Tips & Advice Posts

Jersey-shape barrier wall’s intended use was to reduce the risk of cars crossing medians on highways and causing head-on collisions. Over the years, Jersey barrier has grown to have different versions and multiple uses. Precast concrete barrier wall, or Portable Concrete Traffic Barrier (PCTB), is made with poured concrete that is reinforced with rebar and transported to the site to be installed.Concrete barrier walls have been in use since at least the 1940s:“Although it is not clear exactly when or where the first concrete median barriers were used, concrete barriers were used in the mid-1940s on US-99 on the descent from the Tehacapi Mountains to the central valley of south Bakersfield, California.”--1997’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program’s Guardrail and Median Barrier Crashworthiness examination of highway practices.PCTB wall was intended to serve as a traffic barrier, but has proven to be useful in many other instances, too. Some of the most common temporary uses of PCTB include security perimeters, site access blockage, traffic control and diversion, for protective barrier around construction zones including worker areas, pavement edge drop-offs, equipment storage zones, and more.Used barrier wall is a product always in high demand. Keep reading to learn about different types and uses for precast concrete barrier wall.

Jersey

Jersey barrier wall, also referred to as New Jersey barrier wall, was developed in the early 1950s at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. Its current shape was introduced in 1959. The aim was to reduce the risk of cars crossing medians on highways and causing head-on collisions. When a car hits the barrier at a shallow angle, the vehicle’s tires ride the lower sloped surface, and the vehicle is pivoted away from oncoming traffic.The standard height of a section of Jersey barrier is 32 inches tall, with a 24-inch base. It is often six inches wide at the height of the unit.Jersey barrier is a type of barrier commonly used by NJDOT and other department of transportation agencies for both permanent and temporary usage. Jersey barrier is commonly used in many states across the U.S. in construction for traffic dividers, especially along highways where expansions or repair work is being completed.

K-Rail

California’s version of the Jersey barrier, introduced around the 1960s, is the K-rail barrier wall. This variation of Jersey barrier is designed with an 18-inch-wide base. The barrier width at the top of the structure is half of the base (9 inches); this design was to direct vehicle tires over the slope, then back to the ground and in the right direction.K-rail, or K-wall, is a term borrowed from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for PCTB wall. In the 1972, Caltrans conducted research for a movable alternative to traditional Jersey barrier that could be used in work zones. Designs were labeled with letters (A, B, C, etc.); design “K” was determined to be the best choice.K-rail is used in many states for temporary situations like construction zones/traffic diversions, perimeter security, and defining walkways. It is the standard for usage in California and Florida for temporary usage to protect construction zones and workers, especially on or around bridges. In the state of Florida, K-rail is the only approved type of PCTB for bridge work where drop-offs are present and protecting drop-off and worker zones.

F-Shape

F-shape barrier wall is the result of a computer simulation (conducted in the 1970s by the Federal Highway Administration) that tested six potential profiles of barrier wall, labeled A-F. The style labeled “F” was predicted to be the most effective, and full-scale crash tests confirmed the computer’s predictions. The tests were conducted to find a variation that would limit vehicle damage upon collision and rollovers, especially to smaller cars.The biggest difference in F-shape barrier and Jersey barrier is the distance from the ground to the slope-break point. While both types sport a 24-inch-wide base, F-shape’s slope break point is 10 inches from the ground, and Jersey barrier’s slope-break point sits at 13 inches.Because of the widespread adoption of Jersey barrier and significant investment states and contractors already had in place, large-scale F-shape adoption has taken time. Several states have approved its use for temporary barriers, and many others are considering approval. Though adoption hasn’t been as wide-spread as Jersey barrier, F-shape barrier wall is also commonly used across the U.S. in construction and work zones along highways.

Low Profile

Low-profile barrier wall, commonly called low pro, is most commonly used along fence lines to prevent tractor trailer damage. It was developed for use in low-speed work zones. This type of barrier wall looks least like the original Jersey barrier – the typical height is only 18-20 inches.Low-profile barrier protects drivers, workers, and pedestrians in low-speed (45 mph), urban and suburban work zones. The lower height improves visibility for all, while still providing a barrier to protect those in or near work zones like excavations, road-widening projects, and utility work. It also allows work crews to maintain access to side streets, parking lots, and businesses, reducing impact on existing traffic.

Single Slope

Single-slope barrier wall is a 42-inch-high version of Jersey wall that has a constant slope of 10.8 degrees from the bottom to top of the wall. Some also call this type of barrier Texas constant-slope wall, as it was developed in 1989 at Texas A&M University as a safer alternative to Jersey barrier, stating that additional paving on roadway changed the height and shape of Jersey barrier sections and reduced its effectiveness, whereas single-slope barrier does not become less effective with a lower height. It was designed for use in both permanent and temporary situations.Similarly, constant-slope barrier wall was developed in California, with a 6-degree slope.Many states have approved single-slope barrier wall for use as both permanent and temporary barrier. Single-slope and constant-slope may be used interchangeably, so be sure to purchase the correct type of barrier wall approved by your local Department of Transportation.

Buy and Sell Used Barrier Wall

Always check with your state Department of Transportation before purchasing or installing any type of precast concrete barrier wall; requirements may vary widely from state to state.Eiffel Trading has a large selection of used barrier wall for sale in various shapes and lengths. All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Across the United States, community standards are evolving when it comes to utilizing green or environmentally friendly practices on new construction projects. In addition, a growing number of construction related enterprises are focusing on "greening up" their new construction projects on their own initiatives.As a consequence of the recognizable trend, those associated with new construction projects continually are on the hunt for practices and materials that permit the more environmentally friendly construction projects across the United States.Recycled metals are presenting a major way in which the impact of new construction is lessened on the environment. A look at the volume of metal recycling that occurs each year in the United States is illuminating.The volume of copper recycled in the United States is enough to fill the copper content of a whopping 26,000 Statues of Liberty. If all of the aluminum recycled in the United States was used only to make soda cans, the net result would be enough to line up cans for 25 million miles. That is the distance from Earth to the planet Venus.In considering all metal recycled annually in the United States, including steel, 25o billion pounds are reprocessed. That is the recycled equivalent of 70 million automobiles.As part of that endeavor, the use of steel, included recycled steel, continues to be a major component of green-focused new construction. There are a number of key reasons why the inclusion of steel, including steel pipe, is a key factor in a growing number of environmentally friendly new construction projects.

Recycled Steel in Pipes

The vast majority of steel utilized in steel pipe is recycled. The process of recycling steel significantly lessens the impact on the environment when contrasted with manufacturing new steel pipe.Recycling steel in the production of steel pipe sharply reduces energy consumption. In addition, the recycling process itself lessens the amount of scrap steel that ends up in landfills.

Steel Pipe Piles and Green New Construction Projects

Another are in which steel pipe contributes to an overall green, environmentally friendly construction process is when it is utilized in steel pipe piles. Steel pipe piles are utilized on construction projects that are undertaken areas in which shallow soil is not strong enough to support the load associated with a new structure.A steel pipe pile effectively transfers the heavy load associated with a building or other structure to stronger soil layers or rock formations that exist further underground. Steel piles commonly are incorporated into a building project that occurs near a lake, river, or near an ocean shore. Steel pipe piles are not only utilized for buildings of different types, but also in the construction of bridges and docks.Steel pipe piles are also utilizes in road and highway construction, railroad and subway projects, and in oil fields. Indeed, the utilization of steel pipe piles is ubiquitous in this day and age.Not only are there practical benefits associated with the utilization of steel pipe piles, its use can be incorporated appropriately into a green or environmentally friendly construction endeavor. There are a number of reasons while steel pipe piles do advance environmentally friendly construction projects of various types.First, the placement of steel pipe piles underground does not have a negative impact on soil, air, or water. The same cannot be said of other types of foundational enhancement materials.Second, steel is one of the most frequently manufactured substances in the world. Therefore, even if a steel pile in a construction project is crafted from "new steel," the vast majority of that "new steel" will be recycled. In addition, "use steel" can use used in creating a pile. For example, steel pipe can be removed from a demolition project and then transferred and utilized in a new construction steel pipe pile.Third, by utilizing what is referenced as used steel pipe, the environmental impact of a steel pipe pile is even less. No energy is expended in the recycling process when steel pipe is taken from an existing building and placed into a pile. As an aside, keep in mind that the energy expended on recycling steel is far less than that utilized in manufacturing steel pipe in the first instance.Research continues apace on strategies that can be utilized to make new construction even more environmentally friendly. This ongoing research includes the continued examination of how steel can continue to be utilized in the advancement of the movement to green construction in communities across the United States of America.Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes for Federal Steel Supply, Inc., a leading steel tubing suppliers of carbon, alloy and stainless steel pipe, tubes, fittings and flanges.

Previously on the Eiffel Trading blog, we’ve discussed drill strings, drill collars, and tool joints, which all play a part in actually drilling the well to reach oil and natural gas deposits trapped beneath the earth’s surface. We’ve also discussed how rotary steerable drilling systems are a popular choice due to the reduced chance of the drill string sticking to the wall of the borehole.Now it is time to look at what some refer to as the second phase of oil and gas drilling well construction: casing strings, sometimes called casing pipe. Casing strings are hollow steel pipes used to line the wellbore and cemented in place to protect the surrounding areas from contamination and reinforce the well. There are different types of casing pipes, depending on the depth and pressure of the well as well as local/state regulations.Keep reading to learn about casing pipe strings, its makeups, and its roles in completing the well.

Casing Pipe Installation

Casing strings are series of steel pipes made up of individual joints (pipe segments) that can vary in length between different types of casing strings. These joints are male-threaded on each end and connected together with short sections of double-female threaded pipe, known as collars or couplings. (Some manufacturers do produce pipe joints with female threads already attached to one end.) Each string of pipe has a smaller diameter than the previous, tapering the strings down into the wellbore.Casing strings and drill strings alternate in the wellbore. Once a new section of drilling is completed, the drill string is pulled from the hole, a new section of casing string is placed and cemented, and the drill string is re-inserted with a smaller bit to accommodate the narrower pipe.Once in the wellbore, the steel pipe casing strings are cemented in place around the outside diameter of the pipe. This is done by pumping a cement slurry and drilling mud mix down the casing string with a bottom plug and a top plug. The mixture then moves through the casing and fills the space between the outside of the pipe and the well wall (the annular space/annulus). After the casing pipe is cemented, drilling can continue.

Types of Casing Strings

Conductor Pipe

The outermost layer of casing pipe is the conductor casing string. Conductor casing pipe joints are usually 40 feet in length, but are only used at the upper-most levels of the well (typically 40-300 feet deep). This section of pipe prevents contamination of the surrounding soil and groundwater/freshwater zones, as well as minimizes the risk of the well walls collapsing.Conductor pipe is sometimes called drive pipe because it can be set with a pile driver in many offshore environments, or simply run into a pre-drilled hole and cemented.

Surface Casing

The second-largest diameter steel casing pipe is the surface casing string, which can run several thousand feet long. Surface casing pipe is cemented to the surface and covers freshwater zones, which helps to prevent contamination during drilling and well completion. Additionally, surface casing helps reinforce the walls of the wellbore and supports the weight of all other casing strings (with the exception of the production liner).Surface casing pipe also serves as the foundation for the blowout preventer and provides kick resistance for deeper drilling.

Intermediate Casing

Intermediate casing strings are set between the surface casing and production casing strings in order to isolate sections of the openhole (uncased areas of the well) to enable deepening the well. Intermediate casing strings work to absolve surrounding high formation pressure areas or protect against caving in abnormally weak zones. Depending on wellbore conditions, this type of casing pipe may have a higher pressure rating than prior casing strings. Intermediate casing is also intended to isolate hole sections intended to deviate the wellbore.

Production Liner

Liners are used as a cost-saving casing string. Liners are hung from the bottom of the previous casing string, rather than at the surface. They may be run instead of full production casing to provide isolation across pay zones.

Production Casing

The production casing string, sometimes called the oil string, is inserted into the wellbore once the drill pipe has reached its target formation. It can rest above, below, or within the pay zone. Few wells are capable of producing directly through the casing pipe. The producing fluids, oil or natural gas, corrode or form deposits within the pipe, so an additional layer of casing is necessary to extract the oil or natural gas from the pay zone.If the well is to be drilled deeper at a later date, the production casing pipes must be large enough that a drill bit can pass through.

Production Tubing

In the event that the well cannot produce through the production casing strings, steel production tubing is installed in the last casing string. Production tubing is lighter than steel casing pipes and can be removed and re-run using a small service rig, making maintenance or replacement work much easier.Production tubing is the conduit through which oil, natural gas and water are brought from the pay zones to the surface for processing. It must be carefully selected; tubing that is too narrow inhibits optimum production rates, but tubing that is too large will increase costs on the overall casing design (remember that all casing strings “nest” within one another) of the well.

Casing Strings Purpose

The two primary purposes of casing strings are to protect the surrounding earth and fresh water zones from contamination, and to reinforce the well itself to prevent collapse. Casing pipe strings also work together to help protect the well in many other ways, including:

• Prevents fluid loss into or contamination of production zones
• Reduces the chances of a blowout
• Provides a strong upper foundation, allowing for deeper drilling with high-density drilling mud

Casing strings are a large structural component of a well. Once drilling is completed, casing strings provide surfaces for the blowout preventer, wellhead equipment, and production packers and tubing. Casing also accounts for a large part of the overall well set-up cost.

Buy and Sell Used Steel Casing Pipe

Eiffel Trading helps customers buy and sell used steel casing pipe, as well as other types of used and surplus oilfield materials like drill pipe, steel pipe casing, and more. We also help customers buy and sell used oilfield equipment, like drill rigs and pumps.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used oilfield equipment or material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Construction is an expensive business to be in. Projects run late all the time, and usually at the cost of the general contractor. Including stakeholders and building the team early in the planning phase can help address potential problems or delays, but certain things, like weather or design errors, often can’t be predicted from the very start of a project.That is one of the many reasons that construction site demobilization is a crucial part of the project lifecycle. This step is the removal of a company, equipment, and employees from a work site. The good news is that contractors can do more than ship heavy equipment and used or surplus materials back to a holding site.When thinking about demobilizing some of your biggest assets – equipment and materials – what is the most cost-effective way to handle this task? If the item isn’t a rental, and isn’t traveling with you to the next site, perhaps it’s time to think about selling it off. This can help reduce unnecessary additional handling, plus freight and storage costs. In fact, Eiffel Trading helps companies find buyers for their used and surplus materials, sometimes even before demobilization actually occurs. Learn how buying and selling with works Eiffel Trading.Keep reading to learn more about the project lifecycle and how a smart demobilization process can both reduce headache and be cost-effective.

Typical Construction Project Lifecycle

1. Conception and Initiation: At this stage, a need has been identified, a feasibility study conducted, and a business case document compiled. If the project is approved, a project initiation document (PID) will be prepared.
2. Planning: This stage of the lifecycle takes the broader scope of the project defined above and narrows it down to a very detailed project management plan, where the design is completed and a roadmap/timeframe and clearly defined goals/KPIs are laid forth. Costs are estimated for labor, materials, and equipment – it is important to factor in mobilization and demobilization costs at this stage to avoid surprises later.
3. Execution: Construction begins, and the project starts to come to life. Teams are assigned, status meetings are scheduled and held, and the project schedule is continually evaluated and updated as needed.
4. Performance/Monitoring: This stage occurs in sync with the execution stage. The project manager tracks costs and progress and compares them against the schedule and goals/KPIs set in the planning stage.
5. Closure: Once all deliverables have been met, closeout can begin. The team evaluates what went well, what could use improvement, and what needs to be changed for similar projects in the future. Site cleanup occurs at this stage, including the removal of workers, utilities, and equipment and material no longer needed. All documentation is handed over to the owner.

Planning the Demobilization

Create a plan for each phase of demobilization. For example, have a plan for cleaning up the site, equipment and material removal, have utilities disconnected, close the project office and vendor accounts, and phase out project staff. Six to 12 months out is a good time to start thinking about how to proceed with demobilization.We recommend creating a plan for demobilization during the planning stage of the project lifecycle. Consider the following:Estimate costs: Include both mobilization and demobilization costs in the estimate. Create a timeline for demobilization including expected start date, and a detailed checklist for returning or relocating equipment and materials, as well as assigning these tasks to a team member. Set clear expectations.

1. Estimate costs: Include both mobilization and demobilization costs in the estimate. Create a timeline for demobilization including expected start date, and a detailed checklist for returning or relocating equipment and materials, as well as assigning these tasks to a team member. Set clear expectations.
2. Evaluate equipment: Consider what your used heavy equipment might be worth. Learn how to price your used equipment here.
3. Make a list: What materials is your company keeping as part of its property, and what can be reused or sold? Some of the most popular materials our customers buy are used sheet pile, used H-pile, used barrier wall, and used wide flange beams.
4. Create a listing: Whether you’re six months or six weeks out from demobilization, creating a free listing on our online marketplace for your used equipment or material can help get it off of your hands more quickly. Sellers don’t pay buyers’ or freight fees to Eiffel Trading, so you can be sure you’re getting the highest return on your time and investment.

We regularly help customers list used equipment and material before for sale the before end of a project. Users can create a listing in our online marketplace for material or equipment based on an estimated availability date. ?lick here to read how Eiffel Trading helped Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC) save money on their demobilization costs (and increase the salvage value) of 860,000 pounds of sheet pile by connecting them with a buyer who needed the sheet pile TZC no longer had use for. And that’s just one example – we helped many customers list and find buyers for their used sheet pile or used steel beams before they’ve even left the ground.

Get Started Selling Today

Eiffel Trading never charges sellers a fee to list, and never charges sellers a commission fee. Our dedicated and experienced team is available to help buyers and sellers connect, negotiations, free freight quotes, and more. Let us help you every step of the way.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Auctions can be scary. What if I’m outbid? What if I get caught up in the excitement and bid too high? What if the bids don’t match what I wanted or expected for my item?While auctions can be a good way to find deals on everything from designer clothes and shoes to art and, yes, construction or oilfield equipment, it’s never guaranteed to be the best price you can find, and it’s never guaranteed to be an easy process. Buyers and sellers alike often find that utilizing services like online marketplaces yield higher success rates and satisfaction for both parties over those of auction houses.When you’re selling, doing so directly often costs little-to-nothing upfront, in terms of both time and money. Maximize the return on your investment by checking out online marketplaces or direct sellers before visiting an auction house.Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of buying and selling directly versus at auction.

Buying Direct versus Buying at Auction

While many of the big-name auction houses have great reputations and do have their customers’ best interest in mind, there are a few whose practices can be considered predatory. Some may allow (wittingly or not) companies to start bidding on their own items, use “planted” bidders, or start the bidding themselves to drive prices up. Shady sellers may also attempt the latter, even at a reputable auction house’s event. Though illegal, these practices are unfortunately not unheard of. Auction attendees should be aware of these possibilities.When buying directly from a seller, potential buyers usually have the opportunity to have the item(s) appraised by an independent third party. This gives both buyers and sellers confidence that the price being agreed upon is fair. With auctions, buyers must have an enormous amount of trust that the seller, auctioneer, and any inspectors are pricing items fairly. It’s that, or bring an inspector with you to help determine if an item is worth bidding on.Selection can also be better when dealing with a seller directly, especially if a buyer is in an area where auctions occur less often or don’t regularly have a large selection of equipment.Buying direct, in-person, or through a marketplace like Eiffel Trading’s, gives buyers more of a fair chance to secure heavy equipment for a good price. There are no pushy salespeople or extra pressure to make a deal. With Eiffel Trading, buyers submit an offer, and the seller has two business days to accept, reject, or counter the offer.

Selling Direct versus Selling at Auction

A major benefit of selling used heavy equipment directly or through a marketplace is the flexibility of doing so on your own time. When buying or selling at live auctions, you are at the mercy of the auction house’s calendar. Online marketplaces, on the other hand, are open 24x7. Buyers and sellers alike can continue to run their businesses without interruption – no time is lost to traveling to or attending auctions.Aside from having to work with an auctioneer’s calendar, sellers often find themselves geographically limited. By using an auction house with regional sites to sell equipment, sellers are limiting their audiences. Advertising items for sale online opens up the seller’s potential audience, increasing the chances the product moves in a timely manner and for the right price.Businesses choosing to sell at auctions are banking on the fact that someone else wants or needs what they have to sell right now. If sellers can have flexibility on their timelines, the right buyer will come across their product to work directly with them.Sellers are also subjected to listing fees at many auction houses – we’ve seen fees up to 25% of the highest bid. Add in lot/storage, transportation and many other types of fees, and sellers take home a much smaller amount than they had hoped for when pricing their equipment. Businesses looking to sell directly to others can set their desired prices and avoid incurring a major loss of potential revenue. Lot fees are a large source of revenue for many auctioneers – keeping your product at your site also helps increase your return on the investment of your effort.Another great benefit of selling directly is the fact that you can list your inventory several months in advance of your item actually being available. Many Eiffel Trading sellers list equipment and material before they’re project is completed or ready for liquidation. By doing so, sellers have time to list and market their assets and find a buyer ready to purchase once the equipment is available.

Start buying and selling today!

Eiffel Trading never charges sellers a fee to list, and never charges sellers a commission fee. Our dedicated and experienced team is available to help buyers and sellers connect, schedule appraisals, negotiations, free freight quotes, and more.From used excavators and used dozers, to drilling rigs and drill pipe, our online marketplace has it all.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used equipment or material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

The beauty of engineered formwork is its durability. Unlike conventional formwork (usually wood), concrete formwork does not warp, shrink or swell with temperatures or varying weather conditions.Though the up-front investment may be higher for engineered formwork over conventional, the return on investment is very high. For one, engineered formwork can be reused up to 2,000 times if the material is properly maintained. Second, it saves valuable time during set-up and tear down. Engineered formwork is already shaped and reinforced; conventional formwork often needs to be measured, cut, put into place, and secured before it can be used. Engineered formwork also requires less on-site labor.Taking down, or stripping, formwork is also a less costly endeavor with engineered material. It’s not a task without risks, however. If removed incorrectly, or done without care, severe injuries can occur. Workers have strained muscles, injured limbs, and been crushed removing formwork.Formwork should be left as long as possible, as its insulation helps in curing the concrete, but when the time comes to strip engineered formwork structures, here are 5 things to keep in mind.

Ensure the Concrete is Cured

We’ve previously discussed wait times for removing concrete formwork The curing of concrete is actually defined as “providing adequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow the concrete to achieve the desired properties for its intended use.” This is different from simply letting concrete dry, which is to allow concrete “to achieve a moisture condition appropriate for its intended use,” for things like flooring.The curing process requires monitoring and maintenance of moisture and temperature within the formwork. For this reason, it’s very important to leave the formwork in place as long as possible. Generally, the American Concrete Institute recommends the following:

• ASTM C 150 Type I cement seven days
• ASTM C 150 Type II cement ten days
• ASTM C 150 Type III cement three days
• ASTM C 150 Type IV or V cement 14 days
• ASTM C 595, C 845, C 1157 cements variable

Keep in mind that climate, temperatures, and the type of concrete (not to mention the size and shape of the concrete structure) can all impact the length of time it takes for concrete to set.

Step-by-Step

1. Begin by stripping the face of walls and the sides of beams and columns first. These pieces of formwork are not load-bearing; their purpose is simply to hold the concrete in place. This process can typically begin at around 48 hours.
2. Second, begin to remove the soffit, or underside, of slabs. This can begin around day 3 or 4. Props should be left under the slabs at this time.
3. The beam soffits can be removed at around day 7.
4. At around day 14, the props supporting the slabs can be examined for removal. Whether or not the props can be removed will depend on the size of the slab.
5. Props for beams and arches should always be removed last. For spans under 20 feet, the recommended wait time is 14 days. For spans 20 feet or greater, wait at least 21 days.

All of the times above are estimated based on Ordinary Portland Cement usage. Always follow the advice of the engineer. Once the concrete formwork is removed, the structure should be able to withstand twice the stress it may be subjected to at the time of formwork removal

Important things to keep in mind:

Formwork Removal Should NOT…

• Happen before the concrete is completely cured
• Occur in a busy work zone; when working at an elevated level, there’s always a chance tools or debris can fall and injure someone below
• Happen all at once; it’s best to avoid transferring the entire load to the structure at the same time
• Damage the structural member upon removal; remove formwork slowly and carefully

Buy and Sell Used Concrete Formwork with Eiffel Trading

We have a large selection of used concrete formwork for sale.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Drilling mud, also called drilling fluid, is essential in many types of drilling (including oil and gas, explorational drilling, and water wells). Drilling mud comes in a few different varieties and serves multiple purposes to a drill string. Keep reading to learn more about its history, functions, and the most common types of drilling mud used today.

History of Drilling Mud

Drilling mud has an extensive history, documented as far back as 1845, when a French engineer named Pierre-Pascal Fauvelle used water circulation to assist in drilling a new well. He achieved 560ft in just 23 days (for comparison, a dry auger well ten years earlier reached 1,771ft in eight years).The first documented use of a water-based mud is considered to have been in 1900 at Spindletop (Texas) – and literally involved mud. Engineers noticed that the water used for drilling was mixing with the clay and sand that had repeatedly been collapsing the well and filling it with debris. They tested mixing the freshwater with the clay, creating mud, and the results not only increased the stabilization of the well, but the increase in viscosity of the fluid provided enough strength to bring drill cuttings back to the surface of the borehole.

Drilling Mud Functions and Benefits

Drilling mud is pumped down the drill string to the bit, where it is pushed out of the pipe, then flushed back up the borehole to the surface. The mud carries clay and rock cuttings back to the surface, creating a clean space for the drill bit to continue working, and is collected back at the surface for cleaning and recirculation or discharge.Drilling mud is essential to keeping a drill string’s drill bit clean, cool, and lubricated during drilling. When drilling is paused, or when the drill string is put into or removed from a borehole, drilling mud suspends drill cuttings to prevent damage to the bit or drill string. It also helps to prevents formation damage – drilling mud is combined with additives to ensure that the surrounding rock formation does not absorb the drilling fluid.

Types of Drilling Mud

There are several types of drilling mud available, but the three most common are listed below.1. Water-BasedWater-based muds (WBMs) are used in around 80% of wells today. Because the base fluid is water, WBMs are typically the least expensive option. This drilling mud is a combination of water, clay, and chemicals. Clay is used to increase the viscosity of the drilling mud, which works to transport cuttings from the drill bit back to the surface.WBMs can be either dispersed or non-dispersed. Non-dispersed WBMs are either natural or lightly-treated compositions that are best suited for shallow wells or top-hole drilling. By contrast, dispersed systems are treated with thinners or other chemicals which allow the drilling fluid to more easily break down clays and other materials in its path.WBMs are commonly used in vertical wells, at shallow or medium depths.2. Oil-Based MudsOil-based drilling muds (OBMs) are petroleum-based drill fluids. They address several issues that WBMs cannot – including contaminants and increased borehole temperatures. One advantage of using OBMs is that they create lower well friction, making it a stronger choice for long-reach wells.OBMs are well-suited for directional drilling and drilling at greater depths.3. Synthetic-Based MudsSynthetic-based drilling muds (SBMs) are primarily used in offshore rigs. A major benefit of SBMs is that they exhibit many of the same qualities as OBMs, but aren’t included in some of the same regulations that cover offshore drilling. For instance, some regions prohibit discharging cuttings that have been drilled with OBMs, but not with synthetic systems. SBMs can be used for either horizontal or directional drilling.

Putting It Simply…

Drilling mud is pumped from a mud pit through the drill string, down and out of the nozzle located on the drill bit. The borehole takes in the drilling mud and churns out clay and rock cuttings to cleanse and stabilize the well. Drilling mud is as essential to oilfield drilling as fresh air is to humans.

Buy and Sell Oilfiled Equipment and Material with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading helps customers buy and sell used steel casing pipe, as well as other types of used and surplus oilfield materials like drill pipe, steel pipe casing, and more. We also help customers buy and sell used oilfield equipment, like drill rigs and pumps.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used oilfield equipment or material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is commonly used to transport water, often in dewatering and dredging operations. HDPE pipe is chemical and UV-resistant, can withstand temperatures from -200 to 180 Fahrenheit. It’s also a type of construction material that can be reused if in good condition, with a service life of more than 50 years.HDPE pipe is less costly to transport and install than steel due to its lower weight. It’s ideal for water transportation because the heat fusion process by which pipes are connected creates leak-free joints. HDPE even has its own pressure rating system.If you view our listings of used HDPE pipe for sale, you’ll see that many list “SDR”, followed by a number, in the headline. So, what is SDR for HDPE pipe?SDR stands for “standard dimension ratio”, and is used to rate pressure piping. It’s an inverse relationship, though. The higher the SDR, the lower the pressure rating. SDR indicates the amount of pressure (in PSI) a HDPE pipe can withstand.Determining an HDPE pipe’s SDR is fairly simple. The formula is SDR = D/s, where ‘D’ is the outside diameter of the pipe (in millimeters or inches), and ‘s’ is the thickness of the pipe wall (in millimeters or inches). In the example below, a 4-inch pipe has an outside dimension (OD) of 110mm. We have calculated the SDR based on various wall thicknesses.In the graphic above, we used a sample 4-inch HDPE pipe, with SDR ratings of 9, 11 and 17. You can see that, as SDR decreases, the thickness of the wall increases. A pipe’s tensile strength increases as its thickness increases, which is the pipe’s ability to stand up under pressure.You may also have heard the term “DR”, which stands for “dimension ratio”. When a pipe’s dimension ratio is one of the following, it’s considered standard, which is recognized internationally. Standard dimension ratios fall along the ANSI preferred number series and include 9, 11, 13.5, 17, 21, 26, and 32.5. All SDRs are DRs, but not all DRs are SDRs.Keep in mind that pipe measurements may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.Now that you know what SDR is, it’s time to start planning your next project. Check out our selection of used HDPE pipe.

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From used formwork and used drill rigs to used sheet pile and used wide flange beams, our online marketplace has it all.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Line pipe, used to transport petroleum products, and drill pipe, used in the oil and gas industry for deep oil and gas production wells, are most commonly classified by the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) API 5L system. The API 5L system also follows the International Organization for Standardization ISO 3183, ensuring its compliance with global oil and gas pipeline standards.The API 5L system covers seamless and welded steel-line pipe. Grades are divided into two groups, or Product Specification Levels, PSL1 and PSL2. PSL1 pipe is standard quality, whereas PSL2 pipe contains additional chemical and mechanical properties, and has different testing requirements.Pipe in PSL1 includes grade A, B, X42, X46, X52, X56, X60, X65, and X70. There are many grades of pipe within PSL2, but the most common are X90, X100, and X120.Pipe grade is based on its Minimum Yield Strength, represented in the grade itself by the letter X, in 000’s PSI (for example, a pipe graded “API 5L X42” has a minimum yield strength of 42,000 PSI). Yield strength is the measurement of how much stress an object can endure before its shape is permanently altered.API 5L pipe grade also includes a pipe’s tensile strength, which is the Minimum Yield Strength multiplied by the cross-sectional area of a pipe. Tensile strength is a measurement of how much force an object can bear before breaking.Keep reading to learn about strengths and characteristics of the most common API 5L pipe grades.

API 5L Pipe Grades

PSL1

Grade AMin. Yield Strength: 30,000 PSI / Minimum Tensile Strength: 48,000 PSIGrade BMin. Yield Strength: 35,000 PSI / Minimum Tensile Strength: 60,000 PSIX42Min. Yield Strength: 42,000 PSI / Minimum Tensile Strength: 60,000 PSIX46Min. Yield Strength: 46,000 PSI / Minimum Tensile Strength: 63,000 PSIX52Min. Yield Strength: 52,000 PSI / Minimum Tensile Strength: 66,000 PSIX56Min. Yield Strength: 56,000 PSI / Minimum Tensile Strength: 71,000 PSIX60Min. Yield Strength: 60,000 PSI / Minimum Tensile Strength: 75,000 PSIX65Min. Yield Strength: 65,000 PSI / Minimum Tensile Strength: 77,000 PSIX70Min. Yield Strength: 70,000 PSI / Minimum Tensile Strength: 82,000 PSI

PSL2

X90Min./Max. Yield Strength: 90,000 PSI/112,000 PSI / Min./Max. Tensile Strength: 100,000 PSI/133,000 PSIX100Min./Max. Yield Strength: 100,000 PSI/122,000 PSI / Min./Max. Tensile Strength: 110,000 PSI/143,000 PSIX120Min./Max. Yield Strength: 120,000 PSI/152,000 PSI / Min./Max. Tensile Strength: 133,000 PSI/166,000 PSI

Buy and Sell Used Drill Pipe with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading helps customers buy and sell used steel casing pipe, as well as other types of used and surplus oilfield materials like drill pipe, steel pipe casing, and more. We also help customers buy and sell used oilfield equipment, like drill rigs and pumps.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used oilfield equipment or material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Precast Concrete Barrier Wall (PCTB), or temporary barrier wall, work to prevent vehicles from entering work zones or leaving a roadway. These temporary barriers are often used near high-volume construction or roadwork sites, but it’s also highly effective along highways and roadways where guardrail or cable barriers may not be enough protection for drivers traveling at a high speed.Concrete barrier wall come in several styles/sizes, and with several options for connecting sections together. Keep reading to learn more about a few of the more popular types of connection systems for F-shape, Jersey and more types of concrete barrier walls.

Pin & Loop

Bolts, or pin and loop systems, connect two sections together by sliding a pin through four loops – two on each beam. The loops are designed to sit one on top of the other, for a tighter connection. Some states require different pin types and/or number of loops for permanent and temporary barriers, so check with your state DOT before installation.

J-J Hooks

J-J Hooks are pretty much exactly what they sound like – two identical J-shaped hooks, that slide together when one barrier wall is lowered next to another. The hooks align automatically, reducing risk to workers, who can assist in placing pieces of a barrier wall without putting their hands between two pieces of barrier wall to complete assembly. J-J hook barrier wall sections can be placed in any order – there are no ‘left’ or ‘right’ pieces – and the fact that connections are cast directly into the barrier wall helps reduce lost or stolen hardware.

T-Lok TM

T-Lok barriers have a wide reach – they’re approved in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. A section of barrier wall with a T-Lok connection type will have a male end and a female end. The male end has a steel rod in a “T” shape, which slides into the female end, shaped like a “C”. Barrier wall sections must be lowered into place to ensure the ends lock. The connections, like the J-J hook system, are cast directly into the barrier wall.4-BoltSome temporary barriers utilize a 4-bolt connection. This system involves bolting two pieces together at the ends from the outside – this type of connection isn’t cast directly into the barrier wall. Bolted barrier wall will have two steel channel/angle plates on each end, along the sides, that allows a second section to be placed next to the first. Two bolts are installed on each end of the plate, pulling the corners together tightly, similar to stitching fabric.

Buy and Sell Used Barrier Wall with Eiffel Trading

Of course, there are other types of barrier wall connections. Some states require specific joint/connection types. Once you’ve checked the regulations for your area, check out our used barrier wall for sale.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.