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(See Page 2 ). |
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new BS EN 877 drainage pipes and fittings make high performance cast iron
drainage more cost-competitive than ever. However, perceptions in the industry
- reinforced by data supplied by many of the costing books up to the end
of the 90's - still reflected the high material and installation costs of
the traditional BS437 (below ground) and BS416 (above ground) cast iron
drainage systems jointed by the old caulked lead method.
The research undertaken by EC Harris demonstrated that the new cast iron systems are more competitive in three different ways. Firstly, the new cast iron components complying to BS EN 877 show a considerable unit cost saving over their equivalent components constructed to the old BS437 (below ground) and BS416 (above ground) specification. This is in part due to the improved manufacturing techniques now employed which produce higher performing units using less cast iron.
The study also allowed for the fact that cast iron drainage systems save time and cost in construction in such areas as: less bedding requirements in trenches, less support requirements in suspended locations and less fire-proofing and sound insulation requirements across the board when compared to both uPVC and clay. Conclusions The new BS EN 877 systems make cast iron drainage a more cost-competitive alternative than ever before. Labour constants have been dramatically reduced to a level more favourable to uPVC solvent weld. Cast iron is less susceptible to physical damage in exposed situations and during the course of construction. Cast iron needs minimum maintenance in normal use and can be expected to last the full design life of the building. Cast iron is a prime option when considering cost-in-use analysis. Risk assessment or 'The Costs of Failure' for certain highly sensitive projects should seriously consider the advantages of specifying cast iron. Whilst material cost of cast iron - metre
by metre - is more expensive than uPVC and clay alternatives, installation
costs are more cost effective. |
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CIDDA,
therefore, commissioned leading UK quantity surveyor partnership EC Harris
to carry out an independent analysis of the current cost differentials
of uPVC,, clay, traditional cast iron and the new BS EN 877 cast iron
systems. A summary of the results of that project, are presented on 
EC
Harris also carried out an on-site work measurement study, complying to
BS3138, by a qualified work study engineer. This looked at the installation
of the new cast iron systems, both above and below ground, on a number
of sites. Allowing for rest periods, the restrictions of health and safety
regulations and other considerations, the study proved unequivocally that
the time taken to place, couple and level the new cast iron drainage units
are both far less than those for the old BS systems and those times allowed
for in all of the current costing books.