Module 2.1 & 3.1

Technical documentation

Technical documentation

encompasses a wide range of documents that are essential for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of engineering projects, products, systems, or processes.

DESIGN PLANS/DRAWINGS

graphical representations of engineering designs, providing detailed information about the physical aspects, dimensions, and specifications of a product, system, or component.

CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

detailed documents that outline the requirements, materials, methods, and standards for the construction of a building, infrastructure project, or any other type of construction endeavor. These specifications provide essential guidance to contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in the construction process.

BILL OF QUANTITIES AND COST ESTIMATES

detailed list of materials, labor, equipment, and other costs required to complete a construction project. It serves as an essential component of the tendering process, allowing contractors to submit accurate bids for the project based on the quantities and costs specified in this.

Bill of Quantities (BOQ)

▪Itemized list of all materials, components, and work items required for the project.

▪Quantities are specified for each item, usually measured in standard units such as square meters, cubic meters, or linear meters.

▪___ items are typically organized according to CSI MasterFormat or other industry-standard classification systems.

▪Quantities are determined based on the project's design drawings, specifications, and other relevant documents.

Cost Estimates

▪Cost breakdown for each item in the BOQ, including material costs, labor costs, equipment costs, and overheads.

▪Unit rates: Cost per unit for each item, calculated based on market rates, supplier quotes, and historical data.

▪Total costs: The sum of material, labor, and other costs for each BOQ item, as well as the total project cost

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

a timeline for a building project that construction managers use to determine the order and duration of construction activities. ____ also track milestones, deliverables, and dependencies to help ensure projects stay on schedule and on budget.

Critical Path Method (CPM)

Estimate the total completion time of a construction project by identifying all dependent tasks in your timeline. These are tasks that a team cannot begin until another task is complete. When using the critical path method, managers can anticipate changes to the completion date when there is a speed-up or delay in any critical path activity.

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

Estimate the completion date of a construction project by factoring in optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely schedule forecasts. Managers start with a diagram of a building project, then use the ___ formula to weigh the most likely time estimate more heavily than the other two. This method reflects potential for the project to vary and is more sensitive to risk, which makes it especially helpful for one-of-a-kind or novel construction projects.

Gantt Chart

Build a simple spreadsheet that lists each task needed to complete a project and tracks their progress over time. This document, called a ____, allows you to update future activities and completion dates based on actual progress. Construction managers like ______ because they allow for a quick, high-level assessment of overall progress and make it easy to spot problems and delays.

Line of Balance (LOB)

Track actual progress against anticipated progress with a line-of-balance chart. This method is best for construction projects that involve repeated units of work, such as tall, multi-floor buildings that require the same tasks for each floor. Using this method, managers can chart how long each repetition takes and predict the time needed to complete the remaining units. This method also helps managers adjust schedule forecasts as a team completes repeated tasks more quickly. This technique has limited value in projecting total duration of the critical path because it only takes into account the repeated tasks.

CONTRUCTION AGREEMENT

a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions governing a construction project. It serves as a written agreement between the owner (client) and the contractor (builder), establishing the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of each party throughout the construction process.

Parties

Owner/Client and the Contractor

Project Description

description of the construction project, including the location, scope of work, and specifications.

Contract Price and Payment Terms

total contract price for the project, including a breakdown of costs (e.g., materials, labor, overhead, profit); payment schedule outlining the timing and amounts of progress payments, retainage, and final payment; terms for invoicing, payment methods, and any applicable penalties or interest for late payments.

Schedule and Timeline

project start date and anticipated completion date; procedures for handling delays, extensions, or changes to the schedule.

Scope of Work

detailed description of the work to be performed by the contractor

Change Order and Variations

process for requesting and approving changes to the scope, schedule, or contract price

Insurance and Indemnification

insurance requirements for both parties, including general liability insurance, workers' compensation, and property insurance; indemnification clauses outlining each party's liability for damages, losses, or claims arising from the project.

Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

procedures for resolving disputes or claims arising from the agreement

Warranties and Guarantees, Signatures and Execution, Termination and Default

conditions under which the agreement may be terminated by either party

SCOPE OF WORKS (SOW)

state everything that will need to be done to complete the project.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

The general conditions contract goes over the contractor’s obligations. It basically goes over the legal framework for the contract and will have details about how you can resolve problems or disputes during the construction process.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Special conditions documents go over any aspects of the project with specific instructions that don’t apply to the rest of the project. This kind of document is an extension of the general conditions document.

Building Envelope and Assemblies

focuses on the application of building science principles to the design of building enclosures. This course examines various elements that mediate between the interior and exterior environments, both above and below the ground, in manners appropriate to their intended function and performance.

Building Envelope

The ____ is the physical barrier between the exterior and interior environments enclosing a structure. Generally, the _____ is comprised of a series of components and systems that protect the interior space from the effects of the environment like precipitation, wind, temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation. The internal environment is comprised of the occupants, furnishings, building materials, lighting, machinery, equipment, and the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system.

Tight Building Envelope

A tight building envelope allows very few air leaks, making it easier to control the indoor environment.

Air Sealing

Sealants, tapes, gaskets, and caulks are used to close gaps and seams in the building envelope, including around windows, doors, penetrations, and connections between building materials.

High-Quality Insulation

Adequate insulation helps reduce heat transfer through the envelope, minimizing the need for heating and cooling energy. Insulation materials with high R-values (thermal resistance) are commonly used to improve energy efficiency.

Vapor Barriers

_____ or vapor retarders are installed on the warm side of the insulation to prevent moisture vapor from entering the building envelope and causing condensation within the wall or roof assembly.

Efficient Windows and Doors:

Well-sealed and properly installed windows and doors with low U-factors (thermal transmittance) and effective weatherstripping minimize air leakage and heat transfer.

Loose Building Envelope

allows for more natural ventilation, so more outside air can flow inside without mechanical means.

Structural Support

The foundation must be able to support the structure’s weight and the walls must be load-bearing.

Climate Control

The building envelope helps ensure that conditioned are, whether cooled or heated, remains inside while the outside air remains outside so that energy isn’t wasted.

Finish

The building envelope should be made with proper aesthetics in mind.

Foundation

The ____ is the structural component that transmits the loads from the building to the underlying substrate. Typically, some combination of reinforced concrete walls, slabs, and footings constitute the structural components of the foundation. However, the ____ must also be designed to control the transfer of moisture and thermal energy into the interior space.

Footings

Concrete pads or strips that distribute the weight of the building foundation over a larger area and prevent settling.

Foundation Walls

Below-grade walls that support the weight of the building and transfer loads to the soil or footings.

Waterproofing

Membranes, coatings, or drainage systems installed to prevent water infiltration and protect the foundation from moisture damage.

Walls

are an essential part of a building envelope because they provide support, control, and finish.

Wall framing

Structural framework consisting of studs, plates, and headers that support the exterior cladding and interior finishes.

Exterior cladding

Materials that cover the exterior surface of the walls, such as brick, siding, stucco, or panels.

Sheathing

Panels or boards attached to the wall framing to provide structural support and a base for the exterior cladding.

Insulation

Materials installed within the wall cavity or on the exterior surface to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Vapor barrier

Membrane or material installed to control the diffusion of moisture vapor through the wall assembly

Air barrier

Components and materials that restrict the movement of air through the wall assembly, reducing air leakage and improving energy efficiency.

Roofing System

The _____ is an important part of any house, as it keeps weather out. It consists of shingles on the outside, which are on top of tar sheeting as a vapor barrier. Inside of the tar paper is wood sheathing. Beyond this, the attic areas in most houses are insulated with fiberglass spray insulation. It tends to be fluffy, pink fiberglass. Inhaling fiberglass is extremely bad for a person's respiratory system, so it is important to wear a mask if this insulation type is in one's roofing system.

Roof structure

Trusses, rafters, beams, or other support elements that form the framework of the roof.

Roof covering

Materials such as shingles, tiles, metal panels, or membranes that provide weatherproofing and durability.

Roof insulation

Materials placed between the roof structure and the roof covering to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.

Roof flashing

Metal strips or sheets installed at roof intersections, valleys, and penetrations to prevent water infiltration.

Window and door assemblies

are essential components of a building envelope, providing access, ventilation, natural light, and views while also contributing to energy efficiency, security, and aesthetics.

Doors

are included in the housing envelope as they tend to be the biggest holes in the envelope.

Glazing

refers to the panels in windows, doors, and skylights - usually glass - that let light through.

Frames

Window and door _____ can be made from various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite materials. Each material has its advantages in terms of durability, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal.

Casement windows

Hinged windows that swing outward or inward.

Sliding windows

Horizontal Windows with one or more movable sashes.

Awning and hopper windows

Hinged windows that open outward or inward from the top or bottom.

Swinging doors

Doors that swing open on hinges, including entry doors, patio doors, and interior doors.

Sliding doors

Doors that slide open horizontally on tracks, commonly used for patio or balcony access.

Locks and Handles

Hardware components for securing and operating windows and doors, including locks, handles, hinges, latches, and mechanisms for opening and closing.

Flashings

Metal strips or sheets installed at transitions and penetrations to divert water away from vulnerable areas and prevent water damage.

Caulks and sealants

Flexible materials used to seal gaps, joints, and seams in the building envelope to prevent air and water infiltration.