- Home
- 1 Welcome
- 2 Introduction
- 3 General
- 3.1 Concrete and its reinforcement
- 3.1.1 Compliance
- 3.1.2 Provision of information
- 3.1.3 Storage of materials
- 3.1.4 Site-mixed concrete
- 3.1.5 Ready-mixed concrete
- 3.1.6 Concrete specification
- 3.1.7 Admixtures
- 3.1.8 Special types of concrete
- 3.1.9 Design of reinforced concrete
- 3.1.10 Installation of reinforcement
- 3.1.11 Blinding concrete
- 3.1.12 Formwork
- 3.1.13 Before concreting
- 3.1.14 Casting
- 3.1.15 Curing
- 3.1.16 Testing
- 3.1.17 Glossary
- 3.2 Cold weather working
- 3.3 Timber preservation (natural solid timber)
- 3.1 Concrete and its reinforcement
- 4 Foundations
- 4.1 Land quality – managing ground conditions
- 4.1.1 Compliance
- 4.1.2 Initial Assessment – desk study (all sites)
- 4.1.3 Initial Assessment – walkover survey (all sites)
- 4.1.4 Initial Assessment – results
- 4.1.5 Basic Investigation (sites where hazards are not identified or suspected)
- 4.1.6 Detailed Investigation (sites where hazards are identified or suspected)
- 4.1.7 Managing the risks (sites where hazards are found)
- 4.1.8 Unforeseen hazards
- 4.1.9 Documentation and verification
- 4.1.10 Guidance for investigations
- 4.1.11 Further information
- 4.2 Building near trees
- 4.2.1 Compliance
- 4.2.2 Provision of information
- 4.2.3 Building near trees
- 4.2.4 The effects of trees on shrinkable soils
- 4.2.5 Foundations in all soil types
- 4.2.6 Excavation of foundations
- 4.2.7 Foundations in shrinkable soils
- 4.2.8 Design and construction of foundations in shrinkable soils
- 4.2.9 Foundation depths for specific conditions in shrinkable soils
- 4.2.10 Heave precautions
- 4.2.11 New drainage
- 4.2.12 Foundation depth charts
- 4.2.13 Foundation depth tables
- 4.2.14 Example
- 4.2.15 Further information
- 4.3 Strip and trench fill foundations
- 4.3.1 Compliance
- 4.3.2 Provision of information
- 4.3.3 Ground conditions
- 4.3.4 Hazardous ground
- 4.3.5 Setting out
- 4.3.6 Services and drainage
- 4.3.7 Safe transmission of loads
- 4.3.8 Sloping ground and stepped foundations
- 4.3.9 Excavations
- 4.3.10 Reinforcement
- 4.3.11 Concrete
- 4.3.12 Movement joints
- 4.3.13 Construction joints
- 4.4 Raft, pile, pier and beam foundations
- 4.4.1 Compliance
- 4.4.2 Provision of information
- 4.4.3 Site conditions
- 4.4.4 Hazardous ground
- 4.4.5 Services and drainage
- 4.4.6 Safe transmission of loads
- 4.4.7 Construction
- 4.4.8 Engineer checks
- 4.4.9 Compressible materials
- 4.4.10 Reinforcement
- 4.4.11 Concrete
- 4.4.12 Movement joints
- 4.4.13 Resistance to moisture
- 4.5 Vibratory ground improvement techniques
- 4.5.1 Compliance
- 4.5.2 Hazardous sites and ground hazards
- 4.5.3 Desk study and site investigation
- 4.5.4 Confirmation of suitability for treatment
- 4.5.5 Suitability of ground conditions
- 4.5.6 Compatibility of the ground, design and treatment
- 4.5.7 Acceptable methods
- 4.5.8 Materials for use as fill
- 4.5.9 Granular material
- 4.5.10 Sitework
- 4.5.11 Adjacent excavations
- 4.5.12 Verification of completed treatment
- 4.1 Land quality – managing ground conditions
- 5 Substructure, Ground Floors, Drainage and Basements
- 5.1 Substructure and ground-bearing floors
- 5.1.1 Compliance
- 5.1.2 Provision of information
- 5.1.3 Transfer of loads
- 5.1.4 Ground conditions
- 5.1.5 Services and drainage
- 5.1.6 Ground below fill
- 5.1.7 Fill below floors
- 5.1.8 Infill up to 600mm deep
- 5.1.9 Materials used for fill
- 5.1.10 Harmful or toxic materials
- 5.1.11 Regulatory solutions
- 5.1.12 Walls below the DPC
- 5.1.13 Durability
- 5.1.14 Mortar
- 5.1.15 Wall ties
- 5.1.16 Blinding
- 5.1.17 Ground floor slab and concrete
- 5.1.18 Laying the ground-bearing floor slab
- 5.1.19 Damp proof course
- 5.1.20 Damp proofing concrete floors
- 5.1.21 Thermal insulation
- 5.1.22 Installation of insulation
- 5.1.23 Further information
- 5.2 Suspended ground floors
- 5.2.1 Compliance
- 5.2.2 Provision of information
- 5.2.3 Contaminants
- 5.2.4 Proprietary systems
- 5.2.5 Transfer of loads: concrete floors
- 5.2.6 Reinforced concrete
- 5.2.7 Construction of suspended concrete ground floors
- 5.2.8 Transfer of loads: timber floors
- 5.2.9 Thermal insulation and cold bridging
- 5.2.10 Damp-proofing and ventilation
- 5.2.11 Floor finishes
- 5.2.12 Floor decking
- 5.3 Drainage below ground
- 5.3.1 Compliance
- 5.3.2 Provision of information
- 5.3.3 Preliminary work
- 5.3.4 Foul and surface water disposal
- 5.3.5 Drainage system performance
- 5.3.6 Ground water drainage
- 5.3.7 Design to avoid damage and blockages
- 5.3.8 Durability
- 5.3.9 Septic tanks and cesspools
- 5.3.10 Septic tank outputs
- 5.3.11 Surface water soakaways
- 5.3.12 Component requirements
- 5.3.13 Excavation
- 5.3.14 Protection of pipework
- 5.3.15 Laying pipework
- 5.3.16 Protection of work
- 5.3.17 Testing
- 5.4 Waterproofing of basements and other below ground structures
- 5.1 Substructure and ground-bearing floors
- 6 Superstructure (excluding roofs)
- 6.1 External masonry walls
- 6.1.1 Compliance
- 6.1.2 Provision of information
- 6.1.3 Structural design
- 6.1.4 Fire resistance
- 6.1.5 Acoustic resistance
- 6.1.6 Exposure
- 6.1.7 Thermal insulation
- 6.1.8 Concrete blocks
- 6.1.9 Bricks
- 6.1.10 Stone masonry
- 6.1.11 Construction of masonry walls
- 6.1.12 Lintels
- 6.1.13 Materials suitable for mortar
- 6.1.14 Mortar
- 6.1.15 Render
- 6.1.16 Cladding
- 6.1.17 DPCs and cavity trays
- 6.1.18 Wall ties and bed joint reinforcements
- 6.1.19 Handling materials
- 6.1.20 Protection of the works during construction
- 6.2 External timber framed walls
- 6.2.1 Compliance
- 6.2.2 Provision of information
- 6.2.3 Design checking and certification
- 6.2.4 Load-bearing walls
- 6.2.5 Fixing the frame
- 6.2.6 Nails and staples
- 6.2.7 Sheathing
- 6.2.8 Differential movement
- 6.2.9 Fire resistance
- 6.2.10 Protection from moisture
- 6.2.11 Timber preservation
- 6.2.12 Vapour control layers
- 6.2.13 Breather membranes
- 6.2.14 Wall ties and fixings
- 6.2.15 Insulation
- 6.3 Internal walls
- 6.3.1 Compliance
- 6.3.2 Provision of information
- 6.3.3 Supporting load-bearing internal walls
- 6.3.4 Masonry walls
- 6.3.5 Load-bearing timber walls
- 6.3.6 Fire resistance
- 6.3.7 Sound insulation
- 6.3.8 Partitions: internal non load-bearing
- 6.3.9 Construction of timber partitions
- 6.3.10 Construction of steel framed partitions
- 6.3.11 Construction of proprietary systems
- 6.3.12 Plasterboard
- 6.3.13 Damp-proof courses
- 6.3.14 Components
- 6.4 Timber and concrete upper floors
- 6.4.1 Compliance
- 6.4.2 Provision of information
- 6.4.3 Upper floor design
- 6.4.4 Fire spread
- 6.4.5 Sound insulation
- 6.4.6 In-situ concrete floors and concreting
- 6.4.7 Precast concrete
- 6.4.8 Timber joist spans
- 6.4.9 Timber joists
- 6.4.10 Construction of timber floors
- 6.4.11 Joists supported by intermediate walls
- 6.4.12 Joists connected to steel
- 6.4.13 Joists into hangers
- 6.4.14 Timber joist and restraint strap
- 6.4.15 Strutting
- 6.4.16 Joists and openings
- 6.4.17 Multiple joists
- 6.4.18 Notching and drilling
- 6.4.19 Floor decking
- 6.4.20 Floating floors or floors between homes
- 6.5 Steelwork
- 6.6 Staircases
- 6.6.1 Compliance
- 6.6.2 Provision of information
- 6.6.3 Fire precautions
- 6.6.4 Lighting
- 6.6.5 Glazing
- 6.6.6 Structural design
- 6.6.7 Headroom and width
- 6.6.8 Design of steps
- 6.6.9 Landings
- 6.6.10 Guarding
- 6.6.11 Handrails
- 6.6.12 Staircases made from timber and wood-based products
- 6.6.13 Concrete staircases
- 6.6.14 Steel staircases
- 6.6.15 Proprietary staircase units
- 6.6.16 Protection
- 6.7 Doors, windows and glazing
- 6.8 Fireplaces, chimneys and flues
- 6.8.1 Compliance
- 6.8.2 Provision of information
- 6.8.3 Solid fuel – fireplaces and hearths
- 6.8.4 Solid fuel – combustion air
- 6.8.5 Solid fuel – flue pipes
- 6.8.6 Solid fuel – chimneys
- 6.8.7 Solid fuel – outlets and terminals
- 6.8.8 Gas – fireplaces and hearths
- 6.8.9 Gas – combustion air
- 6.8.10 Gas – flue pipes
- 6.8.11 Gas – chimneys
- 6.8.12 Gas – outlets and terminals
- 6.8.13 Oil – fireplaces and hearths
- 6.8.14 Oil – combustion air
- 6.8.15 Oil – flue pipes
- 6.8.16 Oil – chimneys
- 6.8.17 Oil – outlets and terminals
- 6.8.18 All – fireplaces and hearths
- 6.8.19 All – fireplace surrounds
- 6.8.20 All – flue pipes
- 6.8.21 All – flue liners
- 6.8.22 All – flues
- 6.8.23 All – chimneys
- 6.8.24 Masonry
- 6.8.25 Mortar
- 6.8.26 DPC
- 6.8.27 Flashings
- 6.8.28 Terminals
- 6.8.29 Flue testing
- 6.8.30 Further information
- 6.9 Curtain walling and cladding
- 6.9.1 Compliance
- 6.9.2 Provision of information
- 6.9.3 Certification
- 6.9.4 Loads
- 6.9.5 Support and fixings
- 6.9.6 Durability
- 6.9.7 Interfaces
- 6.9.8 Insulation
- 6.9.9 Damp proofing and vapour control
- 6.9.10 Installation and tolerances
- 6.9.11 Electrical continuity and earth bonding
- 6.9.12 Maintenance
- 6.9.13 Glazing, gaskets and sealants
- 6.9.14 Cavity barriers and firestops
- 6.9.15 Ventilation screens
- 6.9.16 Handling and storage
- 6.9.17 Curtain walling
- 6.9.18 Rainscreen cladding
- 6.9.19 Insulated render and brick slip cladding
- 6.10 Light steel framed walls and floors
- 6.10.1 Compliance
- 6.10.2 Provision of information
- 6.10.3 Structural certification
- 6.10.4 Structural design of load-bearing floors and walls
- 6.10.5 Structural design of infill walls
- 6.10.6 Roofs
- 6.10.7 Steel and fixings
- 6.10.8 Detailing of steel joists
- 6.10.9 Restraint
- 6.10.10 Construction of load-bearing walls and external infill walls
- 6.10.11 Interfaces with staircases
- 6.10.12 Fixing floor decking and ceilings
- 6.10.13 Other design issues
- 6.10.14 Behaviour in relation to fire
- 6.10.15 Acoustic performance
- 6.10.16 Moisture control
- 6.10.17 Insulation
- 6.10.18 Vapour control layers
- 6.10.19 Breather membranes
- 6.10.20 Cladding, lining and sheathing boards
- 6.10.21 Wall ties
- 6.10.22 Services
- 6.10.23 Further information
- 6.11 Render
- 6.1 External masonry walls
- 7 Roofs
- 7.1 Flat roofs, terraces and balconies
- 7.1.1 Compliance
- 7.1.2 Provision of information
- 7.1.3 Flat roof, terrace and balcony general design
- 7.1.4 Drainage
- 7.1.5 Flat roof, terrace and balcony structural design
- 7.1.6 Timber structure and deck
- 7.1.7 Concrete decks
- 7.1.8 Profiled self-supporting metal decks
- 7.1.9 Profiled self-supporting metal roofing
- 7.1.10 Thermal insulation and vapour control
- 7.1.11 Waterproofing layer and surface treatments
- 7.1.12 Green and biodiverse (brown roofs) – including roof gardens
- 7.1.13 Blue roofs
- 7.1.14 Raised Podium
- 7.1.15 Detailing of flat roofs
- 7.1.16 Accessible thresholds and upstands
- 7.1.17 Parapets and guarding to terraces and balconies
- 7.2 Pitched roofs
- 7.2.1 Compliance
- 7.2.2 Provision of information
- 7.2.3 Design of pitched roofs
- 7.2.4 Protection of trusses
- 7.2.5 Durability
- 7.2.6 Wall plates
- 7.2.7 Joints and connections
- 7.2.8 Restraint
- 7.2.9 Bracing for trussed rafter roofs
- 7.2.10 Strutting for attic trusses and cut roofs that form a floor
- 7.2.11 Support for equipment
- 7.2.12 Access
- 7.2.13 Dormer construction
- 7.2.14 Underlay and sarking
- 7.2.15 Ventilation, vapour control and insulation
- 7.2.16 Firestopping and cavity barriers
- 7.2.17 Battens
- 7.2.18 Roof coverings
- 7.2.19 Fixing tiles and slates
- 7.2.20 Weathering details
- 7.2.21 Valleys and hidden gutters
- 7.2.22 Drainage
- 7.2.23 Fascias and trim
- 7.2.24 Spandrel panels in cold roofs
- 7.1 Flat roofs, terraces and balconies
- 8 Services
- 8.1 Internal services
- 8.1.1 Compliance
- 8.1.2 Provision of information
- 8.1.3 Water services and supply
- 8.1.4 Cold water storage
- 8.1.5 Hot water service
- 8.1.6 Soil and waste systems
- 8.1.7 Electrical services and installations
- 8.1.8 Gas service installations
- 8.1.9 Meters
- 8.1.10 Space heating systems
- 8.1.11 Installation
- 8.1.12 Extract ducts
- 8.1.13 Testing and commissioning
- 8.2 Low or zero carbon technologies
- 8.2.1 Compliance
- 8.2.2 Provision of information
- 8.2.3 Clean Air Act
- 8.2.4 System design
- 8.2.5 Access
- 8.2.6 Handling, storage and protection
- 8.2.7 Sequence of work
- 8.2.8 Location
- 8.2.9 Building integration
- 8.2.10 Fixing
- 8.2.11 Electrical installation requirements
- 8.2.12 Pipes, insulation and protection from cold
- 8.2.13 Ground collectors
- 8.2.14 Fuel storage
- 8.2.15 Safe discharge
- 8.2.16 Testing and commissioning
- 8.2.17 Handover requirements
- 8.2.18 Further information
- 8.3 Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
- 8.1 Internal services
- 9 Finishes
- 9.1 A consistent approach to finishes
- 9.1.1 Compliance
- 9.1.2 External walls
- 9.1.3 Internal walls and ceilings
- 9.1.4 Doors and windows
- 9.1.5 Floors
- 9.1.6 Glazing
- 9.1.7 Ceramic, concrete, terrazzo and similar tile finishes
- 9.1.8 Fitted furniture
- 9.1.9 Joint sealants
- 9.1.10 Paint finishes
- 9.1.11 Sanitary ware
- 9.1.12 Other surfaces and components
- 9.1.13 Pitched roof coverings
- 9.1.14 Garages
- 9.1.15 External works
- 9.2 Wall and ceiling finishes
- 9.3 Floor finishes
- 9.4 Finishes and fitments
- 9.5 Painting and decorating
- 9.1 A consistent approach to finishes
- 10 External works
- 10.1 Garages
- 10.2 Drives, paths and landscaping
- 10.2.1 Compliance
- 10.2.2 Provision of information
- 10.2.3 Stability
- 10.2.4 Freestanding walls and retaining structures
- 10.2.5 Guarding and steps
- 10.2.6 Drives, paths and landscaping
- 10.2.7 Materials
- 10.2.8 Garden areas within 3m of the home
- 10.2.9 Garden areas
- 10.2.10 Timber decking
- 10.2.11 Landscaping
5.3.7Design to avoid damage and blockages
Drainage systems shall minimise the risk of damage and blockage. Issues to be taken into account include:
- ground stability
- pipe runs
- pipe sizes
- gradients
- access and connections
- drainage covers and gully grids
- ground water
- flooding.
Ground stability
Proper allowance should be made for ground movement.
Pipes should have flexible joints and additional precautions taken to prevent leakage where required. Where ground movement could be significant, for example in made-up ground or clay soils, the following issues should be taken into account:
- the use of flexible pipes and flexible joints
- design gradients that are steeper than the minimum requirements for flow rate and pipe size
- a support system designed by an engineer in accordance with Technical Requirement R5
- conditions where ground movement is likely to adversely affect the drain.
- be as even as practicable
- where flows are less than 1.0L/second, gradients for 100mm diameter pipes should not be flatter than 1:40
- where peak flows exceed 1.0L/second, the gradients in Table 2 may be used:
- rodding eyes
- access chambers
- inspection chambers
- manholes.
- be accessible for rodding and cleaning
- not cross boundaries or kerb lines.
- be of sufficient size for the depth of invert, and
- the invert depth for the fitting or chamber should not exceeded those given in Table 3.
- Open, half-round section channel with suitable benching.
- Closed access, where covers have to be removed to gain access to the pipe.
- be of low active soluble salt content
- have a minimum compressive strength of 48N/mm2.
- comply with BS EN 771
- have a minimum crushing strength of 48N/mm2 with a minimum cement content of 350kg/m3 for foul drainage.
- in accordance with Technical Requirement R3
- installed in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.
- installed correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
- treated using the lubricants and solvents specified.
- bedded
- set level
- square and kerbed.
In non-uniform or saturated soils where movement at the trench bottom can be expected, soft spots should be removed and replaced with suitable material. Immediately after excavation, the protective blinding should be placed in the trench bottom.
Pipe runs
Pipe runs should be designed to maintain a self-cleansing velocity (0.7 m/s). They should be as straight as practicable with minimal changes of direction. Bends should only occur in, or next to, inspection chambers and manhole covers. Curves should be slight so that blocked pipes can be cleared.
Pipe sizes
Pipe sizes should be designed for the maximum peak load in accordance with BS EN 752.
Ground water drains and soakaways should be designed with sufficient capacity for normal weather conditions.
Gradients
Design gradients should:
Table 2: Minimum gradients
Pipe diameter (mm) | Minimum gradient |
---|---|
100 | 1:80 |
150 | 1:150 |
Where peak flows are greater than 1.0L/second, 100mm pipes should serve a minimum of one WC and 150mm pipes should serve a minimum of five.
Access and connections
To ensure that every length of drain can be rodded, the design should include appropriately located access points, such as:
All access points should be located as shown in the design information and should:
Inspection chambers and manholes should:
Table 3: Minimum dimensions for access fittings and chambers
Notes
1 The clear opening may be reduced by 20mm in order to provide further support for the cover and frame.
2 Drains up to 150mm.
3 A larger clear opening cover may be used in conjunction with restricted access. The size is restricted for health and safety reasons to deter entry.
Table 4: Minimum dimension for manholes
Notes
1 Larger sizes may be required for manholes on bends or where there are junctions.
2 May be reduced to 600 x 600 where required by highway loading restrictions and subject to a safe system of work being specified.
3 Not applicable due to working space needed.
4 Minimum height of chamber in shafted manhole 2m from benching to underside of reducing slab.
5 Minimum clear space between ladder or steps and the opposite face of the shaft should be approximately 900mm.
6 Winch only; no steps or ladders, permanent or removable.
7 The minimum size of any manhole serving a sewer, i.e. any drain serving more than one home, should be 1200mm x 675mm rectangular or 1200mm diameter.
8 Tables 3 & 4 have been reproduced from Tables 11 and 12 of Approved Document H by permission of HMSO.
Inspection chambers and manholes may be one of the following types:
Side branches to inspection chambers and manholes should discharge into the main channel no higher than half pipe level. Connections should be made obliquely in the direction of flow.
Traditional construction
The minimum specification for traditional manholes and inspection chambers is as follows:
Clay bricks for manholes should comply with BS EN 771 and:
Engineering bricks are also suitable.
Concrete bricks for manholes should:
Calcium silicate bricks should comprise strength class 20 or above for foul drainage situations.
Proprietary systems
Proprietary systems should be:
Proprietary manholes should not be used at a depth greater than the manufacturer’s instructions.
Adaptors, couplers and sealing rings should be:
Drainage covers and gully grids
Manhole covers and gully grids should be of the correct type for the proposed location in accordance with Tables 5 and 5a.
Manhole covers used within buildings should be airtight and mechanically secured. Covers used for septic tanks, cesspits and settlement tanks should be lockable.
Manholes should be constructed or installed at the correct level so that the covers will align with the adjacent ground. Gullies should be adequately:
Table 5: Type of covering and grid required for inspection and manhole covers and frames
Group 1 | Areas which can only be used by pedestrians and cyclists. |
Group 2 | Footways, pedestrian areas and comparable areas, car parks or car parking decks. |
Group 3 | For gully tops installed in the area of kerbside channels of roads which when measured from the kerb edge, extend a maximum of 0.5m into the carriageway and a maximum of 0.2m into the footway. |
Group 4 | Carriageways of roads, including pedestrian streets, hard shoulders and parking areas, and suitable for all types of road vehicles. |
Proprietary items, e.g. covers to plastic manholes, should be in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
Table 5a: Gully grids in carriageways
Grade B | For use in carriageways of roads with cars and slow-moving normal commercial vehicles. |
Grade A class 2 | For use in carriageways of roads. |
Grade A class 1 | For use in carriageways of roads (gully grids of permanent non-rock design). |
Ground water
Foul and surface water drainage systems should prevent the ingress of ground water.
Flooding
Where there is a risk of flooding, the advice of the relevant river authority should be followed.