Land & Architectural Survey Blog

Category: RICS

  • What is strip foundation in construction of a building?

    In construction, a strip foundation is a type of foundation that provides support for a structure along a line or series of points.

    Strip foundations are one of the most common types of shallow foundations. A strip foundation may be used for various purposes, such as supporting a wall or fence, or providing support for a building or other structure.

    Strip foundations typically consist of two or three strips, as opposed to walls, which are typically thicker. The thickness depends on the size of your home and how much load it needs to bear.

    There are many different types of strip foundations, and the type used will depend on the purpose for which it is being used, the soil conditions, and other factors. Strip foundations can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, brick, stone, or timber.

    strip foundation with concrete at the construction site. start of building a house.

    Example of strip foundation

    What is a strip foundation?

    A strip foundation is a type of foundation that is typically used in the construction of buildings. It is a shallow foundation that consists of a strip of concrete that is typically about 6 inches wide and 8 inches deep. The strip foundation is placed along the perimeter of the building, and its purpose is to distribute the weight of the building evenly across the ground.

    A strip foundation is a type of foundation that is typically used in the construction of buildings. It is a shallow foundation that consists of a strip of concrete that is typically about 6 inches wide and 8 inches deep. The strip foundation is placed along the perimeter of the building, and its purpose is to distribute the weight of the building evenly across the ground.

    Strip foundations are one of the most common types of shallow foundations.

    They’re used to support walls.

    How is strip foundation constructed?

    Strip foundation construction involves excavating a trench.

    In strip foundations, concrete is usually poured in rectangular strips.

    This type of foundation is also called a beam and slab.

    In a strip foundation, concrete is usually poured in rectangular strips which are placed under the outer walls. This type of foundation is also called a beam and slab. In this case, the beams get their strength from the concrete rather than steel reinforcing bars (rebar). If you have ever noticed that your sidewalk feels uneven or wavy, it’s probably because it sits atop a strip foundation underneath it!

    Strip foundations are used in both residential and commercial buildings but they are typically found beneath only one floor of an apartment building or perhaps two floors of a single family home. After all, pouring concrete requires lots of labor and materials so there’s no sense wasting them on something that doesn’t need them!

    Advantages and disadvantages of strip foundation

    There are both advantages and disadvantages to strip foundation in construction of a building. On the plus side, strip foundation is less expensive than other types of foundation, such as a deep foundation. Strip foundation is also quicker and easier to install, which can save on construction time and costs. Additionally, strip foundation can be used on sites with poor soil conditions.

    On the downside, strip foundation is not as strong as other types of foundation, and so it is not suitable for all buildings. Additionally, because strip foundation only goes down a few feet, it can be susceptible to damage from flooding or other water issues.

    When is strip foundation used?

    Strip foundation is a type of building foundation that is typically used for houses or other structures with a crawl space. The crawl space is the space between the ground and the first floor of the house. Strip foundation is typically used when the soil is not too soft and has good drainage.

    Strip foundation is a type of building foundation that is typically used for houses or other structures with a crawl space.

    The crawl space is the space between the ground and the first floor of the house. Strip foundation is typically used when the soil is not too soft and has good drainage.

    Soil condition will also make a difference in deciding the type of foundation.

    Strip foundations are one of the most common types of shallow foundations. They’re used to support walls, and they’re often used in conjunction with piers or columns to support the weight of a house’s roof.

    Strip foundations typically consist of two or three strips as opposed to walls which are typically thicker. The thickness depends on the size of your home and how much load it needs to bear.

    Strip foundations are one option for house foundations, but there are others.

    Strip foundations are a type of foundation that is used for shallow foundations and in areas where the earth is too soft for a conventional foundation.

    Strip foundations can be used as an alternative to other types of house foundations, but they are not always the best choice.

    Conclusion

    A strip foundation is a type of shallow foundation that is usually used in the construction of buildings. It is typically composed of a concrete slab with reinforcement, which is then placed on top of the soil. The main advantage of using a strip foundation is that it can be adapted to different types of soil and terrain.

    Another benefit is that strip foundations are easier on topsoil than other methods—because they don’t require digging straight down into soft soil until they reach hard bedrock beneath it, there’s less chance of disturbing nearby trees or plants during construction!

    The main advantage of strip foundations is that they require less excavation work than other types of house foundations. This means that you will save money on labor costs and materials, because there will be less dirt to move before construction can begin. This makes them ideal for quick construction projects where you don’t want to pay extra time or money just so that your contractor can dig out more soil and/or add more concrete below ground level (which would make it easier to install support beams).

    If you are looking for a setting out engineer to set out your strip foundation you can reach out to us here info@icelabz.co.uk

  • What is whole life cost analysis?

    Whole life cost analysis (WLCA) is a decision-making tool that takes into account all costs associated with owning, operating, and maintaining an asset over its entire life cycle

    In construction, the whole life cost analysis (WLCA) is a holistic approach that considers all costs associated with owning, operating, and maintaining an asset

    Over the course of its entire life cycle, which takes into account not only internal costs, but also external costs such as energy consumption, waste disposal, and environmental impacts

    What is Whole Life Cost Analysis?

    Whole-life cost analysis is a technique used to assess the total cost of ownership of an asset over its entire life cycle, as outlined in the Joint IFC-SNC-LIA-ISO Guide for Whole Life Costing of Buildings (ISO 16182:2018)

    This includes all costs associated with acquiring, operating, and maintaining the asset, as well as disposal costs

    As RIBA’s Plan of Work indicates, WLCA covers the project from Stage 0 to Stage 7, from strategic definition to in use (post-construction), providing a comprehensive framework for managing the total cost of ownership

    Understanding Life Cycle Costing and Whole Life Cost Analysis

    Life cycle costing (LCC) is a tool that enables organizations to make informed decisions about which assets to purchase, optimize their use, and replace them at the right time. According to a study by the Project Management Institute (PMI), LCC takes into account all relevant costs incurred throughout an asset’s lifespan, from acquisition through disposal (PMI, 2020). This approach provides a more comprehensive view of an asset’s true cost than traditional methods that focus solely on the initial purchase price.

    When applied correctly, LCC can help organizations save money by avoiding premature replacement of assets that still have useful life remaining. For instance, a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that extending the life of assets can result in significant cost savings (NCBI, 2019). Additionally, LCC can help organizations optimize the use of existing assets to minimize operating and maintenance costs. By identifying opportunities for cost reduction, organizations can achieve long-term cost savings and improve their bottom line.

    LCC is often used in conjunction with whole life cost analysis (WLCA), which is a powerful tool for making informed decisions about investments. According to a research paper published in the Journal of Cost Engineering, WLCA takes into account all of the costs associated with an investment over its lifetime, providing a more accurate picture of the true costs of an investment (Journal of Cost Engineering, 2018). This information can be used to compare different investment options and make informed decisions about which option is best for the organization.

    The benefits of WLCA include more accurate decision making, increased transparency, and improved long-term planning. By considering all of the costs associated with an investment, WLCA provides a more accurate picture of the true costs of an investment. This information can then be used to compare different investment options and make informed decisions about which option is best for the organization. Furthermore, WLCA forces organizations to consider all of the costs associated with an investment, not just the initial purchase price, leading to increased transparency and better decision-making.

    In addition, WLCA helps organizations plan for the future by taking into account all of the costs associated with an investment over its lifetime. This information can be used to develop long-term budgets and make informed decisions about future investments. By incorporating WLCA into their decision-making process, organizations can achieve more effective cost management and improve their overall financial performance.

    Real-World Applications of Life Cycle Costing and Whole Life Cost Analysis

    Life cycle costing and whole life cost analysis have numerous real-world applications across various industries. For instance, in the construction industry, LCC can be used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different building materials and designs. By considering all of the costs associated with a project, including upfront costs, operating expenses, and maintenance costs, LCC can help construction companies make more informed decisions about their projects.

    Similarly, in the automotive industry, WLCA can be used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different vehicle models and production processes. By considering all of the costs associated with a vehicle, including manufacturing costs, operating expenses, and maintenance costs, WLCA can help manufacturers make more informed decisions about their products and production processes.

    Reduced Risk and Improved Relationships with Stakeholders

    According to a study by the International Construction Management Association (ICMA), whole life cost analysis can help organizations reduce risk by considering all the costs associated with an investment (Source: ICMA). This approach enables organizations to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and mitigate potential risks. By evaluating the total costs of an investment, organizations can better manage risks and ensure that their financial decisions align with their overall objectives.

    How to Create a Whole Life Cost Analysis

    A whole life cost analysis is an evaluation of the total costs of designing, building, and maintaining a construction project over its entire life cycle. The analysis considers all aspects of ownership, including purchase price, installation and operating costs, maintenance and repair costs, and disposal costs. To create a whole life cost analysis, organizations should first identify all the cost components that need to be considered, which may vary depending on the type of product or system being evaluated.

    How to Use Whole Life Cost Analysis in Decision-Making

    Whole life cost analysis is a powerful tool that can help decision-makers choose the most cost-effective option when considering different products or systems. By taking into account all the costs associated with an investment over its lifetime, organizations can get a more accurate picture of its true value.

    Performing Whole Life Cost Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide

    Whole life cost analysis is a widely used method for evaluating the total cost of an investment over its entire lifespan, rather than just considering the initial purchase price.

    According to a study published in the Journal of Cost Engineering, this approach can help businesses make more informed decisions about investments.

    Once all the relevant information is entered into a spreadsheet or software, analysis can begin.

    This involves examining patterns and trends in the data to identify which investments are truly costing the most money and which ones are providing the best value for the money.

    A study by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that using whole life cost analysis can help businesses reduce costs and improve return on investment.

    It’s essential to approach whole life cost analysis with caution when it comes to predicting future costs.

    As mentioned in a research paper by the University of Cambridge, it’s often difficult to accurately forecast future expenses.

    Therefore, businesses should err on the side of caution when making assumptions about future expenses and consider all possible scenarios.

    Additionally, some investments may have hidden costs that are not immediately apparent, such as increased maintenance or repair costs.

    To ensure the accuracy of whole life cost analysis, businesses should also consider conducting regular reviews and updates to the analysis.

    This can help identify areas where costs may be increasing or decreasing over time, allowing businesses to make adjustments and optimize their investment strategy.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, whole life cost analysis is a critical tool for businesses to use when making decisions about investments.

    By considering all the costs associated with an investment over its lifetime, businesses can gain a clearer understanding of the true cost of an investment and make more informed decisions.

    References

  • Stage 1 of the RIBA plan of Work

    According to the RIBA Plan of Work explained, Stage 0 is the initial stage where stakeholders define the project requirements, goals, and objectives.

    The RIBA Plan of Work explains that Stage 1 involves examining the project requirements and outlining the deliverables.

    During Stage 1, feasibility studies are conducted to verify whether a site is suitable for the client’s requirements or to investigate specific aspects of the brief.

    As highlighted by RIBA, collaborations with experts years of experience like an RIBA Client Adviser can facilitate the completion of feasibility studies and save time in the project process.

    Feasibility

    The phase of a project when a firm assesses the possibilities of certain undertaking thereby behaving as a bridge between research and development and the realization of a project aims and objectives.

    When evaluating a project’s feasibility, a firm should consider several factors including its complexity, risks involved, pace, and duties required.

    When the client team does not possess the necessary skills to analyze feasibility studies, they may want to consider hiring a designer early.

    By having the designer build a portfolio to gain strategic direction and feed it into the team, it ensures they can overcome the need for analyses in later stages of stages two.

    Hiring a designer early is crucial to identifying risks, need, and design.

    The core rule for an Integrated Design Process is a continuous refinement.

    It is based on ongoing feedback from refinement curves and screening now progressively builds credibility.

    Refine Project feasibility studies

    Feasibility Recommendations:

    1. Early Involvement of the Designer

    Hiring a designer early to conduct feasibility studies can ensure a smooth transition into stage 2 and contribute to design thinking.

    2. Clear Communication

    Effective communication among the design team and stakeholders is essential for successful project outcomes.

    3. Strategic Decision Making

    When the client team lacks the necessary skills, hiring a designer early can provide design strategy and insights into building design.

    Feasibility Example: *Project Initiation

    An effective briefing process during Stage 1 of a project is crucial for a smoother transition to Stage 2.

    Up to 77% of design teams say that feedback from the early stages (Stage 1) shapes the project at a subsequent stage.

    Failure to communicate the client’s requirements fully can result in costly errors and wasted resources.

    A robust briefing highlights the key principles and core objectives that set the client’s project journey on an optimal course to achieve optimal outcomes.

    Keeping in parallel with client brief expectations according to various AEC clients’ reports like RICS and BCC, amongst others.

    According to RICS Project Insight report’s guidelines, constructing a strong professional and technical brief.

    Thus, achieving a strong early briefing aids in creating confidence for long-term engagement on both technical and strategic directions.

    According to the construction consulting firms from the CICES, Trowers (Holloway, Hadley Gill, Slatyer Henderson)

    And provides both clarity that is a source of project success or quality (from the findings).

    A well-delivered and outlined brief with all client priorities can directly impact on quality, duration and overall economic performance of a completed project.

    Ensuring that project manager can take the lead more confidently, which is confirmed in other research papers available online within the Construction News & many other reliable publication and information sources.

    Well-communicated brief information is fundamental key for more successful construction related projects results (confirmed sources e.g., Royal Institute as well as all of several other similar websites including Construction news – BCL news etc; BLM, Kier).

    In Stage 1 of the construction process, designers must define the Information Requirements for each project stage. According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), engaging in collaborative design can lead to more complex and ambitious projects.

    This includes evaluating new digital survey techniques, identifying necessary assets for completion, and assessing the impact of emerging technologies on the project timeline.

    As clients transition to digital construction methods, designers need to understand the benefits and limitations of these approaches.

    Integrating digital tools can improve project outcomes and reduce errors, as found in a study by the International Journal of Construction Management.

    However, a survey conducted by the Construction Business Owner reported that only 25% of respondents believed their organizations had fully adopted digital construction techniques.

    Experienced clients typically possess the expertise to specify their Information Requirements, while less experienced or one-off clients may require guidance.

    The design team may choose to bid on the project, offering their insights based on prior experience. Alternatively, clients can appoint an RIBA Client Adviser or information manager as a resource during the early stages of project development.

    This can ensure a smoother transition to digital construction methods and enhance the overall project efficiency.

    References

  • Stage 0 of the RIBA plan of work

    As part of the RIBA Plan of work blog series, this post will delve into Stage 0, a crucial phase in project development where the client’s needs and goals are clarified.

    According to the RIBA Plan of work (Source: RIBA, 2022), Stage 0 involves determining how the client wants to achieve their objectives, primarily focusing on financial planning and resource identification (RIBA, 2022).

    This stage is essential in identifying any potential risks, opportunities, and constraints that may impact the project’s success.

    According to research by the National Institute of Building Science (Source: NIBSP, 2019), the primary objectives of Stage 0 include producing a Business Case and Client Requirements.

    Depending on the project’s complexity, this stage can either be a straightforward review or a more extensive process requiring the involvement of multiple consultants.

    The output of Stage 0 includes two primary deliverables: the Business Case (the need) and Client Requirements (the details/spec).

    To deliver the best outcome for the client, it is crucial to consider the skills and expertise required to bring the project team together.

    Different projects present unique challenges and site-specific requirements, necessitating tailored skills and approaches (ICELABZ, 2022).

    As stated by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA, 2018), the main consideration for the customer is what skills need to be brought to their team, as varying sites and briefs demand distinct skills and strategies.

    When creating a business case, it necessitates the involvement of diverse consultants, including financial and construction experts.

    Insights from whole-life cost analysis and sustainable design can provide a comprehensive understanding of the project’s economic and environmental implications.

    Effective business case development requires strategic thinking, management consulting skills, and the ability to model and forecast costs (ICELABZ, 2022).

    Businessman Using Laptop

    Feasibility
    Feasibility

    The team you have at Stage 0 will be completely different to the team in Stage 1, and understanding this is crucial for a successful project. Research by Fast Company suggests that “the right team can help prevent miscommunication among team members.” Choosing the right team at each stage is essential, as demonstrated by examples where Stage 1 projects required more construction-focused teams for building, and Stage 0 was focused on business aspects such as profit, costs, and investment needed.

    Stage 0 should be distinct from Stage 1, and the design team should only be appointed until Stage 2, according to guidelines from Project Management. This allows for the completion of necessary drawings before moving into production and construction. Attempting to engage designers at an earlier stage is unnecessary, as highlighted by Marvelous.org, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the project’s requirements before initiating design work.

    According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Stage 0 should be distinct from Stage 1, and the design team should not be appointed until Stage 2. This is because the design work does not commence until then, but it’s crucial to start with necessary drawings before moving into production and construction (RIBA, 2022). Engaging a design team at an earlier stage is not only unnecessary but may also lead to a mismatch between the client’s requirements and the final product.

    However, some clients may be interested in receiving design consulting services, which can provide valuable strategic advice and support. If clients are unsure about addressing a project’s key challenges, they can reach out to RIBA Client Advisers for guidance. These professionals can offer expert advice on how to navigate complex projects and ensure that the final outcome meets the client’s needs (RIBA, 2022). By seeking the help of RIBA Client Advisers, clients can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that their project is delivered successfully.

    During Stage 0, it’s essential to consider how the client requirements align with the project budget. If delivering the outcome is likely to be unaffordable, there’s no point in proceeding to Stage 1. A thorough analysis of the client’s budget can help identify potential issues and ensure that the project is feasible (Chartered Institute of Building, 2019). By carefully evaluating the project’s budget, clients can avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure that their project is completed on time and within budget.

    References