Topping out, or topping off, ceremonies are a time-honoured tradition that signify the successful completion of the structural phase of a project.
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What does the term topping out mean?
Definition of top out
: to reach the highest amount or level and stop increasing —often + at Interest rates are expected to top out at 15 percent.
Where did topping off come from?
Flying one as part of a topping-off ceremony became a political gesture in 1920s America, when construction workers were accused of being unpatriotic in opposing the open-shop American Plan and wanting to negotiate through unions.
What is topping in building construction?
It is nothing but placing a layer of concrete over the existing slab in order to give a finished floor surface on the old layer of concrete. Concrete topping slabs are usually applied on top of the structural floors in order to provide a finished floor surface.
Why do builders put trees on top of buildings?
A. The trees are known as topping trees. They celebrate completion of the skeleton of a building structure. If the building is a skyscraper, the evergreen is attached to the top beam as it is hoisted, a signal that the building has reached its final height.
When did topping out begin?
It is believed to date back to 700 A.D. when Scandinavians topped their newly completed structures with sheathes of grain for Odin’s horse, Slepnir. Odin, supposedly impressed with this consideration for his horse bestowed good luck on the future inhabitants.
Why do ironworkers put a tree?
two topping out ceremonies are the same, they usually have some combi- nation of a tree, a flag, the ritual signing of the final beam, and a party. others it’s a good luck charm for the future occupants“(1984:11). Other accounts attribute the tree as signifying simply that “we [ironworkers] did it” (Kodish, 1989:2).
How thick is a topping slab?
1 ½” thick
A topping slab will need to be at least 1 ½” thick in order to accommodate the tubing plus some reinforcing mesh over the top and then to have about ¾” of concrete over everything.
What is the purpose of a topping slab?
A topping slab is defined as the overlay which is designed in order to provide a dense, abrasion-resistant, and finished floor surface for multiple purpose use such as providing a wearing course to support traffic loads in parking facilities.
How do you put topping on a floor?
Commonly placed topping slab is in the range of 50-100 mm. Based on the thickness and the requirement of the topping slab, steel reinforcement is provided. The surface is first poured with the slurry made out of cement , sand and latex bonding agent. Before the slurry dries up, the concrete is placed.
Can trees be topped?
Tree topping is the drastic removal, or cutting back, of large branches in mature trees, leaving large, open wounds which subject the tree to disease and decay. Topping causes immediate injury to the tree and ultimately results in early failure or death of the tree.
How do you get topping out?
How to get branch from the topping-out? The branch is high up on the wall of the monastery. Climb the scaffolding to the top, and you won’t be able to miss it. In order to get it down, you’ll have to shoot it with an arrow.
Why do construction workers fly the flag?
“The sticker and flag will represent a show of support for construction workers wherever it is displayed,” said Gonzalez, adding that the flag also will be flown whenever a construction worker is injured or killed on the job.
What happens at a topping out ceremony?
The term ‘topping out’ refers to the installation of the final piece of structure, or the completion of the roof on a building, bridge or other large construction. It signifies that the structure has reached its maximum height (not that the project has reached completion).
What is Christmas treeing in construction?
The tradition of hoisting an evergreen tree to the top of a newly constructed building comes from an old Scandinavian custom of placing a tree atop a newly constructed building to indicate that it still has connection to the forest. This tradition came to America and developed into the “topping off” ceremony.
How do you put topping on a concrete floor?
Topping Slab Construction
- Prepare concrete slab surface if it is an existing surface.
- Fix forms.
- Place insulation in the case of unbonded topping such as plastic sheet.
- Apply adhesive agent to concrete surface in case of bonded topping.
- Install reinforcements.
- Pour concrete.
How thin can a topping slab be?
Please keep in mind that any screed or topping slab needs to be an absolute minimum of 70mm thick. The maximum recommended thickness is 100mm. These recommendations are in place to ensure both the strength of the concrete and its longevity.
Do topping slabs need control joints?
A bonded topping slab only requires joints where the substrate has them because the topping slab will move and respond to volume changes in the same manner as the substrate to which it is bonded. Further, joints will be ineffective in controlling cracking because the topping slab is bonded to the substrate.
How long does concrete overlay last?
Concrete overlays typically last 10-15 years but can last up to 25+ years if well-applied and maintained. The overlay material quality, the amount of prep work done to the concrete, and the amount of regular maintenance can impact the lifespan of a concrete overlay.
What goes on top of concrete slab?
Vinyl sheet: This vinyl type comes in a single sheet that is installed over the concrete floor slab. A vinyl sheet may be forgiving if your concrete slab isn’t perfectly even. Because it doesn’t include any gaps, this type of vinyl flooring offers the most moisture resistance.
Can you concrete over old concrete?
You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.