ABSTRACT
The process of technical design was discussed in some detail in
Chapters 2 and 3 although this was in mainly abstract terms. In this
chapter, the aim is to examine in greater depth, the real sources of
information that form the foundation for developing detail design solu-
tions. The assumption is therefore made that this refers to completely
new information or that which alters the way in which existing knowl-
edge is used. In doing this, four distinct sources have been identified and
these are:
1 building science, where empirical scientific information can be used
to inform the design
2 manufacturer’s information, where the results of research and
development conducted on behalf of manufacturers can be used to
develop or modify the design process
3 standard details, where previous successful work can remove some
of the more onerous design development
4 technical literature, available from various sources such as the
Building Research Establishment or trade associations such as
the Concrete Association can also be highly influential in design
development.
