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.