Design and Check Certificates
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Design and check certificates are documents submitted by developers and designers of highway structures in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These documents are referred to as structure design certificates in Scotland. Design and check certificates are not to be confused with scaffold design checks required under BS 5975:2008, the British Standard that covers scaffolding and defines the requirements of each checking category.
[edit] History
The introduction of design and check certificates came about in the 1970s after a number of structural failures occurred in bridges around the world. From that point on, the UK Government required nearly all road-related structures to pass an independent technical approval (TA) certification process prior to construction.
[edit] Procedures
TA is required for all proposed structures within the road boundary (6m of a road) or that support a public road. The type of approval is dependent on the complexity of the project.
There are four categories for proposals - 0, 1, 2, 3. Category 0 is the least significant (for simple things such as roadside masts) and Category 3 is the most complex (for large projects such as bridge structures).
Different categories require different procedures for design and check certificates.
Category 0 and 1 structures require a combined design and check certificate. (Note that Category 0 certificates include the Technical Approval Authority [TAA] reference number and the date of agreement of the approval in principle.)
Category 2 and 3 structures require separate design and check certificates.
Upon completion of the project, the design and check certificates are signed to declare satisfactory completion of work. They are then sent to the TAA through the appropriate Roads and Service Divisional Office.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bridge construction.
- Highways.
- Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works.
- Overview of the road development process.
- Road construction.
- Temporary works for construction.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.