Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Meassures to minimise material degradation

2020-03-23T12:38:00Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

All building materials can suffer from deterioration and decay if they are not protected or maintained correctly. Some common scenarios that can lead to the degradation of construction materials are:

* Natural agents.
* Moisture.
* Shrinkage.
* Exposure conditions.
* Corrosion in metals.
* Loading.
* Chemical.

Some measures can be put in place to minimise early degradation of materials

= Timber =

Timber can deteriorate due to various circumstances. Timber is especially susceptible to wet and dry rot, woodworm and shrinkage.

Wet and dry rot:

* Address any signs of damp.
* Apply timber with anti-fungal treatment.
* Ensure areas have good ventilation.
* Apply external applications of paint that excludes moisture.
* Remove and replace any infected timber areas.

Woodworm:

* Apply insecticide treatment.
* Address any signs of damp.
* Ensure areas have good ventilation.
* Remove and replace any weakened timber.

Shrinkage:

* To minimise shrinkage of timber, allow it to acclimatise to the conditions before installation.

= Stonework =

Stonework can be susceptible to deterioration from acid rain. To minimise the decay, the following measures can be implemented:

* Apply specialist treatment.
* Remove and replace damaged stones.

= Concrete =

Concrete is susceptible to sulfate attacks. To minimise the damage the following steps can be taken:

* Address any signs of damp.
* Apply sulphite-resistant cement.

= Polymers =

Polymers like uPVC are easily damaged by exposure to UV light. In sunlit exposed areas, it is advisable to use polymers that have a UV-inhibiting additive.

= Steel =

Corrosion is the main contributing factor to the degradation of steel. The following steps can be taken to minimise rust:

* Galvanising which consists of a hot-dip zinc coating.
* Painting which excludes moisture.
* Stainless steel can be used for areas exposed to high moisture content.

= General =

Additional scenarios that can lead to degradation in all materials is stresses from loading forces. Materials should be designed by taking into consideration their strength and weaknesses and the maximum loading and bearing capacities of their structures.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Building Regulations.
* Construction materials.
* Defects.
* Degradation of construction materials
* Dry rot.
* Materials on site.
* Quality control.
* Schedule of defects.
* Testing construction materials.
* Timber preservation.
* Truth to materials.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction - Pearson

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Fayol's 14 principles of management

2020-03-23T12:33:57Z

Editor2:

Henri Fayol was a French engineer born in 1894 and worked in the mining industry. He is claimed to be the father of modern management and his theories and principles are still respected today. He gained experience working in the mines and improved the conditions of the company he worked in from almost bankruptcy to high success. He wrote a book that captures the 14 principles of management that can be used across any industry. His book was titled ‘General and Industrial Management’ and he believes that management can be taught.

The principles are:

# Division of work – Workers with a specialist skill becomes increasingly skilled and more efficient which can increase productivity.
# Authority and responsibility – Managers must be allowed the authority to give orders but they must be aware of the responsibility that comes with it.
# Discipline – Discipline must be upheld but the methods are flexible.
# Unity of command – Employees should have only one direct supervisor.
# Unity of direction - Teams with the same objective should be working under the direction of one manager, using one plan. This will ensure a well-coordinated execution.
# Subordination of individual interest to the general interest – The team as a whole is more important than the individual including the manager.
# Remuneration – Fair remuneration will lead to satisfied workers. This might include both financial and non-financial rewards.
# Centralisation – Decision making should be balanced in terms of employee involvement.
# Scaler chain – Employees should be clear of their position concerning the business hierarchy.
# Order – The workplace should be clean, safe and tidy.
# Equity – Managers should maintain fairness to all employees and apply discipline but also kindness.
# Stability of Tenure of personal- Managers should strive to minimise personal turnover.
# Initiative – Employees should have appropriate freedom to create and carry out plans.
# Esprit de corps – Organisations should strive to promote team spirit, loyalty and unity.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* A new theory for managing large complex projects.
* Code of practice for project management.
* Code of practice for programme management.
* Guide to managing construction projects.
* How to become a construction manager.
* How to manage construction plant.
* Leadership on design and construction projects.
* Leadership styles.
* Logistics management in construction.
* Management structure for construction clients.
* Performance management plan.
* Practice management.
* Relationship management.
* Safety management.
* Total quality management in construction.
* Value management.

[[Category:Construction_management]]

Fayol's 14 principles of management

2020-03-23T12:00:20Z

Editor2: Created page with "Henri Fayol was a French engineer born in 1894 and worked in the mining industry. He is claimed to be the father of modern management and his theories and principles are still re..."

Henri Fayol was a French engineer born in 1894 and worked in the mining industry. He is claimed to be the father of modern management and his theories and principles are still respected today. He gained experience working in the mines and improved the conditions of the company he worked in from almost bankruptcy to high success. He wrote a book that captures the 14 principles of management that can be used across any industry. His book was titled ‘General and Industrial Management’ and he believes that management can be taught.

The principles are:

# Division of work – workers with a specialist skill becomes increasingly skilled and more efficient which can increase productivity.
# Authority and responsibility – Managers must be allowed the authority to give orders but they must be aware of the responsibility that comes with it.
# Discipline – Discipline must be upheld but the methods are flexible.
# Unity of command – Employees should have only one direct supervisor.
# Unity of direction - Teams with the same objective should be working under the direction of one manager, using one plan. This will ensure a well-coordinated plan.
# Subordination of individual interest to the general interest – The team as a whole is more important than the individual including the manager.
# Remuneration – Fair remuneration will lead to satisfied workers. This might include both financial and non-financial compensation.
# Centralisation – Decision making should be balanced in terms of employee involvement.
# Scaler chain – Employees should be clear of their position concerning the business hierarchy.
# Order – The workplace should be clean, safe and tidy.
# Equity – Managers should maintain fairness to all employees and apply discipline but also kindness.
# Stability of Tenure of personal- Managers should strive to minimise personal turnover.
# Initiative – Employees should have appropriate freedom to create and carry out plans.
# Esprit de corps – Organisations should strive to promote team spirit, loyalty and unity.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* A new theory for managing large complex projects.
* Code of practice for project management.
* Code of practice for programme management.
* Guide to managing construction projects.
* How to become a construction manager.
* How to manage construction plant.
* Leadership on design and construction projects.
* Leadership styles.
* Logistics management in construction.
* Management structure for construction clients.
* Performance management plan.
* Practice management.
* Relationship management.
* Safety management.
* Total quality management in construction.
* Value management.

[[Category:Construction_management]]

Ceiling finishes

2020-03-23T11:57:22Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Plasterboard and skim = Plasterboard is fixed horizontally to stud partitions. The ceiling is then skim coated with plaster and decorated. Advantages: * Void for services. *..."

= Plasterboard and skim =

Plasterboard is fixed horizontally to stud partitions. The ceiling is then skim coated with plaster and decorated.

Advantages:

* Void for services.
* Lightweight.
* Fire-resistant properties.
* Smooth seamless finish.
* Acoustic enhancements.

Disadvantages:

* Complicated in circular areas.
* Plasterboard can be easily damaged.

= Suspended ceilings =

The ceiling consists of 600 x 600 mm aluminium grid system with fibre tiles. The tiles are available in a variety of patterns.

Advantages:

* The grid is convenient to house lighting and other services.
* Good acoustic qualities.
* Variety of tiles available.
* Good for covering anaesthetic roof voids.
* Individual tiles can be easily replaced.

Disadvantages:

* Fibre tiles are not easily cleaned.
* Not suitable in domestic use.
* Reduces room height.

= uPVC cladding =

The ceiling cladding can be PVC boards or larger sheets. Its ideal usage is for hygienic areas.

Advantages

* Very hygienic and surfaces can be kept clean.
* Lightweight.
* No decoration required.
* It can be used as a suspended ceiling.

Disadvantages:

* Larger panels can start to sag.
* Not very good fire rating.
* Heat can cause damage; lighting installations need to be considered.

= Timber boarded ceiling =

The ceiling uses softwood timber boards with non-visible nails. The timber can be treated for a natural finish or painted.

Advantages:

* Can be aesthetically pleasing
* Sustainable material.

Disadvantages

* Can have a low fire rating.
* Requires sealing and maintenance to prevent timber deterioration.
* Can be troublesome in high humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Acoustic flanking.
* Arches.
* Barrel vault.
* BREEAM Speculative floor & ceiling finishes.
* Chilled ceiling.
* Definition of ceiling.
* Domestic roof.
* Floating floor.
* Folded plate construction.
* Inspecting historic fibrous plaster ceilings.
* Integrated service module.
* Loft v attic.
* Plenum ventilation in buildings.
* Raised floor.
* Soffit.
* Stretched-skin ceiling.
* Suspended ceiling.
* Thermal mass.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction - Pearson

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

Subsoil improvements

2020-03-23T11:54:37Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = Many techniques are available to improve subsoil. The aim of soil improvements can be: * To increase its bearing capacity by improving the shear strength. * En..."

= Introduction =

Many techniques are available to improve subsoil. The aim of soil improvements can be:

* To increase its bearing capacity by improving the shear strength.
* Enhance the soil stiffness and density so that liquification can be avoided.
* To prevent excessive settlement especially in the construction of roads and runways etc.
* To stabilise or immobilise contaminants within the soil.

Some techniques available are:

* Land drainage.
* Grouting.
* Vibroflotation.
* Compaction with rollers.
* Dynamic compaction.
* High energy impact compaction.
* Vacuum consolidation.
* Geotextiles.

= Land Drainage =

The purpose of this method is to lower a high-water table and to dry out the ground to improve its bearing capacity. The technique might involve water entering into a flexible perforated drainage pipe in the ground and directed away. A layer of shingle might be added as an additional help.

= Grouting =

Soft subsoil is a serious problem for maritime construction. A solution can be to a cement-based mixture into the subsoil under pressure. The mixture will expand and fill any voids and eventually form a strengthened base and improve the permeability.

= Vibroflotation =

A vibrating probe is lowered into the ground by a vibrating jets causing vibration. After the probing process is complete a granular hardcore mixture is poured into the hole and further compacted by the probe. Once the probe is slowly removed again, further hardcore is pushed in until a column is formed. This process requires specialist plant and cranes.

= Compaction with rollers =

Plant rolling machinery is used to compact soil.

= Dynamic compaction =

A method that is used to increase the density of soil deposits. The process uses specialist plant and cranes that drops a heavyweight repeatedly on the ground at consistent intervals.

= High energy impact compaction =

A method that is used in low strength soils. Specialist plant is used with big hexagonal-shaped rolling attachments in a controlled dynamic drag along site.

= Vacuum consolidation =

Prefabricated vertical drains were originally used with surcharge fill to manage residual settlement in soft ground. This method was extended to include vacuum application for better results. This method uses stress transfer and surface loading techniques and is carried out by specialist contractors.

= Geotextiles =

Geotextiles are permeable nonwoven fabrics that can be used to filter, reinforce, separate, drain or protect. It works by allowing filtration or separation of granular layers in-ground applications. It is commonly used in construction and a relatively easier application to improve soil characteristics.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Alluvium.
* Bearing capacity.
* Clay.
* Excavation.
* Geophysical survey.
* Groundwater.
* Ground heave.
* Insitu testing of soils.
* Soil survey.
* Substrate.
* The importance of soil analysis.
* Topsoil.
* Types of soil.
* Water table.
* What does in situ mean?

= External references =

BTEC National Construction - Pearson

[[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]

Construction site investigation methods

2020-03-23T11:50:40Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

Before construction work commences on site, it is often necessary to undertake a thorough site investigation. Approved document C, Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture, suggests that the extent and level of site investigation need to be tailored to the type of development and the previous use of land. A thorough site investigation can remove many of the uncertainties that usually has big impacts on budgeting and risk in construction.

Site investigation can be carried out as a desktop survey or a site survey. There are several resources available to assist with site surveys.

= Historical maps =

Libraries can have copies of original land maps. The history of a site can indicate the previous usage and indicate any potential reasons for contamination. It can also indicate any underground obstructions by identifying previous constructed buildings. Maps can also indicate original boundaries, roads and walkways.

= Ordnance Survey maps =

The Ordnance Surveys provides mapping in the UK. The maps will give details on buildings, boundaries, structures or any roads and any other surrounding properties. The maps are available in various scales.

= Local authority archives =

The archives are a source of historical information which might include old maps, photographs, street records and other information that can be gained for the area of the project.

= Aerial photographs =

Specialist contractors can provide a service to produce scaled photographs for potential sites.

= Building and planning applications =

Local authorities have a planning application database where historical data of the site can be accessed and previous planning applications for the areas can be viewed. Information that can be gained is existing drawings for the current use of the site or any planning conditions or restrictions that might apply to the potential site.

= Online methodologies =

Online satellite maps are now readily available and it has become easier to access aerial photographs of potential sites. The maps can help with topographical details and heights and levels can be established by using shadows. The maps can also be used to establish potential tree preservation orders. Potential flood plane regulations can also be investigated.

An online address search can also reveal historical data on historical property values, previous usage of the site and any existing investigation reports.

= Site inspections =

A physical walk on site will be required to carry out site investigations to further enhance the desktop survey. Items that can be missed on aerial maps might be; trees and hedges, boundaries, services including pylons and phone lines and any other site obstructions. More detail site investigations will include soil analysis which will be carried out to establish the soil characteristics that will be required for designing the sub-structure. Trial pits will be used to gather samples that will be sent off for analysis.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Conceptual site model.
* Contaminated land.
* Desk study.
* Development appraisal.
* Ground conditions.
* Ground investigation.
* Insitu testing of soils.
* Laser scanning.
* Pre construction information.
* Radon.
* Radon protection for new domestic extensions and conservatories with solid concrete ground floors (GG 73 revised).
* Site appraisal.
* Site information.
* Site selection and acquisition.
* Site surveys.
* Soil survey.
* Technical due diligence.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction, Pearson

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]

Construction site investigation methods

2020-03-23T11:49:58Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = Before construction work commences on site, it is often necessary to undertake a thorough site investigation. Approved document C, Site preparation and resistan..."

= Introduction =

Before construction work commences on site, it is often necessary to undertake a thorough site investigation. Approved document C, Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture, suggests that the extent and level of site investigation need to be tailored to the type of development and the previous use of land. A thorough site investigation can remove many of the uncertainties that usually has big impacts on budgeting and risk in construction.

Site investigation can be carried out as a desktop survey or a site survey. There are several resources available to assist with site surveys.

= Historical maps =

Libraries can have copies of original land maps. The history of a site can indicate the previous usage and indicate any potential reasons for contamination. It can also indicate any underground obstructions by identifying previous constructed buildings. Maps can also indicate original boundaries, roads and walkways.

= Ordnance Survey maps =

The Ordnance Surveys provides mapping in the UK. The maps will give details on buildings, boundaries, structures or any roads and any other surrounding properties. The maps are available in various scales.

= Local authority archives =

The archives are a source of historical information which might include old maps, photographs, street records and other information that can be gained for the area of the project.

= Aerial photographs =

Specialist contractors can provide a service to produce scaled photographs for potential sites.

= Building and planning applications =

Local authorities have a planning application database where historical data of the site can be accessed and previous planning applications for the areas can be viewed. Information that can be gained is existing drawings for the current use of the site or any planning conditions or restrictions that might apply to the potential site.

= Online methodologies =

Online satellite maps are now readily available and it has become easier to access aerial photographs of potential sites. The maps can help with topographical details and heights and levels can be established by using shadows. The maps can also be used to establish potential tree preservation orders. Potential flood plane regulations can also be investigated.

An online address search can also reveal historical data on historical property values, previous usage of the site and any existing investigation reports.

= Site inspections =

A physical walk on site will be required to carry out site investigations to further enhance the desktop survey. Items that can be missed on aerial maps might be; trees and hedges, boundaries, services including pylons and phone lines and any other site obstructions. More detail site investigations will include soil analysis which will be carried out to establish the soil characteristics that will be required for designing the sub-structure. Trial pits will be used to gather samples that will be sent off for analysis.

= =

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Conceptual site model.
* Contaminated land.
* Desk study.
* Development appraisal.
* Ground conditions.
* Ground investigation.
* Insitu testing of soils.
* Laser scanning.
* Pre construction information.
* Radon.
* Radon protection for new domestic extensions and conservatories with solid concrete ground floors (GG 73 revised).
* Site appraisal.
* Site information.
* Site selection and acquisition.
* Site surveys.
* Soil survey.
* Technical due diligence.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction, Pearson

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]

Meassures to minimise material degradation

2020-03-23T11:45:41Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

All building materials can suffer from deterioration and decay if they are not protected or maintained correctly. Some common scenarios that can lead to the degradation of construction materials are:

* Natural agents.
* Moisture.
* Shrinkage.
* Exposure conditions.
* Corrosion in metals.
* Loading.
* Chemical.

Some measures can be put in place to minimise early degradation of materials

= Timber =

Timber can deteriorate due to various circumstances. Timber is especially susceptible to wet and dry rot, woodworm and shrinkage.

Wet and dry rot:

* Address any signs of damp.
* Apply timber with anti-fungal treatment.
* Ensure areas have good ventilation.
* Apply external applications of paint that excludes moisture.
* Remove and replace any infected timber areas.

Woodworm:

* Apply insecticide treatment.
* Address any signs of damp.
* Ensure areas have good ventilation
* Remove and replace any weakened timber

Shrinkage:

* To minimise shrinkage of timber, allow it to acclimatise to the conditions before installation.

= Stonework =

Stonework can be susceptible to deterioration from acid rain. To minimise the decay the following measures can be implemented:

* Apply specialist treatment.
* Remove and replace damaged stones.

= Concrete =

Concrete is susceptible to sulfate attacks. To minimise the damage the following steps can be taken:

* Address any signs of damp
* Apply sulphite-resistant cement.

= Polymers =

Polymers like uPVC are easily damaged by exposure to UV light. In sunlit exposed areas it is advisable to use polymers that have a UV-inhibiting additive.

= Steel =

Corrosion is the main contributing factor to the degradation of steel. The following steps can be taken to minimise rust:

* Galvanising which consists of a hot-dip zinc coating.
* Painting which excludes moisture.
* Stainless steel can be used for areas exposed to high moisture content.

= General =

Additional scenarios that can lead to degradation in all materials is stresses from loading forces. Materials should be designed by taking into consideration their strength and weaknesses and the maximum loading and bearing capacities of their structures.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Building Regulations.
* Construction materials.
* Defects.
* Degradation of construction materials
* Dry rot.
* Materials on site.
* Quality control.
* Schedule of defects.
* Testing construction materials.
* Timber preservation.
* Truth to materials.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction - Pearson

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Meassures to minimise material degradation

2020-03-23T11:44:53Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = All building materials can suffer from deterioration and decay if they are not protected or maintained correctly. Some common scenarios that can lead to the deg..."

= Introduction =

All building materials can suffer from deterioration and decay if they are not protected or maintained correctly. Some common scenarios that can lead to the degradation of construction materials are:

* Natural agents.
* Moisture.
* Shrinkage.
* Exposure conditions.
* Corrosion in metals.
* Loading.
* Chemical.

Some measures can be put in place to minimise early degradation of materials

= Timber =

Timber can deteriorate due to various circumstances. Timber is especially susceptible to wet and dry rot, woodworm and shrinkage.

Wet and dry rot

* Address any signs of damp.
* Apply timber with anti-fungal treatment.
* Ensure areas have good ventilation.
* Apply external applications of paint that excludes moisture.
* Remove and replace any infected timber areas.

Woodworm

* Apply insecticide treatment.
* Address any signs of damp.
* Ensure areas have good ventilation
* Remove and replace any weakened timber

Shrinkage

* To minimise shrinkage of timber, allow it to acclimatise to the conditions before installation.

= Stonework =

Stonework can be susceptible to deterioration from acid rain. To minimise the decay the following measures can be implemented:

* Apply specialist treatment.
* Remove and replace damaged stones.

= Concrete =

Concrete is susceptible to sulfate attacks. To minimise the damage the following steps can be taken:

* Address any signs of damp
* Apply sulphite-resistant cement.

= Polymers =

Polymers like uPVC are easily damaged by exposure to UV light. In sunlit exposed areas it is advisable to use polymers that have a UV-inhibiting additive.

= Steel =

Corrosion is the main contributing factor to the degradation of steel. The following steps can be taken to minimise rust:

* Galvanising which consists of a hot-dip zinc coating.
* Painting which excludes moisture.
* Stainless steel can be used for areas exposed to high moisture content.

= General =

Additional scenarios that can lead to degradation in all materials is stresses from loading forces. Materials should be designed by taking into consideration their strength and weaknesses and the maximum loading and bearing capacities of their structures.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Building Regulations.
* Construction materials.
* Defects.
* Degradation of construction materials
* Dry rot.
* Materials on site.
* Quality control.
* Schedule of defects.
* Testing construction materials.
* Timber preservation.
* Truth to materials.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction - Pearson

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Abstraction of quantities

2020-03-17T08:57:37Z

Editor2:

During the estimation process in construction, estimators will carry out a technique called ‘taking off’. The term ‘taking off’ refers to the process of identifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced which is necessary to produce bills of quantities. The elements can then be measured in number, length, area, volume, weight or time. Abstraction is the process of collating all the quantities ‘taken off’ into a single total of each element that can then be transferred into the bill of quantities.

Quantities of the same items are captured on dimension/abstraction sheets. An example can be the capture of all quantities for facing brickwork. The estimator will start to measure the brickwork of plan. He will generally measure the area of the wall and also capture the areas for windows and doors or any other features that will impact on the quantity of the facing brickwork area. For the final quantity calculations, he will deduct the windows and doors from the areas of the facing brickwork measured. As part of the abstraction, he will also round up figures. The estimator will then have a final quantity for all the facing brickwork that will be used in the bill of quantities.

The estimator will follow the ‘New rules of measurement’ as set out by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to capture quantities for the abstraction. Depending on the project he will use one of the following standards:

* NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works.
* NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works.
* NRM3 - Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works.

The rules of measurement will guide the estimator on the unit that has to be calculated for each element. An example is for facing brickwork, the rules state that the unit applicable will be m2. The estimator will prepare the abstraction of quantities for facing brickwork by measuring the length and height to calculate the area and group this in the various sections of facing brickwork. Some elements can be measured in m3 and the estimator will have to calculate the volume.

Typical units classified in the New rules of measurement are:

* M (for length).
* M2 (for the area).
* M3 (for volume).
* Tonne (for weight).
* Nr (for items).

The rules will also guide the estimator on which areas of measurements to include and exclude during the abstraction of quantities.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Advantages of a bill of quantities.
* Approximate bill of quantities.
* Approximate quantities.
* Bill of quantities breakdown structures BQBS
* Bill of quantities software.
* Bill of quantities v Schedule of rates.
* Bill.
* Common mistakes in bill of quantities.
* How to take off construction works.
* New Rules of Measurement.
* Priced bill of quantities.
* Quantity.
* Standard Method of Measurement SMM7.
* Taking off construction works.
* Types of bill of quantities.
* Unpriced bill.
* Without quantities.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Single glazing v double glazing

2020-03-16T17:20:07Z

Editor2:

The term 'glazing' refers to the glass component of a building's façade or internal surfaces. Historically, windows were generally single glazed, consisting of just a single layer of glass, today there are many different options for glazing. A substantial amount of heat is lost through the window, and so double and triple glazed units have been developed to provide more insulation, improving the energy efficiency of a building.

The building regulations in England and Wales require that new and replacement window units must meet certain energy efficiency requirements. Approved Document L of the building regulations classifies an external window as a 'controlled fitting', which refers to the whole unit including the frame. New and replacement windows in existing homes in England, Wales and Scotland must have a Window Energy Rating (WER) of at least band C or have a U-value of no more than 1.6 W/m²K. This is intended to reduce heat loss, and so the requirement for heating, resulting in lower energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.

Single glazing comprises off one layer of glass, bedded into the window frame. Single glazing is usually fixed with linseed oil putty and secured with glazing nails into the frame. Glazing beads can further secure the glass and is usually screwed and glued to the frame. If the window frame is timber it must be painted to avoid water ingress. Typically, single glazing can achieve a U-value of around 4.5 W/m²K. The sound reduction achieved by single glazing (6 mm thick) is typically around 27 dB

Double glazing comprises two layers of glass separated by a spacer bar and a continuous hollow frame typically made of aluminium or a low heat-conductive material. The spacer bar is bonded to the panes using a primary and secondary seal which creates an airtight cavity, typically with 6-20 mm between the two layers of glass. This space is filled with air or with a gas such as argon, which improves the thermal properties of the window. Larger cavities may be provided to achieve greater sound reduction. Good double glazing can achieve a U-value of around 1.2 W/m²K. The sound reduction achieved by double glazing (100 mm air space) is around 42 dB

For more information see: Single glazing and Double glazing.

Double glazing thus provides benefits, such as improved thermal comfort and better acoustic performance and increased security as well as reduced solar gain in the summer and a reduction in the occurrence of condensation

Single glazing might be beneficial in areas that are more tropical and hot and do not require heat retention. Single glazed windows also only require the glass panes to be replaced if there is damage to the glazing, unlike double glazing where the whole frame will need to be replaced.

A more economical option to replace single glazed windows is to instal secondary glazing. Secondary glazing involves the installation of an additional pane of glass and frame to existing windows. This can be used as an alternative to double glazing which involves the removal and replacement of existing windows. It can be used to improve sound insulation and to reduce heat loss and draughts through windows.

Secondary glazing is considered most suitable for:

* Listed buildings, period properties and heritage/conservation areas.
* Areas where there is traffic noise (such as hotels on main roads).
* Properties where it may be uneconomical to install double glazing.
* Properties where it would be difficult to modify existing external windows (such as single glazed timber sash windows).
* Windows that require noise reduction, draught reduction.

= Related Articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Building fabric.
* Choosing the correct glazed facade heating system.
* Domestic windows.
* Double glazing.
* Double glazing v triple glazing.
* Emissivity.
* Glass.
* Glazing.
* Heat transfer.
* Preventing overheating.
* Security glazing.
* Single glazing
* Triple glazing.
* Window.
* Window energy rating.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Single glazing

2020-03-16T17:16:28Z

Editor2:

The term 'glazing' refers to the glass component of a building's facade or internal surfaces.

Historically, the external windows of buildings were generally single glazed, consisting of just one layer of glass, however, multi-layered glazing system were developed such as double glazing and triple glazing.

Single glazing comprises off one layer of glass, bedded into the window frame. Single glazing is usually fixed with linseed oil putty and secured with glazing nails into the frame. Glazing beads can further secure the glass and is usually screwed and glued to the frame. If the window frame is timber it must be painted to avoid water ingress.

U-values (sometimes referred to as heat transfer coefficients or thermal transmittances) is used to measure how effective elements of a building’s fabric are as insulators. That is, how effective they are at preventing heat from transmitting between the inside and the outside of a building. Typically, the U-value of single glazing is around 4.8 to 5.8 W/m²K, whilst double glazing is around 1.2 to 3.7 W/m²K. NB Triple can achieve a U-value below 1 W/m²K.

Thermal performance is affected by the quality of the installation, the inclusion of thermal breaks in the frame, suitable weather seals, and the type of glass used. Low-e glass has a coating added to o its surfaces to reduce its emissivity so that it reflects, rather than absorbs, a higher proportion of long-wave infra-red radiation.

The sound reduction achieved by single glazing (6 mm thick) is typically around 27 dB, whilst double glazing (100 mm air space) is around 42 dB.

It should be noted that from 1st April 2020 it will be against Building regulations to rent a property which breaches the minimum requirement of and E rating on an EPC certificate. Single glazing can have a big impact on the energy efficiency of a building and to comply with regulations, the use of single glazing might have to be adapted. Secondary glazing can be an option if double glazing can not be installed.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* BFRC window rating scheme.
* BREEAM Visual comfort Daylighting.
* BREEAM Visual comfort View out.
* Curved glass.
* Daylit space.
* Domestic windows.
* Double glazing.
* Double glazing v triple glazing.
* Glass.
* Glass block flooring.
* Glass manifestation.
* Glass mullion system.
* Glazing.
* Low-E glass.
* Patent glazing.
* R-value.
* Rights to light.
* Secondary glazing.
* Stained glass.
* Structural glass assembly.
* Suction lifter.
* Tempered glass.
* Triple glazing.
* Types of window.
* Window.

Single glazing

2020-03-16T17:15:26Z

Editor2:

The term 'glazing' refers to the glass component of a building's facade or internal surfaces.

Historically, the external windows of buildings were generally single glazed, consisting of just one layer of glass, however, multi-layered glazing system were developed such as double glazing and triple glazing.

Single glazing comprises off one layer of glass, bedded into the window frame. Single glazing is usually fixed with linseed oil putty and secured with glazing nails into the frame. Glazing beads can further secure the glass and is usually screwed and glued to the frame. If the window frame is timber it must be painted to avoid water ingress.

U-values (sometimes referred to as heat transfer coefficients or thermal transmittances) is used to measure how effective elements of a building’s fabric are as insulators. That is, how effective they are at preventing heat from transmitting between the inside and the outside of a building. Typically, the U-value of single glazing is around 4.8 to 5.8 W/m²K, whilst double glazing is around 1.2 to 3.7 W/m²K. NB Triple can achieve a U-value below 1 W/m²K.

Thermal performance is affected by the quality of the installation, the inclusion of thermal breaks in the frame, suitable weather seals, and the type of glass used. Low-e glass has a coating added to o its surfaces to reduce its emissivity so that it reflects, rather than absorbs, a higher proportion of long-wave infra-red radiation.

The sound reduction achieved by single glazing (6 mm thick) is typically around 27 dB, whilst double glazing (100 mm air space) is around 42 dB.

It should be noted that from 1st April 2020 it will be against building regulations to rent a property which breaches the minimum requirement of and E rating on an EPC certificate. Single glazing can have a big impact on the energy efficiency of a building and to comply with regulations, the use of single glazing might have to be adapted. Secondary glazing can be an option if double glazing can not be installed.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* BFRC window rating scheme.
* BREEAM Visual comfort Daylighting.
* BREEAM Visual comfort View out.
* Curved glass.
* Daylit space.
* Domestic windows.
* Double glazing.
* Double glazing v triple glazing.
* Glass.
* Glass block flooring.
* Glass manifestation.
* Glass mullion system.
* Glazing.
* Low-E glass.
* Patent glazing.
* R-value.
* Rights to light.
* Secondary glazing.
* Stained glass.
* Structural glass assembly.
* Suction lifter.
* Tempered glass.
* Triple glazing.
* Types of window.
* Window.

Levelling applications

2020-03-16T17:06:53Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

In surveying, levelling is a process of determining the height of one point (or level) relative to another. It is used in surveying to establish the elevation of a point relative to a datum or to establish a point at a given elevation relative to a datum. Several different surveying instruments can be used, all of which are loosely referred to as ‘levels’, for example, a spirit level.

Various applications can be used in levelling:

* Fly levelling.
* Whole circle bearing.
* Traverse types.

= Fly levelling =

Fly levelling is a quick way to establish a new temporary benchmark. The benchmark will help with the calculation of reduced levels. A temporary benchmark is usually used in smaller construction projects. In larger projects, levels will be linked to the Ordnance Survey Benchmarks. The fly levelling application is used for the transferring of levels and the only readings required is the backsight and foresight recordings. The intermediate sight readings are not used but the distance between readings should not exceed 50m. Fly levelling can be helpful when the benchmark is very far from the work station. In such a case, a temporary benchmark is located at the work station which is based on the original benchmark. It is not highly precise and is used for determining approximate levels only.

= Whole circle bearings =

The application of whole circle bearings is when angles are measured in a clockwise direction from north to establish levels. In whole circle bearing, the value of the bearing will vary from 0° to 360°. The angle between the north line to the survey line must be measured to establish the whole circle bearing. Co-ordinates are used in the calculations for whole circle bearings. The seconds, minutes and degrees of known points are used and deducted from each other to calculate the unknown angles’ co-ordinates.

= Traverse types =

Traverse levelling is the measure of the lengths and directions of a series of straight lines connecting a series of points. The straight lines are called traverse legs, and points are called a traverse station,

There are different types of traverse levelling applications:

* Open traverse – Has a different start and endpoint. It begins at a point of known control and ends at a station whose relative position is known only by computations.
* Closed traverse – Has the same start and endpoint.
* Directional travers- extends directional control only. This type of traverse can either be open or closed.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Building survey.
* Condition survey.
* How to layout a building.
* Land surveying.
* Laser scanning.
* Level.
* Levelling in surveying.
* Measurement of existing buildings.
* Robotic total station.
* Site surveys.
* Surveying instruments.
* Surveyor.
* Verticality.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction Student Book - Pearson

[[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]

Abstraction of quantities

2020-03-16T16:54:10Z

Editor2:

During the estimation process in construction, estimators will carry out a technique called ‘taking off’. The term ‘taking off’ refers to the process of identifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced which is necessary to produce bills of quantities. The elements can then be measured in number, length, area, volume, weight or time. Abstraction is the process of collating all the quantities ‘taken off’ into a single total of each element that can then be transferred into the bill of quantities.

Quantities of the same items are captured on dimension/abstraction sheets. An example can be the capture of all quantities for facing brickwork. The estimator will start to measure the brickwork of plan. He will generally measure the area of the wall and also capture the areas for windows and doors or any other features that will impact on the quantity of the facing brickwork area. For the final quantity calculations, he will deduct the windows and doors from the areas of the facing brickwork measured. As part of the abstraction, he will also round up figures. The estimator will then have a final quantity for all the facing brickwork that will be used in the bill of quantities.

The estimator will follow the ‘New rules of measurement’ as set out by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to capture quantities for the abstraction. Depending on the project he will use one of the following standards:

* NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works.
* NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works.
* NRM3 - Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works.

The rules of measurement will guide the estimator on the unit that has to be calculated for each element. An example is for facing brickwork, the rules state that the unit applicable will be m2. The estimator will prepare the abstraction of quantities for facing brickwork by measuring the length and height to calculate the area and group this in the various sections of facing brickwork. Some elements can be measured in m3 and the estimator will have to calculate the volume.

Typical units can be classified in the New rules of measurement as:

* M (for length).
* M2 (for the area).
* M3 (for volume).
* Tonne (for weight).
* Nr (for items).

The rules will also guide the estimator on which areas of measurements to include and exclude during the abstraction of quantities.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Advantages of a bill of quantities.
* Approximate bill of quantities.
* Approximate quantities.
* Bill of quantities breakdown structures BQBS
* Bill of quantities software.
* Bill of quantities v Schedule of rates.
* Bill.
* Common mistakes in bill of quantities.
* How to take off construction works.
* New Rules of Measurement.
* Priced bill of quantities.
* Quantity.
* Standard Method of Measurement SMM7.
* Taking off construction works.
* Types of bill of quantities.
* Unpriced bill.
* Without quantities.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Degradation of construction materials

2020-03-16T16:47:34Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

Most construction materials can be very durable but it is known of cases where building materials have failed prematurely. All building materials can suffer from deterioration and decay if they are not protected or maintained correctly. Some common scenarios that can lead to the degradation of construction materials are:

* Natural agents.
* Moisture.
* Shrinkage.
* Exposure conditions.
* Corrosion in metals.
* Loading.
* Chemical.

= Natural Agents =

Some materials can decay due to natural processes. Some of these processes can be:

* Ageing- natural deterioration over time from wear and tear.
* Weather – exposure to the elements over time caused for instance by wind, frost, rain.
* Timber decay- including dry rot, insects, wet rot or fungal attacks.
* Ultraviolet – radiation from sunlight exposure.

= Moisture =

Moisture penetration can cause damage to wood fibres and materials like plaster, brickwork, concrete or stonework. Capillary action causes water to move through materials that can cause deterioration.

= Shrinkage =

Shrinkage generally occurs in timber. Freshly felled timber will contain more water and when used in construction it is likely to later shrink and cause cracks and gaps in the timber itself, especially in very dry areas. Kiln-dried timber can expand when used in areas with high humidity. The best method to avoid the size changes in timber is to allow it to acclimatise to the conditions where it will be installed first.

= Exposure conditions =

Exposure conditions might include:

* Weathering- combined action of the elements like rain, wind frost and sunlight.
* Thermal ageing- in high temperatures the chemical processes involved in material degradation can be accelerated.
* Humidity – extreme levels of humidity can have an expedited effect of degradation on materials.

= Corrosion in metals =

Corrosion in metals happens due to a chemical process when the material is exposed to liquid. The most common is oxidation that causes rust in iron.

= Loading =

Loading conditions causing degradation can be classified as:

* Shock – dynamic loads causing impact in low toughness materials.
* Static – can cause creep deformation in materials over time.
* Cyclic – constant varying dynamic loading can cause fatigue in materials.

= Chemical =

All materials are generally susceptible to chemical degradation and can be caused by:

* Alkalis – especially when alkaline cement paste and silica-based aggregates react and can cause cracking.
* Sulphates – sulphates can be present in water and can react with concrete and cause levels of stress.
* Leaching – some porous materials can be susceptible when minerals are dissolved in liquid solutions which will, in turn, weaken materials.
* Acid rain – pollution in the atmosphere combines with water and forms acid rain. This rain can dissolve calcite in marble or limestone.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Building Regulations.
* Construction materials.
* Defects.
* Dry rot.
* Materials on site.
* Quality control.
* Schedule of defects.
* Testing construction materials.
* Timber preservation.
* Truth to materials.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction Student Book, Pearson

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Single glazing v double glazing

2020-03-16T15:54:02Z

Editor2:

The term 'glazing' refers to the glass component of a building's façade or internal surfaces. Historically, windows were generally single glazed, consisting of just a single layer of glass, today there are many different options for glazing. A substantial amount of heat is lost through the window, and so double and triple glazed units have been developed to provide more insulation, improving the energy efficiency of a building.

The building regulations in England and Wales require that new and replacement window units must meet certain energy efficiency requirements. Approved Document L of the building regulations classifies an external window as a 'controlled fitting', which refers to the whole unit including the frame. New and replacement windows in existing homes in England, Wales and Scotland must have a Window Energy Rating (WER) of at least band C or have a U-value of no more than 1.6 W/m²K. This is intended to reduce heat loss, and so the requirement for heating, resulting in lower energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.

Single glazing comprises off one layer of glass, bedded into the window frame. Single glazing is usually fixed with linseed oil putty and secured with glazing nails into the frame. Glazing beads can further secure the glass and is usually screwed and glued to the frame. If the window frame is timber it must be painted to avoid water ingress. Typically, single glazing can achieve a U-value of around 4.5 W/m²K. The sound reduction achieved by single glazing (6 mm thick) is typically around 27 dB

Double glazing comprises two layers of glass separated by a spacer bar and a continuous hollow frame typically made of aluminium or a low heat-conductive material. The spacer bar is bonded to the panes using a primary and secondary seal which creates an airtight cavity, typically with 6-20 mm between the two layers of glass. This space is filled with air or with a gas such as argon, which improves the thermal properties of the window. Larger cavities may be provided to achieve greater sound reduction. Good double glazing can achieve a U-value of around 1.2 W/m²K. The sound reduction achieved by double glazing (100 mm air space) is around 42 dB

For more information see: Single glazing and Double glazing.

Double glazing thus provides benefits, such as improved thermal comfort and better acoustic performance and increased security as well as reduced solar gain in the summer and a reduction in the occurrence of condensation

Single glazing might be beneficial in areas that are more tropical and hot and do not require heat retention. Single glazed windows also only require the glass panes to be replaced if there is damage to the glazing, unlike double glazing where the whole frame will need to be replaced if there is any damage to the panes.

A more economical option to replace single glazed windows is to instal secondary glazing. Secondary glazing involves the installation of an additional pane of glass and frame to existing windows. This can be used as an alternative to double glazing which involves the removal and replacement of existing windows. It can be used to improve sound insulation and to reduce heat loss and draughts through windows.

Secondary glazing is considered most suitable for:

* Listed buildings, period properties and heritage/conservation areas.
* Areas where there is traffic noise (such as hotels on main roads).
* Properties where it may be uneconomical to install double glazing.
* Properties where it would be difficult to modify existing external windows (such as single glazed timber sash windows).
* Windows that require noise reduction, draught reduction.

= Related Articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Building fabric.
* Choosing the correct glazed facade heating system.
* Domestic windows.
* Double glazing.
* Double glazing v triple glazing.
* Emissivity.
* Glass.
* Glazing.
* Heat transfer.
* Preventing overheating.
* Security glazing.
* Single glazing
* Triple glazing.
* Window.
* Window energy rating.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Single glazing v double glazing

2020-03-16T15:20:50Z

Editor2: Created page with "The term 'glazing' refers to the glass component of a building's façade or internal surfaces. Historically, windows were generally single glazed, consisting of just a single lay..."

The term 'glazing' refers to the glass component of a building's façade or internal surfaces. Historically, windows were generally single glazed, consisting of just a single layer of glass, today there are many different options for glazing. A substantial amount of heat is lost through the window, and so double and triple glazed units have been developed to provide more insulation, improving the energy efficiency of a building.

The building regulations in England and Wales require that new and replacement window units must meet certain energy efficiency requirements. Approved Document L of the building regulations classifies an external window as a 'controlled fitting', which refers to the whole unit including the frame. New and replacement windows in existing homes in England, Wales and Scotland must have a Window Energy Rating (WER) of at least band C or have a U-value of no more than 1.6 W/m²K. This is intended to reduce heat loss, and so the requirement for heating, resulting in lower energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.

Single glazing comprises off one layer of glass, bedded into the window frame. Single glazing is usually fixed with linseed oil putty and secured with glazing nails into the frame. Glazing beads can further secure the glass and is usually screwed and glued to the frame. If the window frame is timber it must be painted to avoid water ingress. Typically, single glazing can achieve a U-value of around 4.5 W/m²K. The sound reduction achieved by single glazing (6 mm thick) is typically around 27 dB

Double glazing comprises two layers of glass separated by a spacer bar and a continuous hollow frame typically made of aluminium or a low heat-conductive material. The spacer bar is bonded to the panes using a primary and secondary seal which creates an airtight cavity, typically with 6-20 mm between the two layers of glass. This space is filled with air or with a gas such as argon, which improves the thermal properties of the window. Larger cavities may be provided to achieve greater sound reduction. Good double glazing can achieve a U-value of around 1.2 W/m²K. The sound reduction achieved by double glazing (100 mm air space) is around 42 dB

For more information see: Single glazing and Double glazing.

Double glazing thus provides benefits, such as improved thermal comfort and better acoustic performance and increased security as well as reduced solar gain in the summer and a reduction in the occurrence of condensation

Single glazing might be beneficial in areas that are more tropical and hot and do not require heat retention. Single glazed windows also only require the glass panes to be replaced if there is damage to the glazing, unlike double glazing where the whole frame will need to be replaced if there is any damage to the panes.

A more economical option to replace single glazed windows is to instal secondary glazing. Secondary glazing involves the installation of an additional pane of glass and frame to existing windows. This can be used as an alternative to double glazing which involves the removal and replacement of existing windows. It can be used to improve sound insulation and to reduce heat loss and draughts through windows.

Secondary glazing is considered most suitable for:

* Listed buildings, period properties and heritage/conservation areas.
* Areas where there is traffic noise (such as hotels on main roads).
* Properties where it may be uneconomical to install double glazing.
* Properties where it would be difficult to modify existing external windows (such as single glazed timber sash windows).
* Windows that require noise reduction, draught reduction.

Related Articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

* Building fabric.
* Choosing the correct glazed facade heating system.
* Domestic windows.
* Double glazing.
* Double glazing v triple glazing.
* Emissivity.
* Glass.
* Glazing.
* Heat transfer.
* Preventing overheating.
* Security glazing.
* Single glazing
* Triple glazing.
* Window.
* Window energy rating.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Single glazing

2020-03-16T11:41:17Z

Editor2: Created page with "The term 'glazing' refers to the glass component of a building's facade or internal surfaces. Historically, the external windows of buildings were generally single glazed, consi..."

The term 'glazing' refers to the glass component of a building's facade or internal surfaces.

Historically, the external windows of buildings were generally single glazed, consisting of just one layer of glass, however, multi-layered glazing system were developed such as double glazing and triple glazing.

Single glazing comprises off one layer of glass, bedded into the window frame. Single glazing is usually fixed with linseed oil putty and secured with glazing nails into the frame. Glazing beads can further secure the glass and is usually screwed and glued to the frame. If the window frame is timber it must be painted to avoid water ingress.

U-values (sometimes referred to as heat transfer coefficients or thermal transmittances) is used to measure how effective elements of a building’s fabric are as insulators. That is, how effective they are at preventing heat from transmitting between the inside and the outside of a building. Typically, the U-value of single glazing is around 4.8 to 5.8 W/m²K, whilst double glazing is around 1.2 to 3.7 W/m²K. NB Triple can achieve a U-value below 1 W/m²K.

Thermal performance is affected by the quality of the installation, the inclusion of thermal breaks in the frame, suitable weather seals, and the type of glass used. Low-e glass has a coating added to o its surfaces to reduce its emissivity so that it reflects, rather than absorbs, a higher proportion of long-wave infra-red radiation.

The sound reduction achieved by single glazing (6 mm thick) is typically around 27 dB, whilst double glazing (100 mm air space) is around 42 dB.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* BFRC window rating scheme.
* BREEAM Visual comfort Daylighting.
* BREEAM Visual comfort View out.
* Curved glass.
* Daylit space.
* Domestic windows.
* Double glazing.
* Double glazing v triple glazing.
* Glass.
* Glass block flooring.
* Glass manifestation.
* Glass mullion system.
* Glazing.
* Low-E glass.
* Patent glazing.
* R-value.
* Rights to light.
* Secondary glazing.
* Stained glass.
* Structural glass assembly.
* Suction lifter.
* Tempered glass.
* Triple glazing.
* Types of window.
* Window.

Levelling applications

2020-03-16T10:59:41Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = In surveying, levelling is a process of determining the height of one point (or level) relative to another. It is used in surveying to establish the elevation o..."

= Introduction =

In surveying, levelling is a process of determining the height of one point (or level) relative to another. It is used in surveying to establish the elevation of a point relative to a datum or to establish a point at a given elevation relative to a datum. Several different surveying instruments can be used, all of which are loosely referred to as ‘levels’, for example, a spirit level.

Various applications can be used in levelling:

* Fly levelling
* Whole circle bearing
* Traverse types

= Fly levelling =

Fly levelling is a quick way to establish a new temporary benchmark. The benchmark will help with the calculation of reduced levels. A temporary benchmark is usually used in smaller construction projects. In larger projects, levels will be linked to the Ordnance Survey Benchmarks. The fly levelling application is used for the transferring of levels. The only readings required for fly levelling is the backsight and foresight recordings and the intermediate sight readings are not used. In fly levelling, the distance between readings should not exceed 50m. Fly levelling can be helpful when the benchmark is very far from the work station. In such a case, a temporary benchmark is located at the work station which is based on the original benchmark. It is not highly precise and is used for determining approximate levels only.

= Whole circle bearings =

The application of whole circle bearings is when angles are measured in a clockwise direction from north to establish levels. In whole circle bearing, the value of the bearing will vary from 0° to 360°. The angle between the north line to the survey line must be measured to establish the whole circle bearing. Co-ordinates are used in the calculations for whole circle bearings. The seconds, minutes and degrees of known points are used and deducted from each other to calculate the unknown angles’ co-ordinates.

= Traverse types =

Traverse levelling is the measure of the lengths and directions of a series of straight lines connecting a series of points. The straight lines are called traverse legs, and points are called a traverse station,

There are different types of traverse levelling applications:

* Open traverse – Has a different start and endpoint. It begins at a point of known control and ends at a station whose relative position is known only by computations.
* Closed traverse – Has the same start and endpoint.
* Directional travers- extends directional control only. This type of traverse can either be open or closed.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Building survey.
* Condition survey.
* How to layout a building.
* Land surveying.
* Laser scanning.
* Level.
* Levelling in surveying.
* Measurement of existing buildings.
* Robotic total station.
* Site surveys.
* Surveying instruments.
* Surveyor.
* Verticality.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction Student Book - Pearson

[[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]

Degradation of construction materials

2020-03-16T10:44:34Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = Most construction materials can be very durable but it is known of cases where building materials have failed prematurely. All building materials can suffer fro..."

= Introduction =

Most construction materials can be very durable but it is known of cases where building materials have failed prematurely. All building materials can suffer from deterioration and decay if they are not protected or maintained correctly. Some common scenarios that can lead to the degradation of construction materials are:

* Natural agents.
* Moisture.
* Shrinkage.
* Exposure conditions.
* Corrosion in metals.
* Loading.
* Chemical.

= Natural Agents =

Some materials can decay due to natural processes. Some of these processes can be:

* Ageing- natural deterioration over time from wear and tear.
* Weather – exposure to the elements over time caused for instance by wind, frost, rain.
* Timber decay- including dry rot, insects, wet rot or fungal attacks.
* Ultraviolet – radiation from sunlight exposure.

= Moisture =

Moisture penetration can cause damage to wood fibres and materials like plaster, brickwork, concrete or stonework. Capillary action causes water to move through materials that can cause deterioration.

= Shrinkage =

Shrinkage generally occurs in timber. Freshly felled timber will contain more water and when used in construction it is likely to later shrink and cause cracks and gaps in the timber itself especially in very dry areas. Kiln-dried timber can expand when used in areas with high humidity. The best method to avoid the shrinkage or swelling of timber is to allow the timber to acclimatise to the conditions where it will be installed.

= Exposure conditions =

Exposure conditions might include:

* Weathering- combined action of the elements like rain, wind frost and sunlight
* Thermal ageing- in high temperatures the chemical processes involved in material degradation can be accelerated
* Humidity – extreme levels of humidity can have an expedited effect of degradation on materials

= Corrosion in metals =

Corrosion in metals happens due to a chemical process when the material is exposed to liquid. The most common is oxidation that causes rust in iron.

= Loading =

Loading conditions causing degradation can be classified as:

* Shock – dynamic loads causing impact in low toughness materials
* Static – can cause creep deformation in materials over time
* Cyclic – constant varying dynamic loading can cause fatigue in materials

= Chemical =

All materials are generally susceptible to chemical degradation and can be caused by:

* Alkalis – especially when alkaline cement paste and silica-based aggregates react and can cause cracking.
* Sulphates – sulphates can be present in water and can react with concrete and cause levels of stress.
* Leaching – some porous materials can be susceptible when minerals are dissolved in liquid solutions which will, in turn, weaken materials
* Acid rain – pollution in the atmosphere combines with water and forms acid rain. This rain can dissolve calcite in marble or limestone.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Building Regulations.
* Construction materials.
* Defects.
* Dry rot.
* Materials on site.
* Quality control.
* Schedule of defects.
* Testing construction materials.
* Timber preservation.
* Truth to materials.

= External references =

BTEC National Construction Student Book, Pearson

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Abstraction of quantities

2020-03-16T10:33:23Z

Editor2:

During the estimation process in construction, estimators will carry out a techique called ‘taking off’. The term ‘taking off’ refers to the process of identifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced. This is necessary to produce bills of quantities. The elements can then be measured in number, length, area, volume, weight or time. Abstraction is the process of collating all the quantities ‘taken off’ into a single total of each element that can then be transferred into the bill of quantities.

Quantities of the same items are captured on dimension/abstraction sheets. An example can be the capture of all quantities for facing brickwork. The estimator will start to measure the brickwork of plan. He will generally measure the area of the wall and also capture the areas for windows and doors or any other features that will impact on the quantity of the facing brickwork area. For the final quantity calculations, he will deduct the windows and doors from the areas of the facing brickwork measured. As part of the abstraction, he will also round up figures. The estimator will then have a final quantity for all the facing brickwork that will be used in the bill of quantities.

The estimator will follow the ‘New rules of measurement’ as set out by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to capture quantities for the abstraction. Depending on the project he will use one of the following standards:

* NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works.
* NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works.
* NRM3 - Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works.

The rules of measurement will guide the estimator on the unit that has to be calculated for each element. An example is for facing brickwork, the rules state that the unit applicable will be m2. The estimator will prepare the abstraction of quantities for facing brickwork by measuring the length and height to calculate the area and group this in the various sections of facing brickwork. Some elements can be measures in m3 and the estimator will have to calculate the volume.

Typical units can be classified in the New rules of measurement as:

* M (for length).
* M2 (for the area).
* M3 (for volume).
* Tonne (for weight).
* Nr (for items).

The rules will also guide the estimator on which areas of measurements to include and exclude the abstraction of quantities.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Advantages of a bill of quantities
* Approximate bill of quantities
* Approximate quantities.
* Bill of quantities breakdown structures BQBS
* Bill of quantities software
* Bill of quantities v Schedule of rates.
* Bill.
* Common mistakes in bill of quantities
* How to take off construction works
* New Rules of Measurement
* Priced bill of quantities
* Quantity.
* Standard Method of Measurement SMM7
* Taking off construction works
* Types of bill of quantities
* Unpriced bill.
* Without quantities.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Abstraction of quantities

2020-03-16T10:32:32Z

Editor2: Created page with "During the estimation process in construction, estimators will carry out a process called ‘taking off’. The term ‘taking off’ refers to the process of identifying element..."

During the estimation process in construction, estimators will carry out a process called ‘taking off’. The term ‘taking off’ refers to the process of identifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced. This is necessary to produce bills of quantities. The elements can then be measured in number, length, area, volume, weight or time. Abstraction is the process of collating all the quantities ‘taken off’ into a single total of each element that can then be transferred into the bill of quantities.

Quantities of the same items are captured on dimension/abstraction sheets. An example can be the capture of all quantities for facing brickwork. The estimator will start to measure the brickwork of plan. He will generally measure the area of the wall and also capture the areas for windows and doors or any other features that will impact on the quantity of the facing brickwork area. For the final quantity calculations, he will deduct the windows and doors from the areas of the facing brickwork measured. As part of the abstraction, he will also round up figures. The estimator will then have a final quantity for all the facing brickwork that will be used in the bill of quantities.

The estimator will follow the ‘New rules of measurement’ as set out by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to capture quantities for the abstraction. Depending on the project he will use one of the following standards:

* NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building works.
* NRM2: Detailed measurement for building works.
* NRM3 - Order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works.

The rules of measurement will guide the estimator on the unit that has to be calculated for each element. An example is for facing brickwork, the rules state that the unit applicable will be m2. The estimator will prepare the abstraction of quantities for facing brickwork by measuring the length and height to calculate the area and group this in the various sections of facing brickwork. Some elements can be measures in m3 and the estimator will have to calculate the volume.

Typical units can be classified in the New rules of measurement as:

* M (for length).
* M2 (for the area).
* M3 (for volume).
* Tonne (for weight).
* Nr (for items).

The rules will also guide the estimator on which areas of measurements to include and exclude the abstraction of quantities.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Advantages of a bill of quantities
* Approximate bill of quantities
* Approximate quantities.
* Bill of quantities breakdown structures BQBS
* Bill of quantities software
* Bill of quantities v Schedule of rates.
* Bill.
* Common mistakes in bill of quantities
* How to take off construction works
* New Rules of Measurement
* Priced bill of quantities
* Quantity.
* Standard Method of Measurement SMM7
* Taking off construction works
* Types of bill of quantities
* Unpriced bill.
* Without quantities.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Mitre

2020-03-09T17:47:43Z

Editor2:

A mitre joint is an angle joint. An example is a joint that is formed when two pieces meet on a 90-degree angle and each piece has been cut at an angle of 45 degrees to be joined. A good example of this type of mitre joint can be seen in picture frames. A mitre joint can also be formed when two pieces meet at different angles than 90 degrees, for example, joining skirting boards around bay windows.

A mitred joint gives a neat finish with a sharp corner, only showing a line at the angle, and with both ends concealed. However, mitred joints can be difficult to cut and match, and can suffer from the swelling and shrinking of timber which can cause the mitre to crack open from the inner corner.

Other types of joint include:

* Butt joints.
* Lap joints.
* Mortise and tenon joints.
* Dowel joints.
* Tongue and groove joints.
* Dovetail joints.

Different joints have different strengths and aesthetic properties. Some joints are more complex to create than others and can be very time-consuming. A mitre joint can be relatively simple to create and not the most time-consuming in comparison to more complex joints like a dovetail or dowel joint.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Carpentry
* Physical Properties of Wood.
* Timber.
* Timber vs wood.

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

Recording dayworks

2020-03-06T14:33:05Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

Daywork is a means by which a contractor is paid for specifically instructed work based on the cost of labour, materials and plant plus a markup for overheads and profit. It is generally used when work cannot be valued in the normal way.

Examples of when daywork is when work is instructed for which there are no comparative rates in a bill of quantities or a pro-rata method of pricing can’t be used. This method of pricing can have advantages to the contractor so putting monitoring and controlling procedures in place is advisable.

= Recording dayworks =

Contractors will usually have a template or daywork sheet to capture labour hours, materials and plant. Dayworks can either be, percentage addition or all-inclusive rates. With all-inclusive dayworks a pre-established schedule of rates submitted at tender is used to price the daywork

A typical daywork sheet can contain the following:

* Project details.
* Instruction nr issued by client or site instruction.
* Date (some contractors capture a weeks work on a daywork sheet).
* Description of the dayworks.
* Detail of labour, including tradesmen’s names and hours worked.
* Detail of all material used.
* Detail of all plant used.
* Add on costs – profit and overhead.
* Signature area for contractor’s representative.
* Signature area for client’s representative.

The client’s team on-site should monitor the works for the project when daywork has been instructed. If a clerk of works is part of the client team, monitoring dayworks will be a typical duty for him/her. They will verify the hours captured and plant and materials used by the contractor and sign off the daywork sheet. Their signature will only verify the data captured on-site and not that the daywork sheet is a valid claim for the final account.

= Conclusion =

It is known in the industry that daywork instructions can be a contentious issue. Programme pressure usually takes precedence in projects and this can hinder the clarity of additional works instructed. Clear communication between the contractor and the client’s team is vital to minimise disputes, especially regarding dayworks. The selected contract used for the project will also capture clear instruction on time scales and procedures that must be followed for valid daywork claims.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Abortive work in building design and construction
* Architect's instruction
* Change order for construction contracts
* Construction contract
* Change control procedure for building design and construction
* Compensation event
* Bill of quantities BOQ
* Confirmation of verbal instruction
* Contract sum
* Dayworks in construction
* Extension of time EOT in construction contracts
* Loss and expense
* Payment for extra work
* Prime cost sum
* Relevant event
* Valuation
* Valuation of interim payments

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Contracts_/_payment]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Recording dayworks

2020-03-06T14:27:19Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = Daywork is a means by which a contractor is paid for specifically instructed work based on the cost of labour, materials and plant plus a markup for overheads a..."

= Introduction =

Daywork is a means by which a contractor is paid for specifically instructed work based on the cost of labour, materials and plant plus a markup for overheads and profit. It is generally used when work cannot be valued in the normal way.

Examples of when daywork is when work is instructed for which there are no comparative rates in a bill of quantities or a pro-rata method of pricing can’t be used. This method of pricing can have advantages to the contractor so putting monitoring and controlling procedures in place is advisable.

= Recording dayworks =

Contractors will usually have a template or daywork sheet to capture labour hours, materials and plant. Dayworks can either be, percentage addition or all-inclusive rates. With all-inclusive dayworks a pre-established schedule of rates submitted at tender is used to price the daywork

A typical daywork sheet can contain the following:

* Project details.
* Instruction nr issued by client or site instruction.
* Date (some contractors capture a weeks work on a daywork sheet).
* Description of the dayworks.
* Detail of labour, including tradesmen’s names and hours worked.
* Detail of all material used.
* Detail of all plant used.
* Add on costs – profit and overhead.
* Signature area for contractor’s representative.
* Signature area for client’s representative.

The client’s team on-site should monitor the works for the project when daywork has been instructed. If a clerk of works is part of the client team, monitoring dayworks will be a typical duty for him/her. They will verify the hours captured and plant and materials used by the contractor and sign off the daywork sheet. Their signature will only verify the data captured on-site and not that the daywork sheet is a valid claim for the final account.

= Conclusion =

It is known in the industry that daywork instructions can be a contentious issue. Programme pressure usually takes precedence in projects and this can hinder the clarity of additional works instructed. Clear communication between the contractor and the client’s team is vital to minimise disputes, especially regarding dayworks. The selected contract used for the project will also capture clear instruction on time scales and procedures that must be followed for valid daywork claims.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Contracts_/_payment]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Mitre

2020-03-06T10:12:37Z

Editor2: Created page with "Mitre is the term used to describe a joint in construction. An example is a joint that is formed when two pieces meet on a 90-degree angle and each piece has been cut at an angle..."

Mitre is the term used to describe a joint in construction. An example is a joint that is formed when two pieces meet on a 90-degree angle and each piece has been cut at an angle of 45 degrees to be joined. A mitre joint can also be formed when two pieces meet at different angles than 90 degrees. A good example of a mitre joint can be seen in picture frames. A mitre joint is simply an angle joint.

An advantage of a mitred joint is that it allows for a neat finish and it will only show a line at the angle and the ends will be concealed. In woodwork, a mitre joint can be troublesome due to the swelling and shrinking properties of timber and it can cause the mitre to crack open from the inner corner.

Many different joints can be specified in joinery construction. Some of the common joints are:

* Butt joints.
* Lap joints.
* Mortise and tenon joints.
* Dowell joints.
* Tongue and groove joints.
* Dovetail joints.

Different joints have different strengths and aesthetic properties. Some joints are more complex to create than others and can be very time-consuming. A mitre joint can be relatively simple to create and not the most time-consuming in comparison to more complex joints like a dovetail or dowel joint.

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

E-auctions in tendering

2020-03-06T10:09:00Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

E-auctioning falls within the category of E-procurement. E-procurement refers to tendering processes carried out online and through information and networking systems. More information is available in the article on E-procurement.

E-auctioning refers to a web-based system that allows potential suppliers to compete online, in real-time, pricing for goods/services under auction. E-auctioning can be used like the platform e-bay where the highest bidder wins. In construction, this can be used in reverse where contractors will compete for business in an online event by submitting the lowest bid. In the industry, this is referred to as reverse auctioning. The reverse auctions can either be open or closed/private.

= Open auctions =

In open auctions, a great number of competitors can be invited to compete. Bid pricing will either be visible or competitors will have visibility of their ranking. During an e-Auction, the bidder has the opportunity of reducing the price in successive bids within a given timescale. The result can be that the bidder does not offer the best or the lowest price and only provides a lower price than the previous bid.

Some of the benefits of open auctions:

* The contactor involved can progressively lower their bid
* Open auction procurement can save time on the project program with lengthy negotiations cut short.
* There is possible financial savings to e-tendering procurement due to less transactional costs.

Some of the challenges of open auctions:

* Judgement errors of contractors are possible and can lead to reduced quality of bids causing later disputes.
* It can promote the ‘lowest price’ rather than the best value for money.
* Possibility of software errors can create additional cost and time and potential disputes
* Restrict potential bidders from competing due to software requirements and complexities of online required procedures.

To avoid some of the challenges of ‘open auctions’ the procurement team will need to ensure that all documents and procedures are well defined. It is also advisable to use known contractors that the client's team are familiar with and have market-tested before. There currently seems to be more weighted challenges than benefits for open auctions as a procurement route in construction.

= Closed/Private auctions =

In private/closed auctions a selected number of bidders will compete to submit a price. The bidders will have no visibility of who they are competing against or see the prices of bids entered. A closed procurement route might be compared to the traditional route of procurement except that everything is done electronically.

= Conclusion =

The construction industry still uses the traditional route of procurement and not all companies have implemented E-auctions as a route of procurement. There is some scepticism in the industry using electronic auction platforms to tender for construction projects. In future, the industry might refine the process to avoid the current challenges that electronic auctions present and it might become more widely used.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Bidder.
* Computers in construction tendering.
* Invitation to tender.
* Managing the procurement process.
* Procurement route.
* Supply chain management.
* Supply chains in construction.
* The benefits of e-procurement in construction.
* Tender documentation.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Procurement]]

E-auctions in tendering

2020-03-06T10:00:33Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = E-auctioning falls within the category of E-procurement. E-procurement refers to tendering processes carried out online and through information and networking s..."

= Introduction =

E-auctioning falls within the category of E-procurement. E-procurement refers to tendering processes carried out online and through information and networking systems. See the article on E-procurement for more information.

E-auctioning refers to a web-based system that allows potential suppliers to compete online, in real-time, pricing for goods/services under auction. E-auctioning can be used like the platform e-bay where the highest bidder wins. In construction, this can be used in reverse where contractors will compete for business in an online event by submitting the lowest bid. In the industry, this is referred to as reverse auctioning. The reverse auctions can either be open or closed/private.

= Open auctions =

In open auctions, a great number of competitors can be invited to compete. Bid pricing will either be visible or competitors will have visibility of their ranking. During an e-Auction, the bidder has the opportunity of reducing the price in successive bids within a given timescale. The result can be that the bidder does not offer the best or the lowest price and only provides a lower price than the previous bid.

Some of the benefits of open auctions:

* The contactor involved can progressively lower their bid
* Open auction procurement can save time on the project program with lengthy negotiations cut short.
* There is possible financial savings to e-tendering procurement due to less transactional costs.

Some of the challenges of open auctions:

* Judgement errors of contractors are possible and can lead to reduced quality of bids causing later disputes.
* It can promote the ‘lowest price’ rather than the best value for money.
* Possibility of software errors can create additional cost and time and potential disputes
* Restrict potential bidders from competing due to software requirements and complexities of online required procedures.

To avoid some of the challenges of ‘open auctions’ the procurement team will need to ensure that all documents and procedures are well defined. It is also advisable to use known contractors that the client's team have are familiar with and have market-tested before. There currently seems to be more weighted challenges than benefits for open auctions as a procurement route in construction.

= Closed/Private auctions =

In private/closed auctions a selected number of bidders will compete to submit a price. The bidders will have no visibility of who they are competing against or see the prices of bids entered. A closed procurement route might be compared to the traditional route of procurement except that everything is done electronically.

= Conclusion =

The construction industry still uses the traditional route of procurement and not all companies have implemented E-auctions as a route of procurement. There is some scepticism in the industry using electronic auction platforms to tender for construction projects. In future, the industry might refine the process to avoid the current challenges that electronic auctions present and it might become more widely used.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Bidder.
* Computers in construction tendering.
* Invitation to tender.
* Managing the procurement process.
* Procurement route.
* Supply chain management.
* Supply chains in construction.
* The benefits of e-procurement in construction.
* Tender documentation.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Transom

2020-03-04T16:41:49Z

Editor2:

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

Transoms are members that form horizontal divisions between units of a window, door, screen or glass curtain wall. Together with vertical members known as mullions they provide rigid support to glazing.

The smaller window above a door or window can also be known as a transom window. A transom can be fixed or operational. Transoms mechanisms can include:

* Bottom-hinged transoms with latches and chains that require a pole to pull the latch open.
* Side-hinged transoms that open like doors.
* Top-hinged transoms with fixed lifts that could be hand-operated.
* Modern automated opening mechanisms.

The purpose of a transom in a window can be to provide ventilation or additional light. Larger transoms are sometimes designed to provide the illusion of door height, without the need to produce extra-large door sizes especially, in higher ceiling areas. A transom can also be decorative and ornate. Historically transom windows were popular as an architectural feature with stained-glass, decorative gable details or art deco styling. Modern transoms are commonly made from materials such as timber, aluminium, steel and UPVC. Transoms can be formed and installed in many different shapes. It is popular in Mediterranean style architecture to use fan-shaped transoms. Transoms can range from rectangular to circular and asymmetrical shapes.

In door frames with transom windows, the transom can provide similar structural properties as a lintel. It can provide strength and support to both the door and window frame.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Architectural ironmongery.
* Curtain wall systems.
* Curved glass.
* Glass mullion system.
* Glazing.
* Lintel.
* Mullion
* Window.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Transom

2020-03-04T16:39:13Z

Editor2:

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

Transoms are members that form horizontal divisions between units of a window, door, screen or glass curtain wall. Together with vertical members known as mullions they provide rigid support to glazing.

The smaller window above a door or window can also be known as a transom window. A transom can be fixed or operational. Transoms mechanisms can include:

* Bottom-hinged transoms with latches and chains that require a pole to pull the latch open.
* Side-hinged transoms that open like doors.
* Top-hinged transoms with fixed lifts that could be hand-operated.
* Modern automated opening mechanisms.

The purpose of a transom in a window can be to provide ventilation or additional light. Larger transoms are sometimes designed to provide the illusion of door height, without the need to produce extra-large door sizes especially, in higher ceiling areas. A transom can also be decorative and ornate. Historically transom windows were popular as an architectural feature with stained-glass, decorative gable details or art deco styling. Modern transoms are commonly made from materials such as timber, aluminium, steel and UPVC. Transoms can be formed and installed in many different shapes. It is popular in Mediterranean style architecture to use fan-shaped transoms. Transoms can range from rectangular to circular and asymmetrical shapes.

In door frames with transom windows, the transom can provide similar structural properties as a lintel. It can provide strength and support to both the door and window frame.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Architectural ironmongery.
* Braced frame.
* Curtain wall systems.
* Curved glass.
* Glass mullion system.
* Glazing.
* Lintel.
* Mullion
* Weep hole.
* Window.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Unit rate estimating

2020-03-04T16:37:21Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

Unit rate estimating is a method used to calculate building costs. In unit rate estimating the price for the bill of quantities’ items are each calculated separately. A different method of unit rate estimating is operational rate estimating.

= Unit rate =

A price is calculated for each item in the bill in isolation to the rest of the works. The estimator will take into consideration the following factors:

* Labour costs.
* Materials.
* Plant.

= Labour costs =

To calculate the labour cost, the estimator will establish the ‘all-in ‘rate per hour. To calculate the ‘all-in costs’ the estimator may include the following.

• Standard hourly rate of wages

• Hourly calculated ‘on costs’ consisting of:

# Overtime payments.
# Holiday payments.
# Travel and fares.
# Sickness and injury benefit.
# Retirement and death benefit.
# Tool allowance.
# Guaranteed work week allowance.
# CITB levy.
# Employers insurance liabilities.
# Any other employer-paid benefits.

The estimator will also need to establish the productive hours by estimating the allowable hours worked per week taking into consideration the seasons, sickness allowance and holidays. He can then estimate the effective working hours per working week. The labour constant can be difficult to estimate due to the variances in output. Historical data can help to estimate it as accurately as possible. The National Joint Council for the Construction industry provides the working rules and standards that can be used to help calculate hourly rates.

= Materials =

The ‘all in rate’ for materials can be calculated as follows:

* Supplier/purchasing rate.
* Transportation costs.
* Storage costs.
* Waste allowance – depending on the material. An allowance of 10% is usually applied as an industry standard.

The material unit rate can be complicated to estimate. The unit rate at which contractors will purchase materials can be different from the way units are measured in the bill of quantities. An example can be the purchase of sand that will be bought from suppliers in tonne. The bill of quantities measurement for sand will be quantified in cubic meters. The estimator will have to convert the merchant’s rate to follow the bill requirements.

= Plant =

To calculate the unit rate of plant the estimator will have different calculations for plant owned by the contractor to plant that is hired in. A contractor that owns his own plant will calculate the ‘all in’ plant rate by looking at the operating cost and the fixed costs.

Operating cost will consist of:

* Fuel.
* Operator wages.
* Other consumables – e.g. fuel.

Fixed cost will consist of:

* Capital cost for purchasing plant.
* Maintenance cost.
* Tax and insurance.
* Expected operating life.
* Overhead costs including storage and administration.

To establish the hourly rate the estimator will have to calculate the output performance of the plant. The performance of the plant will be influenced by factors on-site like weather and site conditions and can be unique for each project.

The items captured by the estimator for unit rates can include further calculations to include preliminaries and profit and overheads. This will depend on the structure of the bill of quantities and might be separated in different sections in the bill or added onto the unit costs.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki: =

* Approximate quantities cost plan
* Bills of quantities.
* Budget.
* Capital.
* Contract sum.
* Cost control.
* Cost engineering.
* Cost information.
* Cost of building.
* Elemental cost plan.
* Estimate.
* Estimating
* Estimator.
* Forecast period.
* Initial cost appraisal.
* Market value.
* Measurement.
* New Rules of Measurement.
* Order of cost estimate.
* Outturn cost.
* Overheads.
* Operational Rate estimating
* Pre-tender estimate.
* Tender cost.

= External References =

Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book by Duncan Cartlidge

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Operational rate estimating

2020-03-04T16:06:59Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = Operational rate estimating is a method used to calculate building costs. In operational rate estimating the parcel of work will be priced as a package. A diffe..."

= Introduction =

Operational rate estimating is a method used to calculate building costs. In operational rate estimating the parcel of work will be priced as a package. A different method to operational rate estimating is unit rate estimating where units of the bill are priced individually.

= Operational Rate =

Operational rate estimating is commonly used in the civil engineering industry. This is generally due to the larger quantities involved in civil engineering projects. The plant and machinery required in civil engineering works can also play a more significant role in the project. It can also be viewed that operational estimating will be preferred in plant-dominated projects.

The estimator will calculate all the resources needed for parts of the construction packages and consider them together rather than in isolation. Operational estimating will involve forecasting the cost of completing a construction operation, which may consist of many bill items. Operational estimating will require a completed:

* Method statement.
* Programme.
* Resource schedule.

With operational estimating it is usually beneficial for the estimator to work alongside the operational teams to prepare the resource schedules and programs as they may require comparative estimates or cost alternatives to help adopt the most suitable approach and value for money.

Typical packages in operational estimating are:

* Drainage works.
* Concrete works.
* Steel works.
* Earthworks.

The estimator will still need to calculate all the individual items that are required in unit rate estimating like labour, plant and materials but the key difference in operational estimates is that the estimator views a section of the work as a whole rather than as a set of separate items.

Operational rate estimating can be a selected format for pricing in design and build contracts where the contractor is responsible for their own pricing methods and a bill does not have to be produced.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* All-in rates.
* Approximate quantities cost plan.
* Bills of quantities.
* Budget.
* Capital.
* Contract sum.
* Cost control.
* Cost engineering.
* Cost information.
* Cost of building.
* Elemental cost plan.
* Estimate.
* Estimating
* Estimator.
* Forecast period.
* Initial cost appraisal.
* Market value.
* Measurement.
* New Rules of Measurement.
* Order of cost estimate.
* Outturn cost.
* Overheads.
* Pre-tender estimate.
* Tender cost.
* Unit Rate Estimating.

= External references =

Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book by Duncan Cartlidge

Unit rate estimating

2020-03-04T16:00:37Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

Unit rate estimating is a method used to calculate building costs. In unit rate estimating the price for the bill of quantities’ items are each calculated separately. A different method of unit rate estimating is operational rate estimating.

= Unit rate =

A price is calculated for each item in the bill in isolation to the rest of the works. The estimator will take into consideration the following factors:

* Labour costs.
* Materials.
* Plant.

= Labour costs =

To calculate the labour cost, the estimator will establish the ‘all-in ‘rate per hour. To calculate the ‘all-in costs’ the estimator may include the following.

• Standard hourly rate of wages

• Hourly calculated ‘on costs’ consisting of:

# Overtime payments.
# Holiday payments.
# Travel and fares.
# Sickness and injury benefit.
# Retirement and death benefit.
# Tool allowance.
# Guaranteed work week allowance.
# CITB levy.
# Employers insurance liabilities.
# Any other employer-paid benefits.

The estimator will also need to establish the productive hours by estimating the allowable hours worked per week taking into consideration the seasons, sickness allowance and holidays. He can then estimate the effective working hours per working week. The labour constant can be difficult to estimate due to the variances in output. Historical data can help to estimate it as accurately as possible. The National Joint Council for the Construction industry provides the working rules and standards that can be used to help calculate hourly rates.

= Materials =

The ‘all in rate’ for materials can be calculated as follows:

• Supplier/purchasing rate.

• Transportation costs.

• Storage costs.

• Waste allowance – depending on the material. An allowance of 10% is usually applied as an industry standard.

The material unit rate can be complicated to estimate. The unit rate at which contractors will purchase materials can be different from the way units are measured in the bill of quantities. An example can be the purchase of sand that will be bought from suppliers in tonne. The bill of quantities measurement for sand will be quantified in cubic meters. The estimator will have to convert the merchant’s rate to follow the bill requirements.

= Plant =

To calculate the unit rate of plant the estimator will have different calculations for plant owned by the contractor to plant that is hired in. A contractor that owns his own plant will calculate the ‘all in’ plant rate by looking at the operating cost and the fixed costs.

Operating cost will consist of:

• Fuel.

• Operator wages.

• Other consumables – e.g. fuel.

Fixed Cost will consist of:

• Capital cost for purchasing plant.

• Maintenance cost.

• Tax and insurance.

• Expected operating life.

• Overhead costs including storage and administration.

To establish the hourly rate the estimator will have to calculate the output performance of the plant. The performance of the plant will be influenced by factors on-site like weather and site conditions and can be unique for each project.

The items captured by the estimator for unit rates can include further calculations to include preliminaries and profit and overheads. This will depend on the structure of the bill of quantities and might be separated in different sections in the bill or added onto the unit costs.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki: =

* Approximate quantities cost plan
* Bills of quantities.
* Budget.
* Capital.
* Contract sum.
* Cost control.
* Cost engineering.
* Cost information.
* Cost of building.
* Elemental cost plan.
* Estimate.
* Estimating
* Estimator.
* Forecast period.
* Initial cost appraisal.
* Market value.
* Measurement.
* New Rules of Measurement.
* Order of cost estimate.
* Outturn cost.
* Overheads.
* Operational Rate estimating
* Pre-tender estimate.
* Tender cost.

= External References =

Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book by Duncan Cartlidge

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Unit rate estimating

2020-03-04T15:48:30Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

Unit rate estimating is a method used to calculate building costs. In unit rate estimating the price for the bill of quantities’ items are each calculated separately. A different method of unit rate estimating is operational rate estimating.

= Unit rate =

A price is calculated for each item in the bill in isolation to the rest of the works. The estimator will take into consideration the following factors:

* Labour costs.
* Materials.
* Plant.

= Labour costs =

To calculate the labour cost, the estimator will establish the ‘all-in ‘rate per hour. To calculate the ‘all-in costs’ the estimator may include the following.

• Standard hourly rate of wages

• Hourly calculated ‘on costs’ consisting of:

# Overtime payments.
# Holiday payments.
# Travel and fares.
# Sickness and injury benefit.
# Retirement and death benefit.
# Tool allowance.
# Guaranteed work week allowance.
# CITB levy.
# Employers insurance liabilities.
# Any other employer-paid benefits.

The estimator will also need to establish the productive hours by estimating the allowable hours worked per week taking into consideration the seasons, sickness allowance and holidays. He can then estimate the effective working hours per working week. The labour constant can be difficult to estimate due to the variances in output. Historical data can help to estimate it as accurately as possible. The National Joint Council for the Construction industry provides the working rules and standards that can be used to help calculate hourly rates.

= Materials =

The ‘all in rate’ for materials can be calculated as follows:

• Supplier/purchasing rate.

• Transportation costs.

• Storage costs.

• Waste allowance – depending on the material. An allowance of 10% is usually applied as an industry standard.

The material unit rate can be complicated to estimate. The unit rate at which contractors will purchase materials can be different from the way units are measured in the bill of quantities. An example can be the purchase of sand that will be bought from suppliers in tonne. The bill of quantities measurement for sand will be quantified in cubic meters. The estimator will have to convert the merchant’s rate to follow the bill requirements.

= Plant =

To calculate the unit rate of plant the estimator will have different calculations for plant owned by the contractor to plant that is hired in. A contractor that owns his own plant will calculate the ‘all in’ plant rate by looking at the operating cost and the fixed costs.

Operating cost will consist of:

• Fuel.

• Operator wages.

• Other consumables – e.g. fuel.

Fixed Cost will consist of:

• Capital cost for purchasing plant.

• Maintenance cost.

• Tax and insurance.

• Expected operating life.

• Overhead costs including storage and administration.

To establish the hourly rate the estimator will have to calculate the output performance of the plant. The performance of the plant will be influenced by factors on-site like weather and site conditions and can be unique for each project.

The items captured by the estimator for unit rates can include further calculations to include preliminaries and profit and overheads. This will depend on the structure of the bill of quantities and might be separated in different sections in the bill or added onto the unit costs.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki: =

* Approximate quantities cost plan
* Bills of quantities.
* Budget.
* Capital.
* Contract sum.
* Cost control.
* Cost engineering.
* Cost information.
* Cost of building.
* Elemental cost plan.
* Estimate.
* Estimating
* Estimator.
* Forecast period.
* Initial cost appraisal.
* Market value.
* Measurement.
* New Rules of Measurement.
* Order of cost estimate.
* Outturn cost.
* Overheads.
* Operational Rate estimating
* Pre-tender estimate.
* Tender cost.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Unit rate estimating

2020-03-04T15:45:13Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

Unit rate estimating is a method used to calculate building costs. In unit rate estimating the price for the bill of quantities’ items are each calculated separately. A different method of unit rate estimating is operational rate estimating.

= Unit rate =

A price is calculated for each item in the bill in isolation to the rest of the works. The estimator will take into consideration the following factors:

* Labour costs.
* Materials.
* Plant.

= Labour costs =

To calculate the labour cost, the estimator will establish the ‘all-in ‘rate per hour. To calculate the ‘all-in costs’ the estimator may include the following.

=== • Standard hourly rate of wages ===

=== • Hourly calculated ‘on costs’ consisting of: ===

# Overtime payments.
# Holiday payments.
# Travel and fares.
# Sickness and injury benefit.
# Retirement and death benefit.
# Tool allowance.
# Guaranteed work week allowance.
# CITB levy.
# Employers insurance liabilities.
# Any other employer-paid benefits.

The estimator will also need to establish the productive hours by estimating the allowable hours worked per week taking into consideration the seasons, sickness allowance and holidays. He can then estimate the effective working hours per working week. The labour constant can be difficult to estimate due to the variances in output. Historical data can help to estimate it as accurately as possible. The National Joint Council for the Construction industry provides the working rules and standards that can be used to help calculate hourly rates.

= Materials =

The ‘all in rate’ for materials can be calculated as follows:

• Supplier/purchasing rate.

• Transportation costs.

• Storage costs.

• Waste allowance – depending on the material. An allowance of 10% is usually applied as an industry standard.

The material unit rate can be complicated to estimate. The unit rate at which contractors will purchase materials can be different from the way units are measured in the bill of quantities. An example can be the purchase of sand that will be bought from suppliers in tonne. The bill of quantities measurement for sand will be quantified in cubic meters. The estimator will have to convert the merchant’s rate to follow the bill requirements.

= Plant =

To calculate the unit rate of plant the estimator will have different calculations for plant owned by the contractor to plant that is hired in. A contractor that owns his own plant will calculate the ‘all in’ plant rate by looking at the operating cost and the fixed costs.

=== Operating cost will consist of: ===

• Fuel.

• Operator wages.

• Other consumables – e.g. fuel.

=== Fixed Cost will consist of: ===

• Capital cost for purchasing plant.

• Maintenance cost.

• Tax and insurance.

• Expected operating life.

• Overhead costs including storage and administration.

To establish the hourly rate the estimator will have to calculate the output performance of the plant. The performance of the plant will be influenced by factors on-site like weather and site conditions and can be unique for each project.

The items captured by the estimator for unit rates can include further calculations to include preliminaries and profit and overheads. This will depend on the structure of the bill of quantities and might be separated in different sections in the bill or added onto the unit costs.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki: =

* Approximate quantities cost plan
* Bills of quantities.
* Budget.
* Capital.
* Contract sum.
* Cost control.
* Cost engineering.
* Cost information.
* Cost of building.
* Elemental cost plan.
* Estimate.
* Estimating
* Estimator.
* Forecast period.
* Initial cost appraisal.
* Market value.
* Measurement.
* New Rules of Measurement.
* Order of cost estimate.
* Outturn cost.
* Overheads.
* Operational Rate estimating
* Pre-tender estimate.
* Tender cost.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Unit rate estimating

2020-03-04T15:38:29Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = Unit rate estimating is a method used to calculate building costs. In unit rate estimating the price for the bill of quantities’ items are each calculated sep..."

= Introduction =

Unit rate estimating is a method used to calculate building costs. In unit rate estimating the price for the bill of quantities’ items are each calculated separately. A different method of unit rate estimating is operational rate estimating.

= Unit rate =

A price is calculated for each item in the bill in isolation to the rest of the works. The estimator will take into consideration the following factors:

• Labour costs.

• Materials.

• Plant.

= Labour costs =

To calculate the labour cost, the estimator will establish the ‘all-in ‘rate per hour. To calculate the ‘all-in costs’ the estimator may include the following.

• Standard hourly rate of wages

• Hourly calculated ‘on costs’ consisting of:

1. Overtime payments.

2. Holiday payments.

3. Travel and fares.

4. Sickness and injury benefit.

5. Retirement and death benefit.

6. Tool allowance.

7. Guaranteed work week allowance.

8. CITB levy.

9. Employers insurance liabilities.

10. Any other employer-paid benefits.

The estimator will also need to establish the productive hours by estimating the allowable hours worked per week taking into consideration the seasons, sickness allowance and holidays. He can then estimate the effective working hours per working week. The labour constant can be difficult to estimate due to the variances in output. Historical data can help to estimate it as accurately as possible. The National Joint Council for the Construction industry provides the working rules and standards that can be used to help calculate hourly rates.

= Materials =

The ‘all in rate’ for materials can be calculated as follows:

• Supplier/purchasing rate.

• Transportation costs.

• Storage costs.

• Waste allowance – depending on the material. An allowance of 10% is usually applied as an industry standard.

The material unit rate can be complicated to estimate. The unit rate at which contractors will purchase materials can be different from the way units are measured in the bill of quantities. An example can be the purchase of sand that will be bought from suppliers in tonne. The bill of quantities measurement for sand will be quantified in cubic meters. The estimator will have to convert the merchant’s rate to follow the bill requirements.

= Plant =

To calculate the unit rate of plant the estimator will have different calculations for plant owned by the contractor to plant that is hired in. A contractor that owns his own plant will calculate the ‘all in’ plant rate by looking at the operating cost and the fixed costs.

Operating cost will consist of:

• Fuel.

• Operator wages.

• Other consumables – e.g. fuel.

Fixed Cost will consist of:

• Capital cost for purchasing plant.

• Maintenance cost.

• Tax and insurance.

• Expected operating life.

• Overhead costs including storage and administration.

To establish the hourly rate the estimator will have to calculate the output performance of the plant. The performance of the plant will be influenced by factors on-site like weather and site conditions and can be unique for each project.

The items captured by the estimator for unit rates can include further calculations to include preliminaries and profit and overheads. This will depend on the structure of the bill of quantities and might be separated in different sections in the bill or added onto the unit costs.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki: =

* Approximate quantities cost plan
* Bills of quantities.
* Budget.
* Capital.
* Contract sum.
* Cost control.
* Cost engineering.
* Cost information.
* Cost of building.
* Elemental cost plan.
* Estimate.
* Estimating
* Estimator.
* Forecast period.
* Initial cost appraisal.
* Market value.
* Measurement.
* New Rules of Measurement.
* Order of cost estimate.
* Outturn cost.
* Overheads.
* Operational Rate estimating
* Pre-tender estimate.
* Tender cost.

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Transom

2020-03-04T15:32:28Z

Editor2:

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

Transoms are members that form horizontal divisions between units of a window, door, screen or glass curtain wall. Together with vertical members known as mullions they provide rigid support to glazing.

The smaller window above a door or window can also be known as a transom window. A transom can be fixed or operational. Transoms mechanisms can include:

* Bottom-hinged transoms with latches and chains that require a pole to pull the latch open.
* Side-hinged transoms that open like doors.
* Top-hinged transoms with fixed lifts that could be hand-operated.
* Modern automated opening mechanisms.

The purpose of a transom in a window can be to provide ventilation or additional light. Larger transoms are sometimes designed to provide the illusion of door height, without the need to produce extra-large door sizes especially, in higher ceiling areas. A transom can also be decorative and ornate. Historically transom windows were popular as an architectural feature with stained-glass, decorative gable details or art deco styling. Modern transoms are commonly made from materials such as timber, aluminium, steel and UPVC. Transoms can be formed and installed in many different shapes. It is popular in Mediterranean style architecture to use fan-shaped transoms. Transoms can range from rectangular to circular and asymmetrical shapes.

In door frames with transom windows, the transom can provide similar structural properties like a lintel. It can provide strength and support to both the door and window frame.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

* Architectural ironmongery.
* Braced frame.
* Curtain wall systems.
* Curved glass.
* Glass mullion system.
* Glazing.
* Lintel.
* Mullion
* Weep hole.
* Window.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Transom

2020-03-04T15:31:49Z

Editor2:

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

Transoms are members that form horizontal divisions between units of a window, door, screen or glass curtain wall. Together with vertical members known as mullions they provide rigid support to glazing.

The smaller window above a door or window can also be known as a transom window. A transom can be fixed or operational. Transoms mechanisms can include:

* Bottom-hinged transoms with latches and chains that require a pole to pull the latch open.
* Side-hinged transoms that open like doors.
* Top-hinged transoms with fixed lifts that could be hand-operated.
* Modern automated opening mechanisms.

The purpose of a transom in a window can be to provide ventilation or additional light. Larger transoms are sometimes designed to provide the illusion of door height, without the need to produce extra-large door sizes especially, in higher ceiling areas. A transom can also be decorative and ornate. Historically transom windows were popular as an architectural feature with stained-glass, decorative gable details or art deco styling. Modern transoms are commonly made from materials such as timber, aluminium, steel and UPVC. Transoms can be formed and installed in many different shapes. It is popular in Mediterranean style architecture to use fan-shaped transoms. Transoms can range from rectangular to circular and asymmetrical shapes.

In door frames with transom windows, the transom can provide similar structural properties like a lintel. It can provide strength and support to both the door and window frame.

= Related articles on [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Designing_Buildings_Wiki Designing Buildings Wiki] =

* Architectural ironmongery.
* Braced frame.
* Curtain wall systems.
* Curved glass.
* Glass mullion system.
* Glazing.
* Lintel.
* Mullion
* Weep hole.
* Window.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Transom

2020-03-04T15:30:48Z

Editor2:

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

Transoms are members that form horizontal divisions between units of a window, door, screen or glass curtain wall. Together with vertical members known as mullions they provide rigid support to glazing.

The smaller window above a door or window can also be known as a transom window. A transom can be fixed or operational. Transoms mechanisms can include:

* Bottom-hinged transoms with latches and chains that require a pole to pull the latch open.
* Side-hinged transoms that open like doors.
* Top-hinged transoms with fixed lifts that could be hand-operated.
* Modern automated opening mechanisms.

The purpose of a transom in a window can be to provide ventilation or additional light. Larger transoms are sometimes designed to provide the illusion of door height, without the need to produce extra-large door sizes especially, in higher ceiling areas. A transom can also be decorative and ornate. Historically transom windows were popular as an architectural feature with stained-glass, decorative gable details or art deco styling. Modern transoms are commonly made from materials such as timber, aluminium, steel and UPVC. Transoms can be formed and installed in many different shapes. It is popular in Mediterranean style architecture to use fan-shaped transoms. Transoms can range from rectangular to circular and asymmetrical shapes.

In door frames with transom windows, the transom can provide some structural properties like a lintel. It can provide strength and support to both the door and window frame.

= Related articles on [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Designing_Buildings_Wiki Designing Buildings Wiki] =

* Architectural ironmongery.
* Braced frame.
* Curtain wall systems.
* Curved glass.
* Glass mullion system.
* Glazing.
* Lintel.
* Mullion
* Weep hole.
* Window.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

Transom

2020-03-04T15:29:36Z

Editor2: Created page with "500px Transoms are members that [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Form form] horizontal divisions between units of a window, door, screen or [..."

[[File:Transom door.jpg|500px]]

Transoms are members that [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Form form] horizontal divisions between units of a window, door, screen or [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Glass glass] curtain wall. Together with vertical members known as mullions they provide rigid support to glazing.

The smaller window above a door or window can also be known as a transom window. A transom can be fixed or operational. Transoms mechanisms can include:

* Bottom-hinged transoms with latches and chains that require a pole to pull the latch open.
* Side-hinged transoms that open like doors.
* Top-hinged transoms with fixed lifts that could be hand-operated.
* Modern automated opening mechanisms.

The purpose of a transom in a window can be to provide ventilation or additional light. Larger transoms are sometimes designed to provide the illusion of door height, without the need to produce extra-large door sizes especially, in higher ceiling areas. A transom can also be decorative and ornate. Historically transom windows were popular as an architectural feature with stained-glass, decorative gable details or art deco styling. Modern transoms are commonly made from materials such as timber, aluminium, steel and UPVC. Transoms can be formed and installed in many different shapes. It is popular in Mediterranean style architecture to use fan-shaped transoms. Transoms can range from rectangular to circular and asymmetrical shapes.

In door frames with transom windows, the transom can provide some structural properties like a lintel. It can provide strength and support to both the door and window frame.

= Related articles on [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Designing_Buildings_Wiki Designing Buildings Wiki] =

* Architectural ironmongery.
* Braced frame.
* Curtain wall systems.
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Curved_glass Curved glass].
* Glass mullion system.
* Glazing.
* Lintel.
* Mullion
* Weep hole.
* Window.

[[Category:Products_/_components]]

File:Transom door.jpg

2020-03-04T15:25:20Z

Editor2:

Consent to spend

2020-03-03T16:26:53Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

In construction the term consent to spend is sometimes referred to as an ‘if’ contract. A letter with instructions to proceed and consent to spend allows work to proceed up to a certain value while the contract itself is still being drafted. The consent to spend letter can be a legally binding contract. The letter will pre-date the principal contract. Once the principal contract is signed the consent to spend letter can be superseded. Consent to spend can also be captured in a Letter of intent.

= Consent to spend letter contents =

It is good practice to capture as a minimum the following items in a consent to spend letter:

* The parties involved in the contract
* The works – Description of the works required with clarity to avoid ambiguity.
* A statement of the intention of the parties to enter into a formal contract
* The price– If the price is not known, established rates can be mentioned or the administrator can compile specific requests to ensure financial control
* The maximum expenditure limit relating to the consent to spend contract
* The dates- The date of possession and access to site. The completion date if known. The administrator can refer to a short-term program. There might be sectional completion requirements that can also be listed
* Insurance requirements
* Termination procedure
* Confirmation that the contract created by the consent to spend will be preceded and terminated by the principle contract

It is advisable to capture as much known detail as possible in the letter of consent to spend. The letter can be a great advantage to construction program, but the risk of not capturing details or covering basic clauses can have a negative effect on a construction project.

= An alternative to a consent to spend or letter of intent =

An employer can use a pre-construction service agreement (PCSA) if he requires the input of a contractor in the project pre-construction contract. A pre-construction service agreement is a contract used commonly in the two-stage tendering route. Two stage tendering involves the employer tendering the project on the basis of an incomplete design. A contractor is then chosen to work with the employer based on its proposal for the pre-construction second stage of the tender. The employer might want the contractor’s input on programming, final designs and buildability prior to issuing the construction contract. In the right circumstances, a PCSA can be beneficial to both parties and bring design improvements and costs savings, and encourage a strong working relationship. A letter of intent/consent to spend is not likely to achieve the same benefits as a PCSA. A PCSA is however a formal agreement and a small-scale project might not have the budget or program to accommodate this type of formal agreement.

= Conclusion =

There are various methods or procedures that can be implemented to help maintain a construction program. A consent to spend letter can be a good tool to use to expedite work on site but contract administrators need to be aware of the legal implications to avoid any risk to the construction project.

= Related articles =

* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Construction_contracts Construction contract].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Contract_conditions Contract conditions].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Essentials_of_a_contract Essentials of a contract].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Letter_of_appointment Letter of appointment].
* Letter of intent
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Purchase_order Purchase order].
* Pre-construction Service Agreement.
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Tender_documentation Tender documentation].

[[Category:Appointments]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Cart away

2020-03-03T10:10:25Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

In construction the term ‘cart away’ is used for the removal of materials (e.g. soil) that need to be disposed from site. An example in construction is during the excavations process, excess soil that does not get backfilled will have to be cart away and disposed off site to the correct landfill

= Cart away off site =

After excavations, excess soil that is not used elsewhere will be specified to be cart away from site. Various machinery and plant can be used to handle the soil. Excavating plant will be used to move soil into dumper trucks if the project scale requires. Dumper Trucks are used to cart away loose material from site. There are various dumper trucks available and they can be categorised as:

* mini dumper truck
* rigid dumper truck
* articulated dumper truck
* tracked dumper truck

A typical dumper truck is equipped with an open-box bed, which is hinged at the rear and equipped with hydraulic rams. Dump truck sizes can vary but a small dumper can take a 7 tonne load and hold 18 – 20 cubic metres. Some of the larger dumpers can hold up to 30 tonnes.

The contractor that is responsible for the site will have to manage the logistics of the cart away off material. Site parameters and constrains will dictate the logistics of the carting away of site. Small sites within a city might not have access for big dumper trucks and a fleet of constant small dumper trucks might need to be arranged for efficient removal. The site team will have to spend time to pre-plan the logistics to ensure a successful project. The contractors methods and plans will be captured in their site waste management plan.

= Classification of waste soil =

The Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) published guidance on the classification of waste soils. Where waste soil is to be exported from site it must be classified as either a Hazardous or as a Non-Hazardous waste. This classification is carried out in accordance with the guidance provided by the Environment Agency's publication WM3 (Waste Classification - Guidance on the classification and assessment of waste).

There are three types of landfill where soils can be sent for disposal :

* Hazardous Landfills
* Non-Hazardous landfills
* Inert Landfills - a sub-group of the non-hazardous category.

Inert landfill material can be classified as material that won’t:

* dissolve or leach or produce an ecotoxic leachate
* combust
* physically or chemically react
* degrade
* adversely affect any matter that it comes into contact with including environmental pollution or health and safety risks
* undergo significant physical, chemical or biological transformation

It is an offence to dispose of a waste at an inappropriate disposal site including disposing of non-hazardous material at a hazardous site when being cautious.

There are different costs involved for hazardous or non-hazardous materials at disposal sites. There is also an additional Landfill Tax charge and it is different for hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Hazardous material can have a significant higher tax charge.Contractors will receive waste disposal notices for each load removed off site and should keep record of all their waste.

= External references =

[https://www.ags.org.uk/publications/?type=guidance https://www.ags.org.uk/publications/?type=guidance]

[https://www.gea-ltd.co.uk/blog/detail/new-guidance-on-classification-of-waste-soil-from-construction.html https://www.gea-ltd.co.uk/blog/detail/new-guidance-on-classification-of-waste-soil-from-construction.html]

= Related articles =

* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Backfilling Backfilling].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_foundations Building foundations].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Definition_of_waste:_Code_of_practice Definition of waste: Code of practice].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Deleterious_materials Deleterious materials].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Delivering_waste_efficiency_in_commercial_buildings:_A_guide_for_facilities_managers Delivering waste efficiency in commercial buildings: A guide for facilities managers].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Disposal Disposal].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Environmental_Protection_Act Environmental Protection Act].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Excavation Excavation].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/External_works External works].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Footings Footings].
* Fly-tipping
* Hazardous waste
* Landfill tax
* Site clearance
* Site waste management plan
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Substructure Substructure].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Trenches Trench].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Waste_and_Resources_Action_Programme_WRAP Waste and Resources Action Programme WRAP].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Waste_management_-_explained Waste management - explained].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Waste_management_process Waste management process].

-----
[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]

Cart away

2020-03-03T10:08:25Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Intorduction = In construction the term ‘cart away’ is used for the removal of materials (e.g. soil) that need to be disposed from site. An example in construction is duri..."

= Intorduction =

In construction the term ‘cart away’ is used for the removal of materials (e.g. soil) that need to be disposed from site. An example in construction is during the excavations process, excess soil that does not get backfilled will have to be cart away and disposed off site to the correct landfill

= Cart away off site =

After excavations, excess soil that is not used elsewhere will be specified to be cart away from site. Various machinery and plant can be used to handle the soil. Excavating plant will be used to move soil into dumper trucks if the project scale requires. Dumper Trucks are used to cart away loose material from site. There are various dumper trucks available and they can be categorised as:

* mini dumper truck
* rigid dumper truck
* articulated dumper truck
* tracked dumper truck

A typical dumper truck is equipped with an open-box bed, which is hinged at the rear and equipped with hydraulic rams. Dump truck sizes can vary but a small dumper can take a 7 tonne load and hold 18 – 20 cubic metres. Some of the larger dumpers can hold up to 30 tonnes.

The contractor that is responsible for the site will have to manage the logistics of the cart away off material. Site parameters and constrains will dictate the logistics of the carting away of site. Small sites within a city might not have access for big dumper trucks and a fleet of constant small dumper trucks might need to be arranged for efficient removal. The site team will have to spend time to pre-plan the logistics to ensure a successful project. The contractors methods and plans will be captured in their site waste management plan.

= Classification of waste soil =

The Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) published guidance on the classification of waste soils. Where waste soil is to be exported from site it must be classified as either a Hazardous or as a Non-Hazardous waste. This classification is carried out in accordance with the guidance provided by the Environment Agency's publication WM3 (Waste Classification - Guidance on the classification and assessment of waste).

There are three types of landfill where soils can be sent for disposal :

* Hazardous Landfills
* Non-Hazardous landfills
* Inert Landfills - a sub-group of the non-hazardous category.

Inert landfill material can be classified as material that won’t:

* dissolve or leach or produce an ecotoxic leachate
* combust
* physically or chemically react
* degrade
* adversely affect any matter that it comes into contact with including environmental pollution or health and safety risks
* undergo significant physical, chemical or biological transformation

It is an offence to dispose of a waste at an inappropriate disposal site including disposing of non-hazardous material at a hazardous site when being cautious.

There are different costs involved for hazardous or non-hazardous materials at disposal sites. There is also an additional Landfill Tax charge and it is different for hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Hazardous material can have a significant higher tax charge.

Contractors will receive waste disposal notices for each load removed off site and should keep record of all their waste.

= External references =

[https://www.ags.org.uk/publications/?type=guidance https://www.ags.org.uk/publications/?type=guidance]

[https://www.gea-ltd.co.uk/blog/detail/new-guidance-on-classification-of-waste-soil-from-construction.html https://www.gea-ltd.co.uk/blog/detail/new-guidance-on-classification-of-waste-soil-from-construction.html]

= Related articles =

* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Backfilling Backfilling].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_foundations Building foundations].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Definition_of_waste:_Code_of_practice Definition of waste: Code of practice].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Deleterious_materials Deleterious materials].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Delivering_waste_efficiency_in_commercial_buildings:_A_guide_for_facilities_managers Delivering waste efficiency in commercial buildings: A guide for facilities managers].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Disposal Disposal].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Environmental_Protection_Act Environmental Protection Act].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Excavation Excavation].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/External_works External works].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Footings Footings].
* Fly-tipping
* Hazardous waste
* Landfill tax
* Site clearance
* Site waste management plan
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Substructure Substructure].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Trenches Trench].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Waste_and_Resources_Action_Programme_WRAP Waste and Resources Action Programme WRAP].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Waste_management_-_explained Waste management - explained].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Waste_management_process Waste management process].

-----
[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]

Consent to spend

2020-03-03T09:47:52Z

Editor2: Created page with "= Introduction = In construction the term consent to spend is sometimes referred to as an ‘if’ contract. A letter with instructions to proceed and consent to spend allows wo..."

= Introduction =

In construction the term consent to spend is sometimes referred to as an ‘if’ contract. A letter with instructions to proceed and consent to spend allows work to proceed up to a certain value while the contract itself is still being drafted. The consent to spend letter can be a legally binding contract. The letter will pre-date the principal contract. Once the principal contract is signed the consent to spend letter can be superseded. Consent to spend can also be captured in a Letter of intent.

= Consent to spend letter contents =

It is good practice to capture as a minimum the following items in a consent to spend letter:

* The parties involved in the contract
* The works – Description of the works required with clarity to avoid ambiguity.
* A statement of the intention of the parties to enter into a formal contract
* The price– If the price is not known, established rates can be mentioned or the administrator can compile specific requests to ensure financial control
* The maximum expenditure limit relating to the consent to spend contract
* The dates- The date of possession and access to site. The completion date if known. The administrator can refer to a short-term program. There might be sectional completion requirements that can also be listed
* Insurance requirements
* Termination procedure
* Confirmation that the contract created by the consent to spend will be preceded and terminated by the principle contract

It is advisable to capture as much known detail as possible in the letter of consent to spend. The letter can be a great advantage to construction program, but the risk of not capturing details or covering basic clauses can be a great risk to a construction project.

= An alternative to a consent to spend or letter of intent =

An employer can use a pre-construction service agreement (PCSA) if he requires the input of a contractor in the project pre-construction contract. A pre-construction service agreement is a contract used commonly in the two-stage tendering route. Two stage tendering involves the employer tendering the project on the basis of an incomplete design. A contractor is then chosen to work with the employer based on its proposal for the pre-construction second stage of the tender. The employer might want the contractor’s input on programming, final designs and buildability prior to issuing the construction contract. In the right circumstances, a PCSA can be beneficial to both parties and bring design improvements and costs savings, and encourage a strong working relationship. A letter of intent/consent to spend is not likely to achieve the same benefits as a PCSA. A PCSA is however a formal agreement and a small-scale project might not have the budget or program to accommodate this type of formal agreement.

= Conclusion =

There are various methods or procedures that can be implemented to help maintain a construction program. A consent to spend letter can be a good tool to use to expedite work on site but contract administrators need to be aware of the legal implications to avoid any risk to the construction project.

= Related articles =

* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Construction_contracts Construction contract].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Contract_conditions Contract conditions].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Essentials_of_a_contract Essentials of a contract].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Letter_of_appointment Letter of appointment].
* Letter of intent
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Purchase_order Purchase order].
* Pre-construction Service Agreement.
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Tender_documentation Tender documentation].

[[Category:Appointments]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Non payment in the construction industry

2020-03-03T09:30:49Z

Editor2:

= Introduction =

Non-payment in construction can also be referred to as withholding payment. This can be due to a dispute or contractual breach between two parties for non-performance of a certain clause. Provided that a party to a contract issues a compliant withholding-notice setting out the grounds and the sums attributable to each ground, then the party may legitimately withhold payment. The Housing Act will take precedence over any client payment clauses and will need to be adhered to.

= The Housing Act guidelines to adhere to prior to withholding payment =

Payment in Construction will be subject to [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/The_Housing_Grants,_Construction_and_Regeneration_Act The Housing Grants Act] 1996 (also known as the Construction Act) To issue a valid withhold notice or for nonpayment to be legitimate, it cannot conflict with the following stipulations:

* The right to be paid in interim, periodic or stage payments
* The right to suspend (or part suspend) performance for non-payment and to claim cost and expenses incurred and extension of time resulting from the suspension.
* The client must issue a payment notice within five days of the date for payment , even if no amount is due. Alternatively, if the contract allows, the contractor may make an application for payment, which is treated as if it is the payment notice
* The client must issue a pay less notice if they intend to pay less than the amount set out in the payment notice, setting out the basis for its calculation.
* The notified sum is payable by the final date for payment.
* If the client (or specified person) fails to issue a payment notice, the contractor may issue a default payment notice. The final date for payment is extended by the period between when the client should have issued a payment notice and when the contractor issued the default payment notice. If the client does not issue a payless notice, they must pay the amount in the default payment notice.
* Pay when certified clauses are not allowed, and the release of retention cannot be prevented by conditions within another contract.

The Regulations also:

* Impose a limit of not more than 30 calendar days (before the payment period begins) for the purchaser to verify the conformity of goods/services are in accordance with the contract - but this period can be exceeded by agreement and provided it is not grossly unfair to the supplier.

= Grounds for Non payment =

To withhold payment the following grounds must be met as a minimum:

* The notice to withhold must be compliant with the contractual requirements.
* The notice to withhold must be compliant with the timing requirements of the contract.
* The notice to withhold must be compliant with the means of issue? (e.g. recorded delivery post)

* The cause (breach) of the contract giving entitlement to withhold must be stated.
* Is there a loss naturally flowing from that breach?

* Is the valuation of the withholding prepared correctly and/or in accordance with the contract?

When drafting a withholding notice, it is important to set out the grounds and the amount attributable to each ground.

= JCT and NEC compared =

There are significant differences in the timescales for withholding payment in JCT and NEC Contracts. Each contract sets out their own payment due dates. As a general guide, the JCT stipulates that a withholding notice will need to be issued at least 5 days in advance of the final date for payment. The NEC has a longer period of 7 days. These dates however will be specific to each contract and will have to be adhered to for a valid non-payment/withholding-notice to be issued.

= Conclusion =

The non-payment/withholding-notice in construction has to meet several legislative and contractual points to be valid. Contractors are within their rights to suspend performance for non-payment so due diligence will need to be carried out by both parties to avoid disputes and disruption to the construction project.

= Related articles =

* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Causes_of_construction_disputes Causes of construction disputes].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Fair_payment_practices Fair payment practices].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Housing_Grants,_Construction_and_Regeneration_Act Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/The_Late_Payment_of_Commercial_Debts_Regulations_2013 The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2013].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Payment_notice Payment notice].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Payments_to_nominated_sub-contractors Payments to nominated sub-contractors].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Pay_less_notice Pay less notice].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Payment Payment].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Payment_schedule Payment schedule].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Prompt_payment_code Prompt payment code].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/The_causes_of_late_payment_in_construction The causes of late payment in construction].

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Contracts_/_payment]]

Non payment in the construction industry

2020-03-03T09:27:43Z

Editor2: Created page with "Introduction Non-payment in construction can also be referred to as withholding payment. This can be due to a dispute or contractual breach between two parties for non-performan..."

Introduction

Non-payment in construction can also be referred to as withholding payment. This can be due to a dispute or contractual breach between two parties for non-performance of a certain clause. Provided that a party to a contract issues a compliant withholding-notice setting out the grounds and the sums attributable to each ground, then the party may legitimately withhold payment. The Housing Act will take precedence over any client payment clauses and will need to be adhered to.

The Housing Act guidelines to adhere to prior to withholding payment

Payment in Construction will be subject to [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/The_Housing_Grants,_Construction_and_Regeneration_Act The Housing Grants Act] 1996 (also known as the Construction Act) To issue a valid withhold notice or for nonpayment to be legitimate, it cannot conflict with the following stipulations:

* The right to be paid in interim, periodic or stage payments
* The right to suspend (or part suspend) performance for non-payment and to claim cost and expenses incurred and extension of time resulting from the suspension.
* The client must issue a payment notice within five days of the date for payment , even if no amount is due. Alternatively, if the contract allows, the contractor may make an application for payment, which is treated as if it is the payment notice
* The client must issue a pay less notice if they intend to pay less than the amount set out in the payment notice, setting out the basis for its calculation.
* The notified sum is payable by the final date for payment.
* If the client (or specified person) fails to issue a payment notice, the contractor may issue a default payment notice. The final date for payment is extended by the period between when the client should have issued a payment notice and when the contractor issued the default payment notice. If the client does not issue a payless notice, they must pay the amount in the default payment notice.
* Pay when certified clauses are not allowed, and the release of retention cannot be prevented by conditions within another contract.

The Regulations also:

* Impose a limit of not more than 30 calendar days (before the payment period begins) for the purchaser to verify the conformity of goods/services are in accordance with the contract - but this period can be exceeded by agreement and provided it is not grossly unfair to the supplier.

Grounds for Non payment

To withhold payment the following grounds must be met as a minimum:

* The notice to withhold must be compliant with the contractual requirements.
* The notice to withhold must be compliant with the timing requirements of the contract.
* The notice to withhold must be compliant with the means of issue? (e.g. recorded delivery post)

* The cause (breach) of the contract giving entitlement to withhold must be stated.
* Is there a loss naturally flowing from that breach?

* Is the valuation of the withholding prepared correctly and/or in accordance with the contract?

When drafting a withholding notice, it is important to set out the grounds and the amount attributable to each ground.

JCT and NEC compared

There are significant differences in the timescales for withholding payment in JCT and NEC Contracts. Each contract sets out their own payment due dates. As a general guide, the JCT stipulates that a withholding notice will need to be issued at least 5 days in advance of the final date for payment. The NEC has a longer period of 7 days. These dates however will be specific to each contract and will have to be adhered to for a valid non-payment/withholding-notice to be issued.

Conclusion

The non-payment/withholding-notice in construction has to meet several legislative and contractual points to be valid. Contractors are within their rights to suspend performance for non-payment so due diligence will need to be carried out by both parties to avoid disputes and disruption to the construction project.

Related articles

* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Causes_of_construction_disputes Causes of construction disputes].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Fair_payment_practices Fair payment practices].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Housing_Grants,_Construction_and_Regeneration_Act Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/The_Late_Payment_of_Commercial_Debts_Regulations_2013 The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2013].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Payment_notice Payment notice].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Payments_to_nominated_sub-contractors Payments to nominated sub-contractors].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Pay_less_notice Pay less notice].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Payment Payment].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Payment_schedule Payment schedule].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Prompt_payment_code Prompt payment code].
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/The_causes_of_late_payment_in_construction The causes of late payment in construction].

[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Contracts_/_payment]]

User:Editor2

2020-03-02T08:13:19Z

Editor2:

Designing Buildings Wiki has been created with one simple goal:

== To put all construction industry knowledge in one place, available to everyone for free. ==

Construction in the UK employs 3 million people in 280,000 organisations, each holding a vast amount of expert knowledge. Everything from how to create a brief for a new project, right through to getting tax breaks for water efficient taps. But much of that knowledge is inaccessible, fragmented and dispersed. If we put it all in one place, where everyone can find it, Construction UK will be more efficient, more collaborative, more innovative and better able to compete in the global market place.

* Watch our 55 sec [http://youtu.be/GKCzBN4Dy6k YouTube video].
* For information about using the site see our [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/w/Help Help] page.
* For guidance about the writing style see our [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/w/Quick%20style%20guide quick style guide].
* For terms of use see our [http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/w/Terms%20and%20Conditions terms and conditions].
* You can contact us by emailing [mailto:info@designingbuildings.co.uk info@designingbuildings.co.uk].