In construction, machines and equipment are very important.
They help make the work easier, faster,
and safer. Especially when the project involves reinforced concrete and steel roof framing, we need
strong and heavy equipment to do the job properly. These machines are not only expensive to buy or
rent, but they also need fuel, skilled operators, and regular maintenance. If the equipment is not
working well, the whole project can have delays, and there can even be accidents on site.
When building with reinforced concrete and steel roofing, there are many tasks that need machines. We
need to mix and pour concrete, lift heavy materials, weld steel, and work at high level. In the Philippine,
especially in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, most workers use both manula labor and basic equipment. While
we don't need big cranes or tower lifts, we still use several machines to make the work faster, safer and
more efficien.
Construction of reinforced concrete house involves activities like excavatio, bar cutting, concrete mixing,
pouring,and finishing.The steel roof framing also needs welding, cutting and lifting tools.Below are the
most commonly used equipment in this kind of house construction.
FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE WORKS:
Concrete Mixer ) – Used to mix concrete for columns, slabs, beams, and footings.
Backhoe with lifting hooks – Can be used to help lift and position precast concrete panels or heavy
formworks if needed.
Dumper – Haul in raw materials for concrete mixing like sand and gravel, especially in bulk.
FOR STEEL ROOF FRAMING WORKS:
Backhoe (with boom extension or bucket) – Can help lift light steel trusses to the roof level, especially if
scaffolding or cranes are not available.
Bulldozers – Prepare and clear a working area for scaffolds, ladders, or mobile working platforms during
steel roof installation.
These machines are useful, but they are also costly to rent or operate, especially with fuel, maintenance,
and labor. That's why proper use and care are very important.
Importance of Maintenance
Machines need to be in good condition to work well. If a machine breaks during work, it can stop the
whole project and cause delays. That’s why maintenance is very important. It helps:
Prevent accidents
Reduce repair cost
Keep machines working longer
Avoid delays in the project
Types of Maintenance
There are different types of maintenance that construction teams use. Each type has a purpose
depending on the condition and importance of the machine.
Preventive Maintenance – This is regular checking and servicing. We do this before a problem happens.
For example, changing oil, checking the engine, and cleaning the filters.
Breakdown Maintenance – This is when we only fix the machine after it breaks down. This is not good
because it causes long delays and high repair cost. It should be avoided if possible.
Condition-Based Maintenance – This is done when the machine shows signs of a problem. For example,
strange noise, shaking, or slow movement. Once the problem is seen, the maintenance team repairs it.
Signs That Equipment Has a Problem
It is important to know the early warning signs of equipment failure. If we fix the machine early, we can
save time and money. Here are some signs to watch for:
Unusual noise – If the machine sounds different, like grinding or knocking, it may mean parts are loose
or damaged.
Leaks – Oil or fluid leaks are a common sign that something is wrong with the system.
Overheating – If the machine becomes too hot, there may be a problem with the cooling system or low
fluid.
Slow performance – If the equipment is working slower than usual, it may have a mechanical issue.
.
Conclusion
In this study, we learned that construction projects using reinforced concrete and steel roof framing
need many kinds of machines. These machines help workers do the job faster, safer, and better. But
machines also need fuel, care, and maintenance. If we don’t maintain them, they can break down and
delay the project.As a construction student, I understand that equipment is not just a tool—it is part of
the team.
