All you need to know about the concrete decking slab

In home building construction, people get confused with different technical terminologies being used by industry professionals to describe different types of the work. Since its not everyone that underwent training in construction engineering, a need therefore arises to explain some of the technical terms we might meet in home construction. This is why we are going to look at the term “decking”, and explain what it's all about.

A decking, which could be described by insiders in the building industry as the suspended slab, is a platform built to hang on top of a building ground floor unit, and therefore forms the floor for the upper unit of a building. Usually, steps are created so that occupants of this upper unit can climb up to a decking, and so enter a higher floor of the same building.

There are many materials that could be used to create a decking platform. Engineers have used metal sheets, aluminum, hard wood, concrete, synthetic fibres and thick plywood boards to create different shapes and sizes of decking for use in different types of buildings.
For the sake of this write up, we are going to be focusing our attention on the concrete decking slab.

The concrete decking slab is made when the objective of the deck is durability and safety. Among other types of decking materials, the concrete is among the most reliable, it could last for very long, even up to hundreds of years. In buildings where fire could be a risk, the concrete deck could be relied upon as compared to wood or plywood. The concrete deck also fits well on buildings especially those started with concrete columns and beams.

The concrete beam is always reinforced with good quality metal bars (iron rods). The specifications of the rods that should work in any decking slab should be detailed by a qualified building professional, specified in the building plans and approved by the state or local authorities to ensure compliance to existing building codes. There are so many types of iron bars for different decking slabs, there is the 25mm, 20mm, 16mm, 12mm, 10mm, 8mm etc. These iron rods are used in the planned combination suited for the project, as stated in the building plans.

Other important uses of the decking is that the electrical or mechanical piping works on a floor can be passed inside the decking. Electrical pipes of between 20mm to 25mm are usually run within the decking slab, providing electrical wiring provisions where wires and cables could be passed from room to room in a building project. Same applied to the water pipes, or even waste pipes.

There are also specifications on the thickness of the slab. The thickness planned for a decking slab has a lot to do with the intended use of the decking slab. There are slabs for residential buildings and there are slabs for commercial buildings like shops and plazas. Since shops and plazas may contain live loads like heave goods and equipment stacked on the floors, its important to plan for theis extra weight, especially during the planning of the building. In concrete decking slabs, the thickness can range from 125mm to even 300mm thick, depending on what it was planned for.

The mixing ratio for the materials that will be used to cast a concrete decking should also be well planned and specified in the building plan documents. Clear specifications should be stated for the mixing ratio of sand and aggregates like granite, gravel and for cement. Care should be taken to ensure a superb mix for the decking slab concrete, a good concrete mixing machine is advised where it is available. A concrete tool which shakes the concrete (poker) is also a very useful tool to ensure the efficiency of the decking process.

The above shown picture is a decking we have completed in the past, we have started and completed more than 130 different decking slabs in different locations, for more questions and inquiry, call Kenn on 08033350750.

How to break down your building construction to stages

They must have given you this bulk sum amount of money on what it will take in total to build the house you plan to build, and it's overwhelming to say the least. Where do you even start from? Relax, drink a glass of cold water and then do these;

What I will advice you to do, as an experienced building professional, is to put a call to your builder, contractor or a quantity surveyor to have a good look at you building plan, then consider where your building will be located and then give you a quotation. Ask them to break the quotation down to smaller, manageable milestones. The location consideration is very important because costs rise or fall in some locations because of different conditions prevalent in the location.

These milestones could be few, for a typical bungalow, ask for 3 stages, for a duplex, ask for 5 stages, and so on. These are just for the construction of the skeleton of the building only. For example we can divide a duplex thus;

1. Foundation and DPC stage
2. Ground floor block wall stage
3. Decking stage
4. First floor block wall stage
5. Parapet and roofing stage

Out of the bulk sum earlier given, let the costs be broken down and allocated to each of the stages, dont forget to add timelines for completion. This will make the work measurable, and thus easier to monitor.

New pictures of International conference centre Enugu.

This work is still not completed, but already looking good. This huge edifice couldn't be completed by 3 past governors in more than 20 years, its almost completed now in the Administration of Peter Mba.

Onitsha high rise residential buildings, redefining property development in Nigeria.

Onitsha is a commercial city in the Eastern part of Nigeria, located beside the River Niger, its a city in Anambra state. Onitsha right from the late 19th century till today has always been a business and commercial powerhouse. Goods and services are traded in high net worth deals per second.

Out of the whole merchandise arriving Nigeria, nearly 70% of them usually head to Onitsha for onward distribution to many other cities and countries surrounding Nigeria. This has created a city where the population can only grow and grow. Onitsha commercial activities has spread into all the neighbouring towns and villages surrounding the city. Towns like Oba, Nkwelle Ezunaka, Obosi, Nkpor, Ogbunike, Ogidi, Ogbaru and even Asaba in Delta state has all become part of the greater Onitsha city.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Onitsha development is the settlement pattern of the people, which is characterized by the type of houses they build for mass habitation. Due to the small nature of the landmass of Onitsha, property investors chose to start building medium high rise structures that can accommodate as many families as possible, while retaining a sense of comfort, privacy and decency.

This gave rise to the multiplicity of 4,5 and even 6 story buildings scattered in and around Onitsha city. These building are usually constructed by single individuals who just wants to stake their money in real estate holdings. It has been a profitable business for decades, and more people are still looking for spaces to build these types of homes.

On our own, we have built many of these structures in Onitsha, contact us if you need home building services in any part of Nigeria for a quotation and possible building contract. 08033350750.

Picture credit: Anambra1stson TV.

 

Ngwo to Olo road, Governor Peter Mba to construct new road to replace the old one.

In an ambitious effort to touch the infrastructure of the rural areas to make it better, Governor Peter Mba of Enugu state has flagged off the reconstruction of this road. The road is the one start from around Ama breweries in Ngwo Enugu state all th4 way past Eke, Oghe and up to Olo. 

This road is very strategic because the Adani rice farms are all on the farthest parts of this straight road. This will aid the transportation of agricultural products to where they are needed in Enugu city, where more residents can buy them. Adani in Uzo Uwani local government has abundance food products like rice, yam, cassava, palm oil, potatoes and vegetables. This new road is very necessary. 

Upgraded Front Of College of Immaculate Conception, CIC, Enugu.

This is the way this great college looks in Enugu now. The school is being well run, as we can see from the outside. The school's Old Boys association are doing a lot to support the school management towards a greater development of the school for today's students. 

Sender Fidelis !

The scenic beauty of the Coal Camp embankment.

12 years after this remarkable project was completed by Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu state, you should see the way this area looks as at today. 

The Coal Camp embankment has been in steady use over the years since it was completed, but it looks like it's only getting more beautiful, the grass growing through the gaps in the stones, when looked at from afar looks refreshing,  green signifies health, beauty and wellness. Watching this place and comparing it with the way it looked before, you can't help but admire the positive changes taking place in the City of Enugu. 

Invest in Enugu state, the returns are wonderful. 

Buy a plot of land for residential property development in Enugu city.

Enugu has been on the upbeat in property development in the past 30 years, this is mostly fuelled by the rising population of young people raising new families that are working and doing business both within the state and in nearby states. 

For this purpose, we are always presenting our readers with ample opportunity to view properties for sale or rental. In this case, we have a super offer of a plot of land with the following specifications. 

Land type: Table land good for any development 

Added bonus: Good source of well water for the use of working and later domestic use.

Land size: 580 square metres 

Location: Alulu Nike, Enugu East local government 

Land condition: Fenced with a gate installed

Cost: N23m

For additional information or inspection, call 08033350750.

How to build bamboo scaffolding while ensuring construction workers safety.

Scaffolding is any type of platform, or supports built around a work area to aid workers to reach higher in relative safety to work on an ongoing, or a maintenance process in a structure. An example of a structure where scaffolding is usually done to support the work process is a building project. Different kinds of workers will work on a scaffolding during the life of a project, masons, carpenters, plastering workers, screeding teams, electricians, painters and even cleaning workers will work on scaffolds from time to time.

Scaffolding could be done on, and around every kind of building structure, be it residential, commercial or industrial buildings. There are a lot of materials that could be used to form scaffolding supports on a building structure, they include;

1. Iron scaffolding
2. Aluminium scaffolding
3. Bamboo scaffolding

In iron and aluminium scaffolding, there are fixed types, there are also adjustable types that are fixed with bolts, some are jointed by way of removal of the different components to move the scaffolding to another part of the work.

In bamboo scaffolding, the scaffold is usually built by bamboo of different sizes nailed together by a professional, then additional work is done to provide more rigidity and firmness to the different components that make up the scaffolding. There is also the use of specially made straps to tie down the ends and joints of the scaffolding, there could also be the use of iron strips (binding wires) tied like ropes around each joint.

All these are processes made to ensure the safety of scaffolding form works. It's usually advised that workers who will have to work on scaffolds are additionally provided with fastening tools to provide additional safety, in the case of slips or falls. These fasteners come in the form of belts, ropes and suspenders that hold workers working at heights. One important thing to consider in a scaffolding is the nature of work that will be done, so that the right kind of spaces are provided in the scaffolding, while ensuring the safety of workers. Safety of workers should be the most important consideration above all else, ensure that your scaffolding works meets intentionally accepted safety standards.

Think safety always.

 

Updated pictures from the flyover construction along Enugu - Abakaliki express road.

This is the newest pictures from the construction works going on at the flyover project along the Enugu - Abakaliki Federal highway project. This project is located at Eke Obinagu express junction. The pace of work here is encouraging. 

The area was built up before this project but was hastily demolished to give way to this new development, make shift teaders still flock this small market daily to sell their wares. 

Enugu state governor to construct new roads in Nkanu West local government.

Governor Peter Mba to construct rural community roads in Nkanu West local government area.

According to information made available to newsmen yesterday, Governor Peter Mba of Enugu state has concluded plans to flag off the construction of rural roads in Nkanu West local government area.

This is in fulfilment of his administration's campaign promises made to the people of Nkanu West in 2022. The roads to be constructed include these;

1. Amodu - Akpugo road 9.3km
2. Amagu - Attakwu - Akegbe Ugwu - Akpasha road 5km
3. Obuoffia - Obeaghu - Akegbe Ugwu road 3.5km

We expect that these road projects will be done with best practices. We are expecting to see the following, wider roads, good drainage channels, road shoulders, culverts and good road markings. We will keep updating our readers with more information as they emerge.

 

Governor Peter Mba to construct rural roads in Nkanu East local government.

Governor Peter Mba to construct rural community roads in Nkanu East local government area.

According to information made available to newsmen yesterday, Governor Peter Mba of Enugu state has concluded plans to flag off the construction of rural roads in Nkanu East local government area.

This is in fulfilment of his administration's campaign promises made to the people of Nkanu east in 2022. The roads to be constructed include these;

1. Nara - Mburubu - Nomeh road (with 2 bridges) 12.9km
2. Nomeh - Oduma road 7km
3. Mburubu - Nkerefi road 7.2km
4. Nara - Nkerefi road 9km
5. Amagunze - Uhuokpara - Ugbawka road (1 bridge) 9.7km
6. Akpawfu - Amagunze road 8.67km
7. Isiogbo Nara - Isu road 6.90km

We expect that these road projects will be done with best practices. We are expecting to see the following, wider roads, good drainage channels, road shoulders, culverts and good road markings. We will keep updating our readers with more information as they emerge.

 

30 rooms hotel on sale in Enugu

If you want to get more details of this hotel on sale, or find out the cost, please contact me on 0803 335 0750. 

The changing skyline of Coal Camp, Enugu.

I was in Coal Camp today and couldn't believe the changes I saw there. Firstly, I will like to mention that I was raised in Coal Camp Enugu. I spent many years in my childhood living here with my parents. So I am more likely to notice even the slightest of changes in the area, because I know all the street corners very well. 

In this my visit, I couldn't help but notice that there are many new buildings springing up from every corner. Coal Camp is a place where there was no empty plots of lands, as everywhere was fully built up in the early 19th century. The houses here are fully occupied, as it was rare to see houses here with vacant rooms. 

There is a market in Coal Camp Enugu, an automobile spare parts market, and vehicle repairs are done in this town too. Most people looking to make repairs on their vehicles find the spare parts easily here, in fact, this is the Mgbuka Obosi equivalent in Enugu. 

I am currently reviewing the rate of building renovation and new building replacement. People regularly buy and demolish houses here, then build newer ones on the same site. They are more likely to build shopping malls here, the malls contain shops selling every items from motor vehicle spare parts, batteries, tyres and every other accessories, old and new. 

More stories about Enugu and other cities in Nigeria at  amazingviewpoints@blogspot.com 

Enugu to Abakaliki Express road should be made a double lane road.

In line with the flyover project ongoing at Obinagu junction in Enugu state, the road leading from the airport flyover junction at the expressway should be made a double lane road. This will make vehicular movement in that road easier. 

This is a Federal government road which moves from Enugu to Ebonyi state, to Cross River state and even up to Cameroon. 

A review of the implications of the planned Enugu - Opi Nsukka dual carriage way.

Implications of the dualization of the Enugu - Opi Nsukka road by Enugu state government.

Yesterday, Governor Peter Mba flagged off the start of a project to dualize the single road which leads from Penoks junction in Enugu city to Opi Nsukka junction. We are going to look at the implications of this commendable project in the following passages.

Economic implications.

This is the most important consideration, this road is a nerve centre road, economically speaking. Nsukka zone is said to be the food basket of Enugu state, food supplies from many parts of Nsukka zone, Adani rice farms, Enugu Ezike palm oil mills, garri farms and many other fruit and vegetable products will get to Enugu central in a timely and efficient manner. The road will aid the movement of goods and services to where they could be bought for more money, stimulating the economy of Nsukka zone, and Enugu state economy as a whole.

City planning implications.

This project will bring some sanity in the way and manner vehicles move around Enugu city. This road we are discussing is a road that takes traffic from many parts of the country (Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states) to the northern parts of Nigeria. With a dual carriage way, movement of vehicles in that axis will be quicker, smoother and easier, preventing traffic jams which was a constant in this road.

Real estate development implications.

This planned work will definitely bring in more real estate development to the affected areas. We know how the lands along Abakpa Nike to Ugwuogo Nike areas all went up in price as investors jostled for more land to develop during the administration of Sullivan Chime. We saw how estates sprang up in many of the towns along that road and building sales skyrocketed, this trend is set to increase as this road becomes wider, is used more and more business set up on the road. More private building developers will move un now to buy lands for development, because as this area becomes more accessible due to reduced traffic jams, many residents will prefer to rent houses and shops in this part of the state to live and so business.

Some negative implications.

Of course you have to break some eggs to make an omelette. This road we are discussing already have so much physical developments, houses, shops, filling stations, hotels, banks and even churches along the roads we are talking about. How will the people living in those houses, and doing business in those shops manage to relocate in the shortest time to give way to this commendable development. There will be building demolition, most certainly. This project was mooted in the administration of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, rumours had it that the people that owned the lands, and mainly Nike people begged the government to stop the work that would have made the road a dual carriage way, even before he built a flyover at T junction. We advice that the people affected will be given enough time to relocate, since this might affect their businesses negatively.

The collapsed bridge at the Enugu - Port Harcourt Express way is being replaced, pictures.

These are some pictures from the previously collapsed bridge at the Enugu end of the Enugu Port Harcourt Express road. There is evidence of some ongoing work there now, but the speed of work has decreased compared to other works. 

The government provided motorists with a smaller, alternative passage road beside the bridge to be passing through. Residents are expecting more pace with this ongoing Federal government project. 

Current look of the new Enugu lion after renovation of the statue.

As seen at independence Avenue, after some major rework by the new government. 

EEDC to unbundle and become Manpower Electricity Distribution ltd.

The EEDC has concluded plans to create a subsidiary company to manage their operations in each of the 5 states they are managing. Read circular attached. 

Cost of a set of chairs in Enugu 2024

If you are looking to furnish your home, follow us as we bring you the current cost of well built furniture and home equipment as at now. We know that prices do change from time to time due to inflation, but we will do our best to update you on all building materials, fittings and furniture. 

Call or message me on 08033350750 for more information. 

Buy plots of lands at Aba, Abia state

At the heartbeat of God's own state, is located an expanse  of property with a well crafted proximity development and crowded business of a town.

Sunshine estate is a property situated at the popular new umuahia road, ABAYI, OGBOR HILL, ABA, ABIA STATE.

This property is going for a promo price of #5.7m per plot.

Size: 460 SQM.

TITLE: survey and deed of assignment.

 *NB* - that Price changes to N7m from November 1st

2024.

Sunshine estate is located along the express road, just behind Rooftech Aluminum industries Ltd

Landmarks.

✅ Rufthec Aluminum  industries Ltd

✅ Living faith church, ABAYI, OGBOR HILL

✅ Township development

✅ At the center of ABA town.

We are the champions.

If this property looks like what you need, simply send a message to book your inspection. 08033350750

Update pictures from the flyover construction at Eke Obinagu junction, Enugu.

These are the current update pictures from the construction process of a flyover project along the Enugu - Abakaliki expressway, precisely at Eke Obinagu junction. This project is being undertaken by the federal government, and supervised by the ministry of works and housing. 

Product review: Sharon paints

Sharon paints products, is a product of the Sharom paints and chemical company Ltd, operating out of Ninth Mile corner, Ngwo, Enugu state. This company is responsible for the production of many kinds of paints and resins, for residential, commercial and industrial properties. 

They have a wide range of products which include the Sharon emulsion paints, Sharon gloss finish, Vineyard matt paints, Onytex Texcote paints among others. I have been opportune to use their products in as many as 45 buildings in the past 15 years. 

From my experience about using Sharon paints, it has become clear to me that this company has a consistent product quality, which is very important during the finish of a building, because you already have a good expectation of the quality of the finish work. Their colour combinations are always good to see. Another thing I have experienced is that their paints are more durable on walls, compared to many other products i have used in the past. 

Sharon paints also have many colours for builders and home owners to choose from, their colours are blended to match the Nigerian weather, which could be very harsh in some seasons. The most important thing about paint quality is the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions like the African tropical sunshine. 

The only downside to using Shoron paints is the cost. Although Sharon paints is not as costly as Intercolor paints, Berger, Dulux and all the other paints, but it's still costlier than many other paints. 

Layout plans of Tigerkenn Homes estate at Ogbeke Nike, Enugu.

Akpuoga Nike is located at Enugu East local government area of Enugu state, the town lies in between Emene, Obinagu, Nchatancha, Umuode and Owo. The attraction of this location is the sitting of the New Enugu smart city project near this land. This is expected to drive in development faster than in many other areas. 

A plot of land in this estate goes for as high as N6 million naira each. Great location, great deal. 08033350750. 

Layout plans of Tigerkenn Homes estate in Ugwuomu Nike

At Tigerkenn Homes, we have many plots available for sale. These are plots of land measuring about 60 ft x 100 ft and are accessible for development. There are plans for a major road to pass very close to this land. Estate developers are working all around this estate, prices has  been rising for some years now. Costs around N4 million naira for an average plot of land here. Call 08033350750 for inspection of this land and possible purchase. 

500 plots of land for sale at Ogbeke Nike, Enugu.

500 plots of land at Ogbeke Nike in good environment and fast developing neighborhood

Their is fast road construction already going on there will just a minute drive from where electricity stopped and ongoing.

N2 million naira for each plot, available now.

Call 0803 335 0750 for inspection. 

How to make the best out of blocks spoilt by rainfall

Making sandcrete blocks that will be used to build a house is physically tasking, but losing them to natural events is tougher to bear. You just finished molding blocks waiting for them to dry, and suddenly, it starts raining. Many, if not all the blocks may be lost to rain damage. 

Some people of course buy waterproof sheets and spread on the newly made blocks, to prevent the direct impact of the rainfall. But that won't solve all the problems because the rains could be flowing on the ground, finding ways to get under the blocks, thereby melting the blocks that are  not yet firm. 

As soon as this happens, wait till after the rains to gather all the affected blocks which has been spoilt by rain, heap them on the ground and mix properly. Add some quantity of cement, mix again till it becomes as good as it was before they were first made, then start molding the blocks afresh. 

Happy building. 

How to construct the foundation of a new building on waterlogged land.

How to do a proper foundation for building a new house on a waterlogged land.

Home ownership, especially building a new one could be very exciting. Many people have bought lands to build their houses, but to their surprise, the lands they bought during a dry season that is looking dry and cool on the surface turns out to be a swamp, with so much water flow and settlement in the rainy season that some of them will seem impossible to construct your dream home. Sounds familiar right? Then settle down and review these few points about what you need to do to solve this problem, and still build your dream home.

1. First, conduct a survey on the land.

Stop fretting about the problem, get a diagnosis of the problem first. Call in a structural engineer to study the nature of the land. There are lands that have very low bearing capacities. A land that has a low bearing capacity is a land that will not support the load of a heavy building without sinking, cracking, or collapsing completely. It is important to study the nature of the land with instruments made for the purpose, one of such equipment is called a Theodolite. The land should be studied extensively, with the type and size of the building planned for the land well considered.

2. Design the right foundation type.

After a careful examination of the land, and obtaining results from it, the next thing is to use the results of the land structural investigation to design a proper foundation type for the building. This will need a careful application of structural engineering, combining with an architectural design that will bring out the best of the planned building. I must sound a note of warning here, it's always better to conduct land surveys to understand the nature of a land before an architect will finally conclude the design the planned building. There are many types of foundation that could be chosen for a building, they include;

A. Raft foundation
B. Mat foundation
C. Pad foundation
D. Pile foundation

The type that will be chosen will depend on the nature of the land, and the desired building type.

3. Planning for the foundation

We all plan for the foundation of every building, but the type of planning you do for a waterlogged land is more intense. This is because you will be planning on how to work on water, most of the time. Working on water, especially natural swamps will expose the workers to a difficult terrain, moving materials, equipment and workers could be more difficult. There could also be the added risk of meeting with some animals that live in such habitats. Examples include poisnous snakes, alligators or crocodiles, poisonous insects or mosquitoes.
You plan will be on way to mitigate against these identified problems of logistics, and added risk of marine dwelling animals.

4. Higher cost implications

By now, with these few points above, you should know that with these added problems, there must be the likelihood of a higher cost implication for the foundation, when compared to doing it on dry ground. On the average, it will cost about 40% more money to build a house foundation in a waterlogged land, compared to dry ground. There is also the possibility of using special kinds of building materials, like waterproof cement, and other materials.

Finally, its good to make sure you do it right with a foundation on a land that is waterlogged, because the cost of redoing it could be much higher. It is also imperative that professionals are involved in the planning and execution process of the foundation. For more information about this topic or others, contact us on 08033350750.