Design and Specification Flashcards
Give me an example of how you have designed out a hazard on a project.
To a number of the blocks within Ladygrove, there were sunken entrance mats within the ground floor common entrance ways. These were potential trip hazards for users when trying to escape from the property.
I amended the specification to raise the mats throughout, to remove the trip hazard.
Are you aware of any RICS guidance on design and specification?
RICS Design & Specification 1st Edition.
This provides best practice guidance for high quality specifications for successful projects.
What are the key learnings from the RICS Design & Specification 1st Ed?
Roles and responsibilities need to be clearly defined.
Understand the clients requirements before starting the design.
Specifications should be clear, detailed and aligned with standards and legislation.
Identify and manage risks.
Include all relevant documents.
What are preambles?
The preamble within a specification is an explanation of the documents.
It is aimed to help with interpretation of the document.
What are preliminaries?
Preliminaries are the items which are necessary for the contractors to complete the works, but will not actually become part of the works.
They are the costs associated with running and managing a construction site before and during a project.
Which building regulation relates to acoustics?
Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of sound
At Maybank Road, what was included in the specification to acheive the required acoustic levels?
The walls and floors required a minimum performance of 43 db, which was achieved through a variety of different details such as resilient bars, acoustic hangers, acoustic insulation and acoustic plasterboard.
The separating floors had to achieve a maximum impact sound level of 64db. Again, this was achieved through floating floors and acoustic underlay.
How is sound insulation testing carried out?
It is conducted on a sample of seperating walls and floors between different flats.
What is flanking transmission and how is it avoided?
Flanking transmission is sound bypassing the seperating structure via the walls, floors or ceilings.
It can be avoided or minimised by the use of flanking bands and acoustic sealant at junctions between floors, walls and ceilings to prevent sound leaks.
How can you ensure compliance with acoustic regulation requirements?
Carry out an acoustic assessment for appropriate strategies.
Use high performance acoustic insulation and design strategies.
Conduct sound testing, unless using approved ‘robust details’.
What is the RIBA plan of work?
It describes the stages necessary to complete the briefing, design, construction and operation of a building.
0 - Strategic definition.
1 - Preparation and Brief
2 - Concept Design
3 - Spatial Coordination
4 - Technical Design
5 - Manufacturing and Construction
6 - Handover
7 - Use
Tell us about your understanding of specifications?
Specifications describe the materials and workmanship required for the project.
They need to be read alongside other information such as drawings, schedules or Bills of quantities.
Specifications vary depending on the project.
What specification software are you aware of?
I am aware of the NBS (National Building Specification), but it is not something that I have used yet in my work.
What do preambles include?
A description of the parties and their competence.
A background of the project.
Summaries of any negotiations.
The tendering procedure that has taken place.
What is a schedule of work?
A schedule of work provides an instructional list of the works required.
The schedule allows a contractor to identify any significant work and materials required.
References to requirements around quality are provided through supporting specifications.
