Building element
According to the Uniclass classifications, ‘elements’ are: '…multi-trade built objects, made up of several systems, collectively serving a common purpose. They start life as un-designed objects such as ‘external walls’ with performance attributes such as U-values attached, but become steadily more defined as design decisions are made during the project.'
Uniclass 2015, (maintained and updated by the NBS) suggests that: 'Elements are the main components of a structure like a bridge (foundations, piers, deck) or a building (floors, walls and roofs).'
NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building work, defines an element as: '...a major part of a group element (e.g. the elements that create group element 3: Internal finishes are 3.1:Wall finishes, 3.2: Floor finishes, and 3.3: Ceiling finishes).A separate cost target can be established for each element.'
Where, 'group element' means: '...the main headings used to describe the facets of an elemental cost plan (i.e. Substructure; Superstructure; Internal finishes; Fittings, furnishings and equipment; Services; Complete buildings and building units;Work to existing buildings; External works; Facilitating works; Main contractor’s preliminaries; Main contractor’s overheads and profit; Project/design team fees; Other development/project costs; Risks; and Inflation).'
Faster, Smarter, More Efficient: Building Skills for Offsite Construction, published by CITB in April 2017, defines element as: ‘Items manufactured offsite and put together with other components to make a whole product.’
Assessing risks in insulation retrofits using hygrothermal software tools, Heat and moisture transport in internally insulated stone walls, by Joseph Little, Calina Ferraro and Beñat Arregi, published by Historic Environment Scotland in 2015, states: ‘The building fabric is broken down into building elements, such as floors, walls and roof. At times, a building element may be a building competent; in other cases, the element may be made up of many component parts.’
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