Types of Surveyors
Salt Lake City Surveyor combines technical expertise with outdoor exploration to collect essential data. They then translate that data into accurate maps and reports for project development.
Surveyors use redundancy and independent checks to reduce errors in their measurements. Gross errors such as upsetting the instrument or misaiming a target can greatly diminish accuracy.
A land surveyor is responsible for defining the boundaries of real property. The surveyor can use various techniques to determine the location of a property’s lines, including GPS technology and triangulation. Often, they also use aerial photography to create maps and drawings of property lines. They can then work with other project stakeholders, such as construction managers or engineers, to help them plan for future development.
A surveyor must have an eye for detail and a good understanding of the law. They can help resolve disputes between neighbors or even fight for a client’s rights in court. Land surveys are important for any property. Without them, a bank wouldn’t know what it’s lending money on and a construction crew wouldn’t know where to build. Having an accurate property boundary definition can save thousands of dollars in legal fees and construction costs.
One of the most common types of land surveys is a boundary survey. This defines the property lines between two or more landowners and ensures that the legal description matches the plot’s physical features. The surveyor may also mark the locations of any structural improvements, such as fences or garages. A surveyor can also perform a topographic survey, which uses data such as elevations and soil conditions to describe the site.
Another important type of land survey is a floodplain survey. This can be used to determine whether a site is in a flood zone and, if so, to develop a stormwater management plan. This information can also be useful for reducing the cost of flood insurance for a property owner.
Land surveyors typically spend a significant amount of time in the field, but they can also work in an office environment. They can work on a variety of projects, including commercial buildings, new home construction, and other infrastructure. Some surveyors focus on more field work, while others take on a more administrative role as their career progresses.
The types of land surveys that a surveyor can do vary greatly. Each one is tailored to a particular situation, so it’s important to consult an expert to understand which one is right for you.
Building Surveying
A building surveyor is an expert on matters pertaining to the construction of buildings. Unlike land surveyors who are desk-bound, building surveyors are on the job site most of the time providing technical guidance to construction professionals and property owners. They also assess designs before construction begins and help clients achieve functional outcomes for their homes. In addition, they can help ensure that a new building or renovation conforms to regulations and standards.
During building surveys, they carry out inspections and conduct detailed reports of the condition of buildings. These reports typically include structural issues, risks, and recommendations for repairs or improvements. They also provide cost estimates of the work that needs to be done. The length of a survey depends on the size and complexity of the building. For example, a small office may only require a few hours for a basic assessment while a large commercial structure might take days to complete.
In addition to assessing building conditions, they can also prepare and review plans for new construction projects and make recommendations on energy efficiency and sustainability. They also act as expert witnesses and provide dispute resolution services related to property-related matters. In addition to their building-related responsibilities, they can also provide a wide range of other services, including boundary surveys and cadastral mapping.
There are several routes to becoming a building surveyor, including earning a university degree or taking up an apprenticeship. The latter is a good choice for those who want to learn the skills of the trade while earning a salary. Regardless of the route you choose, it is essential to have a strong understanding of geometry, maths, and construction techniques. Additionally, you should be able to read and interpret drawings and understand how to carry out calculations.
Generally, building surveyors earn a good salary with a variety of monetary and non-monetary benefits. However, their salaries depend on their qualifications, experience level, and the company they work for. Moreover, those who are chartered surveyors earn more than those with other qualifications. They also get to enjoy other perks like medical insurance, transport allowances, and pension contributions.
Valuation Surveying
Valuation surveys are usually done at the request of mortgage lenders to ensure that the value of a property aligns with the amount of money they’re willing to lend. Whether it’s a mortgage valuation or a more comprehensive survey such as a homebuyer report, the process will take into account factors such as the size of the property, its location, and its condition. In addition to inspecting a property, a valuation surveyor will also look at similar properties in the area, comparing and contrasting their features to establish an accurate property value.
The cost of a valuation survey can vary, depending on the size of the property and its condition. More complex buildings or larger properties will require a longer inspection, which in turn can increase the overall price of the survey. For this reason, it’s essential for prospective buyers and sellers to understand the different types of valuation surveys and their costs.
Surveyors will also investigate the history of the property and any other relevant information that might influence its value. This will include things such as any recent renovations or repairs, the potential for additional development, and the property’s accessibility and suitability for use. They will also investigate the property’s title to ensure that there are no restrictions or charges on it.
A valuation survey will generally include a detailed inspection of the property and its interior and exterior. It will also examine the quality of the materials used and the standard of maintenance, as well as identifying any obvious defects or damage. The surveyor will also assess the likelihood of any future problems, such as rising damp or woodworm infestations.
The most common type of valuation survey is a mortgage valuation, which will be carried out at the request of a mortgage lender to make sure that the property’s value matches its loan amount. Typically, this will be a quick and simple assessment, though it may be followed by more detailed reports such as the RICS Homebuyers Report or a structural survey.
Valuation surveys are often required for properties that are in the process of being sold or remortgaged, as well as those that are subject to leasehold ownership. Lenders will also carry out valuations for Help to Buy and shared ownership homes.
Geodetic Surveying
A geodetic survey is a type of survey that takes the shape and size of the earth into account when taking measurements. These types of surveys are used when the area to be surveyed is so large that desired accuracy and precision cannot be obtained by using plain or plane surveying techniques. Surveyors who perform geodetic surveys use specialized equipment, such as GPS receivers and total stations, to measure the surface of the earth.
Geodetic surveying is a global field of study. The data collected by surveyors can be used to create maps and models of the entire earth’s surface. The data is also used for navigation, as well as for environmental monitoring and construction projects.
One of the most common types of geodetic surveying is the preparation of topographic surveys for construction sites. This is done to provide construction crews with a detailed map of the site, including the location and elevation of surface features. This information is useful in ensuring that construction is carried out according to the design plans.
Another common use of geodetic surveying is to monitor deformations in structures like bridges, tunnels and buildings. This is done by comparing the measured positions of these structures to their reference points. By doing this, the surveyor can see if there are any distortions in the structure’s alignment or movement, which could indicate damage or a structural failure.
Surveyors who are engaged in geodetic surveying can also be found working on construction sites, setting out works such as roads and railway tracks. These types of surveys use both traditional plane surveying tools, such as chain, tape and theodolite, as well as more advanced technology, such as laser scanning and GPS.
Boundary surveys are a key part of any construction project. A boundary survey will establish the true boundaries of a property by measuring and marking existing landmarks on the ground and establishing new markers where necessary. A surveyor will then mark the corners and lines of the property with iron rods, pipes or concrete monuments on the ground.
Surveyors also perform a variety of other tasks, such as preparing maps and providing detailed reports for clients. They may also be responsible for evaluating the quality of control data and recommending changes or upgrades to the equipment, software or methods that are used in the field.
Concrete Repair – Easy and Cost-Effective Ways to Fix Cracks and Holes in Concrete
Concrete shows its age in the form of cracks, holes, discoloration, and other imperfections. Luckily, there are easy and cost-effective ways to fix these problems instead of replacing concrete.
Safety – Repairing small issues quickly addresses safety hazards and extends the lifespan of concrete structures. Concrete Repair Bismarck is also better for the environment and your wallet.
There are a number of ways to repair cracks in concrete, including routing and sealing. This method uses a tool to enlarge the crack, which is then filled with a joint sealant. Concrete stitching is another method, and it involves drilling holes on both sides of the crack and installing large staple-looking metal units to prevent the crack from widening. Then, a polymer modified, rapid setting grout or epoxy is used to fill the cracks and create a seal.
Regardless of the type of concrete crack repair, it’s essential that the factors causing the cracking be identified and addressed to avoid recurrence. A professional contractor can provide a concrete crack evaluation and recommend preventative maintenance measures to protect your investment.
Hairline cracks that are less than a quarter inch wide are normal in new concrete. They are caused by surface shrinkage and are a natural part of the curing process. Plastic shrinkage cracks in freshly poured concrete are not structural and are also common. Cracks that are wider than a credit card and running through the depth of the concrete indicate a problem and should be repaired by a concrete repair specialist as soon as possible.
Widening cracks are often a result of continued movement in expansion joints and foundation settlement. This type of crack should be repaired as soon as possible to reduce the risk of further damage and water ingress. A qualified concrete repair contractor can use a high-performance epoxy or polyurethane to seal the cracks, with a flexible membrane for additional protection.
It is important that the crack repair material is compatible with the type of concrete and construction method in place. Historic concrete can have different properties than newer concrete, such as lower compression strength and density, higher porosity and water absorption, and a longer hydration time. The proper concrete crack repair materials must be selected to match these properties to ensure the longest service life of the concrete structure.
DIY-ing a concrete crack repair project can be an involved process that takes up to a weekend, not including the actual time spent doing the work. Depending on the scope of the repair, it is likely that you will need to research products and purchase the necessary materials. Additionally, the job may require special tools and equipment to get a professional-looking result.
Loose Joints
Concrete expansion joints are materials placed in between slabs of concrete to allow for both expansion and contraction of the slab while preventing cracking. They are essential to the integrity of a warehouse concrete floor and should be repaired as soon as they are damaged. Joints that are not filled correctly can deteriorate and become trip points for forklift traffic or simply fall away. If you are having trouble with your concrete expansion joints, it may be time to hire a professional contractor to replace them with a proper, long-lasting material.
Typically, a caulk-like repair is used in concrete joint repairs. The problem with this is that the caulk can pull loose if there is any movement in the concrete expansion joint, or it can deteriorate and then become a passageway for dirt, debris, and even water. In addition, the voids created by these fillers are not protected from the harsh effects of heavy forklift traffic and the corrosive chemicals found in some warehouses.
A better repair solution for your concrete expansion joints is to seal them with a moisture insensitive epoxy. Sikaflex, for instance, is a highly effective joint expansion sealer that is self-leveling, moisture insensitive, adheres well to concrete, and is extremely flexible. When properly installed by a professional, Sikaflex can keep your concrete expansion joints free of damage for years to come.
If you want to do your own joint expansion sealing, the best tool to use is a desoldering pump and soldering wick. The desoldering pump pumps out the molten solder so you can remove it and clean up your work area. The wick absorbs the melted solder and helps you to avoid making a mess.
While it is impossible to prevent all thermal contraction cracking in concrete, you can reduce the risk by ensuring that the concrete is mixed correctly, providing adequate restraint, using high quality aggregates, and using the appropriate spacing for reinforcement steel. It is also important to have the concrete poured on a level surface and to properly curing it.
Loose Filler
Concrete is very strong and durable, but like any material, it wears down over time. It is important to take the steps necessary to repair concrete and protect it from further damage. Concrete repair restoration techniques include coating and sealing the surface of the concrete, as well as repairing and replacing sections of concrete structures.
It is important to identify the source of the problem and repair it immediately before further damage occurs. This will prevent cracks, spalling and deterioration. If left untreated, it can lead to structural failure, including the possibility of collapse.
Loose filler is often caused by a lack of proper compaction or vibration during the placement of the concrete. This may result in voids within the concrete that can weaken it. It is also important to ensure that the concrete is not over saturated with water, as this can cause expansion and contraction problems that can weaken the concrete.
In order to achieve a proper bond between the repair and the parent concrete, it is important to use a high-quality concrete repair product. This product should have a good handleability, rheology and cure times. Concrete repair products are available in a variety of forms and sizes. These include ready-mix concrete delivered from a local concrete plant, site batched concrete using a mobile mixer and a variety of bagged repair mortars.
When applying a concrete repair product, it is important to start with a thin scratch coat. This is a mixture of the repair material and water to create a soupy consistency. This scratch coat is then applied to the area requiring repair. Once this is complete it is important to smooth the concrete surface with a hand float or power trowel.
For high-traffic areas where repairs are required, it is a good idea to use traffic bearing repair mortar. This is a sprayable material that can be used to quickly repair concrete defects such as spalling and crumbling. It is usually fiber-reinforced with silica fume and a corrosion inhibitor added.
It is a good idea to test the concrete once it has been repaired to ensure that it is up to standard. Testing can be done with a rebound test, which uses a spring-powered device to hit the concrete and measure the distance it rebounds. This can be performed on a small sample or the entire structure. It is also possible to perform a compressive strength test on the concrete, which uses a calibrated load cell to measure the force it exerts on the specimen.
Water Infiltration
Water infiltration is a common concern of homeowners and business owners with concrete structures. It can occur in a variety of ways, including inadequate waterproofing, seismic soil movement, tree roots and settlement cracks. Water infiltration can erode the dense material and reduce its service life. In addition, it can weaken reinforcing steel and contribute to the development of cracks in the concrete.
Water damage in concrete typically leads to a musty smell that can be particularly noticeable in confined spaces such as basements and crawl spaces. It can also lead to mold growth and other health concerns. Additionally, the cracking of concrete from water damage allows for more moisture to seep in, increasing the likelihood of further damage and potential structural failure.
To avoid the potential for water infiltration, a professional can evaluate the structure and recommend preventative measures such as waterproofing or drainage systems. These measures can help to minimize the risk of long-term infiltration problems and extend the service life of the concrete.
It is important to note that water infiltration can occur in a variety of ways and can be caused by a number of factors including poor waterproofing, inappropriate repair methods, shoddy repairs and ignoring surface preparation procedures. It is important that the source of the leak is found and repaired as soon as possible to reduce the risk of significant damage.
When selecting a repair method it is important to consider the construction process, handling properties, rheology and cure time. Concrete repair materials are available with a range of pumpability, slump, flow and hang/stickiness to suit the construction process and application of the repair. For example, products with high pumpability can be used in form-and-pour and precast concrete repairs and those with low viscosity are appropriate for trowel applied vertical and overhead repairs.
It is essential that the contractor you choose has the technical expertise and experience to ensure a successful repair. In addition, they should be able to offer a warranty on their work and have the proper safety equipment for working in high places. Also, they should be able to provide concrete repair products that have been tested and proven to deliver quality results.
