This blog post is part of the RIBA plan of work series RIBA plan of work series. Here we’ll be covering Stage 3 of the RIBA plan of work which covers spatially coordinated design.
The purpose of Stage 3 is to spatially coordinate the design. The information at the end of this stage needs to be coordinated sufficiently so that minor changes can’t happen at Stage 4 and you can submit a planning application with detailed information for the design.
The purpose of Stage 3 is to spatially coordinate the design. The information at the end of this stage needs to be coordinated sufficiently so that minor changes can’t happen at Stage 4 and you can submit a planning application with detailed information for the design.
Stage 2 of the Architectural Concept should be finalized and approved, along with the Project Brief before proceeding into Stage 3. The project shouldn’t proceed to Stage 3 if any spatial requirements spatial requirements or adjacencies adjacencies remain inconclusive. During Stage 3, the Change Control Procedures should be used to manage any functional changes to the Project Brief and Architectural Concept. Minor aspects of the design may need to be adjusted in response to tasks underway. For example, a core might need to be rearranged in order for the toilet and riser layouts to work out.
To design a Stage 3 Spatially Spatially Coordinated, each design team member would work independently at Stage 4, or you could coordinate with specialist subcontractors on design. All of the project information should be coordinated too.
The majority of project strategies, produced by specialist consultants, should be coordinated and concluded by the end of stage 3. Allowing work on other strategy items to enter stage 4 is only disruptive to the design process if the designer has not been included in early discussions on a strategy matter.
We expect the lead designer to review the services schedules for specialists and comment on what tasks have been proposed when they will be undertaken, and if any tasks may interfere with the stage 4 design process.
The design team may want to consider changing the design process, including early stage 4 information delivery, in order to make the procurement process more effective. For example, being able to provide a scope of work or detailed design for a complex area of the project, like the cladding, will have an immediate benefit. The contractor will have an easier time bidding on items because they don’t have to assume what they will be responsible for. All aspects of the project are listed out in depth so that contractors know exactly what needs to be done.
Following our main post on RIBA Plan of workRIBA Plan of work we’re going to cover the RIBA Stage 2.
Stage 2 is all about getting the concept design right and making sure that the visuals of the building are proceeding according to the client’s vision. The critical challenge of this stage is to make sure that the tasks undertaken are aligned with the goals of Stage 2. Going into too much detail too early can divert the attention away from what matters most for Stage 3; but if there’s not enough detail, Stage 3 becomes inefficient.
Dealing with Planning first
The RIBA recommends dealing with any developer obligations and levies before submitting an early planning application, because it’s quite risky. You may encounter clarity regarding these additional costs when you submit an early application. if not, you risk running into many project risks.
One of the most difficult tasks for a project team is determining where Stage 2 begins and ends. The RIBA Plan of Work requires that a design Concept be produced first before moving but not get into the detail design.
Dealing with the right amount of design concept design
Dealing with the right amount of design concept design
One challenge at Stage 2 is determining what tasks and information requirements are needed to achieve the goal of the stage. In some cases, a designer might need intuition to design or make an architectural concept. In other situations, a detailed analysis might be required in order to test the design that has been created.
One challenge at Stage 2 is determining what tasks and information requirements are needed to achieve the goal of the stage. In some cases, a designer might need intuition to design or make an architectural concept. In other situations, a detailed analysis might be required in order to test the design that has been created.
For example, some clients might be happy with ‘rule of thumb’ calculations for stairways and toilets in an office building, or for light touch engineering inputs for other elements. Others may want greater certainty in the design, requiring detailed calculations for these elements. It’s important that the lead designer focuses the designing team on tasks which support and underpin the goals of Stage 2 and that will make the design as resilient as possible when Stage 3 starts up, when work will need to intensify on engineering teams and specialists needs to accelerate with work on this project.
For example, some clients might be happy with ‘rule of thumb’ calculations for stairways and toilets in an office building, or for light touch engineering inputs for other elements. Others may want greater certainty in the design, requiring detailed calculations for these elements. It’s important that the lead designer focuses the designing team on tasks which support and underpin the goals of Stage 2 and that will make the design as resilient as possible when Stage 3 starts up, when work will need to intensify on engineering teams and specialists needs to accelerate with work on this project.
Clients need to decide what information is required at this stage. Do you want to invest in large quantities of 2D content? 3D technologies, including VR and AR, are no longer gimmicks. They’re valid ways of undertaking Design Reviews and their usefulness should be considered alongside the requirement for traditional deliverables.
Do you want to invest in large quantities of 2D content?
3D technologies, including VR and AR, are no longer gimmicks.
They’re valid ways of undertaking Design Reviews and their usefulness should be considered alongside the requirement for traditional deliverables.
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is any type of clothing or device worn by workers to protect themselves from hazards on the job.
Construction workers are especially susceptible to injury, so it’s important that they have the right PPE to protect them from harm.
There are many different types of PPE available, and each has its own purpose.
Common items include hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, and reflective vests.
In some cases, workers may also need to wear respirators or other devices to protect themselves from airborne particles.
No matter what type of work you do, it’s important to always wear the proper PPE for the job.
Keep reading to learn more about personal protective equipment in construction and how it can keep you safe.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory on most work sites.
Most construction sites require workers to wear a helmet, protective glasses, and closed shoes at all times.
What is personal protective equipment?
What is personal protective equipment?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is clothing and gear designed to protect workers from serious workplace injuries or illnesses. Construction workers need PPE when working with dangerous materials, operating heavy machinery, and performing other potentially hazardous tasks.
There are four main types of PPE: respiratory protection, hearing protection, eye and face protection, and head protection.
Respiratory Protection: Respiratory protection devices filter out contaminants to protect workers' lungs. Hearing Protection: Hearing protection devices, such as earplugs or earmuffs, can help reduce the risk of hearing damage. Eye and Face Protection Eye and face protection devices guard against hazards to workers' eyes and faces. Head Protection: Hard hats protect workers' heads from falling objects and collisions with walls or other objects.
The different types of personal protective equipment
The different types of personal protective equipment
There are several different types of personal protective equipment that can be used in construction, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The most common type of personal protective equipment is the hard hat. Hard hats are made from various materials, including plastic, metal, and fiberglass.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes various types of clothing and gear designed to protect workers from hazards in the construction industry.
Protective clothing can include items such as gloves, aprons, overalls, boots, and masks. This type of PPE helps to protect the body from hazardous materials and conditions.
It is essential to choose clothing made from breathable materials to avoid overheating while working.
Eye Protection
Eye protection is another essential type of personal protective equipment in construction. Various options are available, including safety glasses, goggles, and face shields.
When selecting eye protection, it is crucial to choose items that will fit well and provide adequate coverage.
Hearing protection is also a vital consideration in construction. Earplugs and earmuffs can help protect workers from loud noises.
When choosing hearing protection, it is essential to find items that are comfortable to wear and do not interfere with the ability to hear warnings or instructions from others on the job site.
When is Personal Protective Equipment Required?
There are various circumstances in which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in the construction industry.
Some PPE is required by law, while other items may be recommended or required by the employer.
Examples of Required PPE in Construction
Hard hats
Safety glasses or goggles
Earplugs or earmuffs
Respirators or dust masks
Gloves
Steel-toed boots
When working with or around hazardous materials, PPE is often necessary to protect workers from potential health risks.
Depending on the type of hazard, different types of PPE may be required. For example, when working with asbestos, workers must wear respirators and special clothing to avoid exposure to harmful fibers.
Workers should always consult with their supervisor about what PPE is necessary for their specific job duties.
Employers are responsible for providing workers with the PPE they need to stay safe on the job.
How to Properly Use Personal Protective Equipment
How to properly use personal protective equipment
When working in construction, it is essential to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, earplugs or muffs, and reflective vests or clothing. Wearing the proper PPE can help protect you from injuries caused by falling objects, flying debris, electrical shocks, and more.
When working with power tools, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. If you are using a power saw, make sure to wear a face shield in addition to safety glasses. Also, be sure to wear hearing protection when using noisy power tools.
Always wear gloves when handling sharp or rough materials. This will help protect your hands from cuts and scrapes. If you are working with chemicals, make sure to wear the proper gloves to avoid skin irritation or burns.
When working outdoors, always wear a reflective vest or other brightly colored clothing so that drivers can see you. And be sure to stay aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid potential hazards.
Conclusion
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical part of any construction worker’s safety repertoire. Whether it’s a hard hat, safety glasses, or gloves, PPE helps protect workers from serious injuries and fatalities. With the construction industry growing rapidly, it’s essential for workers to be aware of the different types of PPE available and how to properly use them. By understanding the importance of PPE and using it correctly, construction workers can help keep themselves safe on the job site.
As part of the RICS construction technology one needs to know a number of basic construction technology. In this series of blog posts we’ll be covering the substructures.
Buildings are separated into two parts: the part generally below the ground floor and which extends down into the ground, and the part above the ground floor. This blog post covers the substructure, from ground conditions to building construction from the foundation below.
The classification of ground conditions
When we think of ground conditions, they’re usually classified as either topsoil or subsoil. Organic matter is a big part of topsoil, which also has a high concentration of insects and worms. Vegetation grows in topsoil, and that’s what people usually refer to when they say “topsoil”.
What is Topsoil and how do you deal with it
Below the layer of topsoil there is a thin layer where both topsoil and subsoil mix. It’s considered “topsoil” for our purposes in building construction. This transitional area marks the meeting between the two types of soil.
The layer beneath the topsoil is without any organic constituents, although this layer might be home to living creatures that burrow below the soil.
The layer beneath the topsoil is without any organic constituents, although this layer might be home to living creatures that burrow below the soil.
Building Regulations require that soil beneath the building be completely excavated. The consequences of not doing so vary depending on a range of factors, but are mainly based on three reasons:
Topsoil isn’t strong enough to hold up buildings, and it can’t keep them anchored in place.
Topsoil contains organic matter which if left under the building will rot and cause a health hazard. Rotting vegetation also attracts vermin, especially insects, and this can be a source of disease, among other things.
Surfacing the area will remove all roots, bulbs, corms, seeds or tubers that are left behind. Roots can penetrate drainage and ducting systems and block supplies or discharges.
stockpile of soilstockpile of soil
The thickness of topsoil in the UK
The thickness of topsoil in the UK
With any building, the thickness of the topsoil will always affect the cost. Remember, you have to remove thicknesses, which makes things more expensive. Around the UK, there’s a general thickness of 200mm200mm at ground level where farmers have cultivated it and a depth of 100-150mm100-150mm
Untouched areas with good vegetable growth are common, but there are exceptions where soil health is prevalent, or large areas with peat or little growing on them.
Demolition sites and dumping sites can result in depressions with less than ideal topsoil conditions.
We won’t discuss extreme conditions, but will focus on simple topsoils over stable subsoils.
Many drawn presentations are designed without considering the site or situation they will be used for.
The standard thickness of topsoil is typically 150 mm150 mm.
When building a structure, it’s common to remove topsoil from the immediate area using excavators (360).
Topsoil is often needed for garden ground around the building, so it must be preserved.
There is a special way of preserving and storing topsoil on site, detailed in the British standard (3882:2015).
Spoil and taking it offsite
Spoil and taking it offsite
Any excavated material is called spoil and can be disposed of offsite or placed onsite.
Any excavated material is called spoil and can be disposed of offsite or placed onsite.
Topsoil can be removed from the site as long as it’s disposed of, stored correctly.
Topsoil can be removed from the site as long as it’s disposed of, stored correctly.
Topsoil should be immediately spread around the site being worked on when performing this process. Bringing the surface to a desired level, this step is typically called “spreading and levelling”.
Topsoil should be immediately spread around the site being worked on when performing this process. Bringing the surface to a desired level, this step is typically called “spreading and levelling”.
The spoil heaps for topsoil shouldn’t be higher than two and a half metres. Storage in higher heaps can cause a problem for the soil in the long term and kill the bio-organisms living in there for the plant.
The spoil heaps for topsoil shouldn’t be higher than two and a half metres. Storage in higher heaps can cause a problem for the soil in the long term and kill the bio-organisms living in there for the plant.
Three types of subsoil
Three types of subsoil
There are three types of subsoils:
These soils are able to carry the weight of a low-rise building without any special construction techniques or precautions.
Those who are able to manage the structural load of a much larger building with efficient foundation techniques.
Unique circumstances require special techniques or precautions for even the most basic of structures.
Soils are classified into different types, with subsoil being one of them. It’s a layer of soil that transitions gradually from the topsoil and generally occupies a layer 50-75 mm thick.
Subsoil is not a fixed layer and can vary in thickness and density. It’s essential to consider the load-bearing capacity when placing foundations.
Load-bearing capacity refers to the force that acts on a unit area, causing a foundation to fail. A margin of safety is necessary to determine the safe load-bearing capacity.
Regardless of the thickness or density of the soil, it is essential to consider loadbearing capacity when placing a foundation.
Kind of soil
The thickness of the layer of subsoil.
Kind and thickness of layers underlying the subsoil
The depth and thickness of soil layers
Moisture content and water level
Degree of containment of the layers
The presence or absence of underground flowing water.
To determine the loadbearing capacity of a foundation when constructing walls on a building site, classify the subsoil into various types.
Kind of soil
The thickness of the layer of subsoil.
Kind and thickness of layers underlying the subsoil
The depth and thickness of soil layers
Moisture content and water level
Degree of containment of the layers
The presence or absence of underground flowing water.
Designs have been greatly improved since the early 20th century, and new books generally contain an approximation of this capacity in kilonewtons (kN) or newtons (N).
In order to determine the loadbearing capacity of a foundation when constructing walls on a building site, the general approach is to classify the subsoil into various types.
Designs have been greatly improved since the early 20th century, and new books generally contain an approximation of this capacity in kilonewtons (kN) or newtons (N).
This capacity is adequate for common work that includes foundations as long as it’s adjusted to safe loadbearing capacity.
Thinner soils or layers with lower capacities may require professional intervention from soil mechanics specialists.
These specialists are available to inspect the subsoil at your building site and analyze its strengths and weaknesses by testing for loadbearing capabilities.
soil
soil
The Categorization of Subsoils and Their Loadbearing Capacity
The Categorization of Subsoils and Their Loadbearing Capacity
The Building Regulations generally have a lot to say about loadbearing capacities. In this case, the Regulation takes the form of reference tables for foundations that identify a range of widths for strip foundations in various mixtures.
Soil type can be determined on the basis of whether it is gravel, sand, silty sand, clayey sand, silt or rock. The condition of each soil type can be assessed with regard to its compactness, firmness and softness.
Only rock foundation strips are allowed to be as wide as the wall itself. Other foundation services must meet specific minimum widths depending on the subsoil and its condition.
Here are some tables that have been used in building research to develop tables for optimum foundation widths. Although they vary slightly, they are all based on Building Research Station Digests 64 and 67 published in the 1970s.
For example, one table quoted in some Regulations gives a width of 400 with a wall load of 40 kN/m^2. If you take the time now, you will see that this equals 100 kN/m^2. This is despite the fact that maximum loadbearing capacity is up to 600 or even 1000 kN/m^2 in many textbooks!
Approved by rule of thumb cited above, calculated safe bearing capacities would be 150 and 300 kN/m^2 respectively, which indicates that the figures quoted in the Regulations for foundation widths and safe bearing capacities have a much higher margin of safety.
Foundations
Now that we’ve looked at the properties of different soil types, it’s time to look at foundations. There are a wide variety of loadbearing characteristics in the soil tables mentioned earlier, and you’ll need a few techniques to build on different ground conditions.
First, you should know that most foundations are made by pouring wet concrete into holes drilled in the ground. The shape can be made as simple or complicated as you require, and everything in between.
You’re only concerned with straight pieces of concrete cast into the ground that present a flat surface where walls can be built upon. Concrete is discussed more thoroughly in Appendix D, which should be read if this chapter gets too technical for you.
Approved by rule of thumb cited above, calculated safe bearing capacities would be 150 and 300 kN/m^2 respectively, which indicates that the figures quoted in the Regulations for foundation widths and safe bearing capacities have a much higher margin of safety.
For example, one table quoted in some Regulations gives a width of 400 with a wall load of 40 kN/m^2. If you take the time now, you’ll see that this equals 100 kN/m^2.
This is despite the fact that maximum loadbearing capacity is up to 600 or even 1000 kN/m^2 in many textbooks!
The foundation of a building with a simple rock base is rock solid. No elaborate foundation is needed.
Strip foundations are often used for medium-sized buildings that stand on stable ground and can withstand natural earth movements.
In contrast, deep strip foundations are used for larger buildings that need more support against forces that could move the base of the building away from its walls.
In strip foundations, a wide trench is dug with walls built off of the layer of concrete.
Deep strip foundations involve a narrow trench, not much wider than the wall, dug and then filled up with concrete almost to ground level.
The other extreme would be soft ground overlying a firm strata with good loadbearing characteristics.
When it comes to building a structure, an engineer must be aware of the type of ground (e.g. crystalline, sedimentary) that is supporting the building and choose appropriate construction methods and materials accordingly.
In cases where there are large piles present in solid soil strata beneath the building site, they can be driven until they reach the bearing layer.
Once this has occurred, beams can be cast into these piles to form the foundation for desired buildings.
However, if there are high concentrations of waves or slides present beneath the site, this process would most likely prove ineffective.
For this case we could use the raft type of foundation instead — which would involve placing a thin layer of concrete over areas that requires support for the building and then hoisting them up higher so that water filters through and carries away any rough spots below it.
If this is not a feasible option or something you feel like doing yourself, then piling might be another great alternative.
This involves driving long columns of materials – usually concrete – into the earth to ensure a stable foundation can be built on top of it afterwards; just make sure to keep in mind that you need to know what type of ground (e.g. crystalline, sedimentary) you’re working with before building the foundation.
Soil shrinkage and swelling can cause buildings to be displaced. Plants absorb a substantial amount of moisture from the ground, which is released into the atmosphere through transpiration. Trees are significant water users, with species like poplars and willows using more water than most. This allows them to extract moisture from clay during drought conditions, causing clay to shrink. To avoid issues, trees should be kept away from buildings, especially when dealing with shrinkable clay.
Moist subsoil can lead to building instability due to freezing. This occurs when the subsoil remains moist and then freezes, causing the soil to expand and exert pressure on the surrounding soil and structures.
Conclusion
Understanding the two main types of soil and the three types of subsoil is crucial for making informed decisions about construction and soil management. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below.
