Design And Spec Flashcards
1
Q
What are preambles?
A
certain specification for how the job is to be done.
Explanation of document/process
an explanation of a document, commonly found in contracts, specficiations and bills of quantities. It can help with the interpretation of the document. A preamble might include a description of the parties to the contract, the background of the document, the objectives of the project etc.
2
Q
What is a performance Spec?
A
An open spec with brief requirements
3
Q
What is an output spec?
A
List of client requirements, can be a design and build
4
Q
What is novation?
A
Where the contractor takes an architect from the client and appoints them.
5
Q
What is a collateral Warranty?
A
Gives recourse for parties not involved in the main contract but may be affected. i.e a third party.
6
Q
What is a latent defect?
A
A fault that couldn’t have been discovered with a thorough survey at the time
7
Q
What is an Extension of Time?
A
Allowance in the contract for a contract completion date to be adjusted if there was a delay that was not the contractors fault.
8
Q
What is a Relevant Event?
A
An event that causes a delay to the completion date, which is either caused by the client or is a neutral event not caused by either party.
9
Q
Name some examples of a Relevant Event?
A
Variations
Exceptionally Adverse Weather
Civil Commotion or terrorism
Failure to provide information
Delay on the part of a nominated sub-contractor
Statutory undertakers work
Delay in giving contractor possession of the site
Force Majeure
Loss of specified peril, such as flood.
The supple of materials and goods by the client.
National Strikes
Changes in statutory requirements.
Delays in receiving permissions that the contractor has reasonable steps to avoid.
10
Q
What is a provisional sum?
A
An allowance for a specific element of works that is not yet defined in enough detail for tenderer s to accurately price.
11
Q
Which RIBA stages are pre-contract?
A
0-4
12
Q
When do post contract stages start?
A
After the contract has been signed not at PC.
13
Q
What are the RIBA stages of Work?
A
0 - Strategic Definition 1 - Preparation and Brief 2 - Concept Design 3 - Developed Design 4 - Technical Design 5 - Manufacturing and Construction 6 - Handover and Completion 7 - Use
14
Q
Tell me about H&S regs and how they impact on design?
A
refer to CDM & Surveying safely guidance
15
Q
What does intuitive mean?
A
User friendly
16
Q
What is a designers risk assessment and how do you do it?
A
used to manage risks during the build phrase
Identify risk and put things in place to manage/reduce
Measured by likelihood/impact
17
Q
Why are reputable manufacturers & contractors useful when designing
A
Early Involvement - guarantees and warranties
Buildability
Better understanding of risk management
Aware of conflics of interest
18
Q
Can you name any manufacturers/products you use?
A
IKO, Bauder, Sika etc
19
Q
When have you given advise on sustainability issues on a project?
A
SIP on Caistor BREEAM EPC Any others? Part L
20
Q
What is the definition of embodied energy?
A
How much energy is used to make a product
21
Q
What is a specification and how do you product one?
A
Pre-sambles, prelims and shcedule of works
PCIP
Drawings
It’s something the contractors work to to build something
22
Q
What does NBS Stand for?
A
National Building Specification
23
Q
What trade associations can help with design and spec?
A
TRADA NHBC LEAD SHEET ASSOCIATION Blue Book Mastic Asphalt Council Concrete Society Concrete Repair Association Concrete Block Association IEE (Electrical) FENSA BREEAM NIC/EIC Metal cladding and roofing association
24
Q
Whats the difference between a prescriptive and performance specification?
A
Performance spec is a set of standards where the contractor then recommends a product/does the prescriptive spec
Prescriptive spec is what we do. Detailed specification with products.
25
What is the current edition of the Design and Specification GN?
1st Edition
| 2013
26
What does the design and spec GN cover?
```
− Roles of the lead consultant
− Management
− Common Considerations (compliance, sustainability, safety)
− Design Process Management (documents, NBS, standardisation)
− Design Process (RIBA stages)
− Detailed Design
− Specification preparation
− Legislative compliance
− Construction stage
− Commissioning / occupation
```
27
What are the RIBA stages of Work?
```
0 - Strategic Definition
1 - Preparation and Briefing
2 - Concept Design
3 - Spatial Coordination
4 - Technical Design
5 - Manufacturing and Construction
6 - Handover
7 - Use
```
28
What changes to the RIBA stages of work were implemented in 2020?
Addition of sustainability project strategy
Improved guidance relating to the planning process, procurement and information requirements at each stage.
- addition of detailed stage descriptions.
29
What are Preliminaries?
◼ Provides a description of the project that allows a contractor to assess costs which,
whilst they do not form part of any package of works, are required by the method and
circumstances of the works
◼ Purpose is to describe the works as a whole and to specify general conditions and
requirements for their execution.
◼ They include the following;
− The site (description, access, parking)
− The works
− Contract conditions (rectification, payments, insurance, collateral warranties)
− Management of the works (working hours, etc)
− Security, health and safety
− Site setup and welfare
30
What are Specifications?
◼ Describes the material and workmanship required for the project
◼ They do not include cost, quantities or drawn information, so need to
be read alongside other information such as;
− Bill of Quantities
− Schedules
− Drawings
◼ Specifications vary dependant on the project;
− Performance Specifications: Gives suppliers more scope to innovate and
adapt cost effective solutions
− Prescriptive Specification: Full design, client certainty on end product
− Proprietary Specification: Single type of product
31
What is NBS?
◼ National Building Specification (NBS)
− Owned by RIBA
− Latest edition is NBS Chorus (Cloud based)
− Describes materials, standards and workmanship for construction projects
− Also contains preliminaries documents
− UK industry Standard
− It is used as it provides all the latest legislation and British standards
relevant to the works
32
What are Preambles?
```
◼ Explanation of a document to help with interpretation
◼ Do not form part of the cost
◼ Might include;
− Description of parties to the contract
− Description of competence
− Background
− Summary of negotiations
− Tendering Procedure
− Objectives
```
33
What is a schedule of work?
◼ Are without quantities instructional lists. Simply lists the work required
◼ Should allow the contractor to identify significant work and materials that will be
required
◼ Where a schedule includes a description of the work required, this is a 'specified'
schedule of work.
◼ Quality should be provided by reference to the specification
◼ Location and size should be provided on drawings
34
Name some statutory regulations influencing design?
− British Standards (BS )000() (Codes of Practice)
+ BS 8012: Protection of below ground structures against
water from the ground
+ BS 9999: Fire safety in the design, management and use of
buildings
− ISO (international Organization for Standardisation)
− Building Regulations
− British Board of Agrement (certification scheme to confirm
products comply with British standards)
− BRE (BRE Digest and BREEAM)
− CDM 2015
− Health & Safety
− Planning / Listed Buildings / Conservation
35
What is BIM?
Building Information Management
◼ Describes the process of creating and managing digital information about a
built asset
◼ BIM Levels;
− Level 0: Unmanaged CAD
− Level 1: Managed CAD in 2D or 3D
− Level 2: Managed 3D environment with data attached but created
in separate discipline models
− Level 3: Single online project model with construction
sequencing, cost and life cycle management information
36
What is a Design Risk Assessment?
◼ A tool used by designers to identify hazards / hazardous activities and
to eliminate hazardous / reduce potential risks
◼ Risks are to be designed out at the design stage and those that can't
be should be highlighted and mitigated where possible
```
◼ HSE publish a red / amber / green list to assist designers in
ascertaining what should be encouraged or eliminated
− Red (Eliminate)
+ Lack of preconstruction information
+ Large quantities of dust processes
+ No safe access for maintenance
− Amber (Eliminate / Reduce)
+ Manholes in circulation areas
+ Solvent based products particularly in confined spaces
− Green (encouraged)
+ Permanent means of access
+ Edge protection
+ Off site fabrication
```
37
Name some Modern Methods of Construction?
− Off-site fabrication / manufacturing
− Modular buildings
− Cross laminated timbers
− Timber frames
38
What are potential positives to using modern methods of construction?
◼ Working more efficiently while using less resources
| ◼ Potential to reduce H&S risks
39
What are the different stages of the design process?
Client Brief
outline design
final design
tender stage/procurement
40
Outline the key stages of the RIBA plan of work.
0: Strategic Definition. ...
1: Preparation and Briefing. ...
2: Concept Design. ...
3: Spatial Coordination. ...
4: Technical Design. ...
5: Manufacturing & Construction. ...
6: Handover and Close Out. ...
7: In Use.
41
Following a client instruction, how might you ensure that their brief if met?
Get the brief in writing and confirm with the client
42
What do you understand by the term, modern methods of construction?
Off-site construction techniques, such as pre-cast concrete and steel frames.
43
Give me some examples of modern methods of construction which you have experience/knowledge of.
I have basic knowledge of concrete frame and steel although i've not worked with either.
44
What is the purpose of the preambles in contract documentation?
An explanation of the documents
45
When are design risk assessments required?
At design stage
46
Why is CDM important in the design process?
designers can demonstrate that their designs can be built, used,
maintained and eventually demolished without negatively affecting the safety, health and wellbeing of those involved in the
construction process or those who may be impacted by the structure
47
What technical standards are you aware of and do you use?
NHBC
48
How might a building be made more energy efficient?
Insulation
Draught Proofing
Double glazed windows
Renewables
49
What information is included in the RICS Guidance Note on Design & Specification?
Principles behind the role of the lead consultant
Managing the design process (inc BIM)
Establishing the Project (getting the brief)
Outline Design and Spec
Preparing detailed design
Design Production
50
At what stage would a Building Regulation Application be made?
Once design & spec is signed off by the client
51
Explain the key difference between Prescriptive and Performance specifications.
Performance spec is a set of standards where the contractor then recommends a product/does the prescriptive spec
Prescriptive spec is what we do. Detailed specification with products.
52
Why might you recommend the use of a performance specification?
Where you don't have enough information prior to starting on site or in a design and build situation
53
How do you determine the length of contract period for a project - what factors are considered?
Previous projects
Curing Times for materials
Lead in times
54
How do you make your client aware of their duties under the CDM Regulations?
In writing
55
What are the benefits of using specification writing software such as NBS?
Kept updated
56
List the various different constituent parts that make up a specification.
```
Enabling Works
Removals
Sub structure
superstructure
joinery
completion
```
57
Using an internal remodelling of a school, explain some of the items you specified.
Vinyl
| Plaster with skim and mist coat
58
What type of specification did you prepare?
Prescriptive
59
Primary School, Caistor Explain what a Vic Hallam building is.
Also Known as 'Derwent System'.
| It's a pre-fab timber modular construction, designed for speed.
60
As principal designer why were you concerned with upgrading windows?
Lead designer not principal.
Principal is concerned with coordinating the H&S of the role.
61
Assuming you were responsible for the design and specification, what was the proposed specification for the new windows?
```
Powder coated aluminium
Casement Frame with opening restrictors
Kitemarked to BS EN 1279
Safety Glass
Double Glazed
```
62
Assuming you were responsible for the design and specification, what was the proposed specification for the new windows?
```
Powder coated aluminium
Casement Frame with opening restrictors
Kitemarked to BS EN 1279
Safety Glass
Double Glazed
Any blank panels
```
63
Explain what information was included on the floor plans.
```
Window numbers
Asbestos
Any Services
Access
Window locations
Associated works
```
64
Caistor
| What was the specification for the new external doors?
Powder coated aluminium doors with closers
Double glazed safety glass
Details of glazing location in accordance with part M
65
Caistor
| How were the new windows to be fixed to the existing structure?
Screwed.
66
Holbeach
| How did you incorporate the designs and specification from the Structural Engineer and M&E Consultant into your own?
Included reference within my specification document
67
Holbeach
| Why did you advise the client that a planning application was required?
To comply with planning requirements.
68
Holbeach
| Did you provide your client with any advice relating to sustainability matters? If so, what was that advice?
Addition of insulation to meet building regs
| double glazed windows
69
Holbeach
Explain the reasons behind some of the products you specified and what advice you gave to the client in relation to those.
Altro Vinyl for hall space as have experience of resiliance in schools
Catnic insulated lintel above doors - easy for contractors to fit and allows for insulation to cover cold spots
70
Holbeach
| What advice did you give within the feasibility you prepared?
Planning Advise
Programme
Risk Register
Health and safety
71
Name some of the items included in the Design and Spec guidance note?
```
Principles behind the role
Design Process Management
Establishing the Project
Outline Design and Specification
Preparing for detailed design
Design Production
Towards Building Occupation
```
72
Under the Design and Spec guidance note, what does it suggest designers consider with regards to sustainability?
Climate Change, pollution control, biodiversity, energy and waste management
Social inclusion and accessibility
Crime and Security
Heritage and Land Use
73
What are SIP panels?
The structural insulated panels are typically made by sandwiching a core of rigid EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam insulation between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB).
74
Why did you specify SIP Panels?
Low U value
Strong material
Cost effective
Low embodied energy
75
How were the SIP panels installed?
Sole plate, then SIP screwed in, then headplate attached to top of panel and new windows screwed in. Window sill, battened internally and externally. Fire Plasterboard (F30) internally then skim and decorated. Externally breathable membrane, battened and the pvc cladding.
76
Describe the floor construction of the extension at William Stukely?
Driven piles to around 5m, connected to a 450mm deep ground beam, telescopic vents then cavity wall built off the ground beam and a beam and block floor installed.
```
Floor construction is;
Beam and block suspended foor.
DPM lapped into DPC
insulation
vapour layer
screed
```
77
Whats the standard size of a brick?
215mm w x 102.5m d x 65m h
78
What size and density blocks did you use?
Designed by structural engineer but think they were medium density 140mm thick
215m h x 440m l x 140 w
79
Describe the construction of the roof at William Stukely?
Wall plate to top of the wall. Wall trusses at 600mm centres
insulation between joists
sarking felt
battens
roof tiles twice nailed with stainless steel nails
restraint straps at no more than 2m apart.
80
What was the fall on the box gutter at william stukeley?
1:40 but it was contractor design.
81
How do you protect against radon?
Radon barrier across the footprint of the building
If radon levels are high, then more extreme radon measures are required that involves the installation of a ventilated subfloor or sump.
82
Tell me about the main elements of the structure and how you advised your client upon
appropriate products for the specification?
Used industry standards for example kingspan insulation
83
What insulation did you specify in the wall construction on William Stukeley?
100mm rockwall insulation as its easy for the contractors to install
84
When was asbestos banned in the UK?
1999 *Crysotile*
| Crosidolite and Amosite banned in 1980s
85
What are the three types of asbestos?
Crosidolite
Amosite
Crysotile
86
26. What is the difference between collateral warranty and the Third Party Act?
Third Party Rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 is an alternative to Collateral Warranties because either can give construction security. However, Collateral Warranties are more popular because they are more familiar and become a contract like any other, whereas Third Party Rights remain a more recent creation of statute.
87
37. In what year was the Housing Grant, construction and Regeneration Act introduced?
1996
88
3. What is the difference between a kingpost and a queen post?
King post has one support post
| queen post has two support posts
