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
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.