Tender Methodology Report For Building -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss about the Tender Methodology Report For Building. Answer: Goals The goal of the project is to provide a suitable, permanent and purpose-built premise for DMHDS. This will facilitate the Studys vision of promoting research about human health, behavior and development(DMHDRU, 2017). It has been specially designed by prioritizing the needs of the Study members(University of Otago, 2017). The building will help in protecting Study members identities. It has a private entrance and parking that will keep disguised identities of the Study members returning to the university after several years of study in various parts of the world. This project has numerous potential constraints and risks. Some of these are discussed below Constraints Design constraints these are factors that limit potential design options for the project. They include performance requirements, the budget, completion date, site conditions, available technology, labor, materials and plant, neighboring buildings or properties, etc. Technical constraints these are usually processes that may affect execution of construction activities, especially those related to building standards and practicality of construction methods used. Economic constraints these constraints are the ones related to budget of the project, how resources are located and overall cash flow. Management constraints these are constraints related to how the project is managed in terms of resource allocation, working practices, safety procedures, requirements for overtime, working shift patterns, materials delivery, etc.(Enshassi Mos, 2008) Legal constraints these are constraints related to the need for all construction processes and activities to conform to specific regulations and standards(Kinnaresh, 2013). They include safety requirements, environmental requirements, employment law, etc. Environmental constraints these are factors related to geographical location, hazardous materials, traffic, geological features, noise, air pollution, preservation of wildlife, etc.(Mirzaei Mabin, 2014) Social constraints these are factors that can be caused by opposing, personal or conflict of interests in the project from the public or other organizations. They are usually escalated by media pressure and public concern. Third parties this is another category of constraints that are caused by views of third parties, who are not involved in day-to-day activities of the project. Risks Financial risks these are very common risks in construction projects and can be caused by price fluctuations, inflation, payment delays, design changes or variations that increase cost and local taxes. Technical risks these are risks that can be caused by incomplete design, insufficient site exploration, inappropriate design specifications, uncertainty on availability and sources of construction materials and labour, changes in project requirements or scope, design omissions or errors, etc.(Menard, 2017) Logistical risks these are risks that can be caused by insufficient or unavailability of appropriate transportation facilities and unavailability of construction resources, such as construction equipment, labour, fuel, spare parts, etc.(Ehsan, Alam, Mirza, Ishaque, (n.d.)). These risks can cause huge project losses and delays. Legal risks these are law-related risks and can be caused by late contract payment or extras, delayed dispute resolution, contractor insolvency, negotiation of change order, etc. Environmental risks these are risks that can be caused by natural disasters and unfavorable weather conditions that can delay construction process(Jayasudha Vidivelli, 2016). These risks are usually overlooked by contractors who are now familiar with local weather conditions and can result into huge losses and delays. Management risks these are risks caused by inappropriate allocation and utilization of resources, poor planning, poor work supervision, poor pay, untimely delivery of materials, insufficient skilled employees, and inappropriate assigning of roles and responsibilities, among others(Rezakhani, 2012). Socio-political risks these are risks resulting from requirements to meet specific codes and regulations where the project is being implemented. Main elements of permanent works Some elements of permanent works of the building are: Substructure The substructure of the building will be made up of a strip foundation. The strip foundation will be constructed below the ground. Its main function is to transmit dead and live loads from the superstructure to the ground. The substructure will mainly be constructed using concrete, steel reinforcement and concrete blocks. Envelope The building will have a tight envelope to enhance thermal insulation. Some of the elements of the envelope include: exterior walls, roof, floors, external doors and fenestrations (windows, clerestories and skylights)(Autodesk, 2017). The envelope has been designed such that it provides a comfortable indoor environment and minimizes the amount of energy consumed by the building. External walls are made of concrete blocks with fiber cement sheets on the outside surface. The concrete blocks have been specifically used to provide insulation. The floor is made of concrete slab of high-mass. The roof is light to absorb more natural light. In general, the envelope has been designed to perform the following functions: control functions, support functions, finish functions and distribution functions(Lemieux Totten, 2016). Interior The interior of the building comprises of the following components: columns, beams, curtail wall, internal partitioning and stairs. The columns are reinforced concreted square columns. Beams used are I-steel beams. The curtain walls of the building are aluminium-framed with fiber cement in-fills. The framing has been attached to the structure of the building but it does not support loads from the roof or floor(Vigener Brown, 2016). The curtail walls are opaque to provide the necessary privacy in the building. Internal partitioning of the building has been made using reinforced concrete. The stairs of the building are made of reinforced concrete. Building services Below are the major building services: Electrical services Their main purpose is to ensure that the building is properly and adequately supplied with electricity. They entail design and installation of concealed electrical conduits, electrical cables, distribution board, electrical panel, power sockets, lighting fixtures (internal, external and emergency lights) and the entire wiring process. The services include how normal, emergency and standby power is supplied and distributed in the building. They also include installation of necessary data, telephone, video and audio equipment. Mechanical services Their main purpose is to ensure that the building is supplied with adequate water, fresh air and that the occupants are safe from fire hazards. They include heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) to control thermal comfort of the building; site drainage to ensure that waste water is properly removed from the building; plumbing that ensures appropriate distribution of water in the building; rainwater harvesting and management system; fire protection that includes laying of water supply pipes, fire alarm system, automatic fire detection systems, sprinkler system, smoke detectors, etc.; exhaust fans; acoustic insulation; and chillers. Building operation services Their main purpose is to ensure that the building is able to serve its intended purpose in the best way possible. They comprise of various services within the building, including walkways, parking, food services (such as refrigeration), automated lighting, environmental controls and energy management systems, among others. To ensure safety, components of these services must be purchased from certified manufacturers and suppliers, and their installation done by qualified MEP professionals or subcontractors. The installation should be done in accordance with design layouts. To avoid rework, all the services shall be considered and included in the design layouts of the building. This means that each building service will be clearly included and the exact position where to be install shall be specified. Installation of each service shall also be done through continuous consultation with each subcontractor. In other words, each subcontractor will inform the other about the work or services they are about to install to ensure that they do not interfere with the work of others. Last but not least, construction of all building services shall be supervised closely to ensure that it is done in accordance with the required engineering standards and design layouts. Types of bracing elements Some of the various types of bracing elements used to provide lateral stability are: Diagonal bracing There are two types of diagonal bracing: single diagonal bracing and double diagonal bracing. Single diagonal bracing is a bracing element where one rod, tube or pipe is fixed transversely in a rectangular or square structural frame(Jagadish Doshi, 2013). Double diagonal bracing, also known as X-bracing(Star Buildings Systems, 2017), is a bracing element where a building is braced by rods, tubes or pipes arranged diagonally across each other, making an X(Jesumi Rajendran, 2013). Figure 1 and 2 below are schematic diagrams of single and diagonal bracings. Figure 1: Single diagonal bracing(Designing Buildings Ltd, 2017) Figure 2: Double diagonal bracing(Designing Buildings Ltd, 2017) V-bracing In this system, two diagonal bracing members extend from the two corners of a top horizontal member and meet at the centre of the lower horizontal member, making a V-shape as shown in Figure 3 below. Figure 3: V-bracing(Designing Buildings Ltd, 2017) Inverted V-bracing This is also referred to as chevron bracing. It is where two diagonal bracing members extend from corners of a bottom horizontal member and meet at the centre of the top horizontal member(Eghtesadi, Nourzadeh, Bargi, 2011), making an inverted V as shown in Figure 4 below. Figure 4: Inverted V-bracing(Designing Buildings Ltd, 2017) K-bracing This is a bracing element where bracing members meet at mid-height of columns, as shown in Figure 5 below. It is more flexible in terms of allowing openings such as doors and windows. It also causes the least floor beams bending. This bracing system is not recommended in seismic prone areas due to possibility of the column failing when the brace buckles are subjected to compression. Figure 5: K-bracing element(Designing Buildings Ltd, 2017) Eccentric bracing This is bracing element that is commonly used in buildings found in seismic prone areas. It resembles inverted V-bracing but instead of its bracing components meeting at the apex, they leave some space between them as shown in Figure 6 below. Figure 6: Eccentric bracing element(Siddiqi Hameed, 2014) The bracing elements used on the proposed building is eccentric bracing and inverted V-bracing. These bracing elements provide significant resistance to lateral loads and space for necessary openings, such as doors and windows. Options for structural frames Structural frames for the building can be made using different materials. These include: precast concrete, in-situ concrete, structural steel and structural timber. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons. They vary in terms of strength, cost, speed of construction, safety, availability, design possibilities and environmental impact, among others. Some of the comparisons of these materials are as shown in Table 1 below Table 1: Comparison of structural precast concrete, in-situ concrete, steel and timber frames Pre-cast concrete In-situ concrete Structural steel Structural timber Materials used It is mainly made up of cement, aggregates, sand, water and additives It comprises of cement, aggregates, sand, water and additives (some can contain reinforcement fiber) It comprises of steel material It is pieces of wood Timing requirements It can be stored for a long period of time before use as long as the storage space contain the right conditions Must be used immediately after being prepared Can be stored for long periods before use, as long as it is treated and stored properly Has high construction time especially cross-laminated timber (CLT)(International Timber, 2015) Can be stored for long periods before use provided it is treated, preserved and stored properly Site constraints Requires minimal skill to erect It can be stored in open space but not for so long before use Requires a large storage space since it cannot be stored in piles It cannot be prepared in rainy conditions It cannot be stored after preparation hence must be used immediately It has more wastes It has to be stored in a covered structure to avoid damage by rain and chemical attack Requires fewer workers thus reducing construction cost(McGar, 2015). It must be stored indoors or in a covered storage area to protect it against moisture, insects, moulds, bacteria, etc.(WA Steel Sales, 2016) Handling it is easy and does not need any special equipment It can be stockpiled thus saving space on site Transport constraints It is relatively heavy depending on size It does not have special transportation requirements It is usually heavy depending on quantity Since it is prepared on site and used immediately, it can be transported using any type of container, including wheelbarrows, dumpers, buckets, etc. It is the lightest hence easier to transport Has to be transported in bunches using trucks During transportation, it must be secured properly to prevent injuring road users It is lighter than concrete but heavier than steel, but generally easy to transport It is usually transported in trucks and must be covered in case of rain Fire rating High fire rating High fire rating Moderate fire rating because it can melt and soften when exposed to very high temperature Low fire rating thus it requires extra fireproofing treatments Flexibility to make changes It cannot be changed It is only flexible when being poured or placed Cannot be changed after setting Easy to make changes as it can be cut and welded quickly during construction Easy to make changes Two types of cladding systems Cladding systems are different types of panels made from different materials and installed so as to cover the exterior of a building to protect it from weather effects and also enhance its aesthetic appeal(AFS International, 2016). Besides protecting the buildings exterior, cladding systems also protect its interior from elements of harsh weather(Team WFM, 2017). Cladding systems directly influence construction cost of the building and value of the property after construction. The two types of cladding systems discussed here are: timber cladding and fiber cement cladding. Timber cladding is one of the commonest types of cladding. It is suitable for all styles of buildings and come in panels, shingles or boards(Gibson, 2010). It usually gives the building a natural look and elegance. It is suitable for both exteriors and interiors(Team WFM, 2017). Fiber cement cladding comprises of sheets installed on the exteriors of the building. The sheets are made of compressed cement, sand and ce llular fiber. Timber cladding system Fiber cement cladding system Materials used It is made of pieces of wood that are usually fabricated in factories. The timber claddings come in form of boards. It is made of cement, sand and cellular fiber. It is manufactured in factories and comes in form of sheets. Timing requirements Wood can be stored for a long time before use as long as it is protected against attacks, including extreme weather conditions, bacteria, insects, etc. But if there is no proper storage facility on site, timber cladding boards or panels must be used immediately. It is resistant to majority of external attacks, including extreme heat, rain, chemicals, insects and bacteria. For this reason, it can be stored for longer periods before installation. Installation sequence It is lighter than fiber cement thus installation can be quick After being delivered on site, the timber is cut into desired sizes and stored for a few days to allow time for acclimatization and shrinking before installation Timber battens are nailed on the external wall (if the wall is uneven and in bad condition) or else a strong adhesive can be used The timber cladding boards are vacuumed and wiped to remove dirt then two coats of chosen finish are applied on all sides. A third coat is usually applied after fixing the boards(Metsa Wood, 2016). A small hole is drilled in the board then it is fixed on the wall by driving a pin through the hole The next board is placed in its positioned and pinned. This continues until the whole wall has been cladded All pin holes are then filled with a color-matching wood filler(Homebase, 2017) It is usually heavy thus the uncut sheets must be carried by at least two people It is fragile and so should be handled with care during installation or else it can break Before installation, the fiber cement sheets are cut in the right sizes using metal hand shears or mechanized saw The surface of wall is also prepared using sand paper or other tools to make it smooth and remove dirt To install, the sheet flush is held by one person against the studwork as the other person nails it in place Besides nailing, the sheets can also be by screwing them in place or using hook fixings Weather-proofing principles It is vulnerable to weather conditions including rain and extreme heat and so it must be specially treated or painted to enhance its resistance to some weather conditions UV protection oil and other treatments can be used to reduce its vulnerability to weather conditions Thermal modification is another approach of enhancing weather-proof properties of timber cladding(Brinsmead, 2016) It is resistant to extreme weather conditions such as rain, frost, snow and wind(Hardie, 2012) Fire properties It is highly flammable although flame retardants can be used to make it less flammable(TDCA, 2016) Over 90% of the product is inflammable material, which makes it resistant to fire(United Home Experts, 2017) Durability It is susceptible to damage caused by weather conditions, insects, bacteria, etc., which reduces its durability Durability of timber cladding largely depends on how it is maintained. If properly maintained, it can last for a number of years Special treatment can also be used during manufacturing to increase its durability(DoItYourself, (n.d.)) It has high resistance to impact making it withstand physical damages. Since the product is made of cement, it is resistant to rot and insect attack It is resistant to color fading, cracking, rotting and warping, making it more durable Its durability can be increased by repainting, which is usually done after 10 to 15 years(Savannah Roofing Experts, 2016) Fiber cement sheets usually have 10-year warranties that cover basic defects like peeling and cracking. Their typical lifespan is 40 years and above(Self-Build.co.uk, 2015) High durability of fiber cement cladding makes it suitable for use in areas prone to geotechnical or seismic movement(Reardorn, 2013). Maintenance requirements It has moderate maintenance needs, which usually entail regular staining or painting so as to protect it against elements and maintain its natural attractiveness(Wakeling, (n.d.)). It also requires regular treatment to protect it against insects, bacteria and moulds. It has very low maintenance needs if compared with timber cladding. The only maintenance required is repainting or reapplying caulk on the edges of the fiber cement sheets in case they start rotting(Allura USA, 2015). Based on the two cladding systems, fiber cement is recommended for this project. Both cladding systems are suitable but fiber cement is more durable, fireproof, weatherproof and low cost. The fact that it has very minimal maintenance needs means that its total cost over the entire lifespan is low. Additionally, fiber cement is among the contemporary cladding systems with versatile design options hence it will give the building a remarkable look and comfortable indoor environment. Types of suspended floor systems The two types of suspended floor systems discussed are: suspended concrete floor system and suspended timber flow system Suspended concrete floor system this is a type of flooring system that is made of concrete slab, beams or planks suspended from the bearing walls. Two or more edges of a suspended concrete floor is usually supported on columns, beams or walls, which also carry the self-weight of the floor(The Concrete Society, 2016). It can be made of pre-cast concrete, in-situ concrete or reinforced concrete. Figure 7: Schematic diagram of suspended concrete floor system(Supreme Concrete, 2017) Suspended timber floor system this is a type of flooring system made of timber joists that are suspended from the bearing walls and covered with high quality panels of groove and tongue or floor boards. This floor system have spaces below them. These spaces area ventilated by air from the outside of external wall through air bricks and their internal wall have gaps that facilitate flow of air across the building and below the floors so that moisture is not allowed to accumulate in the timber, which could otherwise cause moulds and fungal attack(PracticalDIY.com, 2017). Figure 8 below is a schematic diagram showing various parts of a suspended timber floor system Figure 8: Schematic diagram of a suspended timber floor system(DIY Network, 2017) Comparisons of these two types of suspended floor systems are provided in Table 2 below Table 2: Comparisons of suspended timber and suspended concrete floor systems Suspended timber floor system Suspended concrete floor system Materials used It is mainly made of timber joists that are joined with nails, iron loops, plates, etc. The timber joists can be fixed directly in the superstructure wall or supported using metal joist hangers. The general materials used to make a suspended timber floor include: damp-proof course, support walling blocks, air vents, polythene membrane, floor joists, nails, insulation sheets, water-resistant decking(Snell, 2015). It is mainly made of concrete (cement, sand and aggregates). In some cases, it may contain reinforcement fiber. The general materials used to make a suspended concrete floor include: adaptor vents, air bricks, floor blocks, floor beams, air vents, insulation sheets, membrane, insulation sheets, mesh reinforcement, infill pre-cast blocks, T-beam and premix screed. Installation sequence The first thing to do is to make sure that concrete floor that is set to receive the suspended timber floor systems weight is of adequate strength. Sleeper walls are erected at the suitable layout of the design and are honey combed to ensure sufficient ventilation(5KC, 2009). Damp proof course is applied at suitable level Wall plates are placed appropriately on the damp proof course, on top of sleeper walls Floor joists are placed at the predetermined intervals on top of the wall plates The floor boards are placed across the timber joists then nailed appropriately The process ends by installing vents in external walls off the building so as to provide adequate ventilation to the timber. This will ensure proper fresh air circulation and keep the timber dry thus preventing decay(Flynn, 2013). The first thing is to ensure that pre-cast concrete beams or pre-cast concrete planks and concrete blocks to be used are available on site. The contractor must ensure that the floor system installed to the designed layout placing any detail carefully to avoid mistakes and rework Once the beams are delivered on site, they are offloaded and stacked on timbers The beams are lifted, using a crane, and lowered in the right positions After ensuring that the beams are centrally located, pre-cast concrete blocks are placed between beams. Mortar bed is placed for the end slip pre-cast concrete block Closure slip pre-cast concrete blocks are then cut so as to suit the pre-determined centres then mortar is placed to the end blocks to close the slop After installing th pre-cast concrete blocks, the entire floor is grouted using 1:3 cement to coarse sand mix to create a homogenous structure(Travis Perkins, 2015). But before grouting, the floor is cleaned thoroughly and wetted so as to ensure that the seal is effective(Cemex, 2017). Air vents are also installed below the floor to provide adequate ventilation and prevent dampness problems(i-brick.com, 2012) Timing requirements Suspended timber floor does not have any need to hurry during installation. As long as the timber joists to be used are stored properly, the contractor or homeowner can choose when to install the floor. This floor system can be installed quickly and in any weather condition, provided the contractor has the skill However, speed of installation is usually reduced by the need to cut the timber joists into desired sizes Since this floor system is constructed using pre-cast concrete beams and blocks, it takes very little time. Once the pre-cast concrete beams and blocks are delivered on site, the contractor or homeowner can install them at any time. Remember that the pre-cast beams and blocks will have been made in the desired shapes and sizes, so no cutting on site. This helps in reducing installation time Cost implications Depending on the availability of timber, the total cost of installing a suspended timber floor is usually lower than that of suspended concrete floor(Rock, 2016). However, this floor system deteriorate quickly and easily when exposed to moisture, insects, moulds or physical damage. In such situations, the suspended floor stars forming creaks and squeaks(Pilkington, 2017). This increases their overall maintenance costs. The total cost of installing a suspended concrete floor is usually slightly higher than that of a suspended timber floor system. However, suspended concrete floor has little maintenance requirements due to their weatherproof properties and durability. This reduces their overall maintenance costs. So suspended concrete floor has low overall cost throughout its entire lifespan. It is also worth noting that the cost of installation varies depending on the type of suspended concrete floor finishes(Riha, (n.d.)). From the comparisons of the two types of suspended floor systems, the recommended system for the project is suspended concrete floor system. This system is easy and quick to install, it has unlimited design options, provides unique finishes, has low maintenance costs, and its overall lifecycle cost is lower than that of suspended timber floor system. Principles of passive fire design and factors to consider Design principles Some of the key principles of passive fire design are: Design of passive fire must be done as part of the buildings architectural design. In other words, design of passive fire system has to be integrated in the buildings architectural design to ensure that it is well-matched with the entire building components. Passive fire system must include blast and fire resistant walls, windows and doors. These elements must meet the minimum blast and fire resistance ratings in the area where the building is constructed and specific requirements of the building. Building materials used should be fire-resistant and thermal barriers to reduce spreading of fire and insulate other components against heat. For example, structural frame should be made of fire-resistance materials like concrete or treated timber or steel(Newman, 2016). The passive fire system designed must be able to contain and reduce spread of flames and fire in case of a fire outbreak in the building(Wolters Kluwer, 2012). This can be achieved by ensuring that the building is divided into various compartments, each with a specific purpose. This means that the walls, windows and doors should help in sealing various compartments of the building effectively and prevent fire from spreading throughout the building. In case of fire and before it starts spreading, the passive fire system should enable occupants of the building to evacuate effectively, quickly and safely. To achieve this, the passive fire system has to contain the fire for a particular period to facilitate evacuation and also extinguishing the fire. Partitioning walls of the building should be designed to run continuously from the ground floor to top floor so as to create an uninterrupted barrier to fire. If the partitions, ceilings or floors have any openings, they must be as small as possible to reduce spread of fire. These openings should also be protected so as to enhance fire resistance. Compartmentation, which includes firewalls, fire barriers (such as fire-rated ceilings, floors and walls), smoke barriers and fire partitions, should be used to control spread of fire within the building and also facilitate safe egress(Aker, 2008). These components should also be structurally stable to retain the buildings structural frame even if the building burns. Cavities in ceilings and walls, and other openings found around conduits, pipework and service ducts should be fire-protected in areas where they penetrate or pass across partitioning boundaries. All ducting, including air conditioning, should have fire dampers in areas where they pass through partitioning boundaries in order to regulate spread of smoke and fire(Fire Protection Association, 2009). The fire-resisting ducts used should also be tested to ensure that they comply with the appropriate building standards requirements. There should be fire dampers at various locations where pipes/conduits pass through the floor, wall or ceiling so as to reduce spread of fire and smoke. The building should also be designed with a roof venting. This system helps in removing hot gases and smoke from the building, which limits spread of smoke and fire thus enhancing firefighting. It is also the role of a passive fire system to maintain structural integrity of the building in case of fire outbreak(Bok, 2016). This means that the system has to contain the fire to reduce the risk of damaging the building or its collapse. The fire protection system must be included in the buildings fire safety design plan to ensure that it works together with other fire safety systems, such as active fire protection systems. Factors to consider when designing and constructing passive fire systems The following are some of the factors that should be considered when designing and constructing passive fire systems: Potential risks passive fire protection systems should be designed and constructed based on findings of a quantitative risk analysis. The analysis helps in identifying potential risks and suitable approaches or eliminating or mitigating them. Stakeholder involvement it is important to involve all stakeholders of the project in the design and construction of passive fire protection systems. This allows stakeholders to give their opinions on best practices and also to understand their roles and how they are expected to participate in ensuring that the systems are properly designed and constructed. Materials used designers of passive fire protection systems should choose materials carefully to ensure that they meet the threshold of containing fire and smoke, and stopping them from spreading. Legislation it is also important to ensure that the passive fire protection system is designed and constructed in accordance with the engineering codes and standards of the area where the building is being constructed. Partitions maximum floor areas if the potential fire risk within a planned partition is greater, the floor area should be less than the typical sizes. Enclosure of these floors should also be made of high-rated fire-resisting materials. Storage for hazardous materials if the building has any hazardous or explosive materials, they must be stored in separate storage facilities. The facilities should be made of thick concrete walls and padlocked doors facing away from occupants (to the open air) but which can be easily accessed by firefighters. Unprotected openings fire resisting walls should not have any unprotected openings Fire escapes their width should be at least 1m or wider so as to accommodate more people in case of a fire outbreak(Stewart, 2016). Fire doors they should seal automatically when temperatures get very hot, otherwise they have to remain open facing the fire escapes. Expertise this is another crucial design and construction factor for consideration. It is very important to ensure that passive fire protection systems are designed and constructed by qualified personnel. References: 5KC. (2009, April 5). Suspended timber floors and their construction. Retrieved from 5KC Limited: https://www.5kc.co.uk/suspended-timber-floors-and-their-construction AFS International. (2016). Cladding systems. Retrieved from Architectural Facade Solutions: https://architectural-facade-solutions.com/architectural-cladding-systems-facade/ Aker, J. (2008, April 1). The basics of passive fire protection . Retrieved from https://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/5851/title/the-basics-of-passive-fire-protection- Allura USA. (2015, November 23). 23 benefits of fiber cement siding for builders, contractors, and homeowners. Retrieved from Allura USA: https://www.allurausa.com/blog/benefits-of-fiber-cement-siding Autodesk. (2017). Building envelope. Retrieved from Autodesk Inc.: https://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/building-envelope Bok, P. (2016, September 26). The principles of passive fire protection. Retrieved from Van Dam: https://blog.van-dam.nl/principles-of-passive-fire-protection Brinsmead, N. (2016, March 24). Timber cladding. Retrieved from Homebuilding Renovating: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/timber-cladding/ Cemex. (2017). Beam and block floor - installation guidelines. Retrieved from Cemex: https://www.cemex.co.uk/floor-installation-guide.aspx Designing Buildings Ltd. (2017, July 17). Braced frame structures. Retrieved from Designing Buildings Wiki: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Braced_frame_structures DIY Network. (2017). Floor construction methods. Retrieved from DIY Network: https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/floors/floor-construction-methods-pictures DMHDRU. (2017). About us. Retrieved from University of Otago: https://dunedinstudy.otago.ac.nz/about-us DMHDRU. (2017, March 8). Dunedin Study new home officially opened. Retrieved from University of Otago: https://dunedinstudy.otago.ac.nz/news-and-events/article/54 DoItYourself. ((n.d.)). Advantages of timber cladding. Retrieved from DoItYourself.com: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/advantages-of-timber-cladding Eghtesadi, S., Nourzadeh, D., Bargi, K. (2011). Comparative study on different types of bracing systems in steel structures. International Confernce on Modeling Simulation (pp. 1863-1867). Paris: World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology. Ehsan, N., Alam, M., Mirza, E., Ishaque, A. ((n.d.)). Risk management in construction industry. Retrieved from Meeting.edu.cn: https://www.meeting.edu.cn/meeting/UploadPapers/1282726331593.pdf Enshassi, A., Mos, J. (2008). Risk management in building projects: owners perspective. The Islamic University Journal, 95-123. Fire Protection Association. (2009). Design guide for the protection of buildings, food processing factories 1: design principles. Paris: Fire Protection Association. Flynn, C. (2013). Suspended timber floor. Retrieved from Construction Studies Q1: www.constructionstudiesq1.weebly.com/suspended-timber-floor.html Gibson, C. (2010, July 9). Types of cladding. Retrieved from Home Improvement Pages: https://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/article/types_of_cladding Hardie, P. (2012, October 11). Top 4 benefits of fiber cement siding. Retrieved from Eco Vision Sustainable Learning Center: https://ecovisionslc.org/top-4-benefits-of-fiber-cement-siding/ Homebase. (2017). How to put up cladding. Retrieved from Homebase: https://www.homebase.co.uk/en/static/how-to-put-up-cladding i-brick.com. (2012). How to - install a block and beam floor. Retrieved from i-brick.com. International Timber. (2015, July 30). 5 reasons timber is superior to steel and brick. Retrieved from International Timber: https://www.internationaltimber.com/news/timber/5-reasons-timber-is-superior-to-steel-and-brick Jagadish, J., Doshi, T. (2013). A study on bracing systems on high rise steel structures. International Journal of Engineering Research Technology, 1672-1676. Jayasudha, K., Vidivelli, B. (2016). Analysis of major risks in construction projects. ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences , 6943-6950. Jesumi, A., Rajendran, M. (2013). Optimal bracing system for steel toowers. International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, 729-732. Kinnaresh, P. (2013). A study on risk assessment and its management in India. American Journal of Civil Engineering, 64-67. Lemieux, D., Totten, P. (2016, May 10). Building envelope design. Retrieved from Whole Building Design Guide: https://www.wbdg.org/systems-specifications/building-envelope-design-guide/wall-systems McAvinue, S. (2017, January 26). Dunedin Study welcomed to new home. Retrieved from Otago Daily News: https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dunedin-study-welcomed-new-home McGar, J. (2015, February 26). Timber vs steel vs concrete structures. Retrieved from Sourceable: https://sourceable.net/timber-vs-steel-vs-concrete-structures/ Menard, S. (2017, March 2). The types of risks in construction projects. Retrieved from eSUB: https://esub.com/the-types-of-risks-in-construction-projects-to-watch-out-for/ Metsa Wood. (2016). Softwood cladding fixing instructions. Retrieved from Metsa Wood: https://www.metsawood.com/uk/Products/exterior-cladding/softwood-exterior-cladding/Pages/Softwood-cladding-fixing-instructions.aspx# Mirzaei, M., Mabin, V. (2014). Exploring constraints in projects: a construction industry case study. Wellington: Victoria University of Wellington. Newman, R. (2016, September 2). Designing for passive fire protection in buildings. Retrieved from International Fire Protection: https://ifpmag.mdmpublishing.com/designing-for-passive-fire-protection-in-buildings/ Pilkington, S. (2017, January 19). Concrete vs timber floors. Retrieved from BTL Property Services Ltd: https://www.btlpropertyltd.co.uk/blog/build/concrete-vs-timber-floors/ PracticalDIY.com. (2017). Different types of ground floor suspended flooring. Retrieved from PracticalDIY.com: https://www.practicaldiy.com/general-building/flooring/suspended-timber-flooring.php Reardorn, C. (2013). Cladding systems. Retrieved from YourHome: https://www.yourhome.gov.au/materials/cladding-systems Rezakhani, P. (2012, March 30). Classifying key risk factors in construction projects. Retrieved from Kyungpook National University: https://www.bipcons.ce.tuiasi.ro/Archive/292.pdf Riha, J. ((n.d.)). The pros and cons of concrete flooring. Retrieved from DIY Network: https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/floors/the-pros-and-cons-of-concrete-flooring Rock, I. (2016, June 27). How to choose a floor structure. Retrieved from Homebuilding Renovating: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/floor-structure-guide/ Savannah Roofing Experts. (2016, September 27). Advantages and disadvantages of fiber cement siding. Retrieved from Savannah Roofing Experts: https://www.savannahroofingexperts.com/advantages-disadvantages-fiber-cement-siding/ Self-Build.co.uk. (2015, May). Fibre-cement cladding explained. Retrieved from Self-Build.co.uk: https://www.self-build.co.uk/fibre-cement-cladding-explained Siddiqi, Z., Hameed, R. A. (2014). Comparison of different bracing systems for tall buildings. Pak. J. Eng. Appl. Sci., 17-26. Snell, D. (2015, December 22). Comparing ground floor structure costs. Retrieved from Homebuilding Renovating: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/comparing-floor-structure-costs/ Star Buildings Systems. (2017). Bracing elements 101. Retrieved from Star Buildings Systems: https://blog.starbuildings.com/bracing-elements-101/ Stewart, R. (2016, December 18). Factors designers should consider when designing a fire protection system. Retrieved from LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/factors-designers-should-consider-when-designing-fire-roy-stuart Supreme Concrete. (2017). Suspended beam block floor. Retrieved from Supreme Concrete: https://www.supremeconcrete.co.uk/general/suspended-beam-and-block-floors/ TDCA. (2016). Benefits of exterior timber cladding. Retrieved from Timber Decking and Cladding Association : https://www.tdca.org.uk/timber-cladding/benefits-of-exterior-timber-cladding/ Team WFM. (2017, January 16). Different types of cladding material. Retrieved from WFM : https://www.wfm.co.in/cladding-materials-types/ The Concrete Society. (2016). Suspended floors. Retrieved from The Concrete Society: https://www.concrete.org.uk/fingertips-nuggets.asp?cmd=displayid=245 Travis Perkins. (2015). Ground floor - block beam. Retrieved from Sustainable Building Solutions: https://www.sustainablebuildingsolutions.co.uk/solution-data-sheets/ground-floor-block-beam United Home Experts. (2017). The pros and cons of fiber cement board siding. Retrieved from United Home Experts: https://www.unitedhomeexperts.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-fiber-cement-board-siding/ University of Otago. (2017, January 25). Brand new premises for world-famous Dunedin longitudinal study. Retrieved from University of Otago: https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/otago633973.html Vigener, N., Brown, M. (2016, May 10). Curtain walls. Retrieved from Whoe Building Design Guide: https://www.wbdg.org/systems-specifications/building-envelope-design-guide/fenestration-systems/curtain-walls WA Steel Sales. (2016, August 25). Should you choose a concrete, timber or steel structure? Retrieved from WA Steel Sales: https://www.wasteel.com.au/should-you-choose-a-concrete-timber-or-steel-structure/ Wakeling, B. ((n.d.)). The disadvantages of timber cladding. Retrieved from eHow: https://www.ehow.com/list_6881691_disadvantages-timber-cladding.html Wolters Kluwer. (2012, November 15). Fire protection considerations in new premises. Retrieved from Wolters Kluwer: https://app.croneri.co.uk/feature-articles/fire-protection-considerations-new-premises?product=21