Common problems with utilities in winter

bg10.png Public works are projects constructed with funding from the government or private entities for public purposes, such as building schools, hospitals, transportation facilities, etc. Public works refer to the construction of utilities such as heating, gas, electricity, lighting, water supply, drainage, heating systems, ventilation, and air conditioning. I think the issues that tend to occur most frequently are around the New Year’s period. One of them is water – it freezes easily when it’s too cold. II. Procurement will be difficult for a long period around the New Year. III. Migrant workers return home early for the New Year; many of them only go back once a year, and the distances are great and their loads heavy. IV. In recent years, their hearts are already longing to be at home. I. Common Problems and Preventive Measures 1. Excessive temperature differences during steam curing, as well as high temperatures, can cause concrete to crack. Preventive measures: Strictly control the curing temperature of the beam as well as the rate of temperature increase and decrease. Arrange temperature measurement points appropriately so that the temperature of various parts of the beam can be measured. Assign dedicated personnel to conduct continuous observations and recordings – taking measurements every hour during the phases of temperature increase and decrease, and every 2 hours during the phase of constant temperature, while filling out relevant record sheets. Temperature curves should be drawn promptly. Whenever abnormalities in the temperature difference between the interior and exterior, or in the rate of temperature change, are detected, it is necessary to report this immediately, analyze the causes, and take appropriate actions to ensure that the temperature difference between the concrete core and the surface of the beam, as well as between the surface and the surrounding environment, does not exceed 15°C, thereby ensuring the quality of the beam. 2. During winter construction, high electricity consumption and numerous heating sources pose serious safety risks. Preventive measures: a. Establish a detailed safety protocol for winter construction, specifying the responsibilities of each position ； b. Assign a dedicated person to be responsible for managing heat and fire sources; one must not leave the heating equipment unattended while it is in use, and the fire must be extinguished once use is completed. The use of open flames for heating is prohibited inside warm sheds and work sheds, and sufficient fire extinguishing equipment must be available ； c. Strengthen the management of safe electricity use; the power supply system should be managed by professionals, and unauthorized personnel are prohibited from making any modifications to it. Regularly inspect and maintain the power supply lines and electrical equipment. Assess whether these lines and devices have sufficient capacity based on the high level of electricity consumption. Implement leakage prevention measures for electrical equipment to avoid electric shock accidents ； d. When using a coal-fired heating stove for heating, it is necessary to lead the stove’s exhaust pipe outside the shed to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and to avoid high levels of carbon dioxide from accelerating the carbonation of the concrete. 3. The temperatures at various construction sites are abnormal, and there is a lack of dedicated personnel to oversee things, which results in unguaranteed quality. Preventive measures: a. The project department is required to assign dedicated personnel to oversee each work site, and any issues identified during inspections must be addressed promptly ； b. Increase the frequency of on-site inspections and supervision, and promptly notify the relevant personnel in the project team to handle any issues identified ； c. In cases where problems occur repeatedly, it is necessary to take strict action against the responsible parties to ensure thorough on-site inspections. 4. Remove the insulation measures before the required curing time has passed during tensioning, grouting, and end sealing. Preventive measures: a. Strengthen inspections; address any issues detected promptly. Issue written instructions in cases of repeated occurrences, and take action against the responsible persons ； b. It is required that a dedicated person be assigned to conduct inspections of the project, and it is strictly prohibited to remove the insulation facilities before the prescribed maintenance period has elapsed. 5. The temperature during concrete pouring does not meet the requirements, and curing is not carried out in a timely manner after pouring. Preventive measures: a. Check the temperature of various materials before mixing concrete to ensure that the temperature of each material meets the required standards ； b. Assign a dedicated person in the project team to monitor the temperature and quality of the concrete during mixing, to ensure that the temperature of the concrete upon exit from the mixer meets the required standards ； c. During on-site supervision, the temperature of the concrete should be checked regularly; if the temperature is too low, it must not be used. II. Key points for controlling winter construction 1. First, it is necessary to check the readiness of various materials required for winter construction, to ensure that they are available in a timely manner during use. 2. Check the thermal calculations of the mixing plant, as well as the dosage of admixtures ； Measure the heating temperature of water (including admixture solutions) and aggregates, as well as their temperature at the time of addition to the mixer. 3. Regularly check the temperature of the concrete upon leaving the tank and before being poured into the formwork; at least four measurements should be taken per work shift. 4. Before concrete pouring, check the implementation of insulation measures and measure the temperature inside the shed; if it does not meet the requirements for winter construction, take appropriate actions promptly. 5. At winter construction sites, a “temperature measurement inspection record book” should be kept, and parallel temperature measurement inspections should be conducted on-site. 6. Regularly or irregularly inspect the construction unit’s “temperature measurement records”. 7. When the ambient temperature is not satisfactory, the construction unit must be required to stop steel bar processing. 8. Increase the frequency of inspections for welded joints.

Water hammer is likely to occur on the condensate line； The overall steam consumption is high, and the pressure may drop ； Replenishment of circulating water is reduced.

The water supply system is prone to pipe freezing and cracking, which can cause leaks in the buildings of a residential complex as well as water flooding or stains in rooms; it is therefore necessary to take measures to prevent pipes from freezing and to insulate them properly； In winter, bathhouses are crowded; the slippery floors there can lead to falls and injuries. Children and the elderly may suffer bruises when going up and down stairs. Poor air circulation makes it easier for people with high blood pressure or heart disease to fall ill. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent slips on the floors, such as installing anti-slip mats ； The staff should promptly remind the relevant guardians to take preventive measures. During winter heating, CO poisoning and fire accidents can occur easily. When using coal fires for heating, it is essential to ensure good air circulation, check that the exhaust pipes for smoke are in good condition, and report any fire immediately while taking emergency measures. In short, safety hazards related to winter increase every time; we must be extremely vigilant and actively eliminate these hazards to ensure production safety

Uh. I’m in the south, and so far there don’t seem to be any problems (with the utility systems in the chemical plant). However, based on past experience, the area where problems are more likely to arise is the biological wastewater treatment system, as the proper functioning of bacteria requires certain temperature conditions ；

Pay attention to freeze protection for water pipelines, and control the dew point temperature for gas products such as instrument air and nitrogen.