Design and Specification Flashcards
What RICS documentation/guidance is available regarding this competency ?
RICS Guidance note - Design and Spec 2023
What is the critical path of a project?
The critical path is the primary route followed that any delays will have an effect. Such as an extension, any delays to the foundations will affect the building of walls, roof, ect.
What is the difference between planned completion and completion date?
Planned completion comes at the end of the contractors critical path and therefore moves if critical delay occurs. The completion date can only be changed in accordance with the contract (clause 11.2) and can only be changed if the contract allows)
Can you tell me about the different types of Approved Documents?
A - structure
B - Fire Safety - Updated june 2022 -limits on the combustibility of materials used in the external walls of building
C -Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
D - Toxic substances
E - Resistance to Sound
F - Ventilation
G - Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
H - Drainage and waste disposal
J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
K - Protection from falling, collision and impact
L - Conservation of fuel and power
M- Access to and use of buildings
O - Overheating
P - Electrical safety
Q - security in dwellings
R - Infrastructure for electronic communications
S - Infrastructure for charging electric vehicles
T- toilets (new)
7 - Materials and workmanship
What is a design and access statement
This is a document that accompanies a planning application submission. It details the process that has led to the development/ proposals and explains the design. They help planners understand the project and project design principles. Includes components such as design rationale, site analysis, accessibility considerations, public consultation details, impact assessment, alterative designs , sustainability measures, compliance with policy’s and visual representations.
what is a suitable scale for drawings
- 1:10
- 1:20
- 1:50
- 1:100
- 1:200
- 1:1250
- 1:2500
Can you describe the contents of the RICS Design and Specification Guidance Note ?
The 2013 Guidance Note, recommended good practice includes
* Principles behind the role – aimed at small and medium size construction projects
* Design process management
* Establishing the project
* Outline design and spec
* Detail design
* Design production
* Towards building occupation
* Similar to RIBA
What is pre- construction information
This is information that is in the clients possession or which is reasonably obtained relevant to the proposed works and is of appropriate detail and proportionate to the task including:
- The project
- Health and Safety Hazards
- Design Hazards
- Construction Hazards
- Asbestos
- Site Plan
- Any existing information from a health and safety file
Can you name an industry model for me that you build up the design and set out the clients requirements/
RIBA Plan of Works 2020
What is BIM (Building Information Modelling) used for?
BIM is a very broad term that describes the process of creating and managing a digital twin for an asset. There levels of BIM from level 0 to level 3. Fundamentally, BIM is used to ensure that appropriate information is created and suitable at the right time to make better decisions throughout the design, construction and operation of the building.
What drawing systems do you use?
AutoCAD and Revit
Have you read any design and specification guidance?
- RICS Guidance Note - Design and Specification 1st Edition
- BS 8300 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment
- Approved Doc M - Access to and use of buildings
BRE Digests
Can you give me some examples of different types of load on a building ?
Dead loads = the structures weight itself, which are likely to remain constant
Live loads/imposed loads = changeable and dynamic - occupants, furniture
Environmental loads = depending on location, rainfall, wind etc.
Where on a warm roof deck is a vapor barrier positioned?
on the warm/underside of the insulation
What RICS guidance relating to design and spec are you aware of ?
RICS Guidance Note - Design & Spec - 1st Edition 2013
What is the green guide to specification ?
The Green guide is part of the BRREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) an accredited environmental rating scheme for buildings. The Green Guide contains more than 1500 specifications used in various types of building. Since the previous edition, information on the relative environmental performance of some materials and components has altered reflecting both changes in manufacturing practices, the way materials are used in buildings, and our evolving environmental knowledge.
Talk me through preparation of a design Risk Assessments?
A good designers risk assessment should identify the hazards and evaluate the risks that may arise from the design. Dependent upon the hazard and level of risk, designers are encouraged firstly to eliminate risk by designing it out – and should this be impractical, identifying control measures to minimize the risk. Remaining risk must be highlighted and passed on, so that they can be taken into consideration by those who are planning, preparing and managing work. While doing this, designers must take into account the Pre-Construction Information and also the Principles of Prevention and Protection:
What are the general principles of prevention ?
Avoid risks.
Evaluate unavoidable risks.
Combat risks at source.
Adapt work to the individual, especially the design of places of work
Adapt the place of work to technical progress.
Replace dangerous articles, substances, or systems of work by non-dangerous or less dangerous articles, substances, or systems
Use collective protective measures over individual measures
Develop an adequate prevention policy
Give appropriate training and instruction to employees.
What is BS 8300?
A British standard that sets out how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to create an accessible and inclusive environment for disabled people.
How do you determine the length of contact period for a project - what factors are considered?
- lead in period
- statutory applications/consent
- materials
- complexity
-size of contractor - clients objectives
What are the benefits of using specification writing software such as NBS ?
- Collaboration
- Consistent standards
- Audit trial
- Up to date information
- Collaborative approach
What challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to Design & Specification?
Shortage of labour and materials, material delays, cost increased, labour and isolation issues
What are the pros and cons of pitched roofs?
Providing the roof is constructed correctly and the tiles laid correctly, the life of the tiles should last a minimum of 50-60 years providing it is maintained. Pitched roofs can be constructed from pre-fabricated trusses which reduce the time required for construction and do not require an as skilled precise workforce. The pitched roof would allow for storage space for the landlord or tenants.
The negatives were that it required scaffolding to be raised higher which increases the cost, the roof would be harder to maintain as it would require a cherry picker or mobile access tower to do safely, the load of the roof can cause roof spread if not adequately restrained.
What are the pros and cons of a flat roof?
They can be laid down relatively quickly and made weatherproof depending on the material finish chosen. They are easier to maintain and access. If done correctly, the roof finish can last well over 20 years and can come with a guarantee. They are relatively easy to install and safer to do so.
The negatives are that although maintenance is easier, it will require it more often particularly with clearing the rain water outlets to prevent blockages and water leakages. If there is a leak, it can be difficult to pinpoint. They are susceptible to heat damage.
What would you look at for disabled access?
- Who is using the building?
- What are their needs ?
- Is there enough width to get a wheelchair through, are there any steps that need to be avoided, how do we deal with fire safety?
- Will there be any changes to their needs in the future?
What do you do to prepare section details?
I will determine the section I am drawing which is usually determined by where the alterations are being carried out. I draw the building to a scale on AutoCAD and then draw in the relevant structures such as the roof and floor and take into account what the client wants to build and whether they want it under PD or planning. I will then hatch different sections and label them so that the client can understand the composition of their structure a bit more clearly rather than a series of lines that may not make sense to a lay person.
What is a provisional sum?
estimated amount set aside in a contract for certain costs that cannot be accurately determined a the time of agreement, such as unforeseen expenses or allowances for items with uncertain prices.
What is a defined provisional sum ?
Defined provisional sums are those where specific works have not been fully designed, however, there is enough information available for the contractor to make a proper allowance in their price and programme.
What is a undefined provisional sum ?
Undefined provisional sums is not accounted for in the contractor’s price and programme. This means the client is taking the risk for the works and the contractor may be entitled to an extension of time and additional payments.
What is approved doc M?
Provides guidance on how to meet part M of the regs in relation to Access to and Use of buildings.
What is BS8300 ?
British Standard explains how the build environment can be designed to anticipate and overcome restrictions preventing disabled people from making full use of the premises and surroundings. An accessible environment is one which a disabled person can enter and make use of independently or with help from a partner/assistant.
Gives recommendations for the design of new buildings. Applies to car parking provisions, setting down points, access routes, entrances, interiors. Applies to routes to facilities associated with and in immediate vicinity of buildings. Applies to existing buildings and may form the basis for improvements.
What is the equality act and what requirements does it place on employers?
Under the Equality Act 2010, an employer has a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees
What is the Aim of the equality act 2010?
Duty to make reasonable adjustments and aims to make sure everyone has the everyone has the same access to everything. The employer has to be positive and proactive to take steps to make a workspace more accessible.
How is disability defined ?
Physical or mental impairment that has an adverse and long term affect on the ability of a person to carry out normal day to day activities
What is a schedule of work?
A schedule of work is a description of the work, in a list format. A specified schedule of work includes (part of ) the specification. Often used on small alteration projects and is prepared by designers.
What is a bill of quantities?
Document that provides project specific measured quantities of items if work identified in specification and drawings . Advantage is that all contractors are pricing the same quantities which allows for a fair and accurate tender evaluation - this assists with any variations, interim payments and schedule of rates. Usally used on larger projects
Explain what is included in a specification ?
- Preliminaries
- Preamble
- Specification
- Materials
- Workmanship
- SOW
-Drawings - Photos
What is a Preamble?
A preamble is an explanation of a document, commonly found in contracts, specifications and bills of quantities. It can help with the interpretation of the document.
What might a preamble include?
- A description of the parties to the contract.
- A description of the competence (or lack of it) of the parties to the contract. This can be taken to set a general standard for the quality of goods or services expected, or the level of support required.
- The background to the document.
- A summary of the negotiations.
- Tendering procedures.
- The objectives of the project.
- Other related documents or previous contracts and their relationship to the current document.
- It should only include important information and should avoid including or repeating rights or obligations which should be set out in the main body of the document.
What are preambles?
A list of quality standards stipulated at the start of the specification that will detail how works should be carried out to achieve the required standard. It will stipulate things such as how to decorate walls and joinery etc. and what materials to use.
What is the purpose of the preambles in contract documentation?
An explanation of the document description of the partied, additional information that is relevant to the works, not for pricing
What are the Preliminaries?
Description of the project to allow cost assessment and to specify general conditions and requirements for execution. The Site (description, access, parking). The works, contract conditions such as rectification payments etc. arrangement of the works and working hours, security, health and safety, site set up, welfare provision.
What would you expect to find in a preliminaries section of a spec?
Prelims relate to the cost-significant non construction related items that the contractor needs to take into account in order to carry out the work. They describe the works generally and specify general conditions and requirements including access, health and safety
What are Preliminaries ?
Preliminaries relate to the cost-significant items required by the method and particular circumstances under which the work is to be carried out, and those costs concerned with the whole of the works rather than just Work Sections. These costs may either be ‘one-off’ fixed costs, such as the cost of bringing to site and erecting site accommodation (and subsequent removal) or time-related, such as the heating, lighting and maintenance cost for that accommodation.
Explain considerations when designing building works?
Building Regulations 2-1- - Approved documents
Part A - Structure
Part B - Fire Safety
Part C - Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
Part D - Toxic Substance
Part E - Resistance to the passage of sound
Part F - Ventilation
art G - Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
Part H - Drainage and Waste Disposal
Part J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Part K - Protection from falling, collision and impact
Part L - Conservation of fuel and power
Part M - Access to and use of buildings
Part N - Glazing Safety (Withdrawn)
Part P - Electrical Safety
Part Q - Security
Part R - Physical infrastructure for high speed electronic communications networks.
Regulation 7 - Materials and workmanship
What are the Building Regulations 2010?
was introduced in 1965. The ‘Building Regulations’ established standards that had to be achieved in the construction of buildings.
What is/are MMC? (Modern Methods of Construction)?
Off site construction menthids that increase control
What are modern methods of construction? Provide examples
Construction process using innovative new methods. Often involves pre-fabricated components. They aim to improve efficiency, quality, sustainability and predictability of timelines. Examples include flat packed units which are pre fabricated and delivered on site or assembled on site.
What is the RIBA Plan of Works ?
RIBS Plan of work 2013 organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing, maintaining, operating and using building projects into a number of key stages.
- 0=Strategic Definition
- 1 = Preparation and Brief
- 2 = Concept Design
- 3 = Developed Design
- 4 =Technical Design
- 5 = Construction
- 6 = Handover and close out
- 7 = in use
What is stage 0 of the RIBA plan of works?
Strategic Definition - The best means of achieving the clients requirements
At what stage of the RIBA Plan of Works could you get client approval to the concept?
Stage 2 Concept Design
At what stage would a Building Regulation Application be made?
Stage 4 Technical Design
