Construction Essays Road Works Equipment

Construction Essays Road Works Equipment Road Works Equipment Road Works Equipment/Compaction/Asphalting Executive Summary Roads are the lifeline of any economically vibrant nation. In this perspective, the road works equipment assumes a special significance as it not only impacts the overall quality of roads in a country, but also influences the economies associated with the construction and maintenance of roads. Road works equipment is a billion dollar industry that is growing and expanding at an exponential pace. The construction and maintenance of roads involves many technical and procedural nuances that demands special procedures and specialities. The purpose of this report is to analyse these micro and macro details associated with road works equipment and to delineate the role played by the modern road works equipment in the dynamics and economics of road works Get help with your essay from our expert essay writers The contemporary road works equipment has completely altered the way road works companies conceptualize and plan their work and the way they allocate their resources. Traditionally speaking, the road works industry has been a labour intensive and capital intensive venture, a factor that significantly added to the costs of the construction and maintenance of roads. In such a scenario, the allocation of scarce resources and manpower used to become a cumbersome task that added to the complexity of the road works operations. One objective of this study is to delineate the changes and contrasts in the earlier practices and the modern day practices. Not only this report mentions the major companies, manufacturers and suppliers of road works equipment but also takes a look into the hire, purchase and leasing arrangements feasible in this industry. Introduction The road works and highway maintenance has become a field of astute specialization in itself. Hence all the aspects of this business are undergoing through a process of refinement and specialization with the passage of time. The way road works operations were managed in the past are a complete contrast to the ways things are done today. With the advent of mechanization in all the aspects of construction industry in the last few decades, the road works equipment has assumed a special significance and importance of its own. The main task before this report is to compare and contrast the earlier practices in the road works operations with the contemporary trends and practices. Though the roads always played a special significance in the economic and cultural well being of a nation, their importance has increased manifold in the new liberalized and globalized economic scenario. With the advent of trading blocks like the European Union (EU) on the scene, the roads have become a vital instrument of change and harmonization. The unprecedented increase in the number of automobiles over the years has necessitated the need for improvisation and ingenuity in the road works industry. Till the last few decades, the road works procedures in Europe were primarily capital intensive and labour intensive. A major chunk of the budgetary allocations in the road works assignments were set aside for the labour costs and the purchase of road works equipment. This massive augmentation into the costs of factors of constructio n unleashed a revolution into the road works equipment industry. It is well said that necessity is the mother of invention. Till now the manual approach in the road works operations was not only compromising on the quality of roads, but also coasted immensely in terms of time and assets. Soon a need was felt that the salient aspects of the road work aught to be mechanized by using the innovative and specialized equipment. This vital need was catered to by the companies specializing in the road works equipment. The impact of this change was felt acutely in the major road works tasks like compaction and asphalting. The new equipment not only saved much time and money but also performed the above mentioned tasks with an enhanced efficacy and refinement. The specific objective of this report is to deliberate on the changes unfolded by the arrival of mechanized procedures and new equipment. This new approach towards road works definitely increased the efficiency and savings associated with all the procedures. Discussion Innovation and specialization are the hallmarks of the scientific and economic development. Roads are an important aspect of the economic and cultural development. This aspect of the national growth has certainly undergone rapid and multifarious changes in terms of technological and procedural inputs. The way road works operations were planned and carried on in the past are definitely a far cry to the modern state of the art road works techniques and equipment. Today the roads are expected to satisfy a number of criteria and expectations which were never heard of and expected in the days of the yore. It will be really interesting to delve on the compromises and contrasts between the earlier practices and the modern day practices. 3.1 Earlier and Modern Day Practices Roads always played a special significance in the British financial, cultural and social life. The British rulers always paid a special attention to the roads and well understood their relevance in maintaing and upholding the economic and cultural growth in this vibrant nation. However, the roads of the yore were predominantly un asphalted and narrow and though they successfully catered to the needs and the aspirations of the times, they were no match to the modern metalled roads that were designed to meet the realities of industrial revolution and economic growth. The invention of automobiles and the industrial revolution proved to be a turning point so far as the history of road works is concerned. The new automobiles and transportation vehicles demanded very different types of roads, the construction of which required special features and procedures. This need gave birth to the nascent road works industry that was later to evolve into an important and vital aspect of the British business and cultural life. The new roads needed to be compact and levelled, the achievement of which required procedures like asphalting and compaction. In the earlier times, these procedures were performed mostly manually and were predominantly labour intensive. The crews associated with compaction tasks had to hustle to get their jobs done and open the roads to traffic. These compaction procedures performed manually required large amounts of time and investments. This augmented the public pressure to minimize the time spent with lane closures and traffic disruptions. These compaction procedures were mostly performed using bulky road rollers that produced nearly 2400 vibrations per minute and influenced the quality of roads. Thus the outcome achieved also proved to be flawed and not as per the ideal quality requirements. However, the advent of modern equipment has drastically changed the things. Today there are available the highway compactors that yield a miniscule 4000 vibrations per minute (ZOOM Info, 2008 ). This enables the construction crews to control the impact per foot that definitely magnifies the smoothness and the density of roads. The new compactors also enable the construction companies to perform the jobs well before the expected time limits and have minimized the frequency and time of lane closures and resultant traffic disruptions. As was with compaction, so stands true for the awesome task of asphalting. The process of asphalting involves paving the roads with a mixture of gravel and asphalt. This primarily involved the twin procedures of mixing and paving of asphalt. The asphalt mixing equipment used in the past was primarily manual and thus did not allow the mixing of asphalt as per the desired proportions and density. The modern asphalt mixing machines are totally automatic and allow the road works crew to choose the density and viscosity of the asphalt mixture as per their requirements (APELLC, 2008). This has certainly revolutionized the concept of road works. So also stands true for the bothersome task of asphalt paving. The asphalt laying and paving today is no more done manually as was the practise in the past. Today there are available such machines that perform the task of asphalt paving and laying at one go and that too automatically. This not only helps in constructing smoother and flawless roads b ut also allow the road works crews to achieve pavements pf desired thickness and with. Though the road works industry is a vital constituent of the national growth, the fact is that like any other business it is a business and has to abide by the norms and aspirations expected of all the successful ventures. Like other industries, the road works industry also aspires to cut down on its time related commitments and investments, modernize and automate its operations and use its finances to the optimum level. The road works ventures of today are way apart from the practises of the past in the sense that the usage of modern road works equipment and accessories enables them to achieve efficiency and savings which was not possible with the predominantly manual road works procedures of the past. The advent of modern road works equipment especially in the segment of asphalting and compaction has totally revolutionized the contemporary road works industry. 3.2 Major Companies/Manufacturers/Suppliers Today their exist many companies in the world that specialize in the manufacturing and supply of increasingly sophisticated and automated road building equipment that is in tandem with the changing industry needs (SED, 2008). Especially considering the lack of skilled labour in this industry in the West, the services rendered by these companies are increasingly in demand. Some of the major road works equipment manufacturers and suppliers are; Caterpillar Tadano Haulotte Group Ingersoll-Rand Company JCB Inc. Multiquip Inc. Stone Construction Equipment Inc. Dynapac Prater-Sterling Sebright Products Inc. Reynolds Industrial L.P. 3.3 Methods of Procurement Road works industry is primarily a capital intensive industry that needs the optimal utilization of the assets at its disposal. Hence it prefers to procure its equipment using a spectrum of methods like procurement, hiring, outsourcing, purchasing, purchasing on instalments and leasing. Hence most of the major companies dealing in the road works equipment offer a range of options and facilities to their customers. This not only ensures the optimum utilization of scarce resources but also enforces customer loyalty, brand preference and accountability in the long run. 3.4 Drivers and Barriers The recent upsurge in the number of automobiles and the stringent pollution norms has necessitated the up gradation of the existing roads throughout the developed world. The economic boom in Asia and South America has also motivated most of the international road works companies to shift their operations to these lucrative climes. This has enhanced the demand for the road works equipment related to compaction and asphalting. However, the availability of cheap unskilled labour and a shortage of skilled labour in Asia and Europe are hampering the introduction of sophisticated road works equipment. The recent recessionary trends in the West and the upsurge in the oil prices are also proving to be a major barrier to the expansion and growth of road works equipment industry. 4.0 Conclusion The introduction of the sophisticated road works equipment and machinery has definitely altered the face of road works industry. Courtesy the better and accurate compaction and asphalting machines, the quality of roads has improved drastically along with the optimal achievement of requisite economies and parameters. Considering the latest statutory guidelines pertaining to pollution in the developed world and the economic boom in the Asia and South America, the market for the road works equipment is expected to expand further. However, the road works industry being strictly capital intensive, the companies involved will have to offer a wide spectrum of procurement options and facilities to its customers. References Asphalt Paving Equipment, APELLC, viewed 17 July 2008, Industrial Machinery, ZOOM Info, viewed 17 July 2008, SED The National Event for Construction, viewed 17 July 2008,

Kanye West :: essays research papers

Singer/Songwriter for this Era He may just seem like another rapper to you but if you actually listen to his lyrics you can see he’s not like any rapper out there. His name is Kanye West and he was born in Chicago Illinois. He grew up in the â€Å"ghetto† and learned to appreciate life. He didn’t learn to really, truly appreciate life until October of 2002. Driving back to his hotel late one night after a recording session, the new-coming rap/hip-hop artist was involved in a devastating, near fatal car accident. The crash left him with a broken jaw in three places and an appreciation for life. Just weeks after being released from the hospital he recorded his first major hit, â€Å"Through the Wire,† with his mouth still wired shut. He records every song like its going to be his last song and that makes every song better than the last. He’s not only a rap artist but also a producer. He has been responsible for being behind songs like Jay-Z’s Izzo, Girls, Girls, Girls, The T akeover, and 03 Bonnie and Clyde. â€Å"Through the Wire† was his first hit and it hit hard. With lyrics like: I must got a angel/ Cuz look like death missed his ass/ Unbreakable/ What you thought they call me Mr. Glass/ I look back on my life like the ghost of Christmas past/ Toys R Us where I used to spend that Christmas cash/ And I still won't grow up/ I'm a grown ass kid/ So I should be like other stupid s**t that I did/ But I'm a champion/ So I turned tragedy to triumph/ Make music that's fire/ Spit my soul through the wires. Read the lyrics and you’ll see why its so universal. If you listen to the â€Å"beats† and the rhythm you’ll really understand. One of his most controversial songs came later in his career, it was titled â€Å"Jesus Walks,† many people didn’t want this song to be played but radios did it any way and so did MTV. There is one verse of the song that makes you appreciate his work: To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers, even us crippers.../(Jesus walks with them!)/To the victims of welfare feel we living in hell here, hell yea.../(Jesus walks with them!)/Now hear ye hear ye wanna see thee more clearly/I know He hear me when my feet get weary/Cause we're the almost nearly Kanye West :: essays research papers Singer/Songwriter for this Era He may just seem like another rapper to you but if you actually listen to his lyrics you can see he’s not like any rapper out there. His name is Kanye West and he was born in Chicago Illinois. He grew up in the â€Å"ghetto† and learned to appreciate life. He didn’t learn to really, truly appreciate life until October of 2002. Driving back to his hotel late one night after a recording session, the new-coming rap/hip-hop artist was involved in a devastating, near fatal car accident. The crash left him with a broken jaw in three places and an appreciation for life. Just weeks after being released from the hospital he recorded his first major hit, â€Å"Through the Wire,† with his mouth still wired shut. He records every song like its going to be his last song and that makes every song better than the last. He’s not only a rap artist but also a producer. He has been responsible for being behind songs like Jay-Z’s Izzo, Girls, Girls, Girls, The T akeover, and 03 Bonnie and Clyde. â€Å"Through the Wire† was his first hit and it hit hard. With lyrics like: I must got a angel/ Cuz look like death missed his ass/ Unbreakable/ What you thought they call me Mr. Glass/ I look back on my life like the ghost of Christmas past/ Toys R Us where I used to spend that Christmas cash/ And I still won't grow up/ I'm a grown ass kid/ So I should be like other stupid s**t that I did/ But I'm a champion/ So I turned tragedy to triumph/ Make music that's fire/ Spit my soul through the wires. Read the lyrics and you’ll see why its so universal. If you listen to the â€Å"beats† and the rhythm you’ll really understand. One of his most controversial songs came later in his career, it was titled â€Å"Jesus Walks,† many people didn’t want this song to be played but radios did it any way and so did MTV. There is one verse of the song that makes you appreciate his work: To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers, even us crippers.../(Jesus walks with them!)/To the victims of welfare feel we living in hell here, hell yea.../(Jesus walks with them!)/Now hear ye hear ye wanna see thee more clearly/I know He hear me when my feet get weary/Cause we're the almost nearly

Jefferson vs. Hamilton: Confrontations That Shaped a Nation Essay

The book by Noble Cunningham seeks to showcase the contrasting ideas employed by Thomas Jefferson and Richard Hamilton in pursuit of forming and building the American nation. It offers analysis and insight surrounding their perceptions on how the country should be governed. The book copies excerpts from the two’s compositions and writings which can make readers appreciate and understand their points of view surrounding the issues of planning, implementation and issues surrounding the period of 1787-1804. On one hand, we see Alexander Hamilton who sought to promote a new approach in the economy wherein he advocates the urban mercantile interests. He advocated the role of a strong central government in the promotion of new economic policies that can improve commerce and industries (Cunningham, 2000). At the same time, he advocated that credit must be supplemented and be supported by adequate planning. Cunningham mentioned that this can be achieved by creating a Central Bank that is administrative of both fiscal and national industries (p.48). On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson who was an anti-federalist sought to advocate the rights of the state rights. Though both actors may adhere to the application of a central government in foreign affairs, Jefferson did not see it also applicable in other domestic and state affairs (Cunningham, 2000). Seeing this, the main argument between the two involves the creation of the Central Bank. Cunningham argued that for Jefferson, he viewed such scenario as a move to centralize the power of decision making from states to the central government (p. 65). In the end, the book offers a good presentation of the contending arguments and view of both actors which in the end paved the way for the creation and development of America during that period. It is through their efforts and contrasting views that their legacies shall forever be imparted in history as individuals who shaped and made changes possible for all. Work Cited Cunningham, Noble, E. Jefferson vs. Hamilton: Confrontations That Shaped a Nation. 2000 (US: Bedford/St. Martins) accessed 19 March 2009.

Scientific Progression in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein and...

Mary Shelley’s â€Å"Frankenstein† is an early 19th century cautionary tale examining the dark, self-destructive side of human reality and human soul. It is written in the Romantic era where society greatly valued scientific and technological advancement. Throughout the novel, Shelley expresses her concerns of extreme danger when man transgresses science and all ethical values are disregarded. The implications of debatable experimentation and thriving ambition could evoke on humanity are explored in the novel. Likewise, â€Å"Blade Runner†, a sci-fi film directed by Ridley Scott in 1982 is a futuristic representation of Los Angeles in 2019. The film reflects its key widespread fears of its time, particularly the augmentation of globalization,†¦show more content†¦Similarly, â€Å"Blade Runner† examines the danger of scientific advancement through the use of film noir elements. An establishing shot of Los Angeles highlights how scientific evolutio n has destroyed the environment resulting in an urban wasteland with a claustrophobic, polluted atmosphere personifying a physical representation of hell. Dissimilarly, the setting of â€Å"Frankenstein† embodies many romantic values such as â€Å"the changes of the seasons, tempest and calm†. Overt materialism and globalisation is shown through commercials of â€Å"Atari† and â€Å"Coca-cola† with the backdrop of non-diagetic music. Society values corporate greed derived from scientific discoveries ahead of the values of nature and emotion as â€Å"Frankenstein† embodies. Scott effectively uses mis-en-scene of film noir elements such as a misty room, silhouette figure and intense darkness in the interrogation of Leon to illustrate the superhuman power of replicants. Immense scientific advancement is contrasted through environmental degradation and genetically-engineered replicants that appear to be â€Å"more human than human†. A prevailing theme within â€Å"Frankenstein† is the recurring conflict of science and religion. Shelley utilizes dramatic irony when Victor plays God by creating â€Å"a new species that would bless him as its creator and source†. Victor doesn’t fulfill his role as God as he rejects his creation and doesn’t provide it a proper upbringing. Shelley utilizes a doppelganger,