Case Study Questions Flashcards
What kind of structure was the extension?
a standalone steel frame structure supporting cast in situ composite metal deck and concrete floor slabs with supported on profiled metal decking. The elevations are a combination of glazing, masonry and insulated cladding tied back to the steel frame
What was the size of the extension?
1240m2 across both floors. 660m2 on ground floor, and 580m2 on lower ground floor
How was the extension constructed?
Structural steel frame allows for larger column free spans which suited the double height requirement for the climbing wall. It was supported on the existing and new pad foundations. Steel is lightweight, durable and quick to install
What was the roof construction?
Warm flat roof construction which consists of structural roof decking, single ply waterproofing system on insulation and vapour check.
A warm system keeps the roof decking at more or less the same temperature as the inside of the building.
A vapour control layer is required underneath the insulation to prevent moisture vapour being transmitted from the building outwards where it could condensate in the roof construction.
Warm roofs are generally considered as very effective for energy use reduction and building performance. However the thermal insulation type and thickness is critical.
What were the MEP proposals for the project? i.e. what was the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) System and how did the extension comply with Part F of the building regulations?
- The Clip ‘n’ Climb area will be naturally ventilated utilising windcatchers.
- Extract ventilation will be provided to the new Café/Kitchen.
- M&E was designed to meet the requirements of Part F and L of the Building Regulations together with the Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide.
Was an asbestos survey required? When is an asbestos survey typically required?
Asbestos Refurbishment / demolition survey had to be undertaken as the building was built before 2000. This is to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This particular type of survey was required because the works comprised of altering the fabric, fixtures, fittings and major structural changes including demolition.
What are the Key changes between the 2011 and 2016 editions of the JCT Design and Build Contract?
Changes between the 2 contacts were not as far reaching as previous amendments.
2016 update deals with the introduction of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. A new Article 10 was provided by the solicitors to be handwritten in to the printed copy of the contract.
What did the schedule of amendments include?
- a new clause for coronavirus events
- contractor takes on risk of adverse physical conditions and artificial obstructions
- amendment to the payment date to 28 days after due date or 14 days after receipt of the invoice, whichever is later.
- contract provides a report to the client on the reason for delay if it comes apparent to the client that the works are in delay.
- Contractor takes the responsibility for coordinating works with statutory undertakers and local authorities,
- removal of Daywork clause 5.5
What is a Stakeholder and how would you identify and engage them?
Stakeholders are those individuals or groups whom directly or indirectly has an influence on and or is influenced by the proposed project.
- External stakeholders for the project were the local authority, council, gym users etc.
- Project Stakeholders were Client, design team, Contractor & subbies
I would identify them through stakeholder mapping on who to report to, advise, consult or inform throughout the project
Why would you put novation agreements in place?
- Novation agreements can help ensure the continuity of design from pre-contract to post contract.
‘- Reduces contractual risk to the employer while retaining an influence over project design. The contractor becomes responsible for all elements of design including sometimes, design errors.
What are the potential disadvantages of novation?
- Consultants are not obligated to be novate unless it is expressly written within the appointment and agreed prior to appointment
- Consultants may feel a mixed loyalty because of responsibility to oversee contractors works while providing design services to contractor.
What does notifiable mean? (CDM). What are the requirements.
If a project lasts more than 30 days and has over 20 people working at the same time, or over 500 man hours. It must be notified to the HSE.
What is the HSE?
The Health and Safety Executive - and independent watchdog for work related H&S and illness.
What are collateral warranties?
Side agreements creating a contractual link between parties where it wouldn’t otherwise exist. For example, collateral warranty between the Contractors sub-contractor with design responsibility. It extends duty of care to the third party.
What is the Role of an Employers Agent?
The EA is a names person within the contract. They act on behalf of the employer in all matters, except when undertaking the decision making and certification duties, in this case they must act impartially.
How does the EA role differ to a Project Managers Role?
The PM is usually appointed very early on in the project lifecycle, Prepare and maintain a Project execution plan,, managing the team, advise on pre-tender planning, finance, contractual and other issues, then prepare the tender documentation.
Whilst the EA can also undertake these duties and also undertake QS duties is appointed to do so. But the EA is acts on behalf of the Employer in all matters under the contract, i.e. issuing notice, instructions etc. The RICS guidance note suggests that they are appointed at tender stage. The EA for example does not set up PEP or chair principal project meetings. EA’s are the employers authority over the contractor during the contract.
The EA & PM role are defined by the appointment.
What is the difference between an EA and CA
An Employers agent acts on behalf of the Client in all matters for a D&B procured project. The Contract Administrator is solely responsible for administering the contract under a traditional procured project, and is an impartial role. It exists only at the point of entering a contract.
What is a relevant event and can you provide examples?
A relevant event is a situation that delays the project or materially affects the contractors progress, ether due to the Employer or a neutral event. For example:
- Failure to give possession of the site
- Instructed Variations
- Force Majeure
- Exceptional Adverse weather
What is the difference between a relevant event and relevant matter?
Both a relevant event and relevant matter refer to situations that delay the project r materially affect progress of works. However a relevant event entitles the contractor to additional time, and a relevant matter entitles the contractor to claim for cost or loss incurred.
What is acceleration under the building contract?
Acceleration is the process of speaking up works so an activity or the project as a whole is completed earlier than the contract completion date.
What is the difference between partial possession and sectional completion?
Sectional Completion is a date that has been written and agreed in the contract for completion of a section of works. Partial Possession is agreed post-contract that the employer can take possession of an area of works that is practically complete. Contractor consent for this must be given.
Explain how the tender was negotiated an your role in the negotiation
Contractor was approached from Stage 2 concept design stage. They then provided M&E services from Stage 3 onwards. The works were priced during the progress of the works therefore there wasn’t a separated tender stage. However on receipt of the final price from the contractor, negotiations then focused on dealing with items with the biggest variance e.g. balustrading and the mirrors to changing areas and gym. We went through a VE process as well in a bid to reduce costs where it was deemed the costs were fair and reasonable. It is difficult to prove with negotiated tender that value for money has been obtained.
My role was to aid the QS in identifying areas where the client was willing to VE areas such as back of house areas. Customer focused areas took precedence. Also potential client direct elements such as the mirrors
Risk with this approach was that it is never concrete proof that value for money has been obtained, the contractor could price higher than market value. This could potentially be overcome by introducing a target cost. The tender was open book in a bid to overcome lack of competitiveness.
