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)
What are the different types of Wiredscore?
- Neigbourhood
- Portfolio
- Development
- Occupier
How long is a Wiredscore certification valid for?
2 years
What is the difference between steel and concrete framing for a building?
Steel:
- Requires encasement for fire protection.
- Cheaper
- Long Lead Time
Concrete:
- Less tensile strengths (more columns).
- Naturally fire retardant.
How were the contractors asked to issue waterproofing proposals as part of the tender?
- Called for within Employer’s Requirements
Responded to in:
- Logistics Strategy.
- Contractors Proposals
Why was maintaining waterproofing through the building important?
- Retained mechanical and electrical services.
- Damaged to retained structure.
How did you assess that a temporary roof could not be constructed?
- Contractor engagement prior to tender.
- Good understanding that the building was very close to St Pauls Views corridor.
What elements of scope would alter your selection of a contract?
- Complexity (Structural reconfiguration).
Relevant to LD’s, How would a client demonstrate actual loss?
- Loss of rental value as a result of delay or non-performance against performance specification.
What needs to be in place prior to LD’s being deducted?
- Certificate of non-completion.
- Adequate provisions within the contract.
What is the mechanism of deducting monies if LD’s are to be pursued?
- Pay less certificate, ideally against a valuation claim.
What was factored in when considering the level of risk for the project?
- Value of works.
- Nature of building and location.
- Structural works or complexity of individual scope.
What is a performance bond?
A performance bond serves as a financial guarantee provided by a surety (usually a bank or an insurance company) on behalf of the contractor to the project developer to protect against failure.
What value is a performance bond typically?
10% of contract value.
How is a performance bond included within a JCT contract?
- Contract particulars, section 7.3.1 and 7.3.2.
- Wording agreed during agreement of schedule of amendments post tender.
Why are performance bonds usually required for fit-out works?
- To protect the client against the contractor failing to complete their contract obligations.
What contractual obligations could a performance bond relate to?
- Completion of contract works.
- Any further specific wording will be agreed between client and contractor.
Prior to entering into a contract, how is the risk of a contractor becoming insolvent assessed?
- Review of accounts.
- Dunn and Bradsheet.
What is insolvency?
- When an individual or company can no longer meet their financial obligations
What is a bondsman?
- a person who stands surety for a bond.
Why was the proposed bond wording included within your tender documentation?
- To seek agreement from the contractor prior to entering into contract.
- Competitive environment is more favourable for the client for wording.
What basebuild information do you typically require to progress Cat A design?
- DWG’s of the floors.
- Plant maintenance records.
- Structural configuration
- Fire Strategy
What were the risks associated with this lack of information?
- Assumptions included within employer’s requirements which could result in post contract change.
What intrusive surveys did you wish to undertake for this Cat A project?
- Localised ceiling tile removal.
- Validations
- Localised removal of column encasement.
Did your landlord have any rights under the lease to undertake these surveys?
- They were advised by their legal advisor that they had a right to undertake necessary maintenance.
- Damage dilapidations stance.
What post contract changes could have arisen due to the lack of this basebuild information?
- Fire rating not in accordance with fire strategy.
- Non-performance of M&E due to be retained.
- Ceiling re-design due to low beams
Why does a main contractor need to agree to a novation agreement?
- Consultant will be appointed to the contractor post tender.
What’s the alternative to an approved inspector building regs sign off?
- Local authority
What occurs in RIBA Stage 3
- All designs tested spacially
- Coordination between architect and services
- All info coordinated for planning
What occurs during RIBA stage 4?
- Produce details for design.
- Produce specifications
- Submission to building control.
What is an alterantive to the RIBA plan of work?
- The construction playbook
What is the construction playbook?
- Public projects
- Flow diagram for process of a project
- Takes you from project planning to entering into contract and delivery.
What ISO accreditations are you aware of?
- ISO - 9001 (Quality)
- ISO - 9000 (Environmental)
What are some of the activities undertaken during RIBA Stage 7?
- Post occupation evaluation
- End fo defects management and certification
What is the difference between 2 pipe and four pipe FCU’s
- 4 pipe can do heating and cooling at same time.
What is a VAV system?
- Similar to four pipe but with VAV boxes.
What are some typical concrete defects?
- Reinforcement risk
- Re-bar corrosion.
What aer the BCO requirements for terrace loadings?
4KN/m live load.
What is the build up of an inverted warm roof?
- Slab
- Waterproofing
- Insulation
- Ballast
What are the different types of flat roof?
- Warm, cold, Inverted
What is approved document K?
Protection from falling, collision and impact.
What was the occupancy limit of your QVS terrace and why?
- 60 persons
- 1 means of escape
What are some of the benefits of steel frame vs concrete?
- Higher tensile strength (less columns)
- Less foundation (Lighter)
- Less reactive to extreme weather
What are some of the benefits of concrete vs steel construction?
- Cheaper
- Naturally fire retardant
- Faster construction time
WHat was the alternative proposal for QVS as opposed to temporary waterproofing
- Install crash deck at height of new steels.
- Temp Steels
- Install new roof coverings
- Install new steels
- Concrete poor.
What inspections did you undertake prior to compoleting your roof works at 95 QVS?
- Visual Survey
- Destop review to validate O&M’s
- Localised intrusive surveys to validate O&M’s.
- Planning visuals to ensure below the St Pauls view lines.
- Assessment of existing waterproofing.
What was the terrace build up for 95 QVS?
- Slab
- Waterproofing
- Insulation
- Ballast
- Pedestal
- RAF
- Paving
What method was used for the waterproofing installation?
- Torch on method.
What were the risks associated with the Terrace construction logistics strategy at 95 QVS?
- Water pooling on the slab.
- Drainage stacks overflow
- Damage to retained M&E systems
What would happen if you weren’t complying with an approved document?
- Engineered Solution, may be compliant with British Standard.
- Designer put this to building control for approval.
What is a British Standard?
- Technical specifications or practices that can be used as guidance for the production of a product, carrying out a process or providing a service.
What are the different types of Piles that you are aware of?
- Bored Piles
- Driven Piles
- Composite piles
What is a Bored Pile?
- Hole drilled to the ground and filled with concrete.
What is a driven pile?
- Driving prefabricated piles into the ground.
What is a composite pile?
- When steel and concrete are compined to create a pile.
When do roof works trigger the requirement to comply with Part L?
- 50% of the roof is part of the works.
What are some quality standards to look out for on materials?
- CE
- UKCA
- Fire doors = Q Mark.
What legislation protects the St Pauls View corridor?
the City Corporation’s ‘St. Paul’s Heights’ code
How would you go about appointing your validations contractor?
- Short form appointment.
- Advised by clients legal advisor
What are the different types of party wall that may materialise at your work?
- Works to a wall that is on a shared boundary line between adjoining owners.
- Excavation and construction of foundations within 3 metres of a neghbouring owners structure.
- Excavation and construction of foundations within 6 metres of neighbouring owners building when on a 45 degree plan from bottom of neighbouring foundations.
What are some different types of pile transfer?
- End Transfer
- Friction Transfer
What sort of foundations construction was used at 95 QVS?
- Piled Raft foundations
What is a piled raft foundation?
- Reinforced concrete spanning across the area of construction or building.
- PIles then provide additional reinforcement
What are the pros and cons of a piled raft foundation?
- Expensive.
- Can take high loads imposed.
- Long time to install.
- Suitable for differing soil build ups.
What are some different type of foundations you are aware of?
- Strip.
- Pad
- Raft
