PART IV. BUILDING EQUIPMENT 



CHAPTER XV 



BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 

 PREPARATION OF THE SITE 



The first step in the construction of a building is the 

 preparation of the site for the foundation. Clearing and 

 drainage are accomplished in precisely the same manner as 

 on the remainder of the farm, but excavating and grading 

 require special work. 



Excavating and grading. In excavating, the unit of 

 measure is usually the cubic yard. If the surface is uneven, 

 it can be cross-sectioned and the elevation of the different 

 points taken by means of a level. In this manner an 

 average is found for each section. The size of the section 

 will vary according to the unevenness of the surface, such 

 as 10 feet, 50 feet, or 100 feet. If the slope is regular, the 

 levels may be taken at the corners only. Allowance must 

 be made for extra room to work around foundations, and 

 if the excavation is to be deep, some provision must be 

 made to keep the banks from caving. 



The cost of excavating depends upon the nature of the 

 soil, condition of the site — whether level, containing rub- 

 bish, trees, or rock — and the distance to haul. Earth 

 increases in bulk 10 to 50 per cent in loose state, but when 

 packed occupies less than the original space. These matters 

 should be considered in the letting of contracts for hauling 

 and filling. 



The operation of excavating consists of: (1) loosening; 

 (2) shoveling or loading; (3) hauling; (4) dumping and 

 grading. 



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