Info Products for Architects, Civil Engineers and Contractors

LN29/2010 has just been issued on the 15th January 2010. All stakeholders are required to read and familiarize themselves with the new regulations since they have come into force on the 1st January 2010.

Here are some extracts from the law:

1. Contractors have to pay to apply for a permit, except whenever the works are carried out on behalf of ADT.
2. Prices range from 120 euros for major road works to 2.50 euros for road works in residential roads.
3. Emergency permits will be issued at a fee of 12 euros.

Renowned for being a universal designer, Santiago Calatrava has been a singular force in reviving an excitement for construction technology and infrastructure projects. Over the last two decades, Calatrava revolutionized the idea of bridges from utilitarian, mechanical instruments into elegant objects that enhance the sense of place and community of their settings. More than thirty celebrated bridges are featured here in drawings and full-color photography, including never-before-p (more…)

In the beginning of the 1990’s, Denmark and Sweden agreed to build a bridge connecting the two countries across Oresund.  Designs for the bridge were scheduled to be completed by 1994.  The 16km long Oresund link between Denmark and Sweden is now complete.

The Oresund Bridge is the world’s longest single bridge carrying both road and railway traffic. The bridge is composed of identical spans. The bridge has a record-breaking cable-stayed span of 490m.

Works on site were completed in just 2 1/2 years due to an extensive use of prefabrication and erection of large units.

On Saturday, 10th October 2009, the Malta Transport Authority confirmed that €4 million will be spent this year on road repairs. Roads will be prioritised according to their existing condition.

Fast and efficient road works reduce the amount of inconveniences to the general public. A crew of road workers posed a challenge to themselves to see if road works can be completed in 24 hours. The videos below illustrate if the crew was successful or not.

Challenge 1

Challenge 2

Challenge 3

It is good practice that before starting any road works, contractor informs all entities concerned to mark their underground network of pipes and cables. Such operation will facilitate the contractors work on site as this task will assist him in the setting out of the proposed trenches and the careful execution of the works when in the vicinity of underground services.

An underground pipe and cable locator comes in handy. However, such equipment is useless unless properly used. While browsing the internet I noticed the following videos presenting a short course on the proper use of pipe and cable locators.

Last February, I was involved in the removal of an asbestos cladded canopy before carrying out excavation works for a multi storey car park.

The removal of the asbestos canopy involved the selection of contractors specialised in the removal and safe disposal of asbestos material. A method statement was carefully formulated and carefully executed by employees wore white suits as protection against asbestos dust.

All this protection is needed because asbestos dust is considered to cause cancer known as mesothelioma. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs.