Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

User:BSRIA

2025-03-18T07:38:20Z

BSRIA:

Cold smoke

2021-04-16T08:21:11Z

BSRIA: Created page with "[https://www.bsria.com/uk/product/rbza4r/firestopping_of_service_penetrations_best_practice_in_design_and_installation_a15d25e1/ Firestopping of service penetrations, Best practi..."

[https://www.bsria.com/uk/product/rbza4r/firestopping_of_service_penetrations_best_practice_in_design_and_installation_a15d25e1/ Firestopping of service penetrations, Best practice in design and installation], was published in 2020. It is a collaboration between ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection), FIS (Finishes and Interiors Sector), GPDA (Gypsum Products Development Association), BESA (Building Engineering Services Association) and BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association).

It defines cold smoke as: ‘Smoke at ambient temperature.’

--[[User:BSRIA|BSRIA]]

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Carbon monoxide.
* Characterising smoke from modern materials and evaluating smoke detectors.
* Developing test methods to assess video flame and video smoke detectors.
* Domestic smoke alarms DG525.
* Fire and smoke damper.
* Fire.
* Grenfell Tower fire.
* Heat alarm.
* Ionisation smoke alarm.
* Multi-sensor alarm.
* Optical smoke alarm.
* Smoke.
* Smoke barrier.
* Smoke control door.
* Smoke control.
* Smoke detection in high ceiling spaces.
* Smoke detector.

[[Category:Definitions]]

BSRIA definitions A - I

2021-04-16T08:19:30Z

BSRIA:

The list below are definitions created by BSRIA that have been published on Designing Buildings Wiki:

See also a [[BSRIA_articles_on_Designing_Buildings_Wiki|list of articles by BSRIA on Designing Buildings Wiki]].

# Cable carrier. April 2021.
# Busbar. April 2021.
# Blank penetration seal. April 2021.
# Annular space. April 2021.
# Ablative batt. April 2021.
# Differential pressure control valve. April 2021.
# Pressure independent control valves. April 2021.
# Flow characteristic. April 2021.

--[[User:BSRIA|BSRIA]]

[[Category:DCN_Collection]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]]

2015-12-10T09:47:43Z

BSRIA:

BSRIA / ECA Conference in Dublin 11th June 2015.

Bill Wright, Head of Energy Solutions, ECA, briefly summarised the previous papers and highlighted a few areas for further discussion / questioning.

-----
A few topics that came to the fore in the presentations were:

Sustainability - what actually is the meaning of this? Is a business sustainable if it is highly energy efficient, uses recycled materials and has a very low carbon footprint, or is a sustainable business about being in business tomorrow? It is best to be a combination of both but what is the best mix? Ethics can also come into this. A difficult question which can be discussed at length!

Another area for discussion is who pays for the infrastructure put in place for smart cities? It was not so long ago that you paid for internet access in hotels and public areas, now it is generally regarded as being free, but is it? The costs are being absorbed into everyday prices as we begin to take internet access for granted. Ultimately we all pay. The installation of smart meters and their operation will be paid for by higher energy bills, but it is hoped that the cost will be offset by lower energy usage. Time will tell.

Smart meters were discussed and compared between the UK and Ireland. The Irish ‘thin’ meter seems more compatible with major software changes as all the ‘intelligence’ is in a central processor unit, away from the meter. The UK version has its own processor. There is a danger it will be obsolete before the units are installed.

Smart meters will bring remote monitoring down in price and improve availability of data as well as the reality of being able to monitor peoples’ actions in buildings. Another ethical question – how far do we go in this? Actions such as putting the kettle on or heating can be monitored bringing in the possibility of monitoring care homes – but this could lose the human contact.

There was considerable emphasis on smart grids and how the nature of power generation is changing as renewable energy sources at the periphery of the grid network are providing an increasing proportion of the power required. Networks were designed for central power plants distributing electricity to the periphery, not the other way round. Considerable effort has to be put in to keep the system stable as the proportion of renewable or local energy sources proliferate. New standards are being developed as part of the international wiring regulations on how to integrate all these systems together. These may appear in the next edition of the UK IET Wiring Regulations, BS7671.

There was mention of the European super grid where power can be transmitted east to west or north to south to enable power to be generated in the most advantageous places and moved to meet peak demands in different countries at different times.

All of this will be controlled by, or use the internet for communication. How secure is this? Many examples are available of systems being hacked into and taken over. How can this be stopped when we become ever more reliant on secure communications? Systems must be designed in such a way so as to be impregnable.

The redevelopment of the Dublin Institute of Technology was highlighted as a good example of sustainable development where many systems, designs and constructions could be integrated on a new site to give an excellent performing series of buildings. Good initial design and programming the construction is the key to the success of this.

All of this brings the building controls industry into greater importance and the profession must grasp this and ensure that systems are designed and installed to the highest standards. This gives many opportunities to get involved, especially on the installation side where it is seen to be strictly for specialists at present. New areas of building design such as power over data and low-voltage direct current (LVDC) systems should be grasped and brought into use to improve energy use and overall sustainability. The recent announcement by Tesla of the home battery system to enable photovoltaic (PV) systems to store energy to be used overnight is an exciting development.

Bill Wright

Electrical Contractors’ Association

--[[User:BSRIA|BSRIA]]

[[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:DCN_Research,_Development_and_Innovation]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:DCN_News]]

Seasonal and continuous commissioning of buildings

2015-12-10T09:47:20Z

BSRIA:

So the building is complete. The occupants are settled in and all systems are running. This is usually the time when the project team has disbanded, left site and moved onto the next job, but it is also the time when the building most needs attention. The commissioning activities after occupation can be split into three main categories:

* Fine-tuning.
* Seasonal commissioning.
* Continuous commissioning.

Fine-tuning may still be needed even if the building's systems are meeting the requirements of the specification. The building’s occupants will judge the actual comfort levels, not the setpoints in the specification.

Fine-tuning requires a good forensic eye to be able to spot performance problems that lurk just below the radar of the defects team. Activities might involve tweaking PIR settings on automated lighting, or adjusting ventilation grilles, dampers and controls.

Designers often don’t appreciate the extent to which glare is a problem on elevations that don’t get direct sunlight. This may lead to extra internal blinds, which in itself may require the control protocols for motorised fanlights to be altered.

Fine-tuning activities can usually be greatly informed by structured occupant feedback. This could be done formally using a standard questionnaire such as the Building Use Studies (BUS) method, or less formally by the designers developing a rapport with the occupants. Feedback can highlight issues that are very difficult to detect otherwise, such as draughts or local discomfort problems.

As its title implies, seasonal commissioning involves re-commissioning heating systems in winter and mechanical cooling systems in summer. But seasonal commissioning may also be applied to other systems, such as motorised windows and active solar-shading devices any building system affected by seasonal changes. Ideally, the original project team (or independent commissioning engineer, if appointed) should remain engaged to perform the seasonal commissioning.

The BREEAM environmental assessment scheme awards credits for the adoption of seasonal commissioning. In practice, looking at the projects in the Carbon Trust’s Low Carbon Buildings Performance programme (LCBP), it was very difficult to distinguish seasonal commissioning activities from continuous commissioning, or activities that were following on after handover.

Continuous commissioning is the umbrella process that covers all the other forms of commissioning. It involves the building and its systems being continuously monitored, either via the building management system (BMS) or through the use of dedicated logging devices. Systems can be re- commissioned or adjusted if performance isn’t meeting requirements.

Continuous commissioning has become increasingly popular. The inherent flexibility of many contemporary buildings gives occupants the freedom to change their use of space, which may mean that the building services need to be adjusted or re-commissioned.

Continuous commissioning is made easier with the use of addressable control systems. Adjustments to lighting and heating and cooling setpoints can be made via a central computer, reducing the cost and disruption that often comes with conventional commissioning activities. This is typically a task that would come under a maintenance contract, although it can be useful to involve the original commissioning engineers.

All these activities make the gradual handover of full control of the building from the services and commissioning engineers to the facilities management team flow more easily. It gives the facilities team the chance to get to know the systems fully, hopefully with the experts on hand to train and assist with problems that may arise.

From reviewing the processes used during the design, construction and occupation of the LCBP buildings, it appears that many people have the right intentions with regard to commissioning. However, with the traditional forms of contracts still in place, and practical completion and handover being the focal point of the project, commissioning is still often squeezed into a short period. Using a graduated handover approach, where the building is given time to settle down and enough time is allowed to commission all systems fully, is hugely beneficial to the client.

[[File:Canolfan_Rheidol_building_pumps.jpg|link=File:Canolfan_Rheidol_building_pumps.jpg]]

At the Canolfan Rheidol building in Wales, the fuel delivery system for the Binder biomass boiler consists of several augers and associated pumps. Initially, the system broke down several times forcing reliance on the gas back-up boiler. Fortunately the client maintained a good relationship with the biomass boiler supplier. The Canolfan Rheidol project also demonstrated the wisdom of holding spares in stock, as lead times from overseas suppliers can be lengthy.

[[File:Ceredigion_Council_HQ_toplights.jpg|link=File:Ceredigion_Council_HQ_toplights.jpg]]

The headquarters building for Ceredigion County Council is naturally ventilated via motorised toplights in each window in the office areas, and motorised louvres in the atrium to promote stack ventilation. There was initially a problem with the atrium louvres driving fully when the window toplights only opened a small amount. Feedback from occupants helped to identify and solve the problem.

-----
This article originally appeared in [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-may-2011/ Delta T Magazine] May 2011, written by BSRIA’s James Parker. It was posted here by --[[User:BSRIA|BSRIA]] 08:31, 26 November 2014 (UTC).

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

* Client commissioning.
* Commissioning.
* Commissioning notice.
* Commissioning planning.
* Commissioning v testing.
* Corrosion in heating and cooling systems.
* Handover to client.
* Initial commissioning case studies.
* Inspection.
* Migration strategy.
* Practical completion.
* Soft landings.

[[Category:Client_procedures]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]

Robotic total station

2015-12-10T09:46:57Z

BSRIA:

This article was written by Chris Slinn, MEP Business Development at Amtech, a Trimble company, a manufacturer of specialist software for the building services industry. It originally appeared as a BSRIA blog post in March 2015. The original post can be seen [http://blogs.bsria.co.uk/?s=Using+Robotic+Total+Stations+to+drive+down+the+cost+of+construction here].

= Introduction =

Since the days of the Latham report in 1994 there has been a desire to cut the cost of construction, mainly by finding more efficient ways of doing things. Of course, there will always be people who stick rigidly to the principle that ‘the old ways are the best’, but there are many more who are more open-minded – not least in terms of making use of new technologies.

Having said that, there is one particular technology that has not yet been embraced in the UK, despite the significant financial and time benefits that have been shown time and again in the USA and other countries - the use of Robotic Total Stations (RTSs) for laying out building services – as an alternative to the traditional ‘tape measure, spirit level and theodolite’ approach.

This article considers the limitations of traditional methods and explains how RTS technology can help to overcome them. It also explores some of the reasons that this technology has not yet been widely adopted in the UK.

= Are the old ways the best? =

Traditionally, the layout of building services on site has involved a team working from the building drawings, using a tape measure, spirit level and theodolite to identify attachment points for pipework, cable trays etc. Unfortunately, this system doesn’t work particularly well with complex buildings, buildings with curved walls, buildings with prefabricated materials, BIM or non-orthogonal spaces. In fact there is a huge margin for error, resulting from the following challenges:

* Ensuring the reference point is right.
* Making sure the tape measure doesn’t move.
* Making sure the string doesn’t move on arcs.
* Ensuring the theodolite is level.
* Making sure the degree in which you are measuring is exact.

Every small mistake can lead to potentially serious consequences. For example, being a few degrees out on an angle can mean that pre-fabricated systems don’t fit when the time comes to install them. Similarly, incorrect layout can result in clashes with other building elements or services, thereby disrupting the construction schedule, generating remedial works and wasting materials, time and money.

Even when everything goes smoothly, the traditional approach is laborious and time-consuming and any delays can affect the work of other teams.

When changes need to be made, methods of recording reasons (obstruction etc.) and evidence (photographs etc.) are recorded additionally to any drawings they are working from. These reasons are sometimes reported to the design team (if there is one) to amend the drawings or model; at other times, these records are filed separately for the purposes of finger-pointing at a later date. Either way, it takes a long time for this information to be reflected in the designs, if at all, which means other contractors or labour forces won’t see the changes until they’re updated. Working from paper also has the potential for loss or damage.

These issues are going to become more serious with the wider use of Building Information Modelling.

= An alternative approach =

Robotic Total Stations (RTS) allow layout to be completed by just one person, rather than the classic layout team.

To begin construction layout, a tablet with software controls the RTS and is loaded with a 2D drawing or 3D building model. Site survey points from the job site are identified in the model and are used to locate the RTS on the project site and in the model. Once the RTS is located, the person operating the RTS can view the model on the tablet computer and select the points to be marked. Once selected, the RTS will tell the operator their precise distance from the point (if using a stake) and then guide the user to the point with directions indicating forward/backward or left/right movement. The operator then stakes the mark and moves to the next one.

A more advanced RTS feature is Visual Layout which marks the layout point with a laser (removing the need for the stake); the operator then only has to follow the laser to each point and mark the location. Basically, the RTS does all the work while the operator follows its laser, marking each point to within a distance of millimetres from the 2D/3D model point. This can be used for the accurate positioning of multiple trades at the same time, ensuring no delays on site.

So what are the benefits?

* Improved efficiency: RTSs use the same 2D drawings or 3D building models as other trades involved in the project, so collaboration is simpler and quicker.
* Enhanced accuracy: Layout coordinates can be accessed directly from the building model and changes to layout positions can be recorded at the time of layout and documented with reasons and photographs.
* Fewer mistakes: The RTS works directly from the building model. There are no manual measuring processes involved. Points to be marked are extremely accurate and their purpose is referenced to the operator via their tablet device.
* Reduced paperwork: Using the RTS on a job is a paperless process, meaning there is no risk of losing documents or spilling coffee on them.
* Reduced labour costs: The RTS only needs one person to operate it and that one person is also capable of increasing layout productivity by up to five times.
* Improved quality control: RTSs can be used as a sophisticated tool in a QA/QC process, both pre- and post-installation.

= BIM-to-Field =

As we move to more sophisticated BIM processes – such as 4D & 5D BIM that includes building production models and which consider the constraints of a construction site (equipment capacity, working methods etc.), model based estimating and more – a live link to the field is needed. This link, in part, can be provided with the use of an RTS, allowing responsible parties to track works as they are completed and referenced against the original model, applying changes where necessary and allowing the tracking of works ready for access by the next stage in the construction process.

= So why aren’t we using them? =

Companies across the US have used RTSs on construction sites for many years now. They’ve been highly popular with MEP contractors and revolutionised layout processes and BIM progression; so why don’t we use them? A lot of it simply comes down to misconceptions about the technology and its uses.

== Return on investment. ==

Implementing RTS technology requires capital investment and many companies feel that because they don’t have dedicated layout teams they won’t see a good return on their investment. However, the relative simplicity of RTS technology means that any member of the MEP team can carry out accurate layouts, so the contractor can make better use of the workforce.

Also, RTS eliminates manual errors so that the most highly skilled and best trained individuals can be allocated to the more complex tasks, while lower skilled operatives do the laying out.

In addition there are considerable time savings that could ultimately reduce the number of operatives required on the project, thus reducing labour costs.

[http://roi.bimtofield.com/e You can calculate your own ROI here]

== The savings cited for RTS do not have any real impact on the bottom line. ==

This is simply not true. Savings from the use of an RTS can be seen in:

* Reduced remedial works due to increase in QC/QA documentation and recording – an immediate reduction in cost.
* Improved efficiency whilst on site – reduction in labour cost.
* Fewer errors in MEP element locations (another remedial work saving) – an immediate reduction in cost.
* Reduced resource required to complete works – an immediate reduction in cost.

== MEP designs evolve during installation so that the drawings do not represent the actual situation. ==

Perhaps this is true today, but if you are working this way now, you won’t be for long. For medium and large projects MEP data and detailed design will be as essential as structural design as the industry assimilates the BIM process. Businesses looking to grow, or large businesses looking to remain profitable, will need to ensure they can work in these parameters – and soon.

== Clashes between services do not occur when the same contractor is doing all of the MEP work. ==

On small projects it is often possible to ‘work around’ any clashes between services. However, on larger projects it is not enough to ask for one element to be placed over/below/around another, as this may then run into a second clash with a third element. This second work around would involve a wider rectification, which may infringe on another element, and so on until a solution cannot be made. Eventually, it may occur that an MEP element then interferes with the installation of another contractor’s or team’s work.

Also, when ‘working around’ an issue, we create problems when considering building maintenance post-construction, as MEP elements will deviate from their logical course.

== UK construction techniques do not lend themselves to using an RTS. ==

While it’s true there are some differences between UK and US construction methods, there are many more areas where RTS can deliver the same benefits to UK contractors as it is already doing for US contractors.

= Conclusion =

While any investment in new technology clearly requires careful consideration, RTS is certainly worthy of that consideration. The potential benefits to MEP contractors are enormous, so it’s worth taking the time to keep an open mind and take a closer look.

--[[User:BSRIA|BSRIA]]

[[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]