ArchiMentor Update

Comment – Cavity barriers in rainscreen cladding

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:59:11 +0000

We have discovered that there may be confusion when comparing the requirements for cavity barriers in NBS Shortcut 26 Rainscreen Cladding with the requirements for cavity barriers in Table 13 of Approved Document B.

The confusion seems to be caused because the section on Compartment Layout on page 4 of the NBS Shortcut starts by referring to the prevention of the spread of smoke and fire (and Approved Document B) although the diagram (which shows cavity barriers at much closer centres than required by AD B) is intended to cover the spacings required to promote a degree of pressure equalisation in the rainscreen system.

To clarify, we believe that perforated intumescent cavity barriers are required at spacings to comply with AD B and additional, non-fire-rated, cavity barriers are recommended at the spacings shown in NBS Shortcut 26 to promote pressure equalisation in the rainscreen system.

Knowledge – Nickel sulfide

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:04:18 +0000

Page updated. [This page is password-protected and is available only to subscribers].

NBS Guidance – Update 2010-2

admin — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:53:32 +0000

There are minor changes to the ArchiMentor User Guidance notes and clauses resulting from NBS Update 2010-2. ArchiMentor Standard 2010-2 file released.

News – Safety harnesses and CDM

admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:53:12 +0000

The recent judgement against Oxford Architects Partnership for breaching the CDM Regulations – see this link to the report on the Building Design website – is interesting primarily as it gives legal weight to the Health and Safety Executive’s view that safety harnessess should be considered as a last resort after all other methods of preventing falls have been eliminated.

This is already giving some architects problems as the HSE start to require handrails and balustrades in locations where harnesses have previously been considered acceptable – the edges of flat roofs accessible only for maintenance, for example.

NBS Guidance – K21

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:40:49 +0000

New section created. [This is password-protected and available only to subscribers].

Knowledge – Fire protection of steelwork

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:50:06 +0000

New page published. [This page is password-protected and is available only to subscribers].

Knowledge – Calcium Sulfate Screeds

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:23:27 +0000

Minor page updates. [This page is password-protected and is available only to subscribers].

Knowledge – EC Directive 2004/18/EC

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:29:25 +0000

Page published. The old Product Naming page has been withdrawn and replaced with a new page covering compliance with EC Directive 2004/18/EC and The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 in much greater detail. [This page is password-protected and is available only to subscribers].

Knowledge – Flat roofs

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:46:58 +0000

Three new pages published. [These pages are all password-protected and are available only to subscribers].

Flat roofs – Coverings
Flat roofs – Flat or to falls?
Flat roofs – Introduction

Knowledge – Flat roofing guide

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:18:59 +0000

This page has been temporarily withdrawn and will be re-issued shortly, after revision, as one of a suite of pages covering flat roofing in much greater detail.

Knowledge – Air Permeability Testing

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 22:52:25 +0000

New page published. [This page is password-protected and is available only to subscribers].

NBS Guidance – P10 and P12

admin — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:02:42 +0000

New sections created. [These are password-protected and available only to subscribers].

NBS Guidance – Fire protection

admin — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:36:57 +0000

Content transferred from Knowledge pages to NBS Guidance, and expanded.

NBS Guidance – Using NBS Guidance

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:04:11 +0000

Section on Using Manufacturers/Products revised with resulting minor changes to Work Sections M10, M40, R10, Z31.