Introduction

Mention the word demolition to almost anyone and the picture that instantly comes to mind is a vision of a building being blown up and collapsing to the ground. Many people have stated that they would love to push the button, to detonate the explosive devices which bring a disused building to the ground. In many cases what comes down, must go up and we are seeing many dilapidated buildings being demolished to make way for future development, often as part of a regeneration project.

For companies who over many years have built their business around the demolition of buildings, the demolition sector is now far more reaching than just blowing up old buildings. Once the building is demolished the huge task of site clearance begins and in a world where consideration of the environmental impacts are high on most peoples agenda, the material residues from demolition need to be sorted for recycling purposes. This will include such materials as steel, wood, plastic, brickwork and concrete.

Most of the materials can be bulked up and transported to the appropriate recycling plants for reprocessing. Materials such as bricks and concrete can be crushed and turned into a recycled concrete aggregate product ready for reuse in the construction of new roads or buildings. Increasingly though, through advances in technological development, residues such as concrete to be recycled have to meet a very high specification for reuse in construction projects.

Crushed into different sizes of recycled aggregate will determine the future usage potential of the product. Large sizes could be used as decorative rockery products in gardening whilst much finer, almost shingle like product can be used as a bedding for pipe laying or as a layer in road construction. With an increasing number of opportunities identified for the reuse of recycled aggregate, the entire demolition and construction industry is making a significant contribution to sustainable development. Following demolition of a site, many demolition contractors have expanded their service offering to include site clearance services.

Reasons Behind the Increased Focus on Recycling from Construction and Demolition Projects

In 1996, UK Government imposed a tax on all wastes going to landfill. The tax is paid on top of normal gate fees for waste being disposed in landfill and since its introduction the cost has increased on an annual basis. When first introduced, the standard rate of tax for general wastes going to landfill was £7 per tonne and £2 per tonne for inert materials. The tax is designed to encourage commercial and industrial businesses and local authorities collecting from households, to divert waste away from landfill for recycling. In April 2009, the standard rate of landfill tax increased to £40 per tonne and is scheduled to increase each year by £8 per tonne until 2013. The lower rate of tax charged upon any inert materials going to landfill such as concrete and soils, has remained relatively steady in recent years and is currently at £2.50 per tonne.

However, the weight factor alone of a bulk load of these inert materials going directly to landfill will ensure that the entire cost of disposal becomes very expensive and so even in the demolition and construction sector, diverting waste from landfill is a priority. The introduction of landfill tax has been a key driver in encouraging greater diversion of inert materials from landfill, to be used in sustainable development projects.

Most companies in the industry have extended their business to become demolition and site clearance contractors, to offer the full range of services.

Next time you see a demolition project in progress or pass any construction site during a build programme, it is clear to see the volume of waste being generated. If waste is not in skips, piles of rubble will be stacked high. The placing of construction waste in skips has been a major problem for waste contractors for many years. Having worked in the waste industry, I have seen skip lorries tipped backwards with the cab of the vehicle up in the air, due to the sheer overloading of waste skips with construction site waste.

Each year, the UK generates around 330 million tonnes of waste and it is estimated that around 90 million tonnes of this is from construction and demolition wastes. This figure has remained fairly constant since 2001. Around two thirds of this waste is usually recycled or reused in land reclamation or agricultural improvement projects. Since the late 1990s there has been a steady rise in the volumes of construction waste being recycled and this has been helped with advances in technology which have led to improved crushing technology to create more widespread use of different specifications of recycled aggregates. There has been a real focus upon the UK construction industry to encourage greater recycling of waste on site.

In recent years, the construction industry as a whole has worked hard to encourage construction site managers to place a greater focus upon recycling on site. This has led to an increase in the recycling of all inert materials from site.

Prior to the introduction of the landfill tax all construction site waste including bricks and concrete would be bulked up and transferred to a landfill site for disposal. No consideration was given to recycling. There are now stringent regulations across the sector, coupled with an increase in environmental awareness, as well as the commercial benefits in ensuring that this type of waste is now recycled. There is also greater recognition of the vast array of opportunities to use recycled aggregates within the construction process on new construction projects or in areas such as landscaping or home and garden DIY. Following the demolition process, together the waste concrete, bricks, masonry etc will be transformed into a recycled concrete aggregate.

To recycle concrete aggregate to a high standard and resalable product, it must be entirely free of other contaminants such as wood, paper, card, steel and other general waste materials. The final product must also conform to the requirements of British Standard BS 8500. The process of recycling the concrete can usually be achieved in one of two ways. Some demolition contractors will install a crushing machine on the demolition site, whereas some contractors will prefer to transport the waste to be recycled, back to their own premises for sorting for recycling or re-use. On projects where demolition and new construction is to take place at the same location, the contractor is very likely to locate a crushing machine on site to avoid incurring additional transportation costs in taking the material back to a sorting and crushing facility. There is now very sophisticated crushing equipment available to reduce concrete to a very fine specification.

There are many legal and environmental issues which demolition contractors must now adhere to when undertaking their projects.

The Increasing Demand for High Quality Recycled Aggregate

Before commencing the crushing process, it must be determined what the end product is to be used for to ensure that the recycled aggregate is to meet the required standards. There is huge demand for recycled concrete aggregate to be used back in the construction process. As a product, recycled concrete aggregate can be used for almost any type of concrete structural work, road surfacing or pipe laying project. Having passed through the crusher the chunks of aggregate will be separated by size. Bigger pieces may be retained as a decorative product for use in garden rockery projects, or they may be passed back through the crusher to be pummeled to a smaller size. The smaller pieces of recycled aggregate may be suitable for use as a gravel on new construction projects, road laying or driveways at home. The crushing machines are now capable of achieving good quality small aggregate grades such as the production of a 20-5mm gravel which can be bagged and used in the garden at home or bought in bulk as part of projects involving new concrete production. The advances in technology mean that the recycling of aggregates for other uses such as a simple gravel product or for use in concrete products has greatly reduced the need to dig quarries to mine for gravel. Recycled aggregates have become a versatile reusable product and has eliminated the need for large volumes of a good material to be disposed of in landfill and therefore offer significant environmental benefits.

The demand for high quality crushed aggregate is increasing. There are key standards in place which are focused upon improving the recycled aggregate industry. Through research and development, more widespread uses are being identified for the use of recycled aggregate. No longer is concrete, just concrete. What we are talking about now are many different grades of recycled aggregate, ranging from the large chunks of aggregate to very specific 6f2 recycled concrete which can be employed as a sub-base material for construction jobs, or 20-5mm recycled aggregate, which is a gravel and can be used in road construction or at home on driveways. As well as being used as a mix for road construction, recycled aggregate is being used as bedding for pipe laying or foundation material prior to construction projects commencing. In achieving such good quality grades the 20-5mm recycled aggregate can be used as an aggregate base in road construction and the quality meets the standards required to allow its reuse in concrete production.

One of the important criteria when using recycled aggregate is choosing the right specification for the task. For example, when using 20-5mm coarse graded aggregate as a road base, the thickness of the layer required must be determined to withstand traffic flows. Traffic flow on a motorway will be significantly different to that of a country road. One reason aggregate produced to a 20-5mm specification is used as a road base is that it aids good drainage. Once the recycled aggregate is laid, appropriate layers of asphalt or concrete can be laid over it to create the road surface.

In recent years, in the UK we seem to have more rain than sunshine and therefore the selected aggregate must be able to withstand variances in temperature and conditions e.g. dampness for long periods, torrential downpours, long dry spells. With its good drainage qualities, the recycled 20-5mm product is the perfect choice for many sand and gravel applications including, pipe bedding, driveways and footpaths, landscaping, plus for use in ready mixed and precast concrete products. With its drainage qualities, 20-5mm recycled aggregate is a versatile product.

Where sustainability is a key focus of a construction project, the use of specified recycled concrete products offers a sustainable concrete solution.

Recycled Aggregates and the 2012 Olympics

In its bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, London placed sustainability as the focal point of its bid. The bid team identified a major opportunity to increase awareness of climate change and the issues which surround it, and bring it to the World’s attention. With the eyes of the World watching, the Olympic Games present a unique opportunity to communicate key messages about sustainability. Throughout the entire development of the Olympic project, there is a commitment to make 2012 the most sustainable Olympic Games ever held. This focus began when planning the development and build programmes for the facilities and venues, the transport links and network, the hosting of the Games themselves and will end by leaving a long lasting legacy of a sustainable environment.

Since London was awarded the Games, all partners involved in the development requirements, from the construction of the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Village and transport links to the venues have been encouraged upon ensuring the use wherever possible of sustainable materials. Across the entire Olympic build programme developers have worked hard to identify suitable sustainable materials for use in the build programme. At the end of the overall project there will be some clearly visible examples of the use of sustainable products.

qually there will be many more much less visible and furthermore, many which will be not visible at all. One of those products which visitors to the games and its many venues will not even think about will be how recycled aggregates have been used as part of the overall construction project. But developers and specifiers of materials for use in the build programme will be comfortable in the knowledge that they have selected sustainable products including, the most appropriate recycled concrete aggregates as part of the project. With its identified qualities, let’s hope that somewhere in the world wide TV coverage the 20-5mm recycled aggregate gets a mention somewhere, somehow. Imagine being asked to supply recycled aggregate which meets a very specific 20-5mm clean material specification, to help build the 2012 Olympic Village.

Conclusion

How times have changed in recent years for the demolition and construction industry. Companies have had to adapt to meet challenging environmental requirements. As with almost any industry, new regulations and legislation dictate the standards to which your business must aspire, if it is to be successful.

Businesses involved in the production of recycled concrete aggregate are no different. These are classed as processed materials and must conform to a particular product specification which can be used in the construction process. The standard BS8500-2 offers a full specification for the uses of recycled concrete aggregates in concrete, although with such a vast range of recycled aggregates an all encompassing specification for the use of these aggregates is yet to be determined. The most important thing is that the industry does not stand still and wait for the specifications to be finalised. The versatility of recycled aggregates means that demolition contractors operating crushing plants are seeking to identify markets through which to sell their recycled products. The advances in crusher technology and machinery has seen a big increase in the options now available in supplying large chunks of recycled aggregate for landscape gardening use in rockeries, down to a gravel type 20-5mm recycled aggregate with its good drainage qualities for use in road construction and driveways.

Exterior Doors Looking for a new external door or to replace an existing entry door, looking for a Australian Exterior Door, get the quality and look you Desire from The Doorstore’s massive Australian door showroom. Exterior doors come in many materials, sizes, colors and styles. You can start with single doors for garage, laundry, front entry, rear access or side entry or you can choose double doors with transoms for grand entry statements, these doors are all in stock and on display. The Door Store has everything you need to have a great Front Entry and at the same time a practical solution, with a wide selection of natural timber doors, semi-solid doors and solid core doors over 2 acres.

Everybody has different tastes, needs and budgets so come on down and see why we are the only place in Victoria for value and quality. Exterior Doors are available in selected solid timber including Cherry Oak, Western Red Cedar, Kiln Dried Hardwood, Oregon, and other timber species if needed.

Doors can be made to standard building door sizes or can be custom made to suit your own specifications. If you would like glass on the door or in the side panels then there are a number of glazing options available including Tinted, Safety, Clear, Frosted Glass, Bevelled, Heritage & Edwardian Lead Lite If you are looking at an entry door or opening doorway on a patio then there are other options available to make the best use of the opening and light available. These door types include Bifold doors and French doors. Bringing the outdoors inside is one of the advantages of French doors and they are a must if you like the outdoors. We have an extensive selection of glass to choose from for your French door installation so come down and see the experts in indoor and outdoor living.

All of our stock is under one roof and we hold the biggest range in Victoria, we have an enormous range of sizes and styles to choose from at our 2-acre warehouse premises. For Moorabbin’s best range and advice on decking out your home with Bi-fold Doors look no further than 122 Cochranes Road Moorabin. DESIGN LINE – EXTERNAL DOORS The Doorstore most popular door is the design line range of external doors. These external doors are constructed with Highly Moisture Resistant M.D.F. with Timber Internal Frames. This range gives you a strong, durable Entrance Door suited to a quality paint finish. The door is a 12mm M.D.F. Semi Solid Construction, with square corner route BOTH sides. At The Doorstore we stock a lot of these doors plus other designs available in Medium Density H.M.R. Fibreboard. Standard sizes for this door are available over the phone so give The Doorstore a ring today and ask about our large range of door sizes, bi-fold doors and special sizes. Our staff will share their years of knowledge and experience with you and provide friendly service to make sure you are happy and comfortable with the door you choose. Australian owned and operated, Australian suppliers, Australian jobs. The Doorstore – supporting victorian industry and victorian builders.

The Doorstore is an Australian family owned and operated company stocking mostly Australian made doors. All of our stock is under one roof and we hold the biggest range in Victoria. Go direct to where Australian builders buy their doors. Australian Web marketing by HostingOZ.com.au

Work At Home

True Gloxinias, charming plants for window gardens, the home greenhouse, or protected shady spots outdoors in the summer, may be started from tubers, young plants, leaf cuttings or seeds.

Growing gloxinias from leaf cuttings makes pleasant window gardening. Select green, robust leaves while the plant is still in bloom or in bud. Sever the leaves as close to the main stem of the plant as possible, where the leaf-stems are hard, and insert in a mixture of sand and peatmoss or vermiculite. Or if you prefer, leaf cuttings will root easily in a glass of water. In about two months well-formed tubers will appear at the base of the leaf stems.

If you root gloxinia leaves in vermiculite or in peatmoss and sand, remember to water them at least once a week after the leaves die. When they show signs of sprouting, remove them to four- or five-inch pots of soil. Cuttings always come true to color.

Growing gloxinias from tubers is the easiest method of all. Simply set dormant tubers on moistened sphagnum moss, partially sterilized sand, vermiculite or some commercially prepared soil mixture. Or you can plant them directly in a 4-inch pot of soil. Then set in a warm place and water slightly until growth appears. As soon as leaves spread apart, transplant to individual pots and place in an east or south window.

You may also buy young seedlings in 2 -inch containers. Pot these as you would tubers and they will produce blossoms in three months. This method is the easiest for the beginner.

After the first crop of blooms, cut the old growth off, leaving the last two leaves. New growth will appear and you will get another crop of blooms, not so many or large as the first, but still worthwhile. After the second crop of bloom, do not try for a third, but give the tuber a rest.

Gloxinias sometimes refuse to go dormant. They are unpredictable in that some rest a week, others three months. The bulk of the hybrids, however, require little, if any, rest. After the plant has ceased flowering, cut it back to the last two leaves and decrease the amount of water. If new shoots spring up in a week or two, the plant will not need rest and will perhaps favor you with more flowers.

Tubers can be stored in the pots in which they grow by placing them in a basement or other storage quarters where the temperature is about 50 to 55 degrees F. Sprinkle the soil with water once a week to help keep the tubers firm and plump. If some sprout, and you do not have time to plant them, it is better to remove the sprouts and, if possible, find a cooler storage place than to let them grow spindly in the dark.

The window gardener is likely to have gloxinias that are willowy if they do not have enough light. If so, give them more sunlight or boost them closer to the fluorescent lights, if you grow them that way. By placing them a few inches from the lights while they are growing, and then lowering them when they come into bloom, you can have well-shaped specimens.

A lack of diseases and pests has helped to make gloxinias popular. Tiny, black, thread-like thrips will take a devastating toll if not arrested. These leave a reddish, excrement on stems and the undersides of leaves. To eradicate use spray-type insecticide soaps made especially for house plants or neem oil.

Tuber bacteria is likely to set in and ruin dormant tubers if they arc left in a soggy, wet condition. Occasionally a gloxinia that seems to be in perfect condition, even in full bloom, will suddenly wilt, and close examination will show that black rot has enveloped the tuber and started up the stems of the plant, cutting off all food. A light, well-aerated soil, rich in organic matter, is likely to avoid this rot, but if troubled with it, cut off the leaves or top growth that is not infected. Root the salvaged portions and destroy rimed parts.

Keep Water off Buds

Spilling water on the buds and allowing it to remain inside the sepals over night is likely to rot buds. Lack of humidity is another problem. In this case set the pots on trays of moist sand and peatmoss.

Not enough water, or too much, will cause buds to dry up before opening. Placing a plant which is in full bloom in hot sunshine will cause the blossoms to wilt badly and shorten their endurance. The ideal growing temperature is from 62 to 85 degrees F., and a few degrees below or above are not harmful.

Equal parts of peatmoss, leafmold, garden loam and sand make a standard growing mixture. There are packaged mixtures prepared especially for gloxinias, handy when one has but a few tubers.

North Exposure

For a window box or in great apartment plants with a north or northeastern exposure nothing can compare with gloxinias. For bedding in shaded, protected spots, they are excellent, and if you live in a very warm climate, where it might be hard to keep them in good condition indoors, they will luxuriate outdoors from late spring until fall.

The true species of gloxinias are always charmingly delightful. Sinningia regina and S. macrophylla (Brazillian gloxinia) sport beautiful reddish leaves, veined with silver, and rosy red on the undersides. They have darkest purple, tiny slipper flowers.

With all the hybridizing going on all over the country and in Europe as well, we are wondering what we will find in the way of gloxinias in years to come. One thing is certain – we will not only have better kinds, but also many new ones. Furthermore, there will be thousands of new enthusiasts! And who knows, gloxinias might he the most popular window gardening and greenhouse plant of the day!

http://myservint.com/

For those of you who have been involved in affiliate internet marketing for at least a while, you have definitely heard the term “list building”. In fact, it is the foundation upon which many internet marketers have built their businesses. Imagine building a list of 5,000 people who are interested in the niche you service. They are so interested in what you have to say that they actually gave you their name and email address in case you had even more valuable information to share later. That is a big deal in the internet world because people who surf the web tend to be quite skeptical of those who offer something for nothing.

There are three big pieces of information that you must understand about list building before you start working on building your own list of subscribers:

1. What kind of value are you offering?

The one big question that every internet surfer faced with an opt-in page thinks is: “What’s in it for me?”. They do not want to put their information into the form only to be spammed a hundred times per week. You must offer them something of VALUE to get their information. It is kind of like currency. When you are in a store, you do not expect the sales person to just give you the item. You have to pay for it. It is the same with list building. You must pay the prospect by giving them some kind of valuable free information.

2. No spam, no spam, no spam…

Once you have the contact information, do not abuse it. This is where so many people make a big mistake. You are trying to build trust with your list, so do not abuse that privilege by sending them sales pitches over and over. Continue to offer value and you will create a loyal following.

3. Joint ventures

One of the most overlooked ways to make money with a list is by joint venturing with others. If you have a list of people who came from your golf club site, you could partner with someone who sells golf carts, for instance. You could each offer a great deal on something (or a free report) to each others lists. This gives you the ability to double your list.

These are some of the things that are very important when it comes to list building and realtionship building as well. Your subscribers will be grateful.

Rimhat Wense is an affiliate marketer and he manages three very large mailing lists in three different niches. He knows what it takes to make list building a success. See more of him at his bowtrol colon cleanser and zombie books sites.

Nothing contained in this article is intended to be used as medical advice or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice. If you have medical issues, consult your doctor or medical practitioner.

Lap Desk