Introduction to National Building Code and Steps in a Construction project
1) Why are building codes or standards essential for the modeling/ efficiency of drawings in Revit ?
- Building codes are a set of rules or guidelines specifying the minimum levels of safety in buildings. It is imperative to be familiar with them for architectural construction drawings.
- Codes are designed to protect buildings and the people and property inside them from fire, earthquakes, windstorms and other extreme events. They also ensure structural integrity; electrical, plumbing and mechanical system safety, as well as accessibility and practical and achievable levels of energy efficiency
-
The National Building Code of India (NBC), a comprehensive building Code, is a national instrument providing guidelines
for regulating the building construction activities across the country. It serves as a Model Code for adoption by all
agencies involved in building construction works be they Public Works Departments, other government construction departments,
local bodies or private construction agencies. The Code mainly contains administrative regulations, development control rules
and general building requirements; fire safety requirements; stipulations regarding materials, structural design and
construction (including safety); building and plumbing services; approach to sustainability; and asset and facility management.
The Code was first published in 1970 at the instance of Planning Commission and then first revised in 1983. Thereafter three
major amendments were issued to the 1983 version, two in 1987 and the third in 1997. The second revision of the Code
was in 2005, to which two amendments were issued in 2015.
Types of Codes
- Codes can be national or international. They are followed by architects and engineers, are also used by safety inspectors, environmental scientists, real estate developers, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers of building products and materials, insurance companies, facility managers, tenants, etc.
Building codes generally include:
-
Structural Safety: The building should not collapse and should withstand a certain amount of applied external or internal force.
-
Fire Safety: The building should incorporate features that limit the spread of fire, prevent fires, allow safe exit from the building, etc.
-
Health and Habitability: The building should have adequate washrooms, plumbing, electrical fittings, etc.
As well as:
-
Specifications of components and parts
-
Permissible installation methodologies
-
Room and exit size specifications and locations
-
Qualification of individuals and corporations undertaking the work
The codes do not include specifications related to the aesthetics of the building, upgrades (unless the building is being renovated), traffic convenience and building use.
Nowadays, building codes also cover:
Countries usually have differing approaches to building codes depending on the laws in their countries. The ICC, however, governs and develops codes globally.
2) From the National Building Code list the groups that will be essential to you when you begin modeling in Autodesk Revit.
- The National Building Code (NBC) is a document that provides guidelines for construction of structures – residential, mercantile, institutional, educational, commercial, assembly, storage spaces or even hazardous buildings.
-
The intent of the Building Code is to detail the minimum provisions acceptable to maintain the safety of buildings, with specific regard to public health, fire protection, accessibility and structural sufficiency. It is not a textbook for building design. The Building Code concerns construction, renovation, and demolition. It also covers change of use projects where the change would result in increased hazard and/or maintenance and operation in the existing building. The Code sets out technical requirements for the aforementioned project types and does not pertain to existing buildings.
The 1995 National Building Code is split into 9 parts.
- Part 1 Scope and Definitions
- Part 2 General Requirements
- Part 3 Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
- Part 4 Structural Design
- Part 5 Environmental Separation
- Part 6 Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning
- Part 7 Plumbing Services
- Part 8 Safety Measures at Construction and Demolition Sites
- Part 9 Housing and Small Buildings
Part 1 gives the definitions and describes how the building code is applied. Houses and certain other small buildings (less than 3 storeys high and 600 m2) are considered "Part 9 Buildings" and Part 9 drives the majority of the code requirements, with references to other parts where the scope of Part 9 is exceeded. Larger buildings are considered "Part 3 buildings" and parts 1 through 8 apply. Part 3 is the largest and most complicated part of the building code. It is intended to be used by engineers and architects. Part 9 is very prescriptive and is intended to be able to be applied by contractors.
The building code also references hundreds of other construction documents that are legally incorporated by reference and thus part of the enforceable code. This includes many design, material testing, installation and commissioning documents that are produced by a number of private organizations. Most prominent among these are the Canadian Electrical Code, Underwriters Laboratories of Canada[36] a subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories, documents on fire alarm design, and a number of National Fire Protection Association documents
3) List the five major steps that occur in project cycle . The steps should include from conceptualization of project to maintenance and final stage.
THE 4 PHASES OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT LIFE CYCLE :
- Whether you’re working on a small project with modest business goals or a large, multi-departmental initiative with sweeping corporate implications, an understanding of the project management life cycle is essential.
- Learn the four phases of the project management life cycle to keep your project organized and on track from initation to close.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT LIFE CYCLE OVERVIEW :
- The project management life cycle describes high-level processes for delivering a successful project.
- Wasted money and resources can be prevented with effective project management, as more than half of unsuccessful projects fail due to communication breakdown. In the phases of the project management life cycle, you come up with the idea for a project, define its goals, plan for its execution, and guide it to completion.
4 PHASES OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT LIFE CYCLE :
The project management life cycle is usually broken down into four phases: initiation, planning, execution, and closure. These phases make up the path that takes your project from the beginning to the end.
Note: Some methodologies also include a fifth phase—controlling or monitoring—but for our purposes, this phase is covered under the execution and closure phases.
1. Initiation
First, you need to identify a business need, problem, or opportunity and brainstorm ways that your team can meet this need, solve this problem, or seize this opportunity. During this step, you figure out an objective for your project, determine whether the project is feasible, and identify the major deliverables for the project.
Project management steps for the initiation phase
Steps for the project initiation phase may include the following:
- Undertaking a feasibility study: Identify the primary problem your project will solve and whether your project will deliver a solution to that problem
- Identifying scope: Define the depth and breadth of the project
- Identifying deliverables: Define the product or service to provide
- Identifying project stakeholders: Figure out whom the project affects and what their needs may be
- Developing a business case: Use the above criteria to compare the potential costs and benefits for the project to determine if it moves forward
- Developing a statement of work: Document the project’s objectives, scope, and deliverables that you have identified previously as a working agreement between the project owner and those working on the project
Dive deeper into tools that can help you accurately scope your next project.
2. Planning
Once the project is approved to move forward based on your business case, statement of work, or project initiation document, you move into the planning phase.
During this phase of the project management life cycle, you break down the larger project into smaller tasks, build your team, and prepare a schedule for the completion of assignments. Create smaller goals within the larger project, making sure each is achievable within the time frame. Smaller goals should have a high potential for success.
Project management steps for the planning phase
Steps for the project planning phase may include the following:
- Creating a project plan: Identify the project timeline, including the phases of the project, the tasks to be performed, and possible constraints
- Creating workflow diagrams: Visualize your processes using swimlanes to make sure team members clearly understand their role in a project
- Estimating budget and creating a financial plan: Use cost estimates to determine how much to spend on the project to get the maximum return on investment
- Gathering resources: Build your functional team from internal and external talent pools while making sure everyone has the necessary tools (software, hardware, etc.) to complete their tasks
- Anticipating risks and potential quality roadblocks: Identify issues that may cause your project to stall while planning to mitigate those risks and maintain the project’s quality and timeline
- Holding a project kickoff meeting: Bring your team on board and outline the project so they can quickly get to work
Get started by mapping out all process steps and responsibilities in this workflow diagram template.
3. Execution
You’ve received business approval, developed a plan, and built your team. Now it’s time to get to work. The execution phase turns your plan into action. The project manager’s job in this phase of the project management life cycle is to keep work on track, organize team members, manage timelines, and make sure the work is done according to the original plan.
Project management steps for the execution phase
Steps for the project execution phase may include the following:
- Creating tasks and organizing workflows: Assign granular aspects of the projects to the appropriate team members, making sure team members are not overworked
- Briefing team members on tasks: Explain tasks to team members, providing necessary guidance on how they should be completed, and organizing process-related training if necessary
- Communicating with team members, clients, and upper management: Provide updates to project stakeholders at all levels
- Monitoring quality of work: Ensure that team members are meeting their time and quality goals for tasks
- Managing budget: Monitor spending and keeping the project on track in terms of assets and resources
If you have a properly documented process already in place, executing the project will be much easier.
Depending on the project management methodology you follow, there are many visual tools that you can apply to see which deliverables have been completed ensure that your project remains on track. Click the Kanban board and Gantt chart templates below to learn more.
4. Closure
Once your team has completed work on a project, you enter the closure phase. In the closure phase, you provide final deliverables, release project resources, and determine the success of the project. Just because the major project work is over, that doesn’t mean the project manager’s job is done—there are still important things to do, including evaluating what did and did not work with the project.
Project management steps for the closure phase
Steps for the project closure phase may include the following:
- Analyzing project performance: Determine whether the project's goals were met (tasks completed, on time and on budget) and the initial problem solved using a prepared checklist.
- Analyzing team performance: Evaluate how team members performed, including whether they met their goals along with timeliness and quality of work
- Documenting project closure: Make sure that all aspects of the project are completed with no loose ends remaining and providing reports to key stakeholders
- Conducting post-implementation reviews: Conduct a final analysis of the project, taking into account lessons learned for similar projects in the future
- Accounting for used and unused budget: Allocate remaining resources for future projects
By remaining on task even though the project’s work is completed, you will be prepared to take everything you’ve learned and implement it for your next project.
4) Give examples of different disciplines involved in construction of a project
Disciplines of Construction Management
- Construction.
- Finance and Estimating.
- Contracts and Bids.
- Geotechnical.
- Management.
- Structural.
- Surveying.
This discipline was funded in 2004 as and the first Level 2 discipline of the Level 1 discipline of Civil Engineering. It is classified as a new interdisciplinary by combining Civil Engineering and Management Science & Engineering. Currently, there are four professors, three doctoral supervisors, and four associate professors. The main research fields including construction technologies of engineering structures, construction safety and environment, and civil engineering project management and technology. Many research projects from national “985” plan, and “11th five-year” plan, and provincial level research plans have been conducted. To satisfy the growing demand of national construction, this discipline is actively participating a large number of construction project management and consulting tasks for national key projects. Great contributions have been made for both the regional and national economy. Upon graduation, students are employed by many kinds of companies such as leading real estate enterprises, large-scale construction enterprises, engineering consulting enterprises, universities and government departments. They typically perform tasks closely related to civil engineering construction and management.
1.) CONSTRUCTION :
- The Design Disciplines branch outlines how building design and construction professionals practice in the whole building design process. This process requires all disciplines to coordinate, interact, and integrate issues throughout the life cycle of the project, to achieve a holistic solution with multiple benefits.
2.) Finance and Estimating :
- Without proper financial management, any construction project is likely to fail. A study concluded that efficient financial management practices can lead to higher profitability. It is therefore important to allocate resources to properly manage and plan the financials of a project
- The most important of these are accounting and economics; in the latter discipline, both macroeconomics and microeconomics are significant. Marketing, production, human resources management, and the study of quantitative methods also have an impact on the financial management field. Each of these is discussed here.
- Estimators use four basic types of estimates. Most estimators, however, agree that each type has its place in the construction estimating process. The four types of estimates are as follows: order of magnitude estimate, square foot estimate, assemblies estimate and unit price estimate
3.) Contracts and Bids :
- The bidding process is used to select a vendor for subcontracting a project, or for purchasing products and services that are required for a project. Bid records contain the specifications of the project or details of the products and services to be purchased.
- Bidding is used to determine the cost or value of something. Bidding can be performed by a person under influence of a product or service based on the context of the situation. In the context of auctions, stock exchange, or real estate, the price offer a business or individual is willing to pay is called a bid.
4.) Geotechnical :
There are really 3 branches of geotechnical engineering:
- Soil Mechanics.
- Rock Mechanics.
- Foundation Engineering.
Soil Mechanics.
- soil mechanics, the study of the physical properties and utilization of soils, especially used in planning foundations for structures and subgrades for highways. The first scientific study of soil mechanics was undertaken by French physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb, who published a theory of earth pressure in 1773
Rock Mechanics.
- Rock mechanics, as applied in engineering geology, mining, petroleum, and civil engineering practice, is concerned with the application of the principles of engineering mechanics to the design of the rock structures generated by mining, drilling, reservoir production, or civil construction activity such as tunnels
Foundation Engineering.
- It is at the periphery of Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering disciplines and has distinct focus on soil-structure interaction. It is also called as ground sill, which transfers loads to the ground. It is generally broken into two categories.
5.) Management :
- The Structural discipline provides an advanced computer aided engineering design tool set that generates 3D models including analytical information, is capable of automatically generating construction drawings, and provides powerful reporting features for structural systems in various types of buildings and plant facilities.
- The Structural discipline addresses the structural engineering aspects of the design process by providing intelligent Structural elements, such as steel columns, girders, concrete beams, timber studs, joists and trusses, and other Structural components. You can modify existing Structural component types and instances of them, and define new ones with the DataGroup System tools. You can also customize existing or new Structural components, and change how they are displayed to conform to your particular drafting style, presentation standards, or personal preferences.
-
Structural Data, associated with every Structural member is also managed by the Datagroup System tools. DataGroup data can be changed for members individually or globally during the design of your Structural model. DataGroup data is also employed during the exchanges of data between the Structural discipline and analysis programs like RAM Structural System and STAAD.Pro using Bentley Structural Synchronizer (ISM) import/export tools.
-
The Structural discipline can create Analytical Data simultaneously when placing physical members. That is, analytical members are drawn as you place the members that would be analyzed (steel columns, beams, etc). Because the analytical data is automatically created as you create your design, you do not have to re-create your work to export or exchange analytical data. Rather, you can export the analytical data to the program, let it do its analysis, and then import the results into the Structural discipline. You then accept or reject the analytical program's suggested changes.
-
Generate Structural drawings using the special Building Dynamic Views utilities. Building Dynamic Views are an extension of dynamic views which allow dynamic views to process the various resymbolizations used by AECOsim Building Designer.
-
The Structural discipline can automatically generate Steel/Concrete Column Schedules. All aspects of these drawings can be customized to suit your needs. These Column Schedules can be saved as DGN models and Saved Views in the master model DGN ready for your final drawing compositions (sheets, borders, notes, ect.).
-
The Structural discipline lets you design projects in 3D, and keep track of materials, quantities, cost reports, and specifications, all automatically tracked within the design file. Plans, sections, elevations, bills of materials - all are stored or linked to the 3D model, so any changes you make to the design file automatically update the reporting and drawing data.
5) How are buildings classified ? Place the following buildings under each category
a. Four unit apartments
b. School with capacity of 1000 students
c. A single unit shop.
d. Multi story Shopping complex
e. Steel machine factory
What Is Building ?
A structure with walls and a roof standing more or less permanently in one place is commonly known as a building. For example a house or facttory. Buildings serve several societal needs primarily as shelter, living space, privacy & security, to store materials, workspace, etc. In this article, different types of buildings are discussed.
Types Of Buildings :
Depending upon the character of occupancy or the type of use, buildings can be
classified into different categories as follows:
1. Residential Buildings :
A building should be considered a residential building when more than half of the floor area is employed for dwelling purposes. Other buildings should be considered non-residential. A residential building i one that's designed and accordingly built for inhabitants to measure in and call House. Inhabitants can either be a family, single, a couple, roommates, or may be in a group.
A sleeping room(bedroom)/space :
A Living room/space Conveniences (as in toilet and bath), Cooking room/area (kitchen). All of those functions ecan either bein shared rooms or spaces or have exclusive rooms per function. These types of buildings include one or two private dwellings, apartment houses flats), bungalows, duplex, storey houses, terrace buildings, apartment buildings, condominium buildings, hotels, dormitories, semi-detached building etc.
2. Educational Buildings :
These buildings include any building used for school, college, or daycare purposes involving assembly for instruction, education, or recreation.
3. Institutional Buildings :
These buildings include any building or part which is used for medical treatment etc. Such as Hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, sanatoria, jails, prisons, mental hospitals, etc.
4. Assembly Buildings :
These buildings may include any building or part of a building where a group of Peoplegathers ferrecreation, amuisement, social, religious, or such types of Purposes Such as theaters assembly halls exhibition halls, restaurants, museums, club rooms.auditoria, etc
5. Business Buildings :
These shall indlude any building type or part of a building that is used for business transactions keeping records of acdounts, town halls, city halls, cOurthouses, etc.
6. Mercantile Buildings :
These shall include those buildings which are used for soap, market, stores, wholesale or retai
7. Industrial Buildings :
These types of building mainly used for manufacturing purposes. Here products or materials of all kinds and properties are fabricated, assembled, or processed, for example, gas plants, refineries, mills, dairies, etc.
8. Storage Buildings :
These buildings are generally used for the storagepr sheltering of goods, wares, or merchandise like warehouses, cold storages, garages, stables, transit sheds, etc.
9. Hazardous Buildings :
These types of buildings include any building which is used for storage, hand ling, manufacture, or processing of highly combustible explosive materials or products that are liable to burn extreme rapidly which may produce poisonous fumes, a building that is used for storage, handling, or manufacturing highly corrosive, toxic, acid or other liquids or chemicals producing flame, fumes explosive, etc.
6) Distinguish the roles of Design team and Management team
DESIGN TEAM :
Typically there are three primary team members on a design/build project. They include the Owner, the criteria developer, and the design/build (D/B) contractor. Each one is explained in more detail below:
1.) OWNER :
• Work with criteria developer to capture needs and desires in criteria documents/contract documents
• Implement a process to select D/B contractor
• Work with D/B contractor to finalize design and construction (sometimes through criteria developer/project manager)
• Communicate changing needs to D/B contractor
• Participate in punch list process
• Move in and enjoy the new facility
2.) CRITERIA DEVELOPER :
• Work with Owner personnel and stakeholders to draft criteria documents/contract documents
• Sometimes hired to represent the Owner throughout construction and review design/construction/completion activities
• May review pay applications and change orders and assist Owner in the punch list process
• Advise Owner on contractual matters and D/B contractor compliance with contract
• Assist Owner to maintain budget integrity
3.) DESIGN/BUILD CONTRACTOR :
• Provide qualifications proposal and initial renderings to demonstrate their vision of compliance with the criteria documents
• Confirm pricing with subcontractors that meets design criteria
• Provide scope compliance information and agree on cost with Owner
• Design the project using qualified design professionals and obtain Owner approval of code- compliant design that meets the criteria documents
• Design team maintains engagement in project throughout construction
• Construct the project, draft changes, punch out and complete the facility
• Maintain budget and schedule throughout the duration of the project
• Provide clear and regular communication with Owner on project status and any changes
• Obtain good reference from satisfied Owner
So, why should an Owner select design/build?
- Single source of accountability – this goes for design and construction
- Budget management – discussing budget throughout the duration of design
- Enhanced communication – early and ongoing communications between Owner, design contractor, and subcontractor(s)
- Faster project completion – can shorten overall schedule since construction starts while design is being completed
MANAGEMENT TEAM :
The management team is the highest senior team of managers and leaders in an organization including the top leader. It is not just a collection of top managers, but also a team whose results are leveraged by increased cooperation and teamwork encompassing all the different functions of the organization.
7) Refer to NBC, Identify the modeling requirements for the project ( from week 4).
a. Height Limitations
b. Area Limitations
c. Room sizing
d. Wall height
e. Thickness based on fire life and safety
f. Passageway requirements
a.) HEIGHT LIMITATION :
The minimum height of the basement should be 2.5 metres and the maximum height 4.5 metres. The ceiling height should be a minimum of 0.9 metres and maximum of 1.2 metres above the road surface. Ventilation is must for the basement and could be in the form of blowers, exhaust fans, air-conditioning, etc.
b.) AREA LIMITATION :
The minimum exterior open spaces around buildings that are 55 metres or more, should be 16 metres. On sides where no habitable rooms face, a minimum space of 9 metres shall be left for heights above 27 metres.
c.) ROOM SIZING :
What are the types of residential buildings?
As per the National Building Code of India, residential buildings include any building that is equipped with sleeping accommodation for normal residential purposes, with or without cooking and dining facilities.
Residential buildings are classified into the following categories:
- Lodging or rooming houses.
- One or two-family private dwellings.
- Dormitories.
- Apartment houses or flats.
- Hotels.
NBC guidelines related to kitchens
- Every kitchen must have provision for washing utensils, with proper connection to drainage.
- The kitchen must be provided with an impermeable floor.
- The kitchen must open into an interior or exterior open space and should not be less than one sq metre.
- The kitchen should not open into a shaft.
- No chutes to be used in buildings above 15 metres.
NBC guidelines related to bathrooms
- One of the walls should have an opening to the open air. Minimum ventilation or window space should be provided measuring up to 0.37 sq metres.
- A bathroom must always be over another bathroom or washing place or the terrace space and not over another room. Watertight floors can be an exception to this rule.
- The seat should be made of non-absorbent material.
- Bathrooms should be enclosed by partitions/walls, provided with an impervious surface with a height prescribed as not less than one metre.
- The floor covering should be impervious too but sloping towards the drain and not towards any other room or balcony space.
- A room provided with a water closet is to be used as a toilet only. These rooms must be provided with flush cisterns.
- If there is a toilet on the terrace with a height of 2.2 metres, it should be counted in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
- In the absence of a sewage outlet, a septic tank must be provided.
NBC guidelines related to lofts
- Apart from shops, lofts are permitted in residential buildings only.
- The area of the loft should be restricted to 25% of the covered area.
- The height between the loft and ceiling should not be less than 1.75 metres.
NBC guidelines related to basements
- The minimum height of the basement should be 2.5 metres and the maximum height 4.5 metres.
- The ceiling height should be a minimum of 0.9 metres and maximum of 1.2 metres above the road surface.
- Ventilation is must for the basement and could be in the form of blowers, exhaust fans, air-conditioning, etc.
- Surface drainage should not enter the basement.
- The basement’s walls and floors must be water-proof.
- The basement should not be accessed directly from the road. It should be accessed only from the main entrance or an alternative staircase that provides access to the building.
- Only when a projecting basement is flush with the ground, or if the authority allows, can the basement be permitted to touch the adjacent property.
NBC guidelines related to garages
- The plinth of the garage at ground level should not be less than 15 cms.
- Garages should not block access to the building in any way. It should be behind the building line of the street or road. In case it is not, the authority may even discontinue its use as a garage or suggest other alterations.
d.) wall height :
Parapet walls and handrails provided on the edges of roof terrace, balcony, etc., should not be less than one metre and more than 1.5 metres in height, as per the NBC.
e.) THICKNESS BASED ON FIRE LIFE AND SAFETY :
Dangers to avoid: According to the code, "Every building shall be constructed, equipped, maintained and operated as to avoid undue danger to the life and safety of the occupants from fire, smoke, fumes or panic during the time period necessary for escape."
f.) PASSAGE WAY REQUIREMENT :
Adequate passage way for fire-fighting vehicles shall be provided at the main entrance with a minimum width of 4.5 m and a head room of 5 m. An exit may be a doorway, corridor, internal or external staircase. It can be a verandah with access to the street or the roof
8) We have identified requirements for modeling from question 7, Use these numbers from code book and verify the numbers used in modeling the unit from week 2 to week 4. If the numbers are not reasonable, use the numbers obtained from the code book to create a revision of the mode.
This model resembles the actual modeling requirements for Project 1 of course work
The below diagram as been designed by using code book
_1646112595.png)
_1646112623.png)
_1646112652.png)
_1646112686.png)
_1646112717.png)
