Tips & Advice Posts

The most commonly utilized I-beam used in the United States is the wide flange beam. The wide flange beam differs from the two other fairly commonly utilized I-beams because it comes complete with flanges that have virtually parallel surfaces.

Wide Flange Beam Grade and Ranges of Yield Strength

A contractor interested in utilizing wide flange beams on a project necessarily needs to become familiarized with both beam grade and ranges of yield strength. At the present time, wide flange beams most commonly are available in grade ASTM A992. This grade has essentially replaced the older ASTM grades used to classify wide flange beams, which were A572 and A36.Taking into account all possible grades of wide flange beams, the ranges of yield strength available today are:A36: 36,000 psi (250 MPa)A572: 42,000–60,000 psi (290–410 MPa), with 50,000 psi (340 MPa)A588: Similar to A572A992: 50,000–65,000 psi (340–450 MPa)Because of its wide usage, A572 remains the most common type of wide flange beam found in buildings today. However, and as was noted, the A992 derivation is taking the place of nearly all options utilized today.

History of the Wide Flange Beam

The method of producing a wide flange beam, and any type of I-beam, depended upon the process of rolling the beam from a single piece of steel. This process was patented in France, in 1849, by a many named Alphonse Halbou, associated with a French company called Forges de la Providence.In time, the process developed in France was put into use by Bethlehem Steel in the United States. By the mid-20th century, Bethlehem Steel had become the leading supplier of rolled structural steel of different types, including wide flange beams, in the United States. These beams were integral parts of major skyscraper and bridge projects in the country.

Benefits of a Wide Flange Beam

There are a number of benefits associated with a wide flange beam. Chief among them is the fact that these beams are produced to be equal or nearly equal in width and depth. This reality renders the wide flange beam far better oriented vertically to carry an axial load in a construction project. For example, this makes a wide flange beam better suited to use in in multi-story construction projects.

Common Composition of a Wide Flange Beam

In the United States, and most other nations in which the wide flange beam is in use, the beam typically is constructed from rolled steel. To a lesser degree, wide flange beams are produced using aluminum.In more recent times, wide flange beams are being made from other substances, although on a limited basis and usually for certain residential construction projects. Alternative substances from which wide flange beams are being made include wood containing fiberboard as well as laminated veneer lumber.Noting that other substances are being used to create wide flange beams, it is important to note that steel wide flange beams remain the industry standard. This is in part due to the strong nature of steel beams, which obviously is crucial in construction projects. In addition, there is significant concern about the potential for rapid loss of strength of wood-based alternatives in the event of a fire. Rolled steel alternatives are much better equipped to maintain their integrity during a fire.

Design Criteria and Wide Flange Beams

Wide flange beams, and other types of I-beams, can be used in construction on their own or with some other material. More often than not, the other material paired up with wide flange beams on a construction project is concrete.When it comes to the design of any type of I-beam, including a wide flange derivation, certain criteria is taken into consideration. This criteria includes deflection. Deflection represents the stiffness of the beam itself, to minimize deformation.Vibration represents another consideration. Vibration involves a consideration of the stiffness and mass. This analysis is important in order to prevent unacceptable vibrations. This is particularly necessary in settings that are more sensitive to vibrations, including offices, schools, and libraries.Another component in the set of design criteria is a consideration of potential shear failure. Shear failure occurs when the web itself fails, the web being the support structure that includes I-beams. Slender web networks can fail by buckling or rippling. This is called tension field action. It is important to note that shear failure is resisted in part due to the flanges contained on the wide flange beam, and on other types of I-beams.______________________________________________________________________________________Jessica Kane is a writer for OSHA Campus Online, where you can complete a variety of OSHA training courses 100% online at your convenience.

What is the Jones Act?

On June 5, 1920 the 66th United States Congress passed the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which is commonly referred to as the Jones Act. The Jones Act prohibits foreign built and foreign flagged vessels from moving cargo port to port in the United States. By reserving the domestic shipping for vessels that are built, owned, crewed and flagged in the United States, Congress maintained that it strengthened national security by supporting the U.S. merchant Marine.The Jones Act is enforced throughout the United States including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. The US Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Northern Mariana Islands have been exempt from certain parts of the law. The US Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard all help enforce the Jones Act.

Does my ship fall under the jurisdiction of the Jones Act?

If you are attempting to move commercial cargo from port to port in the United States or its territories, then it is likely that your vessel falls under the jurisdiction of the Jones Act. The Act covers accommodation barges (floatels), deck barges, spud barges, floating crane barges, drilling ships, oil rig platforms, passenger ships, push boats, oceangoing cargo vessels, small service ships and other commercial vessels. The Small Passenger Waiver Program allows for ships carrying no more than 12 passengers to be exempt. Customs is authorized to issue other waivers, but will not do so if The United States Maritimes Administration finds domestic ships to be available.

Has the Jones Act ever been waived?

Since the enactment of the Jones Act, there have been four times when it has been waived. The Department of Homeland Security will review requests on a case-by-case basis and will only grant waivers on the grounds of national defense. The Secretary of Defense has granted waivers in times of national emergencies. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Jones Act was waived for vessels carrying oil and natural gas from September 1 to 19, 2005. In January 2012, the Jones Act was waived for an emergency shipment of gasoline from Dutch Harbor, Alaska to Nome. Also in 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security issued a waiver for 12 days from November 2 to 13 after Superstorm Sandy. After Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the Jones Act was waived for 7 days from September 8 to 15, 2017.What does waiving the Jones Act mean for Puerto Rico?Earlier today, President Trump waived the Jones Act for 10 days to help Puerto Rico recovery efforts. The waiver covers all products moving into Puerto Rico. In addition, it will help expedite delivering equipment to repair the infrastructure that was damaged during the storm.

Question: When you are awarded a project in a land-locked lake, but need to work from the water on a 100’x40’ barge, what do you do?

Answer: Sectional barges.

Sectional barges are designed to be transported from project to project via tractor trailer. The barges are typically 40’x10’ and 20’x10’ with a couple of depth variations from 3’-2” up to 10’. Once they arrive onsite, they are assembled to make the exact barge size needed for your project.Sectional barges aren’t limited to land-locked lakes. In fact, they are used in all types of waterways. Due to their versatility, they are extremely useful assets to have in your marine equipment fleet. For example, they can be used as cranes barges, pile driving barges, dredge barges, elevated platforms, floating docks, expedient bridging, ferries and transports, and drilling barges. There are many brands and fabrication shops that manufacture sectional barges. The popular brands are Flexifloat, Poseidon and Shugart.

Flexifloat Barges

Paul Robishaw founded Robishaw Engineering, Inc. in 1956, which is the manufacturer behind Flexifloat sectional barges. The first series was labeled Model J and were 30’ long x 7.5’ wide and 42” deep. Flexifloat developed a unique locking system that is completely self-contained without any loose parts. There’s an upper and lower connection point with male and female connectors that is locked in place by a vertical locking bar which is confined in the structure of the female interlock. As the construction industry evolved, so has the Flexifloat product line. The modern product line includes H-50, S-50 and S-70 series barges. Each product line is only compatible with components from the same product line.H-50 Series includes Quadrafloat (30’ long x 7.5’ wide x 3.8’ deep) and Duofloat (15’ long x 7.5’ wide x 3.8’ deep) which have a deck bearing capacity of 3,500 PSF and a bottom bearing capacity of 2,500 PSF. Spuds and spud wells come in 12” or 20” diameter options. These barges can transport legally on a flatbed trailer.S-50 Series includes Quadrafloat (40’ long x 10’ wide x 5’ deep) and Duofloat (20’ long x 10’ wide x 5’ deep) which have a deck bearing capacity of 5,000 PSF and a bottom bearing capacity of 3,500 PSF. Spuds and spud wells come in 20” diameter. These barges require a permit load to transport due to the over-width dimension.S-70 Series includes Quadrafloat (40’ long x 10’ wide x 7’ deep) and Duofloat (20’ long x 10’ wide x 7’ deep) which have a deck bearing capacity of 5,000 PSF and a bottom bearing capacity of 3,500 PSF. Spuds and spud wells come in 24” diameter or 24” square. The S-70 Series is also the only Flexifloat series that can become a self-elevating platform, sometimes called a jack-up barge. In order to become a jack-up barge, you will need the elevating spudwell and elevating column attachments. These barges require a permit load to transport due to the over-width dimension.

Poseidon Barges

Mid-America Foundation Supply, Inc. was founded in 1986 as a pile driving construction business. After 28 years in the construction business, the piling division closed and the company became known as Mid-America Foundation Supply d/b/a Poseidon Barge. Poseidon has developed barges that are compatible with other manufacturer’s locking systems. They have a product line of Poseidon I, Poseidon P1-L/P1N, Poseidon II, Poseidon III and Poseidon P10.The Poseidon PI barge comes in 40’ long x 10’ wide x 5’ deep and 20’ long x 10’ wide x 5’ deep which have a deck point load capacity of 20,000 PSF. These barges are pinned together with a hairpin style connector. These barges require a permit load to transport due to the over-width dimension.The Poseidon P1-L barge comes in 32’ long x 8’ wide x 3’-2” deep. The Poseidon P1N barge can also be transported on a legal flatbed trailer. They come in 30’ long x 7.5’ wide and 4’ deep. Both types come with hairpin connectors, but due to the differing depths, they are not compatible to connect. These barges transport legally on a flatbed trailer.The Poseidon II barge product line is compatible with the S-50 and S-70 Series Flexifloats. They come in 40’ long x 10’ wide x 5’ deep (S-50 Quadrafloat compatible), 20’ long x 10’ wide x 5’ deep (S-50 Duofloat compatible), 40’ long x 10’ wide x 7’ deep (S-70 Quadrafloat compatible) and 20’ long x 10’ wide x 7’ deep (S-70 Duofloat compatible), all of which have a deck point load capacity of 20,000 PSF. These barges require a permit load to transport due to the over-width dimension.The Poseidon PIII barge product line is compatible with Shugart sectional barges. They come in 41’-4” long x 10’-4” wide x 4’-11.5” deep and 20’-8” long x 10’-4” wide x 4’-11.5” deep which have a deck bearing capacity of 30,000 PSF. The 41’-4” model is light enough where you can fit two barges on one truck. These barges require a permit load to transport due to the over-width dimension.The Poseidon P10 barge comes in 44’ long x 11’ wide x 10’ deep and 22’ long x 11’ wide x 10’ deep which have a deck bearing capacity of 20,000 PSF. The deeper section allows for a larger crane on a smaller foot print. These barges require a permit load to transport due to the over-width dimension.

Shugart Barges

Shugart manufacturing was founded in 1962 with a commitment to quality and service. The Shugart locking system is a pin-flange locking system that is designed so the pins will not jam due to corrosion. When the pins are installed, you can slide a standard 2x4 in the recess that will sit flush with the deck. The Shugart product line includes the regular barge, double stack and heavy-duty.The Shugart Regular barge comes in 41’-4” long x 10’-4” wide x 5’ deep, 31’ long x 10’-4” wide x 5’ deep and 20’-8” long x 10’-4” wide x 5’ deep which have a payload capacity of 37.5 tons at 1 foot of free board (for each 41’-4” section). These barges require a permit load to transport due to the over-width dimension.The Shugart Double Stack barge comes in 38’-9” long x 7’-9” wide x 4’-3” deep, 31’ long x 7’-9” wide x 4’-3” deep, 23’-3” long x 7’-9” wide x 4’-3” deep and 15’-6” long x 7’-9” wide x 4’-3” deep which have a payload capacity of 20.3 tons with 1 foot of free board (for each 38’-9” section). You are able to fit two of the 38’-9” barges on one truck, which transport on a legal flatbed trailer.The Shugart Heavy Duty Barge comes in 41’-4” long x 10’-4” wide x 7’ deep, 31’ long x 10’-4” wide x 7’ deep and 20’-8” long x 10’-4” wide x 7’ deep which have a payload capacity of 59 tons at 1 foot a free board (for each 41’-4” section). These barges require a permit load to transport due to the over-width dimension.

Are these the only options?

These manufacturers are not the only option when it comes to sectional barges, there are Rendrags, Unifloats, RPS, B&R Marine and several others. When it comes to sectional barges, the most important thing to remember is to ensure that you purchase barges that have compatible locking systems.We keep a large stock of all types of used sectional barges from all over North America – check it out today.

Before diving into the pros and cons associated with galvanized steel pipe, you need to understand the basics of this type of pipe. At its essence, galvanized steel pipe is a type of steel pipe that is coated with another metal. An example of the type of metal that galvanizes a steel pipe is zinc.Steel pipe is galvanized with a substance like zinc primarily to prevent rusting. Galvanizing a steel pipe to prevent rusting renders the pipe itself preferable for use in outdoor projects. Indeed, galvanized steel pipe frequently is preferred for outdoor projects when contrasted with ABS or PVC.As is the case with any type of product or material, there are pros and cons associated with galvanized steel pipe. When you are considering the type of pipe to utilize for a project, particularly one out of doors, you do need to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision regarding what course to take.

Galvanization Prevents Rusting

As was stated at the start of this discussion, steel pipe is galvanized with a substance like zinc in order to prevent rusting. The reality is that in the absence of galvanization, a steel pipe used out of doors and more exposed to the elements would be subjected to the possibility of rusting in relatively short speed.The galvanization of steel pipe does not make it invincible. Nonetheless, galvanized steel pipe has a relatively long lifespan. You can expect a galvanized steel pipe, used outside, to have a lifespan of about 40 years.

Expense of Galvanized Steel Pipe and Other Alternatives

In considering the pros and cons of galvanized steel pipe, cost is certainly going to be a consideration. When analyzing cost-related issues, you need to focus on not only the initial financial investment in a type of pipe, but its lifespan as well.An alternative to galvanized steel is pipe made from copper. For decades, copper pipe was widely recommended for use in plumbing and related projects. Copper is a good choice, but so is galvanized steel. When analyzing price, galvanized steel is a less expensive alternative. In fairness, copper pipe is likely to have a longer lifespan than galvanized steel. The lifespan of copper pipe generally does run over 50 years. With that noted, this typically is copper pipe used in interior rather than exterior settings, however.PVC is a popular pipe alternative. One of the reasons PVC is widely used is cost. PVC is less expensive than galvanized steel. While PVC is a less expensive alternative than galvanized steel, its lifespan is far shorter. Thus, in the overall scheme of things, when contrasted with PVC, galvanized steel pipe is a more economical alternative long term.

Versatility of Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel pipe is demonstrably preferable for larger construction projects as well as for farm irrigation systems. The two primary reasons why this is the case is because galvanized steel pipe is more durable than many other alternatives. In addition, this type of pipe can be crafted with a larger diameter than is practically possible with some other alternatives.

Weight and Handling of Galvanized Steel Pipe

Some people initially shy away from galvanized steel, despite its benefits, because it can be a bit more difficult to handle. Being made of steel, galvanized steel is heavy when contrasted with lightweight alternatives like PVC. The lightweight nature of PVC, despite some of its other limitations when contrasted with galvanized steel, has made PVC popular among home improvement enthusiasts.

Galvanized Steel and Maintenance

Overall, galvanized steel is generally as easy to maintain as other alternatives, with one possible exception. Galvanized steel pipe is more prone to mineral buildup in the pipe itself than is the case with other alternatives, including PVC or copper. However, with proper proactive maintenance, this type of buildup can be minimized.

Damaged Galvanized Steel Pipe

One difference between galvanized steel pipe and some other alternatives centers on the response to a damaged pipe. When galvanized pipe is damaged in some manner, it normally is replaced rather than repaired.Replacement is recommended because damage to a galvanized steel pipe tends to weaken the zinc coating. The weakening of the zinc coating renders the pipe more susceptible to corrosion.Once you have completed the process of weighing and balancing the pros and cons of galvanized steel pipe, your next step is engaging the services of a professional with experiencing in installing this type of pipe. There are professionals that have extensive experience in the installation and maintenance of galvanized steel pipe in all type of settings.Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes for [Scaffold Store](https://www.scaffoldstore.com/), the favorite and trusted scaffold supplier of the largest contractors.Scaffold Store, the favorite and trusted scaffold supplier of the largest contractors.*

NJDOT sets the stage

One of the first types of engineered concrete barrier wall was designed back in the 1950’s by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which became known as Jersey barrier. The Jersey barrier is a reinforced concrete barrier designed to not only prevent head-on collisions, but minimize vehicle damage in case of incidental contact. The Jersey barrier was initially cast-in-place and part of the permanent construction. In addition to permanent barrier walls, concrete barrier wall is used on highway projects as temporary traffic dividers that are removed once construction is complete.Departments of transportation throughout North America have adopted their own rules and guidelines on concrete barrier wall for permanent and temporary installation. Here are the most common types of concrete barrier wall and their characteristics:

Jersey barrier - "The Godfather"

The Jersey barrier is the most common type of concrete barrier. The standard height for a Jersey barrier is 32”. The design calls for a 3” vertical rise from the pavement, then 10” rise at a 55 degree angle, followed by an 84 degree angle for the remainder of the barrier. You will also see certain DOT’s with a 42” tall Jersey barrier design maintaining the same slope angles.

K-Rail

K-Rail concrete barrier is what the western states, namely California, call a Jersey barrier. Why? We have no idea - let us know if you do.But we did find this cool video of CalTrans testing "zippers" on Interstate 15:https://www.youtube.com/embed/hMkLcAstxgA

Ontario Tall Wall

The Ontario Tall Wall was designed by the Department of Highway in Ontario, Canada. It is very similar to Jersey barrier – however, it stands at 42” tall, which is 10” taller than the typical Jersey barrier. The slope angles are the same as Jersey barrier.

Single Slope and Constant Slope Barrier

The single slope barrier was developed in California and is very similar to the constant slope barrier developed in Texas. The slope angle of the single slope barrier in is 9.1 degrees with respect to vertical and the constant slope is 10.8 degrees with respect to vertical. The top of the single slope is 10.5” thick and the constant slope is 8” thick. One of the main advantages of using these types of barriers in a permanent application is the performance of the barrier isn’t affected during roadway repaving. Both single slope and constant slope barrier come in 32” and 42” heights. Because we're based in Houston, we obviously prefer the constant slope barrier.

F-Shape

The F-Shape barrier is a modification of the Jersey barrier. The F-Shape has the same slopes as the Jersey barrier, but the slope break point is 3” lower. The lower slope break point helps reduce the vehicle lift, which provides for a higher performing barrier. In addition to the varying slope break point, the top of the F-Shape is 9” thick, which is 3” thicker than a Jersey barrier.

What's it all mean?

As you can see, there are many different factors when it comes to barrier wall. Over the past several years, many municipalities have started to specify F-Shape over Jersey barrier. As our transportation methods evolve, so will the barrier systems that keep us safe.We keep a large stock of all types of used and surplus barrier wall from all over North America - check it out today.

You use it on a daily basis with or without actually realizing it - the rails you hold onto when walking up the stairs, the train carts you ride on to and from work, the knife you slice butter with. Steel is all around us, and yet most people know only so little about the material. Here are five things that you never knew about steel, one of the most important catalysts of the industrial era.<h3>1. Steel is 100 Percent Iron</h3>Despite being a basic fact, there are still many people who believe that steel is a raw material in itself. It seems only right to clarify this common misconception by stating that all steel is made from iron. Every sheet of steel used to manufacture cars and trucks and every beam used to erect buildings is made of iron. In fact, the truth of the matter is, 90 percent of all refined metals used today consist of iron.<h3>2. Majority of Steel is Recycled</h3>The recycling efforts for steel is one that inspires complete awe. You'll be surprised to know that refined steel like Angle Iron has been done since the 18th century. Most steel-based items circulating in the market today consist of 25 to 100 percent recycled steel. Every year, over 75 million tons of steel are recycled in North America alone. And for every ton of recycled steel, thousands of pounds of raw materials including iron ore, coal, and limestone are conserved.<h3>3. Steel Recycling is Cheaper Than You Think</h3>Recycling certain materials are widely debated because of the cost-value they produce, but not for steel. Compared to plastic products, steel recycling is a more cost-effective way to keep up with consumer demand without necessarily flooding the market and endangering the ecosystem. In addition, recycling steel is also cheaper than it is to mine for raw materials that make up steel. Mining of steel only continues today to supplement the existing supply the world already has.<h3>4. Steel is Used in a Wide Array of Products</h3>Steel not only comprises beams that hold up houses and commercial buildings. It can also be found in the cans of food you stock in your kitchen cupboard, the internal and external frames that make up your car, and the fridge doors you open and close quietly while sneaking in food at night. In North America alone, there are around 1,500 cans of food brands lined up in aisles.<h3>5. Steel is Freakishly Durable</h3>Steel components and structures including decks, stairs, and rails that are properly designed and manufactured can offer long-term durability. Depending on how the steel sheets are fabricated and treated, it can withstand a variety of extreme temperatures and pressures. In fact, steel frames in real estate have been tested and proven to endure over 1,000 degrees Celsius of heat. Furthermore, full-magnitude earthquake simulations reveal that steel can maintain its structural integrity during such environmental cataclysms.The more you know about the materials that make up this world, the better you'll be able to understand and use it to advance as a person and professional.This is an Industry Insider post by Jessica Kane. Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes for Federal Steel Supply, Inc., a leading supplier of carbon, alloy and stainless steel pipe, tube, fittings and flanges. If you’re interested in becoming an Industry Insider and contributing to our blog, please get in touch with us at bhanley(AT)eiffeltradingcompany(DOT)com.<p>Check out our inventory of steel plate today and contact us with any questions.</p>

Wondering what the essentials of vibratory hammer maintenance are? Try out these five tips to help you get more pile driving mileage out of your vibratory hammer:<h4>1. Inspect clamp jaws.</h4>The teeth clamp jaws use to hold pile can easily become rusted, corroded, or worn down. Make sure you regularly check the condition of your clamp jaw’s teeth, and consider repairing or replacing parts of your clamp jaw as necessary. It’s also a good idea to inspect the pile you’re using to make sure it is not rusted or corroded. Using corroded or rusted pile can damage your vibratory hammer’s clamp jaw.<h4>2. Check hoses.</h4>Before each use, it’s a good idea to double-check your vibratory hammer’s hoses for wear and tear. Keep in mind that it’s common for a vibratory hammer’s hoses to leak, and you will probably have to replace hoses (preferably with high pressure hoses) after extended use. You should also regularly inspect hose connections to make sure they are properly attached to your vibratory hammer’s power pack. Improperly connected hoses result in poor oil flow.<h4>3. Flip your hammer over to the other side after use.</h4>This is a simple maintenance trick that will do your vibratory hammer good. If you are consistently flipping your hammer over on one side horizontally after use, consider switching it up and flipping it on its other side periodically. This will help oil reach all of the parts of the machine and help you keep your hammer properly lubricated without much extra effort.<h4>4. Pay attention to the power pack.</h4>Try to open the doors of your vibratory hammer’s power pack often to make sure nothing is malfunctioning and no oil is leaking. Part of taking care of the power pack also includes giving it a few minutes to warm up before you start using your vibratory hammer and letting it run on low for a few minutes once you’re done using your hammer.If your vibratory hammer is on its last leg and you’re ready to swap it out, make sure you check out our vibratory hammer options!

There are many different types of structural steel pipe, and some are much better than others for particular applications. Below are the top six types and which jobs they’re best-suited for:

1. Spiral Steel Pipe - This type of pipe is ideal for piling, trenches, and road casing. It’s relatively inexpensive, durable, and strong.
2. ERW Pipe – This is your go-to pipe if you’re looking for top-notch line pipe. It’s usually used by oil and energy companies. It is also used for things like tunnel construction and dock construction.
3. Fence Pipe – The name of this pipe says it all. It’s typically great for building extra strong and durable fences. It’s great for enclosing parking lots and parks.
4. Seamless Steel Pipe – This type of pipe works best for things like pipe piling, caissons, and dock piling.
5. DSAW Carbon Steel Pipe - This is the highest quality option for applications like road boring, road casing, and culverts. It comes in a variety of different grades, and it is welded in a way that makes it extra strong.
6. Culvert Pipe – If you don’t want to take the plunge and pay extra for DSAW Carbon Steel Pipe, culvert pipe is an affordable (yet less durable option) for some of the same applications. It is also one of the most commonly used pipes for irrigation projects, drainage systems, temporary bridges, and sewer systems.

Eiffel Trading has tons of pipe for sale on our marketplace. Take a look at what we have to offer and find the right pipe for your project!

If you’re comparing possible trench backfilling options, there are a few different methods that might be a good fit for your project. Below are some of the most common methods and some information about their usefulness for trenching projects:<h3>Compacting</h3>Compacting typically involves using the existing soil and organic materials in a trench and applying a jumping jack, compactor, or excavator to produce a coarse, wet material or slightly saturated, fine material that is level and used to secure pavement over a trench. This is one of the most common and effective methods.<h3>Filling</h3>This involves backfilling a trench with flowable fill, which is a cement mix, using a cement truck that’s brought directly to the site. This method generally works well but can cause issues if the flowable fill covers any pipe too snugly. It’s best to cover pipe with protective material before filling. Additionally, it’s best to block off sections of the trench if the fill needs to be applied in multiple batches. Otherwise, it will spread to other areas and won’t be as level.<h3>Jetting</h3>This method involves filling the trench with a material that isn’t compacted. The contractor then comes back to the trench later in the project and applies pressurized water to the trench. Unfortunately, after several years, the pavement over the trench often dips or is compromised when this method is used. It’s not the best method for the long-term.<h3>Dumping</h3>This is one of the more recently developed methods of backfilling. It involves backfilling a trench with open-graded coarse aggregate materials instead of compacting. This method has not been as time-tested as others and poses risks including soil that migrates in holes in the aggregate materials. This method is best used with caution.While we’re on the subject of trenching, have you taken a look at our trench boxes?

If you’ve finished a project and have used concrete formwork sitting in the yard or in storage, you have a few different options for getting rid of it and making money in the process. One option is to sell the formwork through a traditional broker. This can be a somewhat slow process. You send pictures and information to the broker, and then they advertise your equipment after approving and modifying what you’ve sent. Another option is to list your formwork on an auction site. This can also be a relatively fast way to get rid of it, but it’s not the most profitable. Many online auctions are unreserved, which means you don’t get to name the price, and the buyer could walk away with your formwork for much less than you expected.Another viable alternative is listing your formwork on a site dedicated to finding formwork buyers in the construction industry. Here are four of the benefits of choosing this option:<h3>1. You’ll likely make a higher profit from the sale.</h3>You get to choose the price of your formwork. You don’t have to agree to whatever the broker recommends you price it at, and you don’t have to accept whatever the highest bidder offers. This means you could end up with a higher profit.<h3>2. All you have to do is list your formwork and leave the work to someone else.</h3>You just have to upload some images and a description, and your formwork will be on display to all of the site’s users. It’s quick and easy, and you don’t have to spend waiting for the broker to start advertising your equipment. You also don’t have to spend time watching an auction to see what bidders are offering.<h3>3. Your formwork will go to someone who really needs it.</h3>It won’t go to someone who’s just looking to get a good deal at an auction. It’ll go to someone who was searching for a specific type of formwork and found that yours fit their needs. You’ll be fulfilling a need in the industry, and your formwork will be put to good use. If sustainability is important to your organization, this can be a major benefit.Trying to figure out what to do with your used concrete formwork? List with us!