BS 5606:1990

Committees responsible
Foreword
Guide
Section 1. General
1. Scope
2. Definitions
Section 2. Problems of inaccuracy or fit associated with
elements and components of construction
3. General
4. Examples of typical problems
5. Designing out problems
Section 3. Designing to achieve good fit and assembly
6. General
7. Tolerances
8. Basic information and analysis of dimensional
     variability
9. Assessing the dimensional needs of a design
10. Specifying tolerances
Section 4. Construction considerations
11. Accuracy in construction
12. Sources of induced deviations
13. Control of accuracy during construction
Appendices
A. Site surveys
B. Examples of the calculation of tolerances
C. Measured values of dimensional accuracy
D. The BRE survey of constructed times
Tables
1. Range of deviations normally achievable for
     construction
2. Range of deviations normally achievable for
     manufactured components
3. Accuracy in use of measuring instruments
4. Characteristic accuracy values for construction
     determined from a Building Research Establishment
     survey from 1975 to 1976
5. Characteristic accuracy values for manufactured
     components determined from BRE survey, 1988 to 1989
Figures
1. Diagrammatic section showing screed accommodating
     trunking and range of deviations involved
2. Target sizes of lift well
3. Diagrammatic plan showing dimensional variabilities
     relating to component, prepared space and joint
4. Examples of deviation limits associated with items
     of construction
5. Examples of deviations associated with manufactured
     components
6. Diagrammatic section showing total height, minimum
     floor to ceiling height, floor edge line and level
     variability, and vertical setting out variability
7. Minimum bearings and dry packings
8. Schematic diagram indicating how the dimensional
     needs of a design can be assessed
9. Target sizes for a prepared opening, single window
     and joints
10. Rebated column
11. Joint cover strip
12. Target sizes for a prepared opening, three windows
     and joints
13. Variability of face line of concrete nibs
14. Variability of nib in relation to brick face
15. Plan showing precast cladding detail around in situ
     concrete column
16. Diagrammatic section of screeding
17. Normal distribution of sizes
18. Indication of a systematic deviation of + xmm from
     a target size
19. Distance between walls or columns
20. Distance between floor and soffit in concrete
     structures
21. External dimensions of buildings and ground floor
     slabs
22. Level of floor and/or soffit of concrete slab
23. Level of soffit of concrete beams
24. Level of top of steel beams
25. Verticality of walls and columns i.e measurement
     procedure using a plumb-bob
26. Depth of insitu concrete beams
27. Size and squareness of concrete columns
28. Straightness of walls in any 5 m length
29. Height of brick or block walls
30. Level of bed joints of brick or block walls
31. Thickness of brick walls
32. Window and other openings

To assist in the avoidance or resolving of problems of inaccuracy or fit, the assessment of the likely achievement of specified tolerances, and the monitoring and controlling of work during construction to ensure compliance with specified accuracy.

This British Standard guide explains and gives examples of principles that relate to accuracy in building construction.

It is intended to be applied to building rather than civil engineering works and aims to assist in the following:

1. avoiding or resolving problems of inaccuracy or fit by assessing the dimensional needs of a design regarding tolerances, and then designing and specifying appropriately;
2. assessing the likely achievement of tolerances specified for a particular project, and giving guidance on their realization;
3. monitoring and controlling work during construction to ensure that it complies with specified accuracy.

Appendices give information relating to site surveys, examples of the calculation of tolerances, characteristic accuracy values, and data from the BRE survey (see the introduction).

NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard are listed on the inside back cover.