1
Q
What are the Building Regulations?
A
- Statutory instruments that set out the minimum performance standards for the design and construction of buildings.
- Supported by the Approved Documents and other codes of practice.
- They exist to ensure the health and safety of people in and around all types of buildings
2
Q
What are the approved documents?
A
- They provide general guidance in order to comply with the functional requirements of the building regulations & provide practical examples.
- They only provide guidance & therefore there is no obligation to adopt specific solutions if it is possible
to meet requirements via a different means.
A. Structure.
B. Fire safety.(split into two Volume 1 and 2-Voume 2 is buildings other than dwelings)
C. Site preparation and damp proofing.
D. Toxic substances.
E. Sound proofing.
F. Ventilation.
G. Hygiene.
H. Drainage and waste disposal.
I. Not in use.
J. Heating appliances.
K. Protection from falling, collision and impact.
L. Conservation of fuel and power.
M. Disabled access and facilities.
N Glazing – safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning.
P Electrical safety.
Q Security
3
Q
When are consequential improvements triggered for non-domestic buildings under part L of the Building Regulations?
A
- When a building is over 1,000m2 and the works involve:
-An extension
-Installation of new fixed building services (other than renewable energy generators).
-Increasing the capacity of fixed building services (other than renewable energy generators) - If this is the case then 10% of the value of the works should be spent on improvements.
- The costs must be reasonable with a payback period within 15 years.
4
Q
What are British Standards?
A
- Publications issued by the British Standards Institution prefixed BS.
- They give recommended minimum standards for materials, components, design and construction practices.
5
Q
What are Building Regulations and Building Standards?
A
- Building Regulations are legislative and have to be adhered to.
- Building Standards are ‘optional’: could be used to enhance specific aspects of the building.
- Both provide a framework & guidance to achieve minimum standard of how buildings should be constructed & operated.
6
Q
Why must a project comply with the building regulations?
A
They are statutory and out the minimum performance standards for the design and construction of buildings.
7
Q
What do building control/approved inspector do in the design and construction stages?
A
- Ensures a project adheres to building regulations.
- If you appoint an approved inspector they need to serve an initial notice on the council
and that has to be validated 5 working days before the project commences.
8
Q
What is a plan certificate?
A
This certificate is issued by Building Control and confirms the plans and details provided have been reviewed and confirmed to comply with the Building Regulations.
9
Q
What is a final certificate?
A
Following completion of the works, a Final Certificate will be issued by the local authority if the actual works comply with Building Regulations.
10
Q
What are some of the main changes in the building safety act?
A
- Commencement of work has been defined as- Work to buildings is to be regarded as commenced when the foundations of the building structure of the ground floor level is completed. Or if this is not clear than it is 15%.
- Introduction of the BRPD
- Who must not be a third party as they have to be part of the design team
- Take responsible steps to make sure all designers comply with their duties under the building regulations
- If you stop being the principle designer, you must give the clients a document that explains the arrangements you put in place to fulfil your duties the must do this no later than 28 days after appointment as principle designer ends.
- Completion Declaration
- Now as part of the application process the principle contractor and principle designer need to be identified
- A Completion Declaration needs to be provided to the building control approver or the local this includes three statements one each by the client, the principal contractor and the principal designer. It must include
+ That the building work is complete and
+ To the best of their knowledge the work complies and
+ In the case of a principal contractor and the principal designer they have fulfilled their duties under the regulations.
11
Q
What is defined as a high risk building?
A
- BSA define as a building which contains:
- At least two residential units,
- A care home or
- A hospital
- That meets the height/ story conditions
- At least 18 meters in height or at least 7 stories
- This is measured from the lowest ground level to the highest finished floor level.
- Even works within one unit in a high risk building has to go through the gateway process
12
Q
What is substructure?
A
All elements of work that are undertaken below the damp proof course that provides the basis for the superstructure to be constructed upon.
13
Q
What is the purpose of a foundation?
A
- Foundations provide support for structures, transferring their load to the ground to avoid excessive settlement. The foundations should bear the loads of the superstructure.
14
Q
What are the typical considerations when selecting the type and size of foundations?
A
The total load of the building.
Nature and load bearing capacity of the ground.
Type of structure.
Cost.
Construction constraints (for example, their proximity to adjacent buildings or structures).
15
Q
What are the different types of foundation?
A
Strip foundations.
Pad foundations.
Raft foundations.
Piled foundations
16
Q
What is a raft foundation?
A
A raft foundation is essentially a continuous slab that extends over the entire footprint of the building.The raft spreads the load of the building over a larger area than other foundations, reducing the stress acting on the ground below.
17
Q
What are pad foundations?
A
- Pad foundations are typically used to support individual or multiple columns, spreading the load to the ground below.
- They are usually square or rectangular on plan and can be reinforced or non-reinforced.
18
Q
What are strip foundations?
A
As the name suggests, the formation is a strip of linear structure that ultimately serves to spread the weight across the total area of the ground and is typically used to support masonry.
19
Q
What are pile foundations?
A
- A pile is a column (usually concrete) that extends deep into the ground. be required.
- Where the bearing capacity of the soil is poor or imposed loads are very heavy, pile foundations may
- There are two main types of pile:
End bearing piles.
Friction piles. - There are two main construction methods:
Bored piles.
Driven piles.
20
Q
In what scenarios might a piled foundation be the best solution for the project?
A
- Where the structure is heavy and the underlying soil is weak.
- In areas where settlement issues are common.
- Where the sub-soil water table is high.
- Where the load distribution of the structure is not uniform.
- Presence of horizontal forces.
21
Q
What is the superstructure of a building?
A
The structural components of a building are constructed above ground level (usually everything above the damp-proof course).
The basic components of a building’s superstructure are columns, beams, slabs, walls, etc.
22
Q
What is the envelope of a building?
A
A building envelope is the boundary between the interior and exterior of a building.
The materials and components that form the external shell of a building such as brickwork, cladding. curtain walls, etc.
23
Q
What are the key considerations when designing external walls?
A
Weather protection.
Fire resistance.
Acoustic and thermal performance
Structural performance.
Appearance/aesthetics.
Expected lifespan.
Future maintenance.
24
Q
What is the difference between dead loads and live loads on a structure?
A
- Dead loads are static forces that are relatively constant for an extended time; usually the weight of materials plus non-structural elements such as partitions, immovable fixtures, kitchens, etc.
- Live loads refer to the dynamic forces from occupancy and intended use. These loads include the weight of people, furniture, appliances, moveable equipment, etc.
25
What is CAT A fit out?
- CAT A fit out typically provides a basic level of finish, this may include raised floors, suspended ceilings and partitions, along with basic mechanical and electrical services.
- CAT A space is often a bare-bones finish that is considered a blank canvas for interior and office designers. The next phase of the fit out is CAT B.
26
What is CAT B fit out?
- CAT B fit out provides a space that is ready to move into and operate in.
- CAT B fit out can include, but is not limited to:
- Partitions and doors.
- Floor finishes.
- Specialist lighting and facilities.
- Tea points and kitchen areas.
- Furniture.
27
What fire safety provisions might you find in a new building?
- Maximum occupancy numbers.
- Fire evacuation plan, designated escape routes (with signage) and fire exits.
- Fire extinguishers.
- Fire alarms.
- Sprinklers.
- Fire dampers located in ventilation ductwork.
- Fire barriers in floor, wall and ceiling cavities.
- Fire rated roller shutters.
- Smoke control systems.
28
What is a fire compartment within a building?
Compartmentation is a form of passive fire protection.
The idea is to subdivide a structure into fire compartments to limit the spread of fire and smoke
29
What are raised access floors?
A floor raised on pedestals above the concrete slab.
Allows services to be located within the plenum e.g. IT cables.Tiled system which allows access to required areas.
30
What is a suspended ceiling?
A ceiling suspended below the concrete slab – often using grids.
Allows services to be located about the ceiling e.g. ducts, VAV etc.
31
What’s the difference between an AHU and a FCU?
An AHU is a large unit typically installed remotely that supplies & conditions air to multiple spaces via ducting
An FCU is a small localised unit that conditions air in a single space.
32
What is a Natural Ventilation Systems:
- Principle:
* A ventilation system which does not require any form of M&E equipment.
* The temperature of the building changes in response to external temperatures / pressures.
* Consideration needs to be given to the location of the building – orientation, external environment (urban/clean air).
* External elements – louvres / brise soleil.
* Window typology – shape / operability / ceiling vents / glazing spec.
- Pros:
* Sustainable properties – no M&E equipment required & increased levels of natural light & minimises energy usage.
* Reduced operating costs compared to mechanical systems.
* Minimal concerns related to loss of ventilation due to power failure.
- Cons:
* No real control over the temperature & air distribution of the space.
* Poor control of temperature during cold weather – backup heating system may be required.
* Lack of effectiveness during summer conditions with minimal wind.
* No ability to condition the air that enters the building from outside.
33
Please explain your understanding of the term Dilapidations?
- Dilapidations refer to breaches of lease obligations either implied or expressed.
- Typically they relate to reinstatement, repair, redecoration and the subsequent costs associated with carrying out these works.
- A schedule of dilapidations is normally produced to identify any breaches of the lease.
- The legal remedy is typically a claim for damages if not rectified prior to lease expiry.
34
What were the three heating and cooling options on 12 Smithfield?
1. Air Source heat pumps -The system uses the heat it collects from the air to heat the interior during the colder months. It works in reverse to give cooling during the warmer months.
2. VRF heat recovery - uses refrigerant as a medium for heating and cooling. VRFs use a single system that may concurrently deliver heating and cooling to various zones in a building, in contrast to traditional HVAC systems that need separate systems for heating and cooling. The primary characteristic of VRF systems is their capacity to optimize energy consumption by modifying the refrigerant flow to different indoor units according to the demand in each zone.
3. District heating with chillers- are systems that provide heating and hot water to multiple properties from a single central source, rather than each property having its own heating system.
35
What where the pros and cons of each? (heating systems on 12 Smithfield's)
- VRF
Advantages
+ Heating and cooling would be generated through electrically driven solution.
+ High efficiency systems.
+ Rooftop units would be low profile.
+ The energy recovered from one zone can be utilised to heat a separate zone meaning VRF systems are
more efficient in comparison to other systems.
Disadvantages
- System contains significant amounts of refrigerant, which would negatively affect the whole life carbon of the system.
- Building would need a refrigerant leak detection system which will add costs to the project budget.
- As it is refrigerant based a separate solution would be required for domestic hot water creation e.g., electric point of use heaters.
ASHP
+ Advantage
Heating and cooling would be generated through electrically driven solution.
+ Best solution for energy and sustainability targets.
Disadvantages
- Units would likely breach the St Pauls heights.
District heating
Advantages
+ Space efficient solution, heat and coolth generating plant is located offsite.
+ Lowest maintenance solution.
+ Building will benefit from Citigen’s continued decarbonisation of network.
Disadvantages
- Currently reliant on a gas driven solution, which may affect sustainability targets.
- Will likely need to pay ahead of time to reserve capacity from the network.
36
What does approved document M cover?
Access to and use of buildings
-Volume 1 Dwellings
-Volume 2 building other than dwellings
Talks about details such as Colour contrast -Clause 4.28 recognises that, ‘Controls that contrast visually with their surroundings are more convenient for visually impaired people
37
What is BIM
BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. It’s a digital process used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry to create and manage information about a building or infrastructure project throughout its lifecycle.
38
What is a typical ground floor detail?
Ground bearing Concrete FLoor
- Hardcore fill compacted to create suitable level (approx 200mm thick)
- Damp proof membrane, often laid over sand binding. (turned up the sides of the external walls so that it overlaps the damp proof course)
- Rigid floor insulation (can be above or below the concrete slab)
-Concrete floor slab (cast in situ)
-Floor screed, followed by floor finishes
39
What are some types of floor?
-Suspended timber floor. Usually constucted using timber joists suspended from bearing walls which are then covered in boards. (ventilation may be provided to the void by plaving an air vent in the exterior wall.
-Supended concrete floors. Similar to timber but can span greater distaances and offers better sound insulation. This can use precast plancs or precast concrete beams with concrete blocks laid between them.
-Hollow pot floor. ribbed cast in situ floor with permenant form work in the form of hollow clay or concrete pots which creat a flat sofit. a concrete topping is then poured over the caly pots and beans.
40
What are some common construction methods?
**Traditional Brick and block**
-Popular in resi
-flexible in terms of design options
**Timber Frame**
-Wood skeleton
-popular for low rise residential
-light weight and sustainable
**Steel Frame**
-Widley used in commercial
-Excellent structural integrity meaning larger space between columns meaning more flexibility
**Concrete Frame**
-widely used in commercial
-Reinforced concrete that can be cast institute or precast off site
41
What are modern methods of construction?
-Refer to innovative techniques that enhance efficiency and sustainability in construction.
-Often use off site techniques
42
What are the types of building control body's? (BCB)
-Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
-Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs): Private organizations
-Building Safety Regulator (BSR): Oversees building control professionals .
43
What are the types of building control applications?
-Full plans
-Building notice
44
What are the HRB GAtweways
-**Gateway 1 (Planning):** At the planning application stage, designers must demonstrate that fire safety has been adequately considered and incorporated into the design. Fire statements are mandatory for relevant developments.
-**Gateway 2 (Pre-construction):** At the pre-construction phase, full design details must demonstrate compliance before construction begins. This must include a full safety review of the design, materials, and compliance documents by the Building Safety Regulator before construction can commence.
-**Gateway 3 (Completion):** Upon completion of construction, the Building Safety Regulator must be satisfied that the building complies with all safety standards and that it is fit for occupation
45
How has the Building safety act introduced stricter requirements for fire resistant materials?
Stricter fire testing standards have been introduced as a result of the act. Now use the european standard BS EN 13501
46
How were the ceiling mounted AHU's hung and Imperial House
-Originally they were ceiling mounted with Threaded rods running to the underside of the unit into unistrut for the unit to sit on.
-Decided that this was not necisairy and the rods could attatch straight to the unit with an L shaped bracket savind 50-100mm
47
What is Air handling Unit and its function?
-Condition, heat/cool and distribute air.
48
How to JCT contracts deal with construction tech. Materials and workmanship clause.
Prohibited/deleterious materials.- Ask Carlos more
-Materials and workmanship- All materials and goods for the Works shall, so far as procurable, be of the
kinds and standards described in the Employer’s Requirements or, if not there specifically described,
as described in the Contractor’s Proposals or other Contractor’s Design Documents. The
Contractor shall not substitute any materials or goods so described without the Employer’s
consent which, if given, shall not relieve the Contractor of his other obligations.
-Workmanship for the Works shall be of the standards described in the Employer’s
Requirements or, if not there specifically described, as described in the Contractor’s
Proposals or other Contractor’s Design Documents.
49
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