing, logical expalnation.
Thanks, for taking a second look at my position as well.

I kuku see the discussion. I’m only appealing on behalf of those of us who cannot stand those graphic image.

Na beg I dey beg baba!

Some people will just pick a random image on the Internet and assume the quality is 100%

A typical example is this tank tower designed without gusset plate.

It’s tall, grande but not professionally designed.



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I just pick the image on the Internet o. Abeg, I’m not condemning any work.

Aforxzy:
Let a structural engineer design the building for you, this will eliminate your fears and worries.

Hmm. I’m still at loss on why Nigerians always choose cost over quality.

Value = Quality over Cost

Quality can be defined as “ freedom from deficiencies – freedom from errors that require doing work over again (rework).


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#personalopinion I’m not responding to any post.