FCC

J&K Approves New Building Manual for Transparency

2023-07-10

In an effort to improve transparency in engineering procedures in building construction in the Union Territory, Jammu and Kashmir has approved the implementation of the J&K Public Works Department Building Manual 2023.

The Building Manual of the J&K Public Works Department focuses on building planning and project preparation, economic feasibility, site investigation, laboratory testing, fieldwork., payment and rate measurement, building functional planning and architectural proposal, cost-effectiveness, rainwater harvesting, and other topics.

The Public Works (R&B) Department created this building manual to establish procedures, update standards, and improve engineering practices in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Manual is intended to be a succinct document that ensures proper work planning while also increasing responsibility and openness in the department.

The manual is based on the most recent building codes and IS criteria, and it aims to assure the construction of high-quality structures that are safe, durable, cost-effective, visually pleasing, and ecologically friendly. The Manual provides a solid viewpoint on many areas of building construction and would be extremely useful in all such projects now being carried out in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The guidebook will help the department achieve its goals by promoting better understanding among engineers and boosting their skills. The Manual offers engineering experts information on building materials and construction procedures, as well as a clear explanation of the underlying principles and concepts.

Planning and project preparation, site reconnaissance and survey, including land title verification, geotechnical investigations, structural designs, statutory permissions, building materials and procurement, building construction, project scheduling, and work monitoring have all been incorporated, with due consideration given to the various techniques involved in the conservation of heritage buildings.

The preparation of a complete project report is required for proper project evaluation, approval by the appropriate authorities, and eventually execution. According to the construction manual, a correctly written project report is highly important in ensuring the timely completion of the project, so ensuring the fullest advantage of the project while preventing time and expense overruns.

The contractor or the equipment manufacturer must execute a series of inspections and testing during the installation and completion of electromechanical operations, it adds.

Prior to delivery, the Contractor must advise the Engineer of his anticipated material sources, which must be approved by the Engineer. It states that if it is discovered after testing that previously approved sources of supply do not deliver uniform and adequate products, or if the product from any other source proves unacceptable at any time, the Contractor shall furnish acceptable material from other sources at his own expense. It further stated that samples of material from an approved supplier must be examined for all relevant criteria to ensure compliance with applicable specifications.