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| Factors Affecting Cost of Concrete Construction |
The cost of concrete construction is one of the important and major element while calculating the total cost of any project. The cost of concrete work is greatly influencing the total construction cost, so it is required to be estimated accurately.
There are various parameters that influence the cost of concrete construction for instance grade of concrete, cost of materials like formworks, reinforcement steel, labors, finishing etc.
In addition, costs of these parameters are not constant but rather vary from one location to another one. Also, the material quality which also affects concrete construction cost.
Therefore, Because of above reason there are chances of overestimation of concrete construction. it may leads to overestimation in the total project cost and the owner would have to spend more money, or he/she probably makes a decision not to proceed with the project.
But, if the cost of concrete is underestimated, there would be several unexpected expenses during the construction stage. These over expenses affect the contractor, the owner, or both, in addition to substantial loses. So, it is very important to have adequate information about different variables and an item of concrete construction cost.
Parameters that Affect Cost of Concrete.
The cost of various parameters of concrete construction differs from one location to another one. There are many such parameters that needed to be considered which are being discussed below:
1.
Grade of Concrete
2.
Surface Preparation Cost
3.
Cost of Formwork
4.
Cost of Reinforcing Materials
5.
Concreting Cost
6.
Finishing Work Cost
7.
Cost of Hiring Engineers
8.
1. Grade of Concrete:
The grade of concrete is
a major item to consider is the cost of concrete whether it is readymix
concrete or onsite mix concrete. Generally, concrete producer gives the cost of
concrete after the project specifications and the job location are provided.
The cost of concrete is supplied on per cubic meter.
It is a known fact that,
the cost of concrete increases with the increase of concrete grade. The ready
mix concrete Grade 25 price in Canada range from 182 to 200$ per cubic meter
whereas the Grade 35 concrete price range from 202 to 217$. The traveling
distance of truck mixers between the project site and the concrete plant would
also influence concrete construction cost. As the distance increase, the cost
would rise.
2. Surface Preparation
Cost:
If concreting is done
over the level ground surface, then the ground is required to prepare for
concrete placement. This process involves the cost of grading, compaction,
excavation, trenching, and other components. Extra work is needed to prepare
the site.
And if ,the concrete is
required to be done on a surface which is not leveled. In that case, the cost
of surface preparation would be greater than previous case. This process
involves excavation and filling with suitable material or removing a soft soil.
If filling process is
needed, then the distance between the project and the borrowing material source
affect preparation cost.
3. Cost of Formwork:
The formwork cost covers
up a large quantity of the entire cost of concrete construction. There are some
important details which should be known so as to be able to estimate the cost
of formwork.
Consider following points
while calculating cost of formwork, whether the form is rental or bought, the
use of crane is needed or not, machines used to transport materials, re-using
formwork material, and repair of forms after multiple utilization. Generally,
the formwork is measured and priced in square meter of the concrete area. It
also required to add the cost of working hours of labors shall be included. The
labor wages varies ranges from 180 to 215$ per 2.6h in the United States.
4. Cost of
Reinforcing Materials:
There are different types
of steel reinforcements which are used to reinforce concrete like, steel bars,
wire mesh, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars, plastic mesh, and fiber added
to concrete mixer to improve strength and crack resistance.
The reinforcing cost
would vary based on the material type and size of reinforcement. The FRP bars
cost is higher than steel reinforcement and larger diameter bars are costlier
than small ones. Finally, Labour cost reinforcement installation is one of the
major components of material cost.
5. Concreting Cost:
Concreting starts after
formwork is fixed in positions and reinforcements are placed. The method used
for concrete placement and equipment used for placement, spreading, and
compacting concrete affect concrete costing, in addition to labor costs.
Concrete may be pumped or ready mix to the specified locations or mixed
onsite and require other machinery to deliver fresh concrete to its final
position.
6. Finishing Work
Cost:
Concrete finishing can
be done different ways. For example a smooth surface, exposed
aggregate surface, or stamped concrete finish.
Some concrete surfaces
may require only a strike-off and screed to proper contour and elevation, while
other surfaces, a broomed, floated, or troweled finish may be specified.
Lastly, the cost of any curing compound or testing services is also included in
finish work cost.
7. Cost of Hiring
Engineers:
Hiring of Engineers to
supervise the project and make sure that the work is done in accordance with
applicable codes and specifications. So, the payment provided to engineers for
their service provided should be taken into considerations.
8. Contingency Cost:
Contingency cost must require
while calculating cost of construction. No Construction work estimate is fully
accurate and there is no guarantee for stoppage of concreting due to technical
problems or natural events like rain. This cost must be added in the total cost
of concrete construction and allocate certain quantity of money for contingency
works. This amount is commonly fixed by experienced estimator based on their
experience.
This article wrote by Eng.Mike Mahajan you can see more in his web http://civiconcepts.com
This article wrote by Eng.Mike Mahajan you can see more in his web http://civiconcepts.com
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