Construction Technology and Environmental Services Flashcards
What does RIBA stand for?
Royal Institute of British Architects
Could you please confirm the stages within the RIBA plan of work?
0) Strategic Definition
1) Preparation and Brief
2) Concept Design
3) Spatial Coordination
4) Technical Design
5) Manufacture and Construction
6) Handover
7) Use
What is the benefit of managing projects in line with the RIBA plan of work?
It is an industry recognised standard that is recognised by all parties. Provides clear deliverables at the close of each stage.
Could you please provide an example of how RIBA plan of work has been utilised effectively in one of your projects?
It has been used to inform my Master programme at the project outset. I will then use this programme to receive fee proposals from the consultancy team prior to formal project commencement.
How does the RIBA plan of work help with providing clear guidance?
In provides a defined outcome at the end of each stage which can be referenced by the design team.
What’s the final stage of the RIBA plan of work?
Use.
What is an approved document and please provide an example of one?
Approved documents set out what, in ordinary circumstances, may be accepted as reasonable provision for compliance with the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations to which they refer.
Approved Document B - Fire Safety
What is the connection between approved documents and building regulations?
Approved documents set out what may be acceptable as a reasonable approach to comply with building regulations.
What are the consequences of not adhering to building regulations?
This is a criminal offence and could lead to a fine or an arrest.
Can you please provide an example of typical mechanical and electrical systems found in the buildings that you deal with?
Chillers, VRF, Air Handling Units, Air source heat pumps, Fire Alarm, Lighting Control.
What works to these systems are typically undertaken in projects you are involved with?
I would typically allow to validate the M&E services as part of my design stage which would inform the scope of the M&E work to a degree. Typically, we would replace the on-floor services such as FCU’s, lighting.
Can M&E systems provide other functions than heating, cooling and lighting?
Fire Protection, Noise transmittal (speakers), lifts.
What is the importance of O&M’s?
They provide stakeholders of the project with an accurate record of the works undertaken, products used and any guidance around the future necessary maintenance of the space.
Which stakeholders would typically receive the building O&M’s?
Incoming tenant, client, building manager.
What is the key documentation within building O&M’s?
As built drawings, product maintenance information.
Why would you involve the project team in reviewing O&M’s? Which members of the project team would you involve?
I would involve all key members of the project team.
The project team can review the information included within the O&M’s and ensure this is accurate and aligned with the what is built on site and what was specified within their design.
Why is important that the O&M’s are reflective of the works completed?
Accuracy is important as the O&M’s will likely be used to inform future works / maintenance within the building. Inaccuracy could cause additional cost / health and safety risks.
What is the full name of RIBA stage 4 stage?
Technical Design
How did you know as PM that the structural steels were able to be removed / altered?
I consulted with my structural engineer who had undertaken necessary calculations to ensure that the steels were able to be removed. This was informed by some light opening up works also to verify the record information was correct.
Why did you need to remove the secondary steels at 95 QVS?
This removal was to allow the existing roof to be lowered to accommodate the new roof terrace being installed.
Was there opportunity for re-use of these steels through the building?
This opportunity was assessed however there was no other area within the building where these steels could have been re-used. The main contractor did recycle the steels once removed.
What is a secondary steel?
Secondary components or functional components of steel structure except main stress components such as beams and columns.
Did this new roof terrace require planning approval and why?
The roof terrace did require planning approval as its formation required major works to the external envelope of the building. The terrace was also in very close proximity to the St Paul’s view lines. This was as advised by my planning consultant.
Why was it important the terrace sat below the St Paul’s view lines?
If not we would have been in breach of our planning approval condition received.
How many contractors did you tender to and how did you ensure they were adequate to complete a complex job of this nature?
I tendered to four main contractors.
I ensured they were adequate to undertake the works by assessing case studies from similar projects they had undertaken. My QS reviewed their accounts to ensure they were of adequate size. I had also worked with all four previously on projects of a similar nature.
How did you ask the contractors to provide these proposals within the tender?
Within the tender documentation.
Why did the building need to be waterproofed if a whole building refurbishment was being undertaken?
Water ingress could have caused significant damage to the floor slabs, steels or electrical services still within the building. Further H&S considerations for the contractor also.
How was this bunding applied?
The small retaining wall was constructed across necessary areas of the floor to prevent water ingress across the building.
What is bunding?
A small retaining wall that is constructed to retain water within a designated area.
Did this not present the risk of damage to the office space below i.e. corrosion of mullions and damp on the slab?
Adequate bunding and a waterproofing treatment to the slab were applied to ensure that no damage was created by the water.
How did the water drain? Was their a slop to the existing drainage stacks?
Some additional wholes in the slab were created to assist the flow to the drainage stacks. There was adequate drainage points to prevent water sitting on the slab.
How did you ensure the existing stacks were sized adequately to allow all rainwater to flow away?
This was assessed by my services engineer to ensure that the stacks were adequately sized.
How did you appoint the main contractor for 95 QVS?
Under an amended JCT 2016 Design and Build Contract.
Which members of the project team were involved in this review of the proposed temporary waterproofing solution?
Architect, services engineer, structural engineer, planning consultant.
How did visiting sites where installed ensure its suitability? Was this the only checks you undertook prior to approving this approach?
It allowed us to view the waterproofing installed on other sites and functioning accordingly. We also spoke with those on site to understand what the product was like to work with and the protection it provided.
We also held a meeting with the sub-contractor allowing them to present the document to our team from a technical perspective.
What was the roof system that was stripped out at 95 QVS?
- Kalzip roof
- Proprietary system
- Corrugated metal
How did you ensure adequate warranties were received in the 95 QVS project relevant to the roof?
- Provisional sum in contract
- Kalzip attended site to survey
- Provided scope of works required to provide warranty
- Reviewed by QS
- Instructed.
When was the latest update to the building regulations?
- 15 June 2022
When was the latest update to the BCO guide?
- 16 February 2023
What was included within the latest BCO update?
- Reduction in occupational density from 1:8 to 1:10.
- Flexibility in structural design
- 5 star NABERS UK target
What is a wiredscore?
- An accreditation that certifies a buildings telecommunication capacity.
What are some of the credits under Wiredscore?
- Quality of wired infrastructure (Riser topology)
- Wireless network infrastructure (reception wifi)
- Resiliency (Comms diverse feeds)
