40+ Construction Tools List with Images for Building Construction

Construction tools list for building construction works such as concrete, brick masonry, leveling, wood works, floor works, slab works, brick laying, plastering etc. is provided. Every construction tool is necessary to achieve good results in the whole project.

Along with these tools, the workers should also use some safety tools to prevent them from the unexpected accidents.

Construction Tools List for Building Construction

Some important construction tools and their uses are listed below:

1. Bolster
2. Boning rod
3. Brick hammer
4. Bump cutter/screed
5. Chisel
6. Circular saw
7. Concrete mixer
8. Cordless drill
9. Crowbar
10. Digging bar
11. End frames
12. Float
13. Gloves
14. Hand saw
15. Helmet
16. Hoe
17. Iron pan
18. Jack plane
19. Ladder
20. Line and pins
21. Mason’s square
22. Measuring box
23. Measuring tape
24. Measuring wheel
25. Pick axe
26. Plumb bob
27. Plumb rule
28. Polishers
29. Putty knife
30. Rammer
31. Rubber Boots
32. Safety glasses
33. Safety helmet
34. Sand screen machine
35. Scratchers
36. Sledge hammer
37. Spade
38. Spirit level
39. Straight edge brushes
40. Tile cutter
41. Trowel
42. Vibrator
43. Wedge
44. Wheel barrow

Bolster

Bolster is like chisel but it is used to cut bricks. Its cutting edge is wider than the width of brick. It is useful for accurate cutting of bricks.

Boning Rods

Boning rods are made of wood and they are T shape. They are used to level the excavated trench throughout its length. Minimum three boning rods are used to level the trench surface.

Brick Hammer

Brick hammer is used to cut the bricks and also used to push the bricks if they come out of the course line.

Bump Cutter

Bump cutter is used to level the concrete surfaces like concrete floors, foundations etc. It is also called screed.

Chain Lewis and Pin Lewis

Chain lewis and pin lewis are two different tools which are used to lift heavy stones especially in the construction of stone masonry.

Chisel

Chisel is generally used in wood work and this must be useful to remove the concrete bumps or excess concrete in hardened surface.

Circular Saw

Circular saw used to cut the wood boards, frames etc. It is used when accurate cutting is required in less time. It is safer than hand saw.

Concrete Mixer

Concrete mixer is machine which mixes the ingredients water, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and cement to deliver the perfectly mixed concrete.

Crowbar

Crowbar is used for digging the ground and to remove the roots of trees in the ground, nails etc.

Digging Bar

Digging bar is solid metal rod with pin shape at the bottom. It is also used to dig the hard surfaces of ground.

Drill Machine

Drill machine is used to make holes in the walls, slabs, doors, window frames etc.

End Frames

Their use is similar to the line and pins. But instead of pins, L shaped frames are used at the end of thread which hold the brick work effectively and level the alignment accurately.

Float

Float is made of wood which is used to smoothen the plastered concrete surface. It contains handle on its top and smooth wooden surface on its bottom.

Gloves

Gloves are required to prevent the hands from direct contact with cement, paints etc. and to avoid injury while using machines, tools etc.

Hand Saw

Hand saw is used to cut the wood materials like doors, windows, slab panels etc.

Head Pan

Head pan is made of iron which is used to lift the excavated soil or cement or concrete to the working site etc. it is more commonly used in construction sites.

Hoe

Hoe is also used to excavate the soil but in this case the metal plate is provided with acute angle to the wooden handle.

Jack Plane

Jack plane is used in the wood work to smoothen the surface of doors and windows etc.

Ladder

Ladder is also required in construction works. To check slab work, to transport material to the higher floors, to paint the walls etc.

Line and Pins

Line and pins consists a thread whose ends are connected with two solid metal rods with pin points. It is used to level the alignment of brick course while brick laying.

Mason’s Square

Mason’s square is used to achieve perfect right angle at the corner of masonry wall. It is “L” shape. First course is laid properly using Mason’s square then based on the first, remaining layers of bricks are set out.

Measuring Box

Measuring box is used to measure the quantity of sand and aggregate used for making concrete. It is of fixed dimensions so, aggregate need not to be weighted for every time. The general dimensions of a measuring box are 300mm X 300mm X 400mm (length x width x depth).

The volume of measuring box is generally 1 Cubic Feet, which makes it easy to measure concrete ratio or mortar ratio.

Measuring Tape

Measuring tape is used to check the thickness, length, widths of masonry walls, foundation beds, excavated trenches etc.

Measuring Wheel

Measuring wheel is used to measure the distances or lengths. It contains a wheel of known diameter, which record the no.of complete revolutions from which the distance can be measured. It makes the work easier.

Pick Axe

Pick axe is used to excavate the soil. It is more suitable for hard soil which is quite difficult to dig with spade or hoe.

Plumb Bob

Plumb bob is used to check the verticality of structures. It contains a solid metal bob connected to the end of a thread. It is also used inn surveying to level the instrument position.

Plumb Rule

Plumb rule is used to check the vertical line of wall whether it is perfect vertical or not. It contains a straight wood board with uniform edges. On its center a groove is provided in which plumb bob is situated. When the rule is placed vertically with the wall the plumb bob should be in the groove line otherwise the wall will not be vertical.

Polisher

Polisher is used to smoothen the surface of tiles, wood works etc. The smoothening makes them shine and the process is called polishing.

Putty Knife

Putty knife is used level the putty finishing and also used to reduce the thickness of finish when it is more thick.

Earth Rammer

After the excavation of ground, the lower surface may be uneven. To level the surface earth rammer is used. It contains big square shaped block at its end with which the ground is leveled.

Rubber Boots

During construction works, legs may damage due to contact with chemical materials like cement or physical accidents. So, for safety rubber shoes are required.

Safety Glasses

To prevent the eyes from dust, chemical actions of materials etc. safety glasses should be maintained.

Safety Helmet

The safety helmet should be necessary in construction works. Any material or structure may fall from height during construction work. So, to protect the head from injury or any fatal accident, this safety helmet should be used.

Sand Screen Machine

The fine aggregate used in concrete should not contain impurities or coarse particles. The sand screen machine is used to screen the sand or fine aggregate before mixing it with concrete. This screen is also used for screening fine sand for plastering work.

Scratchers

Plastering of a surface is carried out layer wise. Minimum 2 coats are necessary for plastering. To provide the good bond between the coats, bottom layer is scratched with a tool called scratchers.

Sledge Hammer

Sledge hammer is used when the ground is hard and contains rock layers. A large weighted metal head is provided at the wooden handle with which hard layers can be cracked, which makes easy for digging.

Spade

Spade is used to dig the soil for foundation trenches etc. It contains metal plate at the end of long wooden handle.

Spirit Level

Spirit level is made of wood or hard plastic with bubble tube in the middle. The bubble tube is filled with alcohol partially. So, the air bubble is formed in it.

Spirit level is used in brick masonry to check the level of the surface. The spirit level is placed on surface and bubble is checked. The surface is leveled when the bubble in the tube settles at middle of tube.

Straight Edge Brushes

Straight edge brushes are used to provide finishing to the plastered surface especially at corners and edges of walls.

Tile Cutter

Tile cutter is used to cut the tiles. Sometimes, normal tile size is larger than required at the corners where floor meets the wall in that case tile cutter is useful.

Trowel

Trowel is used to lift and apply the cement mortar in small quantities. It is made of steel and wooden handle is provided for holding. The ends of trowel may be pointed or bull nosed.

Vibrator

Vibrator is used to compact the concrete by this the air gaps are filled with water and workability varies without adding water to it.

Wedge

Wedge is a small hard metal blade which is used to cut the rock surfaces with the help of sledge hammer.

Wheel Barrow

Wheel barrow is used to transport bulk weights of materials like cement, sand, concrete mix etc. it contains one or two wheels at its front and two handles at its back which are used to push the wheel barrow.

Techniques to Treat Contamination of Brownfield Land for Construction

The need to redevelop brownfield land for construction purpose led to develop several contamination treatment methods. These techniques of brownfield contamination treatment will be discussed in the following sections.

Techniques to Treat Contamination of Brownfield Land for Construction

1. Excavation and refilling method
2. Stabilization or solidification technique
3. Vertical containment barrier
4. Grouting method
5. Cover layers
6. Leaching and washing technique
7. Chemical treatment
8. Soil vapor extraction or air sparging
9. Groundwater treatment
10. Thermal processes
11. Bioremediation

1. Excavation and Refilling Method

This technique is broadly used to treat contamination of brownfield land. The method involves the removal of contaminated soil and dumps it into landfill. Then suitable materials will be placed and compacted in thin layer for filled material to have satisfactory strength and withstand imposed loads. An outstanding factor that may restrict the utilization of such technique is its high cost.

Fig.1: Excavation and refilling method

2. Stabilization or Solidification Technique

This technique is used to treat heavy metals and organic contaminants. Binding mixtures are inserted into the ground using pressure injection or soil mixing augurs.

This technique will prevent mobilization of contamination by solidifying into a matrix that resists leaching. Lastly, the effectiveness of this method is dependent on the physical properties.

Fig.2: Solidification and stabilization technique to treat contamination of brownfield land

3. Vertical Containment Barrier

Vertical containment barrier is constructed using sheet pile wall, grouting, slurry trench wall, or soil mixing. The barrier will contain the contaminant and prevent its movement. The limitation of vertical containment barrier is the achievement of high impermeability.

Fig.3: Containment of contamination in brownfield land

4. Grouting Method

It can be used to control wide ranges of contaminant types. Commonly, pumpable materials are injected into the ground to improve strength, stiffness, density, infill cavities, and decline permeability of the ground.

The only disadvantage of grouting technique is that the flow of the grout cannot be controlled.

5. Cover Layers

A layer or several layer of filled and geo-synthetic material will be used to cover contaminants. This will reduce the movement of contaminated elements.

The limitation of this technique is that surface clay might dry out and consequently permeability will increase.

Fig.4: Using covering layers to treat contamination in brownfield land

6. Leaching and Washing Technique

This method is suitable only for above ground level water. Contaminant is removed in solution by leaching and in suspension or by washing. It can be employed to remove broad ranges of contaminants which are carried or mobilized by liquids.

7. Chemical Treatment

In this method, chemical agents are injected into the ground through trenches for shallow depth and wells for greater depth to destroy contaminants such as pesticides, fuels, and solvents. The only limitation of chemical treatment is that it might affect fauna and flora.

8. Soil Vapor Extraction or Air Sparging

Initially, vaporous contaminants are eliminated and then contaminated liquid will be treated. In this technique, contaminants that can be carried by vapor can be disposed. Soil vapor extraction method is applicable for sandy soil and it is used for volatile or partially volatile contaminants.

Fig.5: Soil vapor extraction used to treat contamination in brownfield land

9. Groundwater Treatment

As it may be noticed from the name, this technique is used for treatment of contaminated groundwater which is extracted and treated above the ground.

The application of this method is based on the hydrological and geological conditions.

10. Thermal Processes

In this method, water and organic contaminants are volatilized under 150 degree heating. Added to that, higher degree heating may be used to vitrify contaminant materials. Thermal process will remove or immobilize contaminants. This method may need dewatering that might restrict its utilization.

11. Bioremediation

This method is used for organic contaminants only, cannot be used for inorganic contaminant. Certain types of fungi or bacteria, which are placed into ground, will destroy and transform organic contaminants by natural process of micro organisms.

Calculation of Reinforced Concrete Footings, Columns and Beams

Measurement of reinforced concrete works such as foundation, columns, beams, slabs pedestal are needed for calculation of actual cost of construction and payment to the contractor.

This article provides guidelines for the measurement including formulas for the calculation of quantities of various reinforced concrete works.

Measurement of Reinforced Concrete Works:

1. The Quantities can be rounded off to the nearest two decimals.
2. Concrete in Structural members, such as columns, Beams and slabs shall each be measured separately.
3. No Deductions shall be made for the following:

• Opening up to 0.1 m2
• Volume occupied by reinforcement.
• Volume occupied by pipes, conduits, sheathing, etc not exceeding 100cm2 each in cross-section.
• Moulds, drips moulding, chamfers, splays rounded or covered angles, beds, grooves and rebates up to 10 cm in girth.

Measurement of Concrete in Footings:

Volume of concrete = L x B x D for Rectangular and Square footing. For Trapezoidal Footing, Volume of Concrete is calculated in two parts. Bottom Rectangular portion is calculated separately and Trapezoidal volume is calculated separately.

Rectangular Volume = L x B x D

Trapezoidal Volume V= H/3 (A1 + A2 +  SQRT(A1 + A2) )

Where A1 and A2 is the area of top and bottom rectangles, H is depth of footing.

Total Volume = Rectangular Volume + Trapezoidal Volume

Where V= Volume; h= height;

Measurement of Concrete in Columns

Columns shall be measured from top of Column base to underside of first floor slab and subsequently from top of floor slab to underside of floor slab above. In case of Columns for flat slabs, flare of column shall be included with column for Measurement.

Measurement of Concrete in Beams

Beams shall be measured from face to face of columns and shall include haunches, if any, between columns and beams. The depth of beams shall be measured from bottom of slab to bottom of the beam except in case of inverted beam where it shall be measured from top of slab to top of beam.

Measurement of Concrete in Pedestals

Pedestals is measured from top of Footing to top/ Bottom of plinth beam depending on site conditions. If measured up to bottom of Plinth beam then Ground floor column can be measured from bottom of plinth beam to underside of slab.

The Height of Pedestal can be arrived from levels of footing and plinth beam. The Height shall be crosschecked with site also.

Methods of Concreting of Columns, Pedestals and Footings

Proper concreting of reinforced concrete columns, pedestals and footings is needed to ensure desired strength and durability of these structural members.

Improper method of concreting may lead to corrosion of steel reinforcement due to pores, cracks in concrete and concrete may not achieve its target strength on setting. This may also lead to failure of columns, pedestals or footings on during occupancy of the structure.

Checklist for Concreting RCC Columns, Pedestals and Footings

Things to keep in mind before starting concrete works at site are:

1. Formwork inspection for strength, leakage and surface finish.
2. Reinforcement inspection as per drawing, lap length, correct lapping guidelines as per code.
3. Inspection for concrete cover to reinforcement.
4. Inspection for alignment of structural member as per drawing.
5. Availability of sufficient construction material at site.
6. Availability of concrete vibrators.
7. Proper safety PPEs and safety measures
8. Proper ratio of concrete mix should be confirmed.
9. Availability of slump testing equipment.
10. Availability of cube casting equipment.

After the above inspection is done and found satisfactory, concreting work should start.

Method of Concreting of Columns, Pedestals and Footings

Concreting of RCC columns, pedestals and footings should start from the center of vertical bars and go towards the ends. After placement of sufficient quantity, concrete should be vibrated at regular intervals so that the concrete spreads evenly on all sides.

Over vibration of concrete should be avoided. Over vibration of concrete leads to segregation of coarse aggregates which settles at the bottom making the mix weak.

Proper keys should be provided in the center of column reinforcement and walls. if the concreting has to be stopped for the day, all upper surfaces of column and walls should be made rough by wire brush after initial setting of concrete for joints with later pour of concrete.

This is required to provide a proper grip between concrete of stem part with footing and walls and foundations. Cement and sand slurry of 1:1 mix should be applied on the footing and foundations before column stem and wall concreting is started, to avoid separation of stem/ wall where a cold joint may be formed.

After the concreting of footing is complete, immediately in a day or two starters for column and wall should be casted with proper alignment and again the upper surface of starter should be made rough.

This can be easily achieved simply by spreading and light pressing coarse aggregates particles when concrete is still green in such a way that part of coarse aggregate is outside and part goes inside.

This method of making top surface rough is to be adopted along with providing key at all places in columns, pedestals, vertical walls which are always concreted after concreting of footing and rafts concreting is over (approximately two or three days later).

These measures provide a proper grip between the surfaces. In addition to above dowels in between outer main bars of wall and column are inserted when concrete is wet to provide further grip between old and new concrete surfaces.

These dowels are 600 to 800 mm cut pieces of reinforcement bars, which are inserted in green/wet concrete such a way that half length is projecting and half length is inside concrete.