Bilqees Adhikarie
211014397
Architectural practice
Progress mark 2
Desmond Jackson
1) SANS 10400 Building regulations
The entire SABS 0400 document is being revised and will become SANS 10400. The revised document is divided into distinct parts/sections that are easier to review in the future.
The current SABS 0400 defines a competent person as someone that is qualified by virtue of his experience and training without defining the experience and training which was seen to be misinterpreted in the past. The new SANS 10400 has a clear definition which includes the requirements suitable for the respective parts of the document.
Changes were made to the deemed-to-satisfy section of the documents, which resulted in amendments to the building regulation act.
For the first time the code includes specific requirements for access to buildings and amenities for people with disabilities. In addition new specifications for building structural requirements, which takes into account the dolomitic nature of most of South Africa
SANS 10400 consists of parts A-W and has four annexes. Annexes A and D form an integral part of the document and annexes B and C are for information only.
Here are some examples of what have been added in part A:
A1 Application:
Instead of being “Architects act 1970(act no.35 0f 1970)” it has now become “Architectural Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 44 of 2000), Engineering Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 46 of 2000), Natural Scientific Professions Act, 2003 (Act No. 27 of 2003), or Professional and Technical Surveyors’ Act, 1984 (Act No. 40 of 1984), or any other relevant Act”.
A few more parts have been added to number 3 such as:
(b) Such notification shall accompany the application for approval of the erection of the building in terms of section 4 of the Act.
(c) For the purposes of this Regulation “existing building” shall include a partly erected building.
(d) Any structural support provided by the existing building shall be deemed to be part of the structural system of the building to be erected.
(e) The local authority may require that the above notification be accompanied by a documented rational assessment of the adequacy of the structural support.
A2 plans and particulars to be furnished
Another sub regulation has been added to number 1:
(g) a declaration by a person registered in a professional category of registration in terms of one of the councils for the professions identified in the Council for the Built Environment Act, 2000 (Act No. 43 of 2000) in the relevant portion of Form 1 contained in SANS 10400-A as to how the applicable functional regulations shall be satisfied.
Number 2 has changed and become more descriptive in order to comply with number 1(g) as seen here:
(2) The owner of a building shall appoint and retain the services of the person responsible for submitting the declaration required in sub regulation (1)(g) and shall advise such person after such declaration has been submitted to the local authority of any changes made in the manner in which any functional regulation shall be satisfied or if the services of the competent person are for whatever reason terminated prior to the conclusion of his/her obligations in terms of these Regulations, or the appointment of any other competent person. Such person shall within one month of being notified by the owner or becoming aware of any change submits an amended declaration to the local authority.
A19 Appointment of Persons Responsible for Design, Inspection and Assessment Duties
A lot has been added to part A19 as seen below because originally there were only 5 sub regulations:
(6) (a) Where any building is to be extended, the local authority may on receipt of the application for such extension and before granting approval require that the approved competent persons who have accepted responsibility for such work timeously prepare and submit rational assessments as to the adequacy of the existing systems and installations in combination with the contemplated extensions to comply with the relevant requirements of these Regulations for the whole building including the extensions.
(b) If the local authority is satisfied that any such rational assessment meets the requirement of these Regulations and in particular of sub regulation 6(a) it shall accept such assessment which shall be deemed to be part of the application submitted.
(c) If the local authority is not so satisfied it may after first consulting with the competent person who has submitted such assessment and subject to appeal to the Review Board decline to accept the assessment for reasons which it shall furnish in writing to such competent person and require him or her to submit a revised assessment to the satisfaction of the local authority.
(7) Where in a building any element of the structural, fire protection, artificial ventilation, storm water disposal or non-water- borne sanitary disposal, fire installation or drainage installation system as provided for in sub regulation (1) is or is required to be the subject of a rational design or rational assessment, the person appointed as an approved competent person shall assume responsibility for satisfying the functional regulation relating to that particular system in its entirety.
(8) (a) Where an approved competent person is required in terms of sub regulation (7) to assume responsibility for the system in its entirety and where parts of the system are to be undertaken by other competent persons, the approved competent person shall assume overall responsibility for the design of such system and shall ensure that:
(i) The component designs are generally in accordance with the approved application and in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations.
(ii) The component designs will achieve the necessary co-ordination and interaction of the different elements so as to achieve the objectives of the systems.
(iii) in the case of the structural system, the interaction of the various component elements will be such that the structural adequacy of all the parts of the building and the overall stability of the building is assured but in all cases excluding responsibility for the detailed design of elements carried out by the other competent persons, provided that such exclusion shall not preclude the approved competent person from taking any action which he or she considers necessary in terms of sub regulation (8)(b).
(b) (i) For the purpose of satisfying him or herself of the adequacy of any design or designs contemplated in sub regulation (8)(a) and of their compatibility with any system, measure or installation in its entirety, the approved competent person may at any time after his or her appointment, require the designer or designers of the different elements of the system referred to in sub regulation (8)(a) to complete Form 3 contained in SANS 10400-A as he or she may deem necessary, and return it timeously, or in any event before building construction or installation proceeds. Each such designer shall, when called upon so to do, provide the information and document concerned in respect of the work he or she has designed.
(ii) The person appointed as approved competent person may further require, after consultation with the designer concerned, modifications to the relevant designs, plans and specifications, if in his or her opinion they do not comply with the provisions of these Regulations.
(iii) Copies of designs, plans and specifications accepted by the approved competent person shall be submitted if so required to the local authority counter-signed by the approved competent person.
(iv) Each designer of a part of a system shall on completion of the erection or installation thereof, if called upon to do so by the approved competent person, complete and submit the section of Form 3 relating to inspection contained in SANS 10400-A.
(c) The provisions of sub regulation (8) (a) and (b) for designs shall also apply in the case of any applicable rational assessments.
(9) (a) Any person appointed by the owner in terms of sub regulations (1) or (2), shall apply to the local authority for acceptance as an approved competent person and shall –
(i) Make an application, and
(ii) Declare his or her competence to undertake the relevant duties in the manner prescribed in the Regulations on Form 2 contained in SANS 10400-A and shall complete all applicable sections of such form.
(b) The owner shall also complete the applicable section of Form 2 contained in SANS 10400-A
c) The local authority may, subject to appeal to the Review Board, decline to accept the appointment of any person who:
(i) In completing any portion of Form 2 provides incorrect or incomplete information which in the opinion of the local authority is material to the determination of such applicant’s competence;
(ii) is not an employee of the owner of the building and is not in possession of professional indemnity insurance cover;
(iii) Is not professionally registered in terms of the Engineering Profession Act, 2000
(Act No. 46 of 2000), the Architectural Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 44 of 2000), or the Natural Scientific Professions Act, 2003 (Act No. 27 of 2003);
(iv) is in the opinion of the local authority inadequately qualified or has insufficient experience or contextual knowledge to make the determinations that are required in terms of these Regulations, provided however that any person that satisfies the relevant definition for a competent person provided in a part of SANS 10400 in relation to the duties contemplated in this sub regulation, is deemed to satisfy this sub regulation; and
(v) is under investigation by a disciplinary tribunal of the Engineering Council of South Africa, the South African Council for the Architectural Profession or the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions and the chief executive officer of such a Council has expressed an opinion in writing that the applications made by such persons should not be approved in the public interest.
(10) (a) Where in respect of any building the local authority, after consideration of –
(i) the details of registration in respect of category, date and discipline in which the applicant is registered, qualifications, experience, training and contextual knowledge provided in terms of this Regulation by any person seeking acceptance of his or her appointment as a competent person, and
(ii) The declaration of competence provided by such person in terms of sub regulation (9), considers that such person does not possess the degree of competence necessary to undertake the relevant duties, it may decline to accept the appointment of such person, who may appeal to the Review Board.
b) If the appeal is upheld, the local authority shall accept the appointment of the appellant as a person competent to undertake such duties or any part thereof in respect of such building as the Review Board may decide.
(11) Where the local authority is satisfied with an application in respect of the matters specified in sub regulations (10)(a)(i) and (ii) it shall indicate acceptance of the application in the manner specified in Form 2 as contained in SANS 10400-A.
(12) (a) On completion of the structural, fire protection or fire installation system for which an approved competent person has been appointed in terms of sub regulations
(1) or (2), such competent person shall complete and submit to the local authority a fully completed Form 4 as contained in SANS 10400-A in respect of each such system for which such person has accepted responsibility in terms of section 14(2A) of the Act 103.
(b) The local authority may require from the owner that an approved competent person submit a copy of the certification of the specific work, other than the structural, fire protection or fire installation, for which he has been appointed on completion of the building.
(13) Where any person provides any information or certificate required in terms of this Regulation or which he or she knows to be incomplete or false, such person shall be guilty of an offence.
2) Architects duties and responsibilities:
Architects are licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building design. Before an architect can develop the concepts for a structure he/she first needs to evaluate the clients brief. Architects design different types of structures, including residential, industrial, institutional, recreational, commercial, etc.
Architects create the overall aesthetic and look of buildings and other structures, but the design of the building involves more than its appearance. Buildings need to be functional, safe, economical, and must consider occupational health, and suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects have to consider all these factors and others when designing. Architects are also responsible for greening of the building, conservation, heritage and environmental issues.
Architects may be involved in all phases of a construction project, from the initial discussion with the client through to the entire construction process. The architect is also involved with the internal and external envelope of the building. The selection of light fittings, colour, materials, appliances, joinery, textures, etc also forms part of an architect’s responsibility. Their duties require specific skills in designing, managing, supervising, and communicating with clients and builders. Architects discuss their ideas with clients, contractors and others. Architects can communicate their unique vision very persuasively by means of drawings, 3D models and verbal presentation.
On larger jobs the architect is part of a professional consultant team which includes experts in structural / civil, electrical / mechanical, quantity surveyors, land surveyor, landscape architect, acoustic engineer, fire consultant, etc. Architects need to specify the building materials that will be used to construct the building. In developing designs, the design has to follow building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, urban design in some cases and other ordinances such as those requiring easy access of people who are physically challenged. The architect is also responsible in negotiating with the local authority and adjoining owners in the event of waivers.
In most cases the architect is the Principal Agent who acts on behalf of the client and would be overall in charge of the Works. As the construction proceeds, the architects will visit the building site to make sure that the contractor is following the design, adhering to time constraints, utilising the specified approved materials, and meet stringent quality standards. The architect also has to sign and verify monthly cost reports which are drawn-up by the QS.
Monthly payment certificates are drawn-up by the QS and signed by the architect.
As seen from the above an architect’s job varies according to the size of the structure and what is needed to be done. An architect also has an added responsibility to train students and to be involved in community work.
3a) Tender documents
A tender document is a document issued to prospective tenderers which invites the tenderer to submit a price for a specific service which could relate to the supply of goods or services. The documents are usually collected at a specific place after being advertised. Tenderers are often asked to pay for the package. The price is normally enclosed in a sealed envelope and is generally submitted at a specific place and before a specific set down time.
3b) Bill of quantities
A Bill of quantities is the document prepared by a Quantity Surveyor.
This is the document in which the cost of a construction is estimated from measurements of the various trades and in the construction industry in which materials, parts, and labour required to construct is calculated. It also details the terms and conditions of the construction and itemises all work to enable a tenderer to price the work for which he/she is bidding.
3c) Signing of contracts
A contract is an agreement between two parties – an offerer and an accepter with an intention of creating a legal obligation in writing. A contract is seen as a legally binding document.
The contact is issued by or is under the authority of the principal agent which in most cases is the Architect. The contract is then signed by all interested parties which sets down terms and conditions which should be strictly adhered too.
Bilbliography
1 )http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/bill-of-quantities-BOQ.html
2)http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/tender.html
3) flow diagram of the institute of SA architects plan of works
4) SAIAT.com
