Unit 3

1. Read and translate the text evaluation methodology

The evaluation procedures and tests are intended to establish whether the general requirements for buildings will be met and whether the performance meets the criteria set. The mechanical properties of walling constructed by means of building systems are often not amenable to mathematical analyses, at least not in an efficient manner. Thus testing may be essential to correctly evaluate building systems.

A variety of tests are described in detail in this section. It is the task of the evaluating agency to determine which of these tests would be relevant for the assessment of any particular building system.

Developers of building systems may wish to use certain of the tests to help them in the development of the building system. However, Agrement South Africa may require different tests for the technical assessment.

Where a system is to be used for one building layout only, subject to strict limitation in the certificate, it may not be necessary to test separate wall panels, if the test structure performance alone is likely to provide enough data for an assessment. Where a range of building plans are to be covered in the certificate, especially if some configurations are not defined specifically, then tests such as those to determine the horizontal load resistance and racking tests will be needed to draw up essential design requirements

In this context it is appropriate to set out the responsibilities of professional engineers involved with the structural design of the building system.

The professional engineer prepares a rational design that:

• will ensure the structural integrity of the entire building

• adheres to the construction details within the Agrement certificate.

The rational design covers all aspects of the works that may be affected by the structural design.

The professional engineer monitors those aspects of the works that are covered by the rational design, to verify that the design is being correctly interpreted and that the construction techniques that are being used are appropriate to the structural stability of the subject.

The professional engineer takes full professional responsibility for the rational design.

All other aspects of the works are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Agrement certificate.

Key words: evaluation methodology, general requirements, analysis, testing, essential design requirements, building system, construction techniques.

2. Answer the following questions.

• What are the evaluation procedures and tests intended to?

• Why may testing be essential to evaluate building systems correctly?

• What is the Agrement South Africa?

• What are the responsibilities of professional engineers involved with the structural design of the building system?

• What aspects of the works does the professional engineer monitor?

• Who takes full professional responsibility for the rational design?