Construction Review March/April 2022

Since 1989

March-April 2022, Vol 33 No.2

Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex

the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world.

Plumbing tips Used equipment Perfect home office Style your bedroom

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MANAGING EDITOR Robert Barnes DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Francis Makari EDITOR - in - CHIEF Dennis Ayemba COUNTRY EDITORS Uganda - Betty Nabakooza Nigeria - Boladale Ademiju South Africa - Jimmy Swira WRITERS, WRITERS Pascal Musungu, Anita Anyango, Patrick Mulyungi WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN Gerald ArnoldOswald Oduor Sales and Marketing Manager Sales and Marketing Ken Okore Manager Faith Mburu ADVERTISING Kenya: William ADVERTISING Mutama, Lilian Khavosa, Kenya: William Fred Mutama, Okoth Lilian Khavosa, Joyce Ndamaiyu, Wendy Kinya South Africa: Rachel Molapo, Winnie South Sentabire, Africa: Angeline ThuliNtobeng, Nkosi, Winnie Shephard SentMthethwa, abire, Angeline Jacqui Nyangabyaki Ntobeng,

CON Since 1989

Current Issue

March-April 2022, Vol 33 No.2

Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex

the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world.

In this issue we look at the Noor Quarzazate Solar Complex located in Morocco. It is the largest CSP facility in the world. Once phase 4 is completed the complex will produce over 500Mw of electricity.

Uganda: Nobert Turiyo, Selina Salumah Namuli Botswana: Dickson Manyudza, Gerald Mazikana Ethiopia: Haimanot Tesfaye, Ruth Girma Tanzania: Tom Kiage Malawi: Anderson Fumulani Ghana: Samuel Hinneh, Caleb Donne Hadjah

Plumbing tips Used equipment Perfect home office Style your bedroom

REGULARS Editor's Comment 3 Corporate News 4

Zambia: Susan Kandeke Zimbabwe: Chiedza Chimombe

Events 5

Rwanda: Collison Lore Nigeria: Seni Bello China:Weng Jie

The editor accepts letters and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world.

Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may request your name to be withheld from publication. We reserve the right to edit any material submitted .

Send your letters to: info@constructionreviewonline.com Construction Review is published eleven times a year and is circulated to members of relevant associations, governmental bodies and other personnel in the building and construction industry as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services in Africa, the Middle and Far East. The editor welcomes articles and photographs for consideration. Material may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of advertisements or contributions contained in the journal. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. © All rights reserved.

COVER STORY: NOOR QUARZAZATE SOLAR COMPLEX

6

Groundwater exploration poised to grow economy

10

10 plumbing tips everyone needs to know

12

Benefits of buying used construction equipment

14

East African Cables Plc - manufacturing cables since 1966

17

High voltage cable failure 19 10 ways to save on air conditioning costs

20

How to style your perfect bedroom

22

Tips to laying a concrete foundation

27

Creating a perfect home office

32

Construction industry trends 2022 34

Published by Group Africa Publishing Ltd Head Office and for all enquiries: P.O. Box 10109 Nairobi 00100 Kenya, Tel: +254 722525326 +254-208000307 Email: info@groupafricapublishing. com Uganda Agent Projects Unusual Uganda Ltd. Jemba Plaza, Luwum St. Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 776 883181 bettykatongole@yahoo.com

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TENT Plumbing tips

Here you'll find some useful tips to help keep the plumber away and your plumbing working reliably.

March/April 2022 Volume 33 No.2

Editor's Comment

The use of solar power has continued to show remarkable growth despite the fact that it meets less than 15 percent of global energy demand.

Several factors are working in solar powers advantage. Chief among them is pricing where we have seen trends towards lower prices which have made solar power installation more attractive along with enabling government regulations in many countries.

12 Buying used equipment

The USA boasts the largest solar power plant in the world called Solar Star in California capable of generating over 570MW of electricity. This will soon be surpassed

by Mammoth Solar a solar power plant currently under construction in Indiana that will produce over 1Gw of electricity.

Now who said you have to buy new equipment for your construction company. Here are a few benefits you should know of

Africa has not been left behind with the completion of construction of the largest CSP plant in the world which is located in Morocco.

14 Style up your guest bedroom Youw ant your guest to feel comfortable and at home, Some tips for you to consider

22 Email: ethiopia@groupafricapublishing.com

Indeed there are exciting times ahead for solar will held reduce carbon emmissions and the use of fossil fuels in order to save the environemnt.

Robert Barnes

Nairobi, Kenya

Kigali, Rwanda

Tel: +254 20 2679808

E-mail: rwanda@constructionreviewonline.com

Ghana Agent

Email: kenya@constructionreviewonline.com,

Image Consortium

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1st Floor, The Ecobank Building, Tesano.

Zambia Agent Dayflex Limited,

Tel: 233(0)30 223 2728 I 233(0)274807127 I

Nigeria Agent

+233(0)206299159

Rahma Associates

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B23/24, Aishetu Emoewa Plaza,

Email: ghana@groupafricapublishing.com, Calebh-

196, Iju Water Works Road,

adjah@gmail.com

Ifako Ijaye Lga,Agege, Lagos.

Tanzania Agent:

Tel: 234-1-7347860

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Kenya Agent

Email: nigeria@constructionreviewonline.com

Northwest Ventures Ltd P.O. Box 16414 - 00100

Rwanda Agent

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Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka, Zambia.

Email: zambia@constructionreviewonline.com

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CORPORATE NEWS

Low energy, low maintenance Landia wastewater mixers stand test of time Fifteen years on since a major UK water utility chose Landia as its framework supplier for anoxic mixers, over 200 of the units continue to work day and night across the extensive region.

The first BBA Pumps plug-in hybrid wellpoint pump BBA Pumps is proud to introduce the first plug-in hybrid wellpoint dewatering pump. A PT piston pump is assembled with both a diesel engine and an electric motor.

How does the plug-in hybrid pump work?

In the super silent canopy, you will find a PTclassic piston pump designed on the know-how from more than 30 years of experience in wellpoint dewatering. The pump is assembled with both a diesel engine and an electric motor. The Plug-in hybrid is incredibly simple to work with. All you have to do is stop the diesel engine with the ignition key and then connect a 32A socket to the plug of the electric motor…

Installed in anoxic zones during 2007 at over 20 wastewater treatment plants, the Landia POP-I Flowmakers were seen at the time as the equipment that could offer the very best in performance and efficiency, as well as the most accurate, predictable, low-maintenance whole life costs.

From smaller sites with just a few mixers, right through to the utility’s two largest treatment plants (40 mixers and 39 mixers respectively), the 3kW to 5.5kW, 150rpm units were supplied, installed, tested and commissioned by Landia, who also now carry out servicing twice per year.

With their slow revolutions and low floc shear, these Landia mixers are designed for the gentle treatment of activated sludge in continuous applications where sedimentation in anoxic (or anaerobic) tanks must be prevented. Installed with stainless-steel mounting equipment, the POP-I’s were the UK’s first ever flowmakers to have a propeller rotation of just 150rpm.

…Now you can start up the electric motor immediately with the stardelta switch without having to change drive belts. There is no hassle in the field with aligning the motor or exchanging complete pumps.

For more than 60 years BBA Pumps has been an advanced and innovative manufacturer of mobile pump systems for various markets, including the rental and well-point drainage markets and civil works. The firms pump solutions are a guarantee for quality, sustainability and maximum performance at minimal costs. This links up perfectly with their “lowest cost of ownership” philosophy.

The company has dedicated teams which guarantee excellent service and product support for their wide range of products.

Bamburi Cement Launches Tile Adhesive Leading cement manufacturer Bamburi Cement has entered the specialized mortar market with its launch of Bamburi TectorCeram SETI 300, a ready-to-use tile adhesive.

Designed for placement of porous tiles including ceramic, terracotta, earthenware and natural stone tiles, Bamburi TectorCeram SETI 300 is a cementitious mortar product produced from carefully sourced raw materials, including chemical admixtures, cement and sand.

Bamburi Cement’s Head of Innovation and Technical Services Fidelis Sakwa said that the introduction of the new product 4

into the market was in response to consumer needs and alignment with the global construction trends in modern tiling which require more specialized tile adhesive solutions.

formulated Bamburi SETI 300 to address this”, he said.

The new tile adhesive is suitable for interior tiling solutions such as floors and walls and only requires the addition of water on site. Its advanced formulation and creamy workability significantly increases the bonding strength and speeds up construction work.

“Innovation is a key lever in the company’s Building for Growth strategy and this milestone is a result of continuous investment in research and development” said Sakwa.

The product is already available in hardware shops countrywide and will also be available elsewhere in the region through Bamburi’s extensive distribution network.

The company’s Sales Director Kanyi Gitonga noted that one of the challenges in the building industry today is the “popping out”, cracking and falling of tiles. “Through the support of the Holcim Group research centre in France, in conjunction with our Bamburi team, we have specially

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EVENT NEWS

10th Edition Real Estate Development Summit – North Africa | Egypt | RED Summit Egypt The 10th Edition Real Estate Development Summit – North Africa | Egypt is set to take place on the 29th & 30th March 2022 at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, Cairo, Egypt.

The North Africa edition brings together a broad canvas of 40 Global Solution Providers, 25+ Speakers, 100+ VIP delegates like industry thought leaders, Hotel Owners, Hotel Operators, Developers, Architects, Designers, Consultants from across North Africa, particularly from Egypt.

The key attendees for the RED Summit Egypt include executives and key decision-makers from the Residential, Hospitality, Commercial, and Mixed-use sectors.

The Hospitality sector tops the list with 45% attendees.

The 12th China Prefab House, Modular Building, Mobile House & Space Fair (PMMHF 2022)

The 12th China Prefab House, Modular Building, Mobile House & Space Fair (PMMHF 2022) Date: May 10th-12th Venue: China Import & Export Fair Complex Address: No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China Website: http://www.pmmhf.com/

Preview of PMMHF 2022 As one of the biggest prefabricated building fair, every year PMMHF displays a most comprehensive industry chain and the cutting-edge products. For the 2022 show, PMMHF will receive 260+ exhibitors on a 32,000 sq.m show floor. Among all concurrent events, Global Prefabricated Building Development Summit 2022 is the most attracting one for its excellent speaker lineup and wonderful speeches.

- Architectural Association of Kenya - Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya - Institute of Engineers of Kenya - Association of Consulting Engineers of - Kenya - Association of Professional Societies of East Africa APSEA)

Association Partners

- Kenya Property developers Association - Institution of Surveyors of Kenya -Town and County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK)

Uganda society of Architects

- ASAQS - SAICE - South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession - Khuthaza ( Women for Housing)

- Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors

Tanzania

- Institute of Botswana Quantity Surveyors

- Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors

Ethiopia - Association of Ethiopian Architects - Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers - Construction Contractors Association of Ethiopia

Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe Institute of Quantity Surveyors - The Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (Cifoz)

Ghana - Ghana Institute of Engineers

- Concrete Manufacturers Association - Green Building council of SA

- Ghana Institute of Surveyors

- South African Property Owners Association

- Ghana Green Builders Association

- Master Builders South Africa

- Ghana Institute of Planners

- Construction Regulation Board (CRB) - Tanzania’s Registration Board of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (AQSRB)

Nigeria - Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria - Association of Professional Women Engineers Of Nigeria - Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria - The Nigerian Institute of Architects - American Association of Petroleum Geologists Africa Region - Nigeria Society of Engineers - Nigeria Institute of Architects - Building and Construction Skilled Artisans Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN)

- Association of Building and Civil Engineering

Zambia

Contractors of Ghana

- Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA) - Association of Building and Civil Engineering

Institute of Surveyors of Uganda Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) &

Over the last 23 years the Forum has earned a reputation as the most meaningful gathering of decision-makers in African energy to form partnerships, identify opportunities and move the industry forward.

- Association of Consulting Engineers of Namibia

- Architects Registration Council

Uganda

Once again we unite governments, utilities and regulators with development finance institutions, commercial banks, power developers, technology providers, EPCs and professional services.

Botswana

- Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers

South Africa

The Africa Energy Forum 2022 will be held 21 - 24 June in Brussels under the theme ‘Africa for Africa: Building Energy for the Just Transition’, before starting our journey to Nairobi, Kenya, where we will host our 25th Africa Energy Forum.

We hand-pick the most credible organisations in the sector, delivering an intensive networking experience like no other.

To participate in the summit, or to know more, visit https://redevelopmentsummit. com/northafrica/ or contact GBB at marketing@gbbventure.com or call on +44 20 3868 2202.

Kenya

Africa Energy Forum 21-24 june 2022, Brussels

Namibia

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Contractors (ABCEC).

March/April 2022 | CR

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COVER STORY

Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex

the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world.

T

he Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex is a power plant located 10km north-east of the city of Ouarzazate, Morocco. It is the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world. It is being built in 3 phases and 4 parts and will produce over 500MW of electricity when fully completed. The last part currently under construction is a 72MW photovoltaic plant Phase one of the Ouarzazate solar power station project involved the construction of a 160MW concentrated solar power 6

(CSP) plant named Noor I, while phase two involved the construction of the 200MW Noor II CSP plant and the 150MW Noor III CSP plant.

Phase three involves the construction of a 72MW photovoltaic (PV) Noor IV power plant.

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COVER STORY

Phase one construction works started in August 2013 and Noor I was officially commissioned in February 2016. Noor II and Noor III were commissioned in 2018.

The project was developed on a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis by ACWA Power Ouarzazate, a consortium of ACWA Power, the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (Masen), Aries and TSK.

The Ouarzazate solar power station project forms part of the Moroccan Solar Energy Programme (NOOR), which aims to develop five solar complexes with a combined capacity of approximately 2GW by 2020 to meet the energy demands of the country, which depends on 95% imports.

The Noor I CSP plant offsets 240,000t of CO₂ emissions a year and generated

approximately 1,000 construction jobs and 60 permanent jobs during the operation and maintenance phase. Together, the Noor II and Noor III plants can offset 533,000t of CO₂ emissions a year.

Sener is the technology licensor for the first three plants. Noor I is equipped with Sener’s proprietary SENERtrough cylindrical

The Noor complex is operated and maintained by a consortium led by NOMAC, a subsidiary of ACWA Power, and Masen.

Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex benefits

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Xylem covers the full spectrum of your dewatering needs. Let’s solve water!.

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parabolic troughs, Noor II integrated the SENERtrough-2 parabolic trough collectors and Noor III used the central tower technology with salt receivers. Noor IV is a PV solar plant.

The Noor II and Noor III plants have a molten salt storage capacity of seven hours each, while Noor I has a molten salt storage capacity of three hours.

Noor I uses a wet cooling system, while other plants will use a dry cooling system. The water required for the plants will be sourced from the Mansour Eddabhi dam located approximately 12km from the project site and stored in water storage reservoirs with a total capacity of 300,000m³.

Noor II covers an area of approximately 612ha and is equipped with 400 loops, with each loop comprising of four connected solar collector assembly (SCA) modules that will further incorporate 12 solar collector element (SCE) modules. Noor III covers an area of approximately 598ha.

Power transmission and off-take agreements The output from the Noor complex is conveyed to the Ouarzazate 225/60 KV station located near the complex. Masen signed two separate power purchase agreements (PPA) to off-take the entire output from phases one and two.

Moroccan solar complex financing The financial closure for phase one of the Ouarzazate solar power station was announced in June 2013, while phase two achieved financial closure in May 2015.

“Together, the Noor II and Noor III plants can offset 533,000t of CO₂ emissions a year.”

The estimated investment for phase one was €500m ($537m). It was solely financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group.

The overall investment for phase two of the Noor complex was $2bn funded through 80% debt and 20% equity. The debt facility was entirely provided by Masen with funds secured from the AfDB, the Agence Française de Développement, the Clean Technology Fund, the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau and the World Bank.

Contractors involved in Ouarzazate solar power station The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for phase one was the consortium of TSK Electrónica y Electicidad, Acciona Infrastructuras, Acciona Ingeniería, and Sener Ingeniería y Sistemas, while the EPC contractor for phase two was a consortium led by Sener and Sepco III. The technical advisory services for phase two were provided by Lahmeyer International. The specific environmental and social impact assessment (SESIA) for phase two was prepared by 5 Capitals Environmental and Management Consulting (5 Capitals).

Azelio installed renewable energy storage at the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex in March 2020. www.constructionreviewonline.com

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9

OPINION

Groundwater exploration poised to grow economy

A

s world leaders continue to make pledges to achieve net zero global warming targets, it’s time to reflect on the potential of the country’s underground water, and how to sustainably manage and protect these largely untapped natural resources that would be a game-changer for our economy.

Kenya is a water scarce country with large parts of our lands being predominantly arid with frequent water shortages including in major towns.

Again, surface water resources like rivers and lakes are only concentrated in specific parts of the country meaning that in other areas the population must rely on groundwater resources to address their water needs. Severe droughts in recent years have also compounded the severity of the water situation in the country and deforestation has also contributed to reduced rainfall and surface water supplies.

All these challenges have left up to 15 million Kenyans without access to clean water while 15 percent of Kenyans are compelled to rely on unimproved water sources, such as ponds, shallow wells and rivers, according to data from Water.org.

To further exacerbate the situation 41 percent of Kenyans lack access to basic sanitation solutions, exposing many more Kenyans to deadly diseases.

There are also high costs involved in accessing water with water. org showing rural households bearing the biggest burden - approximately Ksh 3,800 in coping costs compared to an average monthly water bill of Ksh460 a month. While climate change will continue to impact the availability of surface water making droughts more common occurrences, there is still hope.

Kenya like elsewhere in Africa, still has abundant groundwater resources and if used sustainably, it can become a viable alternative to surface water.

Sustainable extraction of groundwater is extremely important if the groundwater is removed faster than it can be replenished back into the ground then the problem of water scarcity will be compounded. This is the point where we need to have a concerted, multi-stakeholder collaboration to harness our individual strengths. We will need better policies to create a favorable investment climate where players can easily access affordable drilling equipment.

We will also need financing instruments to ensure that we scale faster by opening up supply of water pumps, drilling and piping equipment to ensure we reach as many people as we can.

A key challenge to extraction of groundwater resources has always been the requirement for an electric pump to bring the water up to the surface. Unfortunately, much of the water scarce areas in Africa also have limited coverage by the main electric grid.

By pumping using solar power, remote communities with no access to the main electric grid, are able to access groundwater

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Eng. Philip Holi resources. Promotion of solar pumping for groundwater extraction though education and incentivization among other measures should be a key aspect of policy development by African governments when looking at sustainable groundwater use.

In the developed world extensive rural and urban piped water networks have been established over centuries to bring water from central utility companies to consumers. But for many countries in Africa including Kenya, we have limited water distribution networks making it difficult for centralized water utilities to get water to consumers. Tapping into groundwater resources through decentralized wells and boreholes however allows decentralized access to water enabling even the most remote customers to access water without a water utility connection.

While some work has been done to tap these water resources, there is still need for a comprehensive overhaul and review of groundwater resources inventory and their capacity.

This coupled with an understanding of the recharge requirements of each of the major aquifers will give Kenya and other African governments a clear picture of the groundwater resource available for current and future generations.

Different governments in Africa are at different levels with regards to policy development to manage groundwater resources and while some countries are very advanced and have done extensive work in defining policies for groundwater abstraction others are still far behind. In addition to policy development, what is also critical is enforcement of the policies to ensure sustainable use.

Lastly, it is important to remember that groundwater needs to be replenished. It is not sufficient to promote the extraction of groundwater, governments must also encourage activities that will replenish groundwater resources such as planting of trees, establishment and protection of water catchment areas, as well as building swales.

The writer is the Technical Director of water and energy solutions firm Davis & Shirtliff www.constructionreviewonline.com

QUALITY STEEL. EVERY TIME. For the best quality products and cut & bend services, place your order with us today!

+254 733 610 313 +254 710 610 313 accurate2000@gmail.com Ricky Road, Off Enterprise Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi, Kenya @AccurateSteelMillsLimited @AccurateSteelKE Accurate Steel Mills Ltd

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11

PLUMBING

10 Plumbing Tips Everyone Needs to Know

D

id you know that you can avoid most plumbing issues? Unfortunately, many people do not notice that their actions have more negative effects than positive outcomes. We want to change that by giving plumbing tips that you must know.

Are you having problems with a leaking faucet, clogged pipe, or low water pressure? Perhaps, you want to reach out for an expert plumber, and with a good reason.

Homeowners usually do not have the needed skills for a do-it-yourself plumbing job. They can sometimes make the problems worse in the end, initiating thousands of shillings in personal and property damage. But do not put your plumber on your speed dial just yet!

Here are TEN basic plumbing tips every homeowner must know. Perhaps these ten tips could save you from spending thousands of dollars on a visit from your local plumber.

Learn the Location of Shut-Off Valves Before transferring into a new house, know the location of the shut-off valves and drain (in some cases, you will see the location of the shut-off valve outside the house). You should also get familiar with sewer line access points in case you perform regular maintenance. Note that condos and apartments may not have their designated shut-off valves.

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Do not Punch The Pipes Are you planning to pound nails or drill holes into your walls, ceiling, or floors? First, know if there are any drainage pipes or supplies behind your work area because you do not want to pierce them accidentally.

You may locate the pipes under walls with a cheap stud finder. You could invest in an endoscopic camera for an alternative, which can go into the walls.

Find Out What is Flushable and Not Homeowners should not use their toilet as a trash bin because flushing anything except toilet paper can cause bad clogs. Even flushable items, such as baby wipes can back up the plumbing system.

Do not Put Trash In the Drain Never throw food debris, bacon grease, coffee grounds, starchy foods like rice or potatoes, and vegetable peelings down the drain; they will almost surely clog your pipes. It is also clever to read the manual for your garbage disposal to know what the unit can manage.

Use the Plunge Purchase a high-quality plunger to remove clogs in sinks, drains, and toilets. If you plan to clean sink traps, take a plunger to push the water out before removing the sink trap. This task will be messy and wet. www.constructionreviewonline.com

PLUMBING

Pull Out the Vacuum When you are trying to remove a clog compelled by a small, hard thing (like a toy, comb, toothbrush), use a wet-dry vacuum. It is more efficient and effective to suck out the hard object. A plunger will only push the item down the drain, making it more challenging to dislodge.

Do not Ignore Leaks That persistent drips or leaks from a fixture imply money going down the drain. A dripping faucet generally consumes up to eight gallons of water daily, while a running toilet can consume and waste 200 gallons per day. Mend small leaks quickly before they become headaches and expensive problems.

Never Over-Tighten Fittings A usual do-it-yourself plumbing mistake is over-tightening connections and fittings, which causes damaged bolts and broken screws. Take note of this saying: hand-tight is just right.

Make Use of Plumber’s Tape Teflon tape (also called Plumber's tape) is used to seal pipe threads to avoid leaks around fittings and joints. Wrap the Teflon tape three times around the pipe threads before sealing them. Also, take note that white tape is for usual household plumbing jobs, while yellow tape is for gas line connections.

ALUMINIUM

An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company

Always Inspect for Leaks After each plumbing job, inspect for leaks by running water through your plumbing system; then, open and close all drains and valves.

Even expert plumbers may overlook tiny leaks and need to reseal a fitting or connection.

STAINLESS TUBES

Conclusion Most homeowners lack the vital expertise to do a DoIt-Yourself plumbing job. They may further worsen the situation, causing thousands of dollars in personal and property damage. It is okay not to dial the number of your local plumber.

Follow some plumbing basics in this article that each homeowner should know. Learning a few plumbing tricks and tips might provide you with the courage you need to look after your plumbing. It can save you money, and you will not have to pay a professional for tiny repairs. However, if the problems become huge, call Lex's Plumbing immediately.

ENG. STEEL

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Enterprise Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi - Kenya

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13

MACHINERY

Benefits of Buying Used Construction Equipment for Your Business

W

hile it’s true the construction industry is quite a profitable one, it doesn’t mean that all parties involved benefit from the same perks.

In fact, it can be useful for construction companies to find ways and cut back some of the costs, as equipping them can come with a very hefty price.

Buying used construction equipment is one way.

cut back on costs and redesign your budget, so that it allows for other important investments as well. In the end, any extra cash flow apart from the projected costs is highly beneficial for any company out there.

However many construction business owners may feel a bit skeptical when thinking about buying used construction equipment, for example, especially if they haven’t done so before. To be fair, a lack of experience, as well as the myriad of misconceptions around buying used equipment, can deter any construction business owner from taking this step for his company.

Let’s say your business needs to complete a construction project within six months and it needs a special type of machinery to do the required job. If you know for sure that it’s not the kind of equipment or machinery your company typically needs in its fleet, then there’s no use buying it as new and paying so much for it.

Having said this, it’s important to dispel any myths and rumors surrounding used construction equipment, so you can make an informed choice, if you choose to. Let’s look, then, at four of the reasons why buying used construction equipment can actually be beneficial for your business:

What you can do instead is to buy the used equipment you need and then resell it as soon as you’re done with the project. It’s a winwin situation for everyone, as the equipment is back in circulation for someone else to use, while you’re also free to move on to new projects without having spent a fortune.

You Get to Protect Your Budget

It Wins You Precious Time

Buying new construction equipment can be extremely costly for any businesses, regardless of whether they’ve just entered the market or have a few years of established experience under their belt.

When talking about new construction equipment, we need to understand that it usually involves pieces that are new to most anyone in the industry. This means they may require some time getting used to, as well as additional construction training hours for your crew. They need to understand the technology

By buying used construction equipment for your business, you will be able to significantly 14

It Offers You Flexibility With Your Projects

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MACHINERY

behind it and to get used to actually using the equipment.

All these actions require precious time that you could redirect to more high-value tasks within the business. Buying used equipment enables your operators to test something that may already be familiar to them or that may be similar to what they’re already experts at using. It may not seem too much, but every single hour adds up and as you’ve probably noticed yourself, time really is money in the business environment.

It Depreciates Slower A well-known principle behind buying anything new, regardless of if it’s a car or construction equipment, is that it depreciates faster than it would if the same object were used to begin with. In other words, you’ll notice how used construction equipment actually depreciates slower and that it actually retains its value for longer.

This is why it pays to consider buying used construction equipment - you’ll have on your hands equipment that will lose very little of its value over time. In fact, another benefit to this is that you can actually resell the equipment yourself at a price that does both it and your company’s budget justice.

As you can see, there are plenty of strong reasons why you should consider buying used construction equipment for your business. Although it may not seem like it at first, It’s the kind of investment that not only benefits your business immediately, but also long-term. In the end, it’s always about having the greater picture in mind and making decisions that are in line with the vision you hold for your company. www.constructionreviewonline.com

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CABLES

East African Cables Plc

Manufacturing electrical cables and conductors since 1966

E

ast African Cables Plc has been manufacturing electrical cables and conductors since 1966, that means 5 decades of guaranteed, consistent quality. Our electrical cables are made from 99.98% pure Copper and Aluminium; and insulated with PVC, XLPE, Halogen Free Fire Retardant (HFFR Compound) and rubber depending on the application. All our raw materials are responsibly and sustainably sourced in line with the set international and local standards and manufacturing processes comply to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System guidelines.

EA Cables has heavily invested in technology and does 100% of the cable manufacturing processes locally, this is an advantage to our contractors because we can manufacture cables specific to project requirements. We often get orders from project managers, contractors and utilities that are specific to the project design. As an example, a contractor may import a machine with 27 termination points and requires only 100m of a 27core armoured control cable that has fire retardant capabilities. Importing this short and unique cable would be too costly and would negatively impact project timelines. In this case EA Cables, as a local manufacturer works the with the engineers to design a cable with these specific needs in mind.

EA Cables is also part of the technical committee that reviews and develops local cable standards with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS) to promote the safety of the products in the market.

Electrical cables are categorized depending on their final application, current carrying capacity and voltage rating. Cables can have different configurations, always basing their design on national and international regulations. Majority of our cables are Low Voltage cables (up to 1,000 V): (designated (0,6/1 kV). The cables in this class are used for industrial power installations in various fields (general industry, public installations, infrastructures, domestic housing etc.).

Submersible Cables Submersible Cables is one of our new cabling solutions targeting the agricultural sector and other uses where the cable remains submerged under water for long periods of time, e.g. pumping of drinking and irrigation water from deep wells and boreholes, aquariums, water purification systems, swimming pools etc. Our submersible cables are made from a special skin which is more resistant to

corrosion and water ingression/damage as compared to ordinary insulation materials. Submersible pumps are often very expensive and can be rendered useless if a cable with poor qualities of insulation is used.

Welding cables Another of our new cabling solutions responding to the local market needs is the welding cables. Our welding cables have a special sheath, which is resistant to abrasion and moisture and allows high currents to be transmitted between the welding generator and the electrode. This extended the life of the cable, giving the buyer value for money.

Amoured cables For industrial applications and for cables that are prone to risk of mechanical aggression, we manufacture armoured cables for places where rodents are present, as well as in installations in premises where there is risk of heavy equipment such as forklifts and trucks driving over the cable. The armouring also protects against possible damage during excavation.

Flexible cables Other applications call for extra flexible cables for fixed industrial and domestic installations as well as in mobile service. These are cables for machines that move around such as the grinders, lawn mowers and cookers. Flexible cables have very fine strands that make them flexible on all angles without the copper strands breaking. Our flexible cables are reliable, and we use Using modern technology to anneal the copper makes our cables very flexible and malleable thus can be bent and twisted many times without breaking or

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CABLES

compared to the standard.

If a cable is properly sized to match the power requirements and voltage rating of the application, cables will last for decades. Therefore, when a homeowner decides on the cable, it should be a cable that will power the home for years to come. The engineer should always use a derating factor and calculate future additional load requirements when recommending a cable.

cracking. damage.

Halogen-free fire-retardant cables Halogen-free fire-retardant cables (HFFR) are a special class of cables that do not emit hazardous fumes when heated (the main cause of fatalities in a fire outbreak) and have fire retardant capabilities to prevent progression of fire. They are suitable for use in wiring of electric panels and installation in public places where many people are like to be present, e.g. malls, hotels, hospitals, office blocks etc. The fire-retardant cables are also preferred for use in emergency systems i.e. circuits and equipment that supply illumination, power, or both after interruption of the normal electrical supply. This product range of cables is gaining popularity especially in new developments in hospitals, airports, and high-rise buildings with many occupants.

Industrial Process Control Cables Control cables for fixed or mobile installations are mainly designed for the interconnection of machine parts used for manufacturing, for signaling and control systems, for the connection of motors or Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), for signal transmission where the voltage induced by an external electromagnetic field may affect the transmitted signal or for power supply connections to avoid generating electromagnetic fields. These cables are often uniquely configured and may have upwards of 40 cores bunched together.

Solar cables EA cables Solar cables are particularly 18

suitable for connecting photovoltaic (PV) panels, and the panels to the AC inverter. Thanks to the design of their materials and their skin, which is especially resistant to solar radiation and high temperatures due to carbon black compound used in the insulation, they can be installed outdoors. We also custom make battery cables for the solar battery storage systems.

Aside from the cables mentioned above EA Cables manufactures aluminum cables for power transmission and for ‘dropping’ power to the house or building. These include our Arial Bundled Cables (ABC), Concentric Neutral Cables (CNC) and the bare overhead lines which we manufacture for utilities in Kenya and in the Eastern Africa Region.

We are however living in times when there are unscrupulous people who risk the lives of millions by supplying substandard cables that are prone to failure. In a case where the engineer recommends use of a cable of 2.5mmsq cross-sectional area and the supplied cable when measured is 1.0mmsq crosssectional area (irrespective of the labeling), that cable will heat up and may even result in a fire sometimes causing extensive damage. The reason is because the cross-sectional area of a copper conductor is inversely proportional to cable resistance. High cable resistance will heat the insulation no matter how thick and result in eventual cable failure.

The type of insulation is key for each application. PVC is a good insulator but, may not be the best for use in specialized applications e.g., areas with oils, chemicals, water, abrasive environments etc. For these applications, a special skin, though slightly more expensive would be the better option and give value for money. If the quality of insulation is unsuitable for the cable application, there will be cable failure.

The workmanship and correct sizing of cables is also a major root cause of power cable failure. It is our strong recommendation that a developer needs to select the right quality of cables and to hire a qualified, licensed installer to guarantee total peace of mind.

Last, but certainly not least is the most famous and most commonly available cables in the market, the domestic house wires. These are the cables used in wiring lights, sockets, and miniature circuit boards for power distribution in buildings. In response to the market requirements, EA Cables has also partnered with a reputable original equipment manufacturer to bring on board some of the accessories such as sockets, switches, and miniature circuit breakers (MCBs).

Causes of power cable failure The short answer here is the quality of insulation material, the quality of conducting material and the process used and the dimension of the cable as

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CABLES

High voltage cable failure

B

uy quality cables and avoid costly cable failures in Kenya East Africa Cables offers quality ensuring that you do not have to buy cheap and buy twice!

High voltage cables are important given their role in power transmission and distribution.

Wen cables fail it results in power blackouts that are not only inconvenient but also disruptive.

Life savings functions disrupted in hospitals can cause fatalities and disrupted production processes in factories can cause costly losses in time and products that have to be discarded.

What does a HV cable consist of In order to understand how failures in cables occur we need first to understand the the components of the HV cable from the inside to the outside. What is actually inside that cable?

Well, we have a conductor, insulation, internal sheath, filler (armor) and external sheath.

Armored high-voltage cable is mainly used for underground burial, which can resist high compression on the surface and prevent damage caused by other external forces.

HV cables can fail either as a result of the manufacturers shortcomings or due to the installation. It is therefore critical to ensure that you buy your cables from a reputable manufacturer who adheres to the highest standards. There are cheap cables available in the market today but be sure that going for the cheaper options can result in expensive failures in the long run.

Causes of cable failure can be either due to poor cable quality which is as a result of the production process or due to poor installation process.

Poor cable production When it comes to cables failure can occur due to the cable body, cable joint or cable grounding system. Let us examine the three and get to understand what it means.

Problems with the cable body can occur due to poor cable production processes which result in insulation eccentricity, uneven insulation shield thickness, impurities in the insulation, protrusion on the inner and outer shield layer, uneven crosslinking, damp cable, poor sealing, cable metal sheath, etc. In some cases, failure may occur during completed testing or shortly after commissioning. Most of them exist in the form of defects in the cable system, which will cause

serious hidden danger to the long-term use and safe operation of the cable.

system failure due to poor quality installation work

Cable Joint Defects Like all joints in structures, high-voltage cable joints are also a weak link in the chain. This is because of air gaps in the tape layer or impurities that find themselves between the insulation layers.

Cable manufacturing is normally done in a controlled environemtn which is more than you can say for site conditions where humidity, temperature, dust and moisture are at the mercy of the environment. If these conditions are extreme it can put the cables at risk.

There are two types of cable joints cable teminal joints and middle terminal cable joints. Regardless of the type of joint, cable joint failure usually occurs where the cable insulation shield is broken, because this is where the electrical stress is concentrated, and the cause of cable joint failure due to manufacturing reasons is stress. There are also cone manufacturing defects, insulation packing problems, leakage of sealing ring, etc

In addition to this it is inevitable that during installation on site, small slip marks will be left on the insulating surface during cable installation.

The semi-conductive particles and sand on the emery cloth can also be embedded in the insulator. In addition, since the insulation material is exposed to the air during the joint construction process, the insulation material can also suck in moisture, which can have long term dire consequences.

Cable Grounding System The cable grounding system includes the cable grounding box, the cable grounding protection box (with protective layer), the cable cross interconnection box, and the protective layer protector. Generally speaking, the problems that are prone to occur here are mainly due to the poor sealing of the box and the water entering the ground, resulting in excessive current induced by the metal sheath. In addition, problems include unreasonable selection of parameters or poor quality of the protective layer protector.

Also bear in mind that unstable zinc oxide crystals can easily damage the protective layer.

Poor Installation There are many examples of high-voltage cable

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Other problems that can cause cable failure during installation include failure to follow manufacturers installation instructions as well as improper sealing treatment. The intermediate joint must use a metal copper shell, PE or PVC insulating anticorrosive layer sealing structure to ensure the air tightness of the lead seal on site, and effectively ensure the sealing and waterproof performance of the joint.

All in all when it comes to cable failure the most prevalent cause of failure is poor quality or even the use of counterfeit cables which put property and lives at risk and so before anything else ensure that you buy quality certified cable from a reliable supplier.

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BLINDS

10 Ways to Save on Air Conditioning Costs

U

sing an air conditioning unit can increase the electric bill, but the other options are not pretty, either. Fortunately, we have some tips to keep your family and home cool this summer while saving money your air conditioning costs. Something as simple as using a fan or closing blinds during the morning can make a tremendous difference. Moreover, having your ac checked by a professional ac technician can help in maintaining cool this scorching summer.

The save

following on Air

are the tips to Conditioning Costs:

Close the blinds An open window will not only heat your thermostat but also will heat you, too. It will let the hot sun enter your home. During the hottest part of the day, close your blinds to keep the heat out. It can also insulate windows, which prevents the cool air from escaping.

Select Your Lighting Wisely Lighting is one primary consideration when planning on saving money on AC. Do you still use incandescent bulbs at home? If yes, then you need to switch to LED bulbs. Incandescent bulbs cast more heat than LED bulbs, causing a skyrocketed temperature and electric bills at home.

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Incandescent bulbs emit 90% of their energy as heat. They take up more electricity than LED bulbs. Switching your lighting in the summer season can lower your electric bills. LEDs help you save a bunch of cash and radiate less heat.

Ensure your thermostat is on the correct wall.

The right placement of the thermostat can play a huge role in how well your air conditioning system functions. If you place your air conditioner on a wall next to a hot window, for example, your air conditioner will work more often than it requires since the air conditioner thinks the room needs more air conditioning.

Replace Your Old Air Conditioning Units Air conditioning units usually last for at least 15 years to 20 years. After this time, there are possibilities that the old Ac unit will only contribute to your increased electric bills. Not only electricity but the ac maintenance will cost you a lot of cash, and it will be a burden to your wallet. It is always an excellent idea to change your ac system when it reaches its lifespan.

Minimize

the

Utilization

of

Stoves

It is better to use a microwave for heating your food or cooking food. You can start eating salads, sandwiches, or fruits because www.constructionreviewonline.com

BLINDS

they do not need a stove for cooking. In addition, you can also use an exhaust fan in your kitchen while cooking to evaporate the heat.

to cover your home can boost the efficiency of your ac by up to 10%. In the meantime, you can put black and thick curtains in the east or west-facing windows to conserve energy and money on your electric bills.

Use a fan Keep Outdoor Paint Light You do not always need to use the air conditioner to feel cooler at home. Having a ceiling fan can make you feel better and give the room a lower temperature.

It is enough to boost the thermostat temperature by 4 degrees. If you want to go high technology, you can install a more upgraded and smarter ceiling fan that links to an app and automatically adjusts based on the schedules and time you make.

Use What You Already Have There are many ways to employ alternative cooling methods for your homes. You can go to old school methods and turn on ceiling fans and close curtains. While having a fan will not cool your entire home, it can help your ac work more effectively. Ceiling fans can make a tremendous difference in spreading the air to keep rooms and things cool. If your house has a cellar or basement, relax down there during the scorching summer days and save on your your air conditioning costs.

Plant Trees Around Your Home It might not help lower your next month's bill, but I make sure this one can make a difference over time. If you can make a way to decrease the amount of sunlight that enters your windows, you can also reduce the need to use the air conditioner. Using shrubs or trees

Did you know that the paint on the exterior part of your house affects the temperature inside? Dark and dull colors end up absorbing 70-90% sunlight.

This absorbed sunlight has a considerable effect on the temperature inside your house. On the other hand, light-colored paint allows heat to reflect.

We suggest picking cool, light, or pastel paints for your home to maintain coolness in your room. It is one of the most excellent ways to save on your air conditioning costs that homeowners often forget to consider.

Make an upgrade If you have not switched to a smart thermostat, it might be the perfect time to make an upgrade.

Smart thermostats can control cooling and heating when you are not home to save cash.

Also, you can adjust the settings by just using an app on your phone or over voice commands.

With these 10 useful and easy ways of saving air conditioner costs, we hope that your electric bills stay within your wallet. It is challenging to save money in the scorching heat of summer, but these 10 tips will allow you to take a huge chunk out of your bills without hurting your wallet and budget.

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BEDROOM

How to style the perfect guest room

A

guest bedroom should feel comfortable and welcoming.

Guests should have reading material, fresh flowers, and a robe. You can use ambient accessories to make the room look more spacious and create a sense of comfort and relaxation. Designer Tiffany Duggan has compiled a list of the best tips to make the guest bedroom pleasure to spend time in. She has consulted her clients and come up with a few ideas to add a personal touch to the guest room.

A guest room should be neutral. It should be bright and inviting, yet simple enough to accommodate suitcases and other belongings.

Adding an accent wall is another good idea to create visual interest.

You can also incorporate a bedstead radio, which is both functional and decorative. Choosing a bed frame that is made of sturdy and attractive material is a good idea. This will make the room more inviting and friendly. A bedstead radio is another great accessory.

Ways In Which You Can Style Your Bedroom A Touch Of Personality

a few ideas on how to give your empty guest room a new look.

Choosing The Right Furniture The main pieces of furniture that you should include in the guest room are the bed and nightstand. You can also add an occasional chair or plant stand.

Make sure the furniture has a large surface area, which will be useful to your guests. Whether you're going for a more traditional look or a more modern aesthetic, you'll want to choose furniture that is comfortable for your guests.

Choosing Decorative Pillows Whether your guests sleep on their backs or their stomachs, decorative pillows will help them feel more comfortable. The Wendy Jane pillow adds a touch of transitional style and color to a guest room. These soft, durable fabrics will keep guests' heads cool while they're staying in your guest room. Get a colorful throw. A large, comfy throw is an essential piece of bedding for your guests.

Using The Right Furnishing

One of the most important ways to style a guest room is by adding a touch of personality. You can do this by using bright colors, hotelstyle furnishings, and touchable textures. Having a beautifully decorated bedroom is a luxury that guests will enjoy. Here are five ways to style the perfect guest room. This article will give you

Having a guest room that is easy to customize is a great way to welcome visitors. You can add a decorative throw and a decorative pillow, for example. Moreover, you can add a floral arrangement to your guest room, which will also add color and texture. You can even include a basket of

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BATHROOMS PROFILE

H

aving the option of not touching certain objects has always been important, especially when we talk about public spaces. As we live, the existence of this option has gained new relevance.

When exists the necessity to use a public bathroom, it is normal that we want to avoid touching when unloading the toilet.

With this need in mind, OLI develops toilets that allow the discharge to be carried out only with the approach of the hand, avoiding contact and transmission of bacteria. We talk about Hydroboost, a sustainable technology that allows you to generate energy through the entry of water into the flush.

Electronic flush plates, such as the Electra III model, also have the advantage of having a system that makes it resistant to eventual acts of vandalism, which is also ideal for bathrooms in public spaces such as shopping centres or airports.

TOUCH? NOT ANYMORE Ultra-thin thick glass flush plates are another of the options available in various colours and follow the latest trend because they have LED light to activate the discharge.

The first porcelain flush plate winning 4 world prizes, Moon, completes the wide range of OLI products where unloading into the toilet can also be activated without resorting to touch.

Thinking about who wants to renovate the bathroom without having to resort to deeper works, maintaining the No-Touch feature to activate the unloading, OLI has developed a solution with the most demanding quality standards on the market - QR-INOX. The best option for rapid remodelling of the bathroom. It doesn't require intervention on the walls and you can use the existing water inlet and outlet connections.

About OLI OLI is the largest cistern manufacturer in Southern Europe. Its brand is present in 80 countries on five continents. Over the years, OLI has created products that have, on a global scale changed the daily experience in the bathroom. Their “Inspired by water” signature concept embodies the company’s mission to place innovation at the service of water conservation, aiming to make the world a better place, thus protecting the planet and all life.

OLI is recognized for constantly studying new and better solutions that increase water efficiency and accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

Committed to sustainable development, the brand develops versatile solutions with a contemporary design for application in new construction, rehabilitation and renovation projects. OLI believes in a water-efficient bathroom that is comfortable, accessible and safe for all to use. OLI will continue to be defined by innovation.

OLI is looking for business partners and projects to join their portfolio in Africa.

IN-WALL CISTERNS FOR BATHROOMS. LOOKING FOR DISTRIBUTORS.

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BEDROOM

toiletries, including toothbrushes and mouthwash. If you have space for it, you can also put in a few gourmet kinds of cheese and confectioners.

A Sense Of Personality Ensure that your guest room has a sense of personality. Having a personal touch in the room is important, especially if you have a family member or friend visiting. For example, include a basket with fresh flowers, a book or two, a candle near the bed, and a few additional toiletries. Provide a guest basket for extra towels and washcloths. You should also include a carafe of water for guests.

Ensure That The Guest Room Is Easy To Access You can place a bed in the guest room, but make sure that the sofa or chair is close to the wall so that it doesn't block the doorway. Then, you should add some decorative objects that can make the space more inviting. Consider using aromatherapy to make the space more relaxing.

It helps to set a relaxing mood and can also help you ward off a cold.

Try New Colors And Patterns

Use Decorative Pillows Decorative pillows are an excellent way to add more color to a guest room.

You can find many decorative pillows that will make the space feel more cozy and comfortable. Some of these pillows can be purchased online and can be customized for the individual. They can also be found at your local home improvement store. Besides providing comfort, these pillows are also functional, because they can add a touch of pattern and color to a guest room.

Rich Wall Colors A guest room should be glamorous. The rich color on the walls will cocoon visitors, and bedside lighting will keep guests occupied and entertained.

Guests can stay cozy by layering the bed. A quilt and a throw over a light duvet will give the guest the ability to regulate the temperature of their bed. In addition to providing a comfortable mattress, you can also include decorative pillows to give the room a fun and fashionable look.

Finally

The guest room is a good place to test out new decorating ideas. Bold colors can be a great way to give a guest's room a unique personality.

By using different pillows, you can make the space look homier and inviting. Similarly, you can use decorative pillows to make the space feel cozier. Several kinds of pillows can be used in a guest room.

When you're designing your bedroom, consider how much space you have. What's the shape of the room? Does it have windows? Does it have a fireplace? Are there any windows? Taking measurements is the first step to creating your dream bedroom. Besides measuring your actual space, you also have to think about the natural light levels. In addition to that, you need to consider the features of your room. Using paint colors that reflect the natural light will make your room seem spacious and airy.

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Esteel Construction Ltd P.O. Box 3713-00506 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 2679822/231 6553 Email: info@esteelconstruction.com

GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS

CHIROMO MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL

PINK PEARL INVESTMENTS LTD

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IPPM professionally manage projects through strong and focused leadership to ensure the project’s goals and objectives are met.

Jasmine Centre , Suite C5 Pio Gama Pinto Road, Westlands, Nairobi 0791 801630

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CONCRETE

T

Tips To Laying A Concrete Foundation More Effectively

he foundation of any building is a crucial part. Any issues with it would be disastrous for the property.

Though there are several ways a foundation can be harmed, you can avoid the majority of them while laying. This is accomplished through primary considerations, upkeep, and solidifying and strengthening your foundation.

Here build

are a few a concrete

tips for people who foundation for their

are going to future homes.

Foundation Types Generally, there are three sorts of foundations and you must choose the one that will better sustain your house in its local environment.

The full basement is the most famous. This entails digging down deep and installing footings and eight-foot walls enclosing a solid slab of concrete. Consequently, the space can be used for a number of purposes.

Crawl Space foundations are similar to full basements, except there are no tall walls and merely space for humans to crawl around.

Slab-on-grade foundations are popular in places with high water tables. This type of foundation is constructed by laying a concrete slab over a graded area and combining it with a shallow footing.

Various types of foundations perform best in different situations. Because of the soil and other environmental conditions, this is the case.

Knowing which type works best in your location means that your foundations will not encounter challenges for which they are unprepared.

Soil Inspection When it comes to foundation laying, the soil plays an essential role. For instance, many typical foundations will settle if your foundation construction site is on soft clay. This causes fissures in the brickwork and walls.

Following a soil assessment, speak with an experienced concrete contractor to determine which foundation type is perfect for this soil.

Foundations Depth Digging into the ground is the leading and first step in creating foundations. The needed depth is frequently determined by the type of soil you are making. As an example: If your soil is heavy with limestone, granite, sandstone, or hard chalk, this rock material will support your structure, allowing you to create shallow foundations.

If the soil is pretty soft with chalk or moist clay, you will have to dig all of this stuff until you reach the stronger ground below. www.constructionreviewonline.com

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CONCRETE

If the location naturally includes a lot of gravel or sand, it might affect the foundation's strength. However, it must be adequately compacted to save the foundations from crumbling.

If the soil is mostly peat or very thin and sandy, it will not support much weight.

To avoid sinking, you will most likely need to construct a robust raft base.

If you need to dig down more than 6 feet, you may need to add extra support to the foundation system to keep the trenches from collapsing.

Mixtures can be dragged around the trenches with rakes. However, if the trench walls are weak, this may result in collapses and undesirable concrete contamination. As a result, shuttering the trenches before pouring can help your foundation system and is often more cost-effective.

Reinforce Correctly It is simple crete reinforcing

to mesh

find for

consale.

This will help to reinforce your foundation.

However, this will necessitate the appropriate installation of the reinforcement. For starters, examine the mesh before buying it. It must be clean and free of rust and other loose impurities. These can impact the quality of the concrete that is poured over it.

Following that, the reinforcing mesh must be thoroughly filled while pouring concrete. This is how it can reinforce the concrete. You should also space out the mesh to cover as much ground as feasible.

crete are formed with various types of cement, sand, water ratios, and other types of materials.

A C25 mix is often suitable for minor foundations, but for the higher compressive strength, use strong mixtures for your project. Take a look at the many varieties of concrete accessible, or just call our professional team to discuss your project, and we'll be pleased to help you.

Using Lorries If the concrete is being poured from a lorry into the trench, make sure there is hardstanding and firm ground for it to park on.

Right Type of Concrete Mix It er

is essential to choose the propconcrete mix for your foundations.

Lesser strength concrete is often less expensive, but it is crucial to select the optimum mix that provides the necessary power to sustain the structure above it. Different varieties of con-

Lorries have extension ramps; however, they can only reach a maximum of 4m. It's advisable to utilize a pump unless the vehicles can offload at numerous suitable spots around the structure.

How To Lay Concrete Foundation

Brickehaus Limited Suite 20 Karen Connection Office Park Nairobi Tel: +254 722 877904 Email: info@brickehaus.com Website: https://brickehaus.com/ ARCHITECTURE + PLANNING + INTERIORS

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CONCRETE

Concrete Curing It is essential that the concrete does not dry out too soon as it solidifies since this might result in a weak or dusty surface. The most straightforward approach is to keep the slab moist by covering it with plastic sheeting and sealing the edges to minimize wind impacts.

This is especially crucial in temperatures above 20°C or when there is a strong breeze that may cause the surface to dry. A frost blanket should also be used to insulate the slab and keep the surface from frost if temperatures are expected to fall below 4°C.

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Prevent from Water One of the shortcomings of concrete is that it is not waterproof.

Your concrete foundations will absorb water if they are exposed to it. Once the water has gotten into the concrete, it can cause damage and other problems. This is why you should do everything you can to keep it dry. First, use acrylic sealers to finish the cement on the foundations.

Secondly, you can adjust the space surrounding the foundations to prevent water from reaching them. A solid foundation will keep your house standing for many years.

You can be sure that your foundations will be capable of withstanding that weight if you follow the advice in this article. After you've set the groundwork for your house, you can begin constructing a safe home for your family.

Market leader in Generator sales, installations and back up support in Kenya.

An Authorized Distributor for KOHLER (France) POWER GENERATORS over 25 years in the entire region of Kenya.

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KAMPALA ROAD INDUSTRIAL AREA

+254 733 714 108 / +254 734 800 201

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HVAC Experts AIR CONDITIONING

Suite #3, Kush Office, Rhapta Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 748 454713 Email: info@acrovent.co.ke Website: https://acrovent.co.ke/

AUTHORIZED INSTALLER

AUTHORIZED DEALER AND INSTALLER

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HOME OFFICE

Creating a Perfect Home Office Setup

A

lternative work arrangement seems to be catching on nowadays. With employers realizing the benefits of letting their employees work on their tasks at a home office, the practice is beginning to make more sense. Moreover, with less overhead for companies and studies showing better productivity and work-life balance, such a set-up may become a pragmatic choice.

Creating an excellent home office can be challenging because you need to consider several factors. If you need to dispose of recyclables during your setting up process, you can always call on a reputable metal recycling facility to help you out. They can remove the materials from your house, and you can even make a tidy profit off it.

If you're thinking of setting up a home office, consider some things.

Office location is key Remember that while you're working at home, you'll probably spend a lot of time inside your office taking care of business as it unfolds. Therefore, you need to select a good location that offers enough space to be comfortable without sacrificing functionality. You also need to consider the other residents in your house because you also don’t want to be a bother to them whenever you’re working.

The ideal space is where there’s little to no foot traffic to disturb you during office hours and is ventilated and illuminated enough to work on your tasks. You can either turn a spare bedroom into your office or consider the attic or basement if you have one. If you have a small space, you can choose a corner and have it walled off for your privacy.

If you have a building outside your house, you can also look into the possibility of turning it into your office space.

All you need to remember is that you need to be able to 32

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feel comfortable whenever you step inside the premises.

Plan the office area layout Once you've chosen the location, you need to lay it out properly. First, try to have a mental image of where you will place different furniture and determine whether they will help you do your tasks or hinder your movement and comfort. Next, allocate enough space for your tables, cabinets, shelves, and other electronics. Then, you need to place the furniture so you have a sense of how the space will look, and if you need to rearrange them, you will have the time to do so before you commit to the space.

Choose the right office furniture Related to your home office layout, you also need to consider buying or using the right furniture. Ensure that your furniture can fit inside the door or you have enough space to build it inside. You can also buy modular furniture if that’s your style. Your chair should be comfortable and sturdy enough so you wouldn’t feel lumbar pain because you might have to sit for long hours.

Install enough sockets and other fixtures If you wish to have a productive home office, you will have to install enough fixtures to keep you comfortable. Make sure that you also have enough electric sockets to plug your equipment. You wouldn't want to be uncomfortable because you don't have any sockets to support your AC or heating unit and your equipment. You can also ask a certified electrician to check if your circuit breaker can still take on the additional load. If the professional says you need to add breakers, you need to listen to them to ensure that your space will be supplied with electricity for your creature comforts.

Among the things you need to have in abundance are www.constructionreviewonline.com

HOME OFFICE

lighting fixtures. You need to make sure that you have enough illumination should you need to work into the latenight hours. It will also help if you have large windows for natural lighting. Pair it with blinds or curtains, and you can control the amount of light that enters the space.

Paint the walls, floors, and ceilings Another thing that you need to do for a home office is to paint the walls, ceilings, and floor to your preferred paint scheme. You will be staying inside the room for a bit, so you must feel comfortable with your surroundings.

Try to paint the area with a soothing paint scheme to help regulate your emotions whenever you step inside to work.

As a general rule, choose a paint scheme that makes the space look and feel bigger than it is as it will help you feel more relaxed. Try to avoid using dark color schemes as much as possible because while they may be aesthetically pleasant, they might tend to absorb too much heat, and it will cause you thermal discomfort.

You can also consider using wallpaper to create a personalized space. For example, you could express your creativity when you lay out the space to reflect your artistic tendencies.

Give yourself a nice view You will also need to place your desk facing or with access to a good view. You need to ensure that although you might be looking or staring at a monitor for long hours, there’s something else to look at aside from the equipment. This will ensure that you will have good productivity, but it will also bode well for your health, as you can take vision breaks.

If you don’t have such an option, you can either place several plants along the window sill or place a flowing fountain set-up to help you relax. Either way, you need to

have an option to help you de-stress after every few hours.

Organize your work space area Another critical step is to ensure that you make the area as comfortable as possible by bringing in enough homey accessories to personalize the space. For example, hang some pictures or artwork, place photos of your family on your desk, lay a plush rug under your table, and don’t forget a potted plant for additional color and thermal conditioning.

You can also place some personal knickknacks on a shelf so you can feel inspired whenever you feel agitated because of the amount of work you need to finish.

Relative to this, you also need to make sure that you organize your cables and plugs properly. For example, you can use nylon ties or organizers to bunch together electric cords so they wouldn't trip you whenever you move around. You can also hide them under the tables or along the walls to better layout the place.

You also need to ensure that you have a working file system in your home office that can help you organize your documents. For example, you can color-code them based on their level of priority. You can also use a label maker to make them easily visible when putting them in the cabinets. For your table, make sure that you also have an organizer so you won't have a problem looking for staples, clips, or pins. It would also help you declutter your tabletop so you can focus much better.

Takeaways Creating a good home office can be challenging, especially if you have a small area to work with, but it will be a rewarding and productive task. However, you need to consider several factors before settling on the area and transforming it into your home workstation area.

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TRENDS

Construction Industry Trends In 2022

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he construction industry is among the industries that are continuously evolving to make construction projects and site operations more efficient and sustainable. Drones, robotics, and BIM are just a few of the key developments in the construction industry trends in 2022.

changes or modifications in real-time. In some cases, this can lead to multiple versions of the same plan, which often creates confusion on site.

Advanced BIM tools can help address this problem by providing a central database that allows all parties involved in a construction project to work on a single shared model. Depending on the tool you'll use, these solutions can pinpoint any technical conflicts during the initial phases and enhance workflow efficiency. And more so, the integration of both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into BIM solutions allows for seamless testing in simulated environments.

In addition, the adjustments brought about by the worldwide pandemic created the need for innovative construction methods that comply with worker safety and regulations. Due to this, there have been advancements depending on the construction company you'll work with regarding prefabrication, construction robotics, and worker safety, along with laser scanning, wearables, analytics, and 2 Construction Robotics global positioning system (GPS) tracking.

Among the various industries today, the construcMoreover, this article will dive into sev- tion field is perhaps, one of the most labor-inteneral of the top construction indus- sive industries. The process of finishing a contry trends and innovations in 2022. struction entails repetitive and time-consuming tasks, which are believed can be completed and 1 Building Information Modeling (BIM) finished quickly using automation and robotics.

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Building information modeling (BIM) tools are one of the most recent construction industry trends, as they allow for seamless collaboration between various project professionals. And more so, align the different trades in the design and construction field.

But aside from helping speed up the process, construction robotics can also aid in ensuring precision among tasks such as painting, welding, bricklaying, and other construction milestones.

This can then be beneficial for project managers since it can help reduce human errors and losses.

The traditional method necessitates collaboration from various professionals, including architects, engineers, and builders, to name a few. And because each person works on their own set of files, it can be difficult to see

Robotics can also automate heavy equipment for demolition, excavation, and concrete tasks, to name a few. Construction robotics can help improve productivity, reduce labor requirements, and ensure safety during hazardous tasks in any construction project.

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3 Drones Drones can help gather data in hard-to-reach locations and is an emerging construction industry trend in 2022. The images gathered can help with site assessment and inspections and even provide a better understanding of the overall progress of the project and as-built conditions.

Drones can also play a role in overseeing logistics, deliveries, and the workforce.

Some construction projects use drone footage to create 3D images that professionals can compare to architectural plans.

4 Wearables Among the various technological advancements today, innovation in wearable technologies has a lot of potential in the construction industry. Some of these include smart glasses and hardhats equipped with visualization, augmentation, and mixed reality features.

These visualization elements can be beneficial to construction because they help improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Smartwatches, safety vests, and health trackers, for example, are useful in the workplace because they help monitor workers' movements to improve safety, reduce risk, and increase productivity.

5 Analytical Tools And Management Software Professionals can use advanced analytics to scrutinize timelines, expenses, and other aspects of a construction project with a low risk of failure. The data can be highly instrumental when boosting overall productivity and efficiency.

When you have a well-thought plan of execution, it can provide insights into potential weak points, allowing the professionals to make the necessary adjustments on the go and as necessary. Additionally, analytics can also help increase the number of projects a company can tackle.

6 Laser Scanning When evaluating work sites or current site conditions in the construction industry, laser scanning can be one of the most efficient methods.

Using laser scanners to take field measurements

can ensure highly detailed data in the form of point cloud data, which is a large set of points on a coordinate system.

Laser scanners are highly accurate and can showcase the true conditions of the site or facility. And in any building project, it's highly useful to analyze possible clashes between existing conditions and new building elements. And more so, laser scanning data can be fed into BIM or CAD files, allowing a smoother integration of the plans and the actual site condition, which can lead to significant time and cost savings.

7 GPS Tracking When you oversee a construction company that manages an equipment fleet, using GPS tracking can be beneficial. You have the option to install GPS hardware in all vehicles that'll seamlessly communicate with your home base using satellites. Doing so will enable your company to see the location of your vehicles in real-time.

GPS tracking will become more intertwined with other systems in the future. When used with fleet tracking programs and telematics systems, it can provide real-time information about field and equipment conditions during construction projects. In most cases, the data will be routed directly to a central dashboard to improve operations.

Final Thoughts The various advancements in the construction industry trends in 2022 have brought about better building protocols and the overall quality of the projects. Depending on the type of building project, these construction industry trends and innovations can help ensure superior results while ensuring the safety of the workers on the site.

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