Section 5: element definitions
0 Facilitating works
This section sets out, for each element:
- Definition: describing the work included in the element.
- Functional definition: describing the functional requirement of the building fulfilled by the element.
- Measurement: rule for measuring the element unit quantity.
- Design criteria to be stated: design information to be included in the specification, where available.
- Sub-elements: details of the sub-elements included in the element.
- Includes/excludes: list of parts of the building typically included in the element. These are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive.
0 Facilitating works
Definition: Work to provide a clear site for construction works.
Notes:
1. This work will often form part of a separate project independent of the building project. Such projects should be analysed into the following work categories. Where some or all of this work is included in the building project, it should be included in the analysis.
2. Stripping out included in a refurbishment or conversion contract is included in 7.1 Minor demolition and alteration works.
3. Works associated with general site preparation and groundworks, minor demolition works, and permanent roads, paths and pavings are included in group-element 8 External works.
4. The provision of temporary roads and services is included in group-element 9 Main contractor’s preliminaries.
0.1 Toxic/hazardous/contaminated material treatment
Definition: Removal of toxic or hazardous material.
Functional definition: not a functional element; included to account for the cost of works in preparing the site.
Measurement: Site area (m²).
Design criteria to be stated: None.
0.1.1 Toxic/hazardous material removal
| Includes | Excludes |
| Removal of toxic or hazardous parts of building fabric (e.g. asbestos) | Asbestos survey fees and the like (see 11 Project/design team fees) |
| Removal of toxic or hazardous insulating materials or components from
existing services installations, including storage tanks and vessels |
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| Removal of toxic or hazardous chemicals from existing services installations, storage tanks, etc. |
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| Safe disposal |
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0.1.2 Contaminated land
| Includes | Excludes |
| Removal of contaminated ground material | Environmental audits and surveys, preparation of remedial strategy and supervision (see 11 Project/design team fees) |
| In situ treatment of contaminated material |
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0.1.3 Eradication of plant growth: Eradication of invasive plants
| Includes | Excludes |
| Excavation and disposal | Site investigation surveys and supervision (see 11 Project/design team fees) |
| Chemical treatment |
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0.2 Major demolition work
Definition: Taking down to ground level and removing complete buildings/structures or parts of structures, including services, fittings and finishes.
Functional definition: Note: Not a functional element; included to account for the cost of works in preparing the site.
Measurement: Gross internal floor area of buildings demolished (m²). Also state floor area and number storeys for each building demolished. Where available, show cost for each building separately.
Design criteria to be stated: None.
0.2.1 Demolition works
| Includes | Excludes |
| Demolition of entire buildings and structures, including removing services installations | Work in retaining facades to existing buildings (see 2.5 External walls) |
| Credits for materials arising from demolition works | |
| On-site recycling | |
| Disposal | |
| Disconnecting mains services | |
| Temporary supports to existing basement retaining walls | |
0.2.2 Soft strip works: Stripping out buildings prior to demolition or for tax purposes.
| Includes | Excludes |
| Stripping out of services, fittings, partitions, suspended ceilings, etc. | Stripping out for refurbishment and conversion (see 7.1 Minor demolition and alteration works) |
| Clearing rubbish |
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| Stripping out and capping off services | |
0.3 Temporary supports to adjacent structures
Definition: Works to support adjacent structures.
Functional definition: Note: Not a functional element; included to account for the cost of works in preparing the site.
Measurement: The area walls supported (m²).
Design criteria to be stated: None.
| Includes | Excludes |
| Temporary support to adjacent structures including party walls | Work in retaining facades to existing buildings (see 2.5 External walls) |
0.4 Specialist groundworks
Definition: Works to prepare ground for building.
Functional definition: Note: Not a functional element; included to account for the cost of works in preparing the site.
Measurement: Site area (m²).
Design criteria to be stated: None.
0.4.1 Site dewatering and pumping: Lowering level of groundwater over the whole site.
| Includes | Excludes |
| Forming well points including filling and equipment | Permanent land drainage (see 8.6 External drainage) |
| Drain tubes and mains |
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| Sumps, pumps, etc. | |
| Off-site disposal of water | |
| Running cost, maintenance and removal | |
0.4.2 Soil stabilisation measures:
Stabilisation or improvement of bearing capacity or slip resistance of existing ground to facilitate construction.
| Includes | Excludes |
| Soil stabilisation measure including cement or chemical grouting, vibration, ground anchors, soil nailing, pressure grouting, compaction, etc. | Consolidation and compaction of formation level to receive construction (see 1.1 Substructure) |
0.4.3 Ground gas venting measures: Systems to prevent accumulation of radon or landfill gases.
| Excludes | |
| Gas proof membranes, collection pipes, radon sumps, vent pipes, fittings and accessories | Gas proof membranes provided by damp-proof membranes (see 1.1 Substructure) |
| Granular venting layers provided by formation for substructure (see 1.1 Substructure) | |
| |
Radon sumps, etc. formed in lowest floor (see 1.1 Substructure) |
0.5 Temporary diversion works
Definition: Temporary diversion of existing drainage systems, services, rivers, streams and the like.
Functional definition: Note: Not a functional element; included to account for the cost of works in preparing the site.
Measurement: Site area (m²).
Design criteria to be stated: None.
| Includes | Excludes |
| Diversion and reconnection of drains and services | |
| Connections to mains, etc. | |
0.6 Extraordinary site investigation works
Definition: Works required to comply with legislation before construction works commence.
Functional definition: Note: Not a functional element; included to account for the cost of works in preparing the site.
Measurement: Site area (m²).
Design criteria to be stated: None.
0.6.1 Archaeological investigation: Site based archaeological investigation work.
| Includes | Excludes |
| Excavation, screens, temporary works, etc. to facilitate archaeological work | Archaeologist’s fees (see 12 Other development/project costs) |
0.6.2 Reptile/wildlife mitigation measures: Site-based work to assist reptile/wildlife removal and relocation.
| Includes | Excludes |
| Temporary fences, barriers and the like | Ecologist’s fees (see 12 Other development/project costs) |
| Trapping and relocation of wildlife | |
0.6.3 Other extraordinary site investigation works
| Includes | Excludes |
| Work carried out to facilitate other site investigation | Specialist consultant’s fees (see 12 Other development/project costs) |
| Chemical treatment |
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