Multitasking

Dear Readers,

Recently, I came across a humorous meme that serves as an eye-opener for completing result-oriented tasks. At first glance, the image looks impressive, as it seems to show someone multitasking effectively and saving time. However, a closer look reveals that this approach is completely impractical, resulting in zero progress despite being fully occupied. In reality, it conveys 0% progress and 100% occupation.

He can’t use his laptop because he’s holding a drink.

He can’t drink because he has a cigar in his mouth.

He can’t smoke his cigar because both hands are occupied.

This is a Masterpiece of multitasking, where absolutely nothing gets done.

…..where someone is 100% occupied but 0% productive?

In your professional life, you may reach a point where you are either an employee or a manager. The first thing you need to understand is the difference between multi-skilling and multi-tasking.

When you concentrate fully on one task at a time, you are more likely to complete it successfully and maintain high quality. In contrast, attempting to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously often results in none of them being finished well or providing a sense of fulfillment.

In conclusion, multi-skilling is more crucial than multitasking. To effectively perform multitasking, one must have a range of skills.

Bolt Grades

Dear Readers,

In construction engineering, bolts are frequently used. The grades of bolts typically range from 4.6 to 12.9. These are also referred to as Ordinary bolts (Commercial Grade), HT bolts (High Tension), and HSFG bolts (High Strength Friction Grip).

The bolt designation system consists of two numbers. The first number indicates the bolt's ultimate tensile strength, which can be 400 MPa, 800 MPa, or 1200 MPa. The second number signifies the point at which the bolt will permanently stretch. Specifically, a grade 4.6 bolt will permanently stretch at 60% of its ultimate tensile strength, a grade 8.8 bolt at 80%, and a grade 12.9 bolt at 90%.

Technically, it can be quoted that the first number is the tensile strength of the bolt material (N² )/100. The second number is = 1/100. (the ratio of the Proof (or Yield ) stress and the Tensile strength expressed as a percentage = 100.[Yield (Proof stress) /Tensile strength] /100

For example, the tensile and proof strength of the steel for an 8.8 bolt is therefore calculated as follows

Tensile strength = 8 X 100 N/mm² = 800 N/mm² and Proof strength = 0.8*800 * 100 /100 = 640 N/mm² (generally speaking 80% of 800N/mm2)

The lowest grade is 4.6, commonly known as commercial grade. Next comes grade 8.8, known as structural grade, and finally, the highest grade is 12.9, known as HT / HSFG bolt.

Available grades of bolts are 4.6, 4.8, 5.6, 5.8, 6.8, 8.8, 9.8, 10.9 & 12.9

Cost of Man Day

 Dear Readers,

Let us discuss how to calculate the Man Day cost. MD refers Man Day; it is a unit of measurement for workforce.

Eight-Hour working is called One shift and one person working one shift (8 Hours) is called one man day. 

If the work gang comprises 10 workmen and working one shift is equal to 10 MD and if the gang works 6 days then it is 60MD.

In construction industry over time has existed. It is subject to the nature of job. Normally 3 Hours overtime is regular in all sites. However, benefits will not be applicable on overtime wages.

During MD rate calculations terminal benefits are subject to the duration and local site environment

MD rate arrives from

             ABW (Average Basic Wages)

             Over Time Wages 

             PF & Admin. Charges of employer portion

             Terminal benefits 

There are several laws in India which govern the maximum overtime hours allowed in India and also provide for an overtime calculation formula in India. Based on the industry one works for; the overtime payment rules vary. Some workplaces may be governed by the central laws while the other might be a subject of state laws.

Welding Terms Part-10 (S)

Dear Readers,

This continues Part-9. Knowing the list of welding abbreviations is crucial. Recognizing these abbreviations is the initial step in blueprint reading. Therefore, understanding the terms used in welding is essential.

Scarf – The chamfered surface of a joint.

Scarfing – A process for removing defects and checks which develop in the rolling of steel billets by the use of a low velocity oxygen de-seaming torch.

Scarf Joint – A form of butt joint.

Scratch Start TIG – A common method of striking an arc in the TIG welding process which involves dragging the tungsten electrode across the surface of the metal.

Seal Weld – Any weld designed primarily to provide a specific degree of tightness against leakage.

Seam Weld – The seam is right where the two plates, strips, etc. touch. It is important that you get half of the Weld Pool on each side of the seam.

Semi-Automatic Welding – MIG is an example. The machine runs the wire (Filler Metal) and supplies the Shielding Gas automatically, but it takes a person to pull the trigger and manipulate the gun to make the weld.

Self-Shielded Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW-S) – A flux-cored arc welding process variation in which shielding gas is obtained exclusively from the flux within the electrode.

Series Welding – A resistance welding process in which two or more welds are made simultaneously by a single welding transformer with the total current passing through each weld.

Sheet Separation – In spot, seam, and projection welding, the gap surrounding the weld between faying surfaces, after the joint has been welded.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) – A process that welds by heat from an electric arc, between a flux-covered metal electrode and the work. Shielding comes from the decomposition of the electrode covering.

Shielding Gas – Protective gas used to prevent atmospheric contamination.

Shoulder – The portion of the prepared edge of a member to be joined by a groove weld which is not beveled or grooved.

Shrinkage Stress – Stress remaining in a structure or member as a result of thermal and/or mechanical treatment.

Shrinkage Void – A cavity-type discontinuity normally formed by shrinkage during solidification.

Single Impulse Welding – The making of spot, projection, and upset welds by a single impulse of current. When alternating current is used, an impulse may consist of a fraction of a cycle or a number of cycles.

Single-Welded Joint – In arc and gas welding, any joint welded from one side only.

Size of Weld – The size of weld refers to the dimensions of the weld, typically its diameter or width and depth, depending on the type of weld.

Skip Weld – A sequence used to control warping (distortion).

Skull – The un-melted residue from a liquated filler metal.

Slag – when the Flux on a welding Rod melts it produces the Shielding Gas to protect the weld, and then forms a hardened protective coating over the weld. It is called Slag.

Slag Inclusion – Slag inclusions are one of the main Weld Defects. If you don't properly clean the Slag from a Bead, you run the risk of it becoming part of the weld when you run the next bead.

Slot – Slot welds are just like Plug Welds except instead of being round, they are elongated. (Long and narrow/ Elongated Hole).

Slugging – The act of adding a separate piece or pieces of material in a joint before or during welding that results in a welded joint not complying with design, drawing, or specification requirements.

SMAW – Shielded Metal (stick) arc welding uses a consumable electrode that has a solid metal rod in the core. The rod and electrode melt down and become part of the weld. The electrode is flux coated to protect the weld from contamination.

Soldering – A joining process using a filler metal with a liquidus less than 840 °F and below the solidus of the base metal.

Solid State Welding – A group of welding processes which produces coalescence at temperatures essentially below the melting point of the base materials being joined, without the addition of a brazing filler metal. Pressure may or may not be used.

Solidus – The highest temperature at which a metal or alloy is completely solid.

Spacer strip – A metal strip or bar prepared for a groove weld and inserted in the root of a joint to serve as a backing and to maintain root opening during welding. It can also bridge an exceptionally wide gap due to poor fit up.

SPALL – Small chips or fragments which are sometimes given off by electrodes during the welding operation. This problem is especially common with heavy-coated electrodes.

Spatter – Metal particles expelled during welding that do not form a part of the weld.

Spatter loss – Metal lost due to spatter.

Spot Weld – (also known as resistance spot welding) is a resistance welding process. This welding process is used primarily for welding two or more metal sheets together by applying pressure and heat from an electric current to the weld area. Used on thin gauge metal like car bodies.

Spray Transfer – In arc welding, a type of metal transfer in which molten filler metal is propelled axially across the arc in small droplets.

Spray Welding – Another term for spray arc welding or GMAW.

Square-Groove Weld – A type of groove weld.

Staggered Intermittent Fillet Welding - Two lines of intermittent fillet welding on a joint in which the fillet weld increments are one line are staggered with respect to those in the other line.

Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) – An internationally accepted reference base where standard temperature is 0 °C (32 °f) and standard pressure is one atmosphere, or 14.6960 psia.

Steel – Steel is iron ore mined from the ground, purified in blast furnaces, and then carbon added in its molten stage.

Stick Welding – Same as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Sticking – It is the occurrence when the rod sticks to the steel instead of starting an arc. It's usually caused by the heat not being hot enough, or the wrong ROD angle.

Stick-Out – The length of nonmelted electrode extending beyond the end of the contact tube in continuous welding processes.

Stitch Welding – The use of intermittent welds to join two or more parts.

Stinger – Another name for the SMAW electrode holder.

Stored Energy Welding – The making of a weld with electrical energy accumulated electrostatically, electromagnetically, or electrochemically at a relatively low rate and made available at the required welding rate.

Straight Polarity – Direct current arc welding where the work is the positive pole.

Stress Corrosion Cracking – Failure of metals by cracking under combined action of corrosion and stress, residual or applied. In brazing, the term applies to the cracking of stressed base metal due to the presence of a liquid filler metal.

Stress Relief Heat Treatment – Uniform heating of a welded component to a temperature sufficient to relieve a major portion of the residual stresses.

Stress Relief Cracking – Cracking in the weld metal or heat affected zone during post-weld heat treatment or high temperature service.

Stringer Bead – A weld bead made without transverse movement of the welding arc.

Stud Welding – A process for attaching a fastener, bolt or nut to a metal base. Fasteners attached during the stud welding process are usually threaded, unthreaded or tapped variety.

Submerged Arc Welding – A process that welds with the heat produced by an electric arc between a bare metal electrode and the work. A blanket of granular fusible flux shields the arc.

Substrate – Any material upon which a thermal-spray deposit is applied.

Surfacing – Welds used to build up worn down equipment to its original form. A good example is a bulldozer bucket tooth.

Synergistic – An action where the total effect of two active components in a mixture is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

Code of Engine Oil

Dear Readers,

As you are aware, water is important to humans and their livelihoods; similarly, Engine oil is essential for an engine. Not only does it lubricate engine components, but it also cleans them and protects them from corrosion.

When purchasing engine oil, you will see numbers like 15W-40, 20W-40, and 5W-30 printed on the containers. This information is crucial for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler owners and drivers. Engine oil usage depends on vehicle operation and weather conditions, such as daytime or nighttime, summer (hot) or winter (cold), and flat or mountainous roads.

Therefore, the specifications of the oil are based on research findings related to these factors. This is why the engine and driving conditions are two crucial factors in determining the right engine oil for your car. Individual oil products are labeled with a range of temperatures indicated in degrees Celsius to specify their suitability for vehicle operation. For instance, oil marked as 15W-40 is ideal for vehicles operating in hot weather. Conversely, in colder climates, using oil with a rating of 5W-30 would lead to better engine performance.

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is a global standards organization that grades engine oils based on their viscosities for classification..

The engine oil grade is represented by an alphanumeric code, commonly formatted as XW-XX. Let us clarify what each character signifies.

The "W" stands for WINTER, and the number before the "W" indicates the oil's viscosity at low temperatures, or when the engine is cold. Generally, a lower viscosity means better pumping and flow capabilities in colder temperatures. The number following the hyphen (-) indicates the oil's viscosity at normal operating temperatures, which is approximately 100 degrees Celsius in an engine.

For example, 10W-30. The 'W' indicates winter, while the number 10 signifies the oil's thickness at lower temperatures or before starting the engine.

The lower the viscosity of an oil, the better it can be pumped and flow in cold temperatures. Therefore, in extremely cold conditions and during engine start-up, 0W oil flows more quickly than 5W oil, allowing it to reach crucial engine components such as pistons, valves, and cylinder walls more efficiently.

Whereas the number 30 after the hyphen indicates the oil thickness at normal engine running temperature.

Consider using oils with higher viscosity ratings (like 40 or 50) for better protection against high temperatures.

Next time you need to change your engine oil or are thinking about purchasing oil, make sure to check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended oil grade. I hope this article has been helpful to you. Having a basic understanding of this process can instill a sense of confidence.

SWL

Dear Readers,

On a construction site, you may often notice SWL warning messages on lifting tools and tackle. SWL stands for Safe Working Load. Understanding key terms like Safe Working Load (SWL) and Working Load Limit (WLL) is important for ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to best practices in material handling.

SWL is very important and essential for rigging & hoisting works during construction activities, and sometimes stated as the Normal Working Load (NWL). 

It’s the mass or force that lifting equipment, a device, or an accessory can safely handle to lift, hold, or lower a load without the risk of breaking. This is usually marked on the equipment by the manufacturer and is often set at 1/5 of the Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS), though other fractions like 1/4, 1/6, or 1/10 may also be used.

The SWL is determined by dividing the minimum breaking strength (MBS) of a component by a safety factor assigned to that type and use of equipment. The safety factor generally ranges from 4 to 6 unless a failure of the equipment could pose a risk to life; in that instance, the safety factor would be 10.

For example, if a line has an MBS of 1,000 pounds and a safety factor of 5, then the SWL would be 200 pounds. 1000/5 = 200.  

Thumb Rule for Determination of SWL of Wire Rope Slings:

SWL = 8*D2; in Tons; Where D diameter of the rope in inches.

Example: 

    1 Inch diameter rope 1*1*8 = 8 Tons 

    ½ inch diameter rope 0.5*0.5*8 = 2 Tons

Another way to calculate the SWL of any wire rope is by 

    1. Obtained the Breaking strength of the wire rope as per the class.

    2. Consider the Safety factor (Generally taken as 5 for wire rope, except taken as 10 when used for lifting a person)

    3. Divided the breaking Strength by the factor of safety.

Whether you’re an experienced engineer, a safety officer, or just starting out in the industry, understanding these concepts can make a big difference in creating a safer workplace.

New Year Wishes

Dear Readers,

Wish You a Happy New Year - 2026

Happy New Year just feels good to say. Doesn’t matter where you’re from, your religion, your country—everybody celebrates it.

Happy new year, happy new year. May we all have a vision now and then of a world where every neighbor is a friend.

Regards,

S. Arivazhagan & Arivu

Welding Terms Part-9 (Q&R)

Dear Readers,

This continues from Part-8. Successful work execution heavily relies on both written and oral communication. For effective communication, understanding the acronyms and terms used in welding is essential.

Quality Assurance (QA) – The practice involves utilizing a defined set of processes for systematic monitoring and evaluation to ensure product quality.

Quality Control (QC) – The process of confirming that a product meets an established set of specifications. 

Quench – Rapidly cooling the steel to make it harder. The steel has to have enough carbon in it for it to harden.

Radiation – The light emitted during arc welding contains intense ultraviolet radiation (UVR). In the absence of a barrier, this radiation is emitted into the surrounding environment.

Radiography – The weld is x-rayed, and it will show even the minutest weld defects. (Slag inclusion, porosity, or undercut!)

Rake Angle – Slope of a shear knife from end to end.

Rated Load – The amperage and voltage the power source is designed to produce for a given specific duty cycle period. For example, 300 amps, 32 load volts, at 60 percent duty cycle.

Reaction Stress – The residual stress which could not otherwise exist if the members or parts being welded were isolated as free bodies without connection to other parts of the structure.

Reactor (arc welding) – A device used in arc welding circuits for the purpose of minimizing irregularities in the flow of welding current.

Reducing Flame – A gas flame that has a reducing effect, due to the presence of excess fuel.

Regulator – A device used to reduce cylinder pressure to a suitable torch working pressure.

Reinforcement – Weld metal, at the face or root, in excess of the metal necessary to fill the joint.

Residual Stress – Stress remaining in a structure or member, as a result of thermal and/or mechanical treatment. Stress arises in fusion welding primarily because the melted material contracts on cooling from the solidus to room temperature.

Resistance Brazing – A brazing process in which bonding is produced by the heat obtained from resistance to the flow of electric current in a circuit of which the workpiece is a part, and by using a nonferrous filler metal having a melting point above 800 ºF (427 ºC), but below that of the base metals. The filler metal is distributed in the joint by capillary attraction.

Resistance Butt Welding – A group of resistance welding processes in which the weld occurs simultaneously over the entire contact area of the parts being joined.

Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) – Uses electrical current which is passed through the metal. It does not require a filler rod. The process is easy to automate and requires low heat input.

Resistance Welding – A group of welding processes in which fusion is produced by heat obtained from resistance to the flow of electric current in a circuit of which the workpiece is a part and by the application of pressure.

Reverse Polarity – The arrangement of direct current arc welding leads with the work as the negative pole and the electrode as the positive pole of the welding arc.

Robotic Welder – A fully or partially automated machine equipped with a welding head and connected to a welding power source. The movable portion of a robotic welder is normally a robotic arm.

Rockwell Hardness Test – In this test a machine measures hardness by determining the depth of penetration of a penetrator into the specimen under certain arbitrary fixed conditions of test. The penetrator may be either a steel ball or a diamond Sphero cone.

Rods – Same as welding electrode. At site or shop, nobody asks for more "electrodes", they ask for more rods.

Root Crack – A crack at the root of a weld.

Root Edge – The edge of a part to be welded which is adjacent to the root.

Root Face – That portion of the groove face adjacent to the root of the joint.

Root of Joint – That portion of a joint to be welded where the members approach closest to each other. In cross section the root of the joint may be either a point, a line or an area.

Root of Weld – The points, as shown in cross section, at which the back of the weld intersects the base metal surfaces.

Root Opening – A separation at the joint root between the work pieces.

Root Penetration – How far the Filler Metal is penetrating into and through the Root Opening.

Root Reinforcement – Reinforcement of weld at the side other than that from which welding was done.

Root Surface – The exposed surface of a weld on the side other than that from which welding was done.

Find a Suitable Spanner

 Dear Readers,

In the construction industry, one of the most commonly used tools is the spanner. This versatile tool is mainly used for gripping and turning fasteners like nuts and bolts. Spanners are tools made to give you a good grip and extra leverage when tightening or loosening rotary fasteners. Usually crafted from carbon steel or drop-forged steel, they come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit different needs.

Metric spanners (mm) and imperial spanners (inch) are both available, but the construction industry mostly uses the metric system. Metric spanners are labeled in millimeters (mm). The nominal size (e.g., M12) refers to the thread diameter, not the spanner size.

The best way to find the right spanner size is to measure the distance across the flat sides (AF) of the nut or bolt head with a measuring tool. If you don’t have one handy, you can refer to a size chart or use a general formula for standard bolts instead.

A general formula provides a good estimate for standard hexagonal metric bolts:

For bolts up to M14: Spanner size = (Bolt diameter × 1.5) + 1 mm.

(e.g., M8: (8 × 1.5) + 1 = 13 mm).

For bolts M16 and above: Spanner size = Bolt diameter × 1.5 mm.

(e.g., M16: 16 × 1.5 = 24 mm).

Spanners are essential tools in various industries including Construction, providing the necessary grip and torque to handle fasteners effectively.

Levels of a Project Schedule

 Dear Readers,

The project's success relies on various activities, with effective scheduling being crucial. A project schedule refers to a tool used to communicate the timeline of a project, including its tasks, dependencies, assigned resources, and milestones. It serves as a roadmap for the project.

Key components of a project schedule are Project Milestones, Timeline, Tasks, Dependencies, and resources. Schedules are typically developed from the top down, like a pyramid. Starts from Level-1 (L1), Level-2 (L2), and will go up to Level-5 (L5).

L-1 Schedule = (Level 1) Management/Milestone Level Schedule 

L-2 Schedule = (Level 2) Master Schedule 

L-3 Schedule = (Level 3) Project Level Schedule 

L-4 Schedule = (Level 4) Control Level Schedule 

L-5 Schedule = (Level 5) Detail Level Schedule or Look-ahead Schedule

L1 may be a short table of milestones corresponding to "Top Management Summary." 

L2 is a Master Schedule. It provides an integral plan of the Project activities for Project management. It is a "Project Management Summary." 

L3 is a Project Level Schedule. It is a summary of activities from the level 4 schedule 

L4 is a Control Level Schedule. It covers the whole project and doesn't go into the task-level detail, but should provide enough of a breakdown for clients to see what is happening at every step.

L5 is a Detail Level Schedule. It shows the lowest level of detail necessary to complete the Task. These schedules are temporary documents based on the 'Look-ahead' schedule and used to coordinate work in an area. 

The schedules above help communicate the project plan and timeline to all stakeholders. They guide the project team through the sequence of activities and deadlines during execution, while also serving as a baseline to track progress, spot delays, and make adjustments as needed.

Common formats used to prepare and monitor the project schedules are Gantt chart, WBS & CPM

Gantt chart: A popular visual representation that uses a horizontal bar chart to show the timeline of tasks and their dependencies. 

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): It is a hierarchical chart that breaks down a project into smaller, more manageable tasks, helping to map dependencies. 

Critical Path Method (CPM): A technique to identify the longest sequence of tasks that determines the minimum project duration. Any delay to a task on the critical path delays the entire project. 

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it beneficial and helpful as a beginner in the construction industry. If you found this article useful, please don't forget to share it with your friends and colleagues.

Welding Terms Part-8 (P)

This is a continuation of Part 7. Welding is a highly technical field that relies on specialized acronyms and abbreviations to ensure effective communication and execution of tasks. The following terms are commonly used in welding work.

Paralleling – Running multiple power generators to form a large capacity power source with redundancy. Often used for mission-critical operations such as oilfield and emergency backup power. 

Parent Metal – Also called "base metal", this is the metal or steel that you are actually welding on.

Pass – A single progression of a welding or surfacing operation along a joint, weld deposit, or substrate. The result of a pass is a weld bead, layer, or spray deposit.

Peel test – A destructive method of inspection that mechanically separates a lap joint by peeling.

Peening – The mechanical working of metals using impact blows.

Penetration – Is the fusion or depth into the parent metal from its surface, or the amount of fusion through an open-faced joint.

Penetrant Inspection – A non-destructive testing method that detects surface flaws using either fluorescent or dye penetrants. Fluorescent penetrants glow under black light, while dye penetrants produce bright red indications when drawn to the surface by a developer. The process involves cleaning the surface, applying the penetrant, waiting for it to be absorbed, removing excess penetrant, and applying the developer to reveal any defects.

Percussive Welding – A resistance welding process in which a discharge of electrical energy and the application of high pressure occur simultaneously, or with the electrical discharge occurring slightly before the application of pressure.

Perlite – Perlite is the lamellar aggregate of ferrite and iron carbide resulting from the direct transformation of austenite at the lower critical point.

Pilot Arc – A low-current continuous arc between the electrode and the constricting nozzle of a plasma torch that ionizes the gas and facilitates the start of the welding arc.

Pitch – Center-to-center spacing of welds.

Plasma – A gas that has been heated to at least partially ionized conditions, enabling it to conduct an electric current.

Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC) – An arc cutting process using a constricted arc to remove the molten metal with a high-velocity jet of ionized gas from the constricting orifice.

Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) – An arc welding process that uses a constricted arc between a non-consumable electrode and the weld pool (transferred arc) or between the electrode and the constricting nozzle (non-transferred arc). Shielding is obtained from the ionized gas issuing from the torch.

Plasma Spraying (PSP) – A thermal spraying process in which a non-transferred arc is used to create an arc plasma for melting and propelling the surfacing material to the substrate.

Plug Weld – A circular weld made through a hole in one member of a lap or T joint.

Poke Welding – A spot welding process in which pressure is applied manually to one electrode. The other electrode is clamped to any part of the metal in much the same manner that arc welding is grounded.

Polarity – When you turn on a welding machine, an electrical circuit is formed. The circuit has either a positive or negative pole, and this property is referred to as polarity. In straight polarity or normal polarity, the workpiece is positive and the tool is negative. When the workpiece is negative and the tool is positive, this type of polarity is commonly known as reversed polarity.

Porosity – A hole-like discontinuity formed by gas entrapment during solidification.

Ports – In a MIG gun, there are small orifices (holes) that allow the flow of shielding gas. The nozzle then directs the gas out over the weld puddle.

Positions of Welding – All welding is accomplished in one of four positions: flat, horizontal, overhead, and vertical. The limiting angles of the various positions depend somewhat on whether the weld is a fillet or groove weld.

Positioner (Rotating Table / Work center) – These are usually found in the bigger, more prestigious fab shops. They can turn, tilt, rotate, revolve, and that allows you to make most of the welds in the flat or horizontal welding positions.

Post-Heating – The application of heat to an assembly after welding, brazing, soldering, thermal spraying, or cutting operation.

Post-weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) – Any heat treatment after welding.

Post-weld Interval – In resistance welding, the heat time between the end of weld time, or weld interval, and the start of hold time. During this interval, the weld is subjected to mechanical and heat treatment.

Power Efficiency – How well an electrical machine uses the incoming electrical power.

Preform – The initial press of a powder metal that forms a compact.

Preheating – The application of heat to the base metal immediately before welding, brazing, soldering, thermal spraying, or cutting.

Preheat Temperature – The temperature of the base metal immediately before welding is started.

Pressure Controlled Welding – The making of many spot or projection welds in which several electrodes function progressively under the control of a pressure sequencing device.

Pressure Welding – a welding process where pressure is used to make a weld.

Pre-weld Interval – In spot, projection, and upset welding, the time between the end of squeeze time and the start of weld time or weld interval during which the material is preheated. In flash welding, it is the time during which the material is preheated.

Primary Power – Often referred to as the input line voltage and amperage available to the welding machine from the shop's main power line.

Procedure – The detailed elements (with prescribed values or ranges of values) of a process or method used to produce a specific result.

Procedure Qualification – Demonstration that a fabricating process, such as welding, made by a specific procedure can meet given standards.

Projection Welding – A resistance welding process between two or more surfaces or between the ends of one member and the surface of another. The welds are localized at predetermined points or projections.

Protective atmosphere – A gas envelope surrounding the part to be brazed, welded, or thermal sprayed, with the gas composition controlled with respect to chemical composition, dew point, pressure, flow rate, etc. Examples are inert gases, combusted fuel gases, hydrogen, and vacuum.

Puddle – The puddle is the same as the weld pool. It is the molten filler metal that is combining with the parent metal.

Pull Gun Technique – Same as backhand welding.

Pulse – A current of controlled duration through a welding circuit.

Pulsed Power Welding – Any arc welding method in which the power is cyclically programmed to pulse so that the effective but short-duration values of a parameter can be utilized. Such short-duration values are significantly different from the average value of the parameter. Equivalent terms are pulsed voltage or pulsed current welding.

Pulsed Spray Welding – An arc welding process variation in which the current is pulsed to achieve spray metal transfer at average currents equal to or less than the globular to spray transition current.

Pulsing – Sequencing and controlling the amount of current, the frequency, and the duration of the welding arc.

Push Angle – The travel angle at which the electrode is pointing in the direction of travel.

Push Welding – A technique in welding where the welding gun is pushed forward in the direction of the weld, resulting in better visibility and control over the weld. This technique is commonly used in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and is preferred for creating clean, spatter-free welds.

Abbreviations Used in Construction Industry - Part 6 (T to Z)

Dear Readers, 

This is the continuation of Part 5 and the final segment of construction industry acronyms. Construction management is a highly specialized field that necessitates the use of specific acronyms and abbreviations to facilitate clear communication and efficient management of complex projects. Construction estimating abbreviations play a vital role in calculating the costs of materials, labor, and equipment required to successfully complete a project.

In the realm of construction project management, acronyms play a crucial role streamlining communication and enhancing efficiency among project managers, contractors, and other stakeholders.

351) TA – Technical Advisor.

352) TB – Tie Beam.

353) TBC – To be Confirmed.

354) TCP – Traffic Control Plan – It is a crucial document utilized in the construction industry to ensure the safe and efficient management of traffic in and construction sites. It comprises a comprehensive set of drawings and specifications detailing how traffic will be controlled during various phases, employing signage, signals, pavement markings, and barricades.

355) TIG – Tungsten Inert Gas and is technically called gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).

356) Thk. – Thick.

357) TLT – Toilet.

358) TOB – Top of Beam.

359) TOC – Top of Concrete.

360) TOS – Top of Slab / Steel.

361) TOW – Top of Wall.

362) TPI – Third Party Inspection / Inspector.

363) TQM – Total Quality Management.

364) TST – Total Station Theodolite. 

365) TYP. – Typical. In plans and drawings, the term “TYP.” indicates that a particular characteristic or detail applies to the same elements on the same page, view, or drawing. The term is analogous to “ditto.”

366) UB – Universal Beam.

367) UC – Universal Column.

368) UL – Upper Level.

369) UNO – Unless Noted Otherwise.

370) UOM – Unit of Measurement.

371) UPS – Un-interrupted Power Supply.

372) U/S – Underside.

373) UT – Ultrasonic Test.

374) UTS – Ultimate Tensile Strength. The maximum stress a material subjected to a stretching load can withstand without tearing.

375) UV – Ultra Violet.

376) VAT – Value Added Tax. 

377) VE (Value Engineering) – A process for improving the value of a construction project while reducing costs.

378) VI – Visual Inspection.

379) VO – Variation Order.

380) VOC – Volatile Organic Compound – This is an organic chemical with a high vapor pressure at room temperature. VOCs are usually responsible for the Odor of scents, perfumes, and pollutants. Some VOCs are harmful to humans and the environment. In the context of indoor air quality, these compounds may not be acutely toxic but can have long-term impacts on health.

381) VR (Virtual Reality) – The Use of Technology to Create an Immersive, Computer-Generated Experience.

382) Water Management – The Management and Control of Water in a Construction Project, Including Drainage and Runoff.

383) WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) – A Hierarchical Breakdown of a Project into Smaller, More Manageable Components.

384) W&C – Wrapping & Coating.

385) WIP – Work in Progress.

386) Wldr. – Welder.

387) WLL – Working Load Limit.

388) WMF – Wire Mesh Fence.

389) WO – Work Order.

390) Workforce Management – The Process of Managing and Coordinating the Construction Workforce.

391) WP’s / WI’s – Work Procedures / Method Statements / Work Instructions. It is used to prepare before commencement of execution / works.

392) WPQR – Welding Procedure Qualification Record

393) WPS – Welding Procedure Specification.

394) WQT – Welder Qualification Test.

395) WRM – Weekly Review Meeting.

396) WTP – Water Treatment Plant. 

397) WWF – Welded Wire Fabric – Sometimes called welded wire mesh, this is a grid of uniformly placed wires that provides flexural strength in concrete slabs, similar to rebar.

398) XRD – X-Ray Diffraction.

399) Yield Strength – it is the measurement of the amount of force that can be exerted on a material before it permanently deforms. Another name of yield strength is “Elastic Limit”.

400) ZOI – Zone of Influence.