Requirements for Construction

DB1100

STRUCTURAL WORKS
International Edition 1-2
Dec 2008

WARNING
The Accor Requirements for Construction define the minimum rules or performance to be applied to all construction or
refurbishment projects, in all countries. They shall not replace the need for an individual design for each project, which
must incorporate the standards and regulations applicable locally.
The more demanding between statutory or local Authorities requirements and Accor guidelines shall always apply.
This document is published by Accor exclusively for use on Accor projects.
Distribution or reproduction (in full or part) for other uses is forbidden.

ACC_WE_DB1100_Structural Works Ed 1-2 Dec 08

INTRODUCTION
A

TERMINOLOGY USED IN THIS DOCUMENT

CLIENT (or OWNER) indicates the person or company on behalf of whom the services or works are to
be carried out.

CONSTRUCTORS indicates all of the architects, interior designers (or decorators), specifiers, quantity
surveyors, consulting engineers, consultants, statutory supervisors, contractors and suppliers, who
are responsible for the design, site management and execution of the works and the technical
supervision of the construction works, building services installations and external works.

ACCOR CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS indicate all written documents, drawings and diagrams, as laid
down by Accor (including the present document) also including the hotel (or trade) requirements of
the Brand and which define the criteria for construction of projects. These documents may be copied
partially for the construction of an Accor project, provided that they are adapted in order to achieve
the required performance and to meet construction regulations and particular site conditions. They
are intended for use as performance criteria and guidelines for specifications to be prepared by the
relevant consultants or CONSTRUCTORS.

ACCOR shall retain the intellectual property rights of its documents, which are provided solely for the
project to be constructed. The use of these documents on another project or their distribution to third
parties having no direct connection with the project shall be strictly forbidden.

CONSTRUCTION

REGULATIONS indicates all regulations, standards and approved trade practices

applicable to the design, calculation and execution of the works. The CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS
shall be those of the country, region or locality. They shall apply in addition to ACCORS REQUIREMENTS.
If there is any conflict between certain technical data, the Construction Regulations shall take
precedence, but the effects of such a conflict must be examined so that the hotel functions and levels
of technical performance are nevertheless satisfied.

SITE

PARTICULARS indicate all specific site criteria including climatic, geological and hydrological
conditions of the site where the project is to take place, which the CONSTRUCTORS must identify,
analyse and make allowance for in the design and execution of the works.

OBLIGATION TO ACHIEVE REQUIRED PERFORMANCE

The ACCOR CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS shall not replace the design to be prepared by the
CONSTRUCTORS, including mainly the CONSULTING ENGINEERS.
For each project such design shall:

Comply with the ACCOR CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS and THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS

Satisfy the specified levels of performance

Make allowance for the particular conditions of the site.

CONSTRUCTORS RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUARANTEES

The CONSTRUCTORS shall hold full responsibility for the design, the execution and the technical
supervision of the works. The ACCOR CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS shall not be a substitute for the
project drawings, specifications, technical notices and working drawings which are to be prepared by the
CONSTRUCTORS. They shall not relieve the CONSTRUCTORS of their responsibilities nor from the
guarantees arising from them.
The documents produced by ACCOR, and the consultancy duties for which they may be appointed shall
not be used to challenge the contractual responsibilities of the CONSTRUCTORS, nor the guarantees that
they are to provide.

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FIELD OF USE
THE ACCOR CT FOR CONSTRUCTION SHALL APPLY TO ALL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:

NEW BUILDINGS

CONVERSION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

REFURBISHMENT OF EXISTING HOTELS

CONTENTS

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

BASIS OF CALCULATION

2.1 LIVE LOADS AND PERMANENT LOADS ...................................................................................5

2.2 OTHER PARAMETERS FOR STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS .................................................6

CO-ORDINATION - TOLERANCES

FOUNDATIONS

WORKS BELOW GROUND LEVEL

5.1 GENERAL RULE..........................................................................................................................7

5.2 PROTECTION FROM WATER OR DAMP...................................................................................7
5.3 UNDER-FLOOR VOIDS ...............................................................................................................9
5.4 BASEMENT CAR PARKS ............................................................................................................9
5.5 PROTECTION AGAINST TERMITES ........................................................................................10

BASEMENT FLOOR SLABS

10

INTEGRATION OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES BELOW GROUND LEVEL

11

7.1 NETWORKS OF PIPEWORK UNDER PRESSURE AND CABLES ..........................................11

7.2 DRAINAGE PIPEWORK ............................................................................................................11
7.3 PITS, CHANNELS AND DRAINAGE EQUIPMENT ...................................................................12

PRINCIPLES OF THE UPPER FLOOR STRUCTURE AND FLOORS

13

8.1 EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURAL WORK TO BEDROOMS .........................................................13

8.2 EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURAL WORK TO BEDROOMS .........................................................14
8.3 STRUCTURAL TECHNIQUES...................................................................................................14
8.4 WATERPROOFING OF INTERNAL FLOORS ...........................................................................15

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL SERVICE DUCTS

15

9.1 HORIZONTAL SERVICE DUCTS ..............................................................................................15

9.2 VERTICAL SERVICE DUCTS....................................................................................................16

10

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL STAIRCASES

17

11

INSULATION WORKS AFFECTING THE STRUCTURE

18

12

PARTICULARS FOR MAJOR REFURBISHMENT WORKS

19

13

MOVEMENT JOINTS

20

13.1
13.2

DESIGN : ...........................................................................................................................20
MATERIALS.......................................................................................................................20

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GENERAL PRINCIPLES
This document does not define the principles of construction, which shall remain the
responsibility of the CONSTRUCTORS, but it comprises specifications and recommendations
for structural systems and details which experience has shown to be important to satisfy
hotel functions.
The structure must be designed to comply with all other sections, paying particular attention
to acoustic, M&E, and Hotel functional requirements such as layout of back of house,
orientation of public areas which must never be compromised. The structure must be
designed to accommodate all of these requirements.
The ground floor structure should be designed to accommodate the functional layout and
orientation outlined elsewhere without the intrusion of structural members into the areas.
Where necessary, columns should be incorporated into partition walls etc. to avoid fouling
corridors and other thoroughfares.
The ground floor ceiling void is to be designed to accommodate horizontal service
distribution, paying particular attention to pinch points i.e. lowest point of horizontal member
and highest point of ceilings must accommodate all services.
The structure shall be designed to ensure that:
the services installations shall not be compromised due to structural constraints
the clear heights required in Dimensional Requirements shall be complied with.

The upper floors will generally accommodate guest rooms.

The building must generally comply with the principles of the reliability of structures as
defined in international standards ISO 2394 and ISO 8930, which set out three objectives:

1 - STRUCTURAL SAFETY

2 - SERVICEABILITY

(Of basic data:)

(Of hotel functions :)

Live loads.
Climatic conditions.
Stability in a fire.
Earthquake resistance

Acoustic insulation
Insertion of services equipment

Thermal insulation.
Appearance of completed works.

3 - DURABILITY
(Of all functions:)

Durability of the structure

Resistance to the climate.
Behaviour in use
Retention of appearance

In order to meet these objectives, the CONSTRUCTORS must:

Apply the official national or international CALCULATION RULES

Take into account all the PARTICULAR CONDITIONS AND CONSTRAINTS OF THE REGION OR OF
THE SITE.

Use the criteria for fire resistance of the structure as defined by THE FIRE SAFETY
CONSULTANT.

Define the overall assembly - structure, walls, floors, partitions, insulation etc.- on the
basis of an overall coherent concept in order to meet the various criteria:
- Accessibility for disabled people
- Acoustic insulation
- Thermal insulation

Have the working drawings prepared by a qualified and experienced STRUCTURAL
ENGINEER and ensure that all interfaces are co-ordinated.

Have the works constructed by a contractor who is qualified to carry out the type of
building proposed.

Have the working drawings and the works checked by an independent STATUTORY
SUPERVISOR approved by the INSURANCE COMPANY.
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NOTE In order to prepare the working drawings, the STRUCTURAL ENGINEER must be
provided with all ACCOR & Hotel Brand Guidelines and or Requirements for construction.

BASIS OF CALCULATION
2.1

LIVE LOADS AND PERMANENT LOADS

Live loads in kN/m2 comprising the dynamic effect factor due to the movement of people,
but not particular effects, particularly rolling loads

Location
kN/m2
Non-accessible flat roofs
1.5
Bedrooms
2.5

3.5

5.0

6.0

Bedroom corridors
Upper floor service rooms
Light vehicle car parks
Public rooms < 50 m
Offices
Storage rooms and service
rooms
Balconies or loggias
Stairs and landings
Halls and circulation areas
Public rooms > 50 m
Kitchen, pantries, associated
areas
Laundry room
Plant rooms
Accessible flat roofs
Roof-top plant rooms
Internal service road

Comments
Or more, depending on snow loads
In order to allow for possible changes in use
Unless they serve public rooms
Plus indentation by car jacks: 8 kN over 10 x 10 cm
Including the corridors serving these rooms

Likely to receive a surge of people

Including the weight of equipment
Including the weight of equipment
Or more, depending on the weight of heavy plant
Load restricted to the zone around the plant
Or more, to check depending on the types of lorries.

The following shall be added to the live loads:

- The dynamic effect factor
- Permanent dead loads

- Point loads:

Cumulative effect of loads:

To be stated for each particular case.

Structure (Structural work, walls, floors, partitions)
External walls and roofs
Floor finishes
False ceilings and incorporated services installations
Vegetable soil on terrace roofs (density 1.8)
Heavy services installations and their bases
Suspended moveable partitions (Check maximum
deflection)
Safes
For loads transferred to the structure on lower floors and to
the foundations:
The permanent dead loads shall be added together.
The live loads may be progressively reduced depending
on the number of floors.

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2.2

OTHER PARAMETERS FOR STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

The following shall be considered and assessed by the STRUCTURAL ENGINEER:

The particular conditions and constraints of the region and site:

-

Acceleration caused by earthquakes.

The effect of wind on the structure.
Snow loads on roofs.
Configuration of the site (differences in level).
Nature of the subsoil.
Level of and variations in water tables.
Danger of flooding of the site.
Vibrations (proximity to a railway line in particularly).

The expansion phenomena which must be taken into account depending on the
exposure to the sun and the difference between extreme temperatures in the region, in
order to determine adequate structural details to prevent cracking, in particular:
-

Expansion joints to divide up the building.

Separation joints in parapet walls
Double layer of reinforcement in concrete facades and gable walls
Increased reinforcement to floors in corners.
NOTE - The works must include the various details resulting from the presence of
construction joints or expansion joints: Doubling-up of structures, double partitions,
weathersealing joints and finishing strips on external walls and roofs, fire resisting joints
and packings to internal floor, wall and ceiling finishes.

The particular technical elements of the project which arise from co-ordination
between the contractors, including, for example:
-

The permanent loads from the structural elements of the external walls, roofs, roof
terraces, etc.
The point loads from plant and its bases
The dead weight and wind loadings from signs located on the roof.
The maximum permissible deflection of beams or slabs to allow moveable partitions
hung from suspended rails to work properly.
The permissible deflection and the construction tolerances in external wall structures
supporting glazed roofs or curtain walling.

CO-ORDINATION - TOLERANCES
Technical co-ordination is essential so that the structural working drawings make allowance
for all other works that have a direct or indirect effect on the structure, particularly:
-

The installation of external joinery and internal door sets.

Accessibility to plant in horizontal and vertical service ducts.
The sizes of ducts and of air intake or extract grilles.
The clear heights needed under beams for ductwork and pipework that is to be fixed in
false ceiling voids.
Holes to be formed and sleeves to be provided for ductwork, pipework and cables to
pass.
Work in connection with the installation of services equipment: blocking of openings,
bases, anti-vibration devices, upstands, sumps, channels, sound-proofing of rooms,
waterproofing of floors, etc.
Tolerances in the structural work shall be restricted to those in the usual standards 1 and
taken into account when designing the method of installation of other trades. They shall
never be used to justify defective or unattractive workmanship.

.
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FOUNDATIONS
A geotechnical and hydrological investigation of the ground, subsoil and the surrounding
area shall always be necessary in order to determine the foundation system and a basis of
calculation capable of ensuring structural safety and durability.
GENERAL RULE - Systematic precautions to be taken in the construction of the foundations:
-

Lining of excavations or other measures to prevent earth from mixing with the concrete.
Analysis of the ground water to check its agressivity.
Placing of blinding concrete at the bottoms of excavations before fixing reinforcing steel.

OTHER PRECAUTIONS that may be necessary depending on circumstances: *

-

Depth of foundations to avoid freezing

Additional investigations at the bottoms of excavations.
Use of special cements that are resistant to aggressive ground water.
Dewatering of excavations to prevent concrete from being washed out by water.

BUILDINGS OF DIFFERENT HEIGHTS

Where there are adjacent structures of different heights,
liable to differential settlement, a construction joint must
be formed to separate the buildings, including their
partitions. This precaution is very important where the
foundations are different or on expanding clay.
PROJECTING STRUCTURES
Steps, staircases, docks or other elements projecting
beyond the external walls must be structurally tied to
the building and founded in the same way, or supported
on brackets. Independent construction on shallow
foundations shall not be permitted.

Construction
joint

OK

WORKS BELOW GROUND LEVEL

5.1

GENERAL RULE
The works below ground level comprise works in an under-floor void, a basement or a
partially-underground ground floor.
They shall always be constructed in reinforced concrete.
The techniques to be used for excavation and associated works shall be defined by the
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER to suit the nature of the ground, the hydrology and any adjacent or
adjoining structures. Works such as protected embankments, shoring, temporary supports,
underpinning, diaphragm walls, sprayed concrete walls, dewatering, pumping, lowering of
the water table, etc. must be stated as part of these techniques.
If there is any danger that the works could cause damage to adjacent or adjoining structures,
the CONSTRUCTORS must implement appropriate preventive measures.

5.2

PROTECTION FROM WATER OR DAMP

Protection against damp and water infiltration must be determined by the DESIGNERS,
depending on:
an assessment of the site risks (hydrological study)
the nature of the areas where traces of damp on the walls can or cannot be tolerated
(acceptable in a car park, unacceptable in a public room).

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PROTECTION MAY COMPRISE, depending on circumstances:

-

Relatively watertight concrete walls (A), protected on the outside with a bituminous
render or with liquid rubber. This shall be the minimum level of protection.
Land drains to the external perimeter, around the underground walls.
Land drains to the internal perimeter, next to the underground walls.
A network of land drains under the floor slabs.
Internally applied tanking (B) or externally applied tanking (C) (D) applied to the floor,
the external walls and carried up columns, internal walls and floors (see sketch below)

In the case of tanking: the reinforced concrete

raft foundation or structural slab and perimeter
walls must be capable of withstanding the
pressure and the building must be ballasted by
means of its dead weight or by anchor piles.
A tanked floor must be formed as a raft
foundation or pressure-resistant slab. A trafficable
finish must be applied to tanked floors.

Internal
tanking

Trafficable
finish

Raft

DEFINITIONS
(A) RELATIVELY WATERTIGHT WALL - As the concrete wall provides the waterproofing on its
own, slight water leakage, recorded as a weekly average for the whole of the enclosing
structure, will be acceptable: 1.0 l/m/day and, for any length of enclosing structure of 10 m:
2.0 l/m/day.
(B) INTERNALLY APPLIED TANKING TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS - The waterproofing finish shall
be formed from waterproof renders or pellicular, resin-based renders. It shall form an internal
skin, adhering to its background, that can provide waterproofing on its own, but which cannot
withstand appreciable cracking of the background.
(C) EXTERNALLY APPLIED TANKING TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS - The waterproofing shall
consist of a plastic, elasto-plastic or elastic finish applied to the outside of the structure and
resistant to water pressure. This finish does not necessarily have to adhere to the structure
as the pressure of the water holds them together. This finish must be capable of adapting to
slight deformation or cracking of the surfaces to which it is applied or which hold it together.
(D) EXTERNALLY APPLIED TANKING TO PREVENT WATER EGRESS - The waterproofing shall have
the same characteristics as tanking (C); but the finish must adhere to the structure as,
otherwise, the pressure of the water could push it off.
COLLECTION OF LEAKS INTO BASEMENTS
In car parks, plant rooms and other secondary areas in . Partition
basements, whatever type of waterproofing is used,
lining
channels must be provided at the base of the perimeter
walls to collect and run any leaks to a pumped removal
system.
Channel
In the main basement areas, these channels must be
provided behind internal partition linings.

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PROTECTION FROM RISING DAMP

A waterproof layer must always be provided in order to .
prevent damp rising from the ground outside.
It should be adequately stepped to suit the external
ground level.
Several techniques are possible, including the use of a
waterproofing agent in the concrete.

5.3

Internal
floor
Waterproof
layer

UNDER-FLOOR VOIDS
Under-floor voids must be accessible for the inspection and maintenance of the services
installations, but access may be limited to horizontal service ducts with a clear height of a
minimum of 1.80 m under the fixed pipework and of adequate width.
Access to the services shall be by means of an internal or external staircase and useable
exits must be provided at the ends of the ducts in order to avoid dead ends.

D
A

1,80
B

C
E

A
B
C
D

5.4

The thermal insulation under the ground floor slab must be of a non-inflammable,
rotproof and vermin-proof material.
The floor of the duct must have, as a minimum, a blinding layer of gravel, but, where the
ground is damp or clayey, it must have a land drain and/or a concrete slab.
Depending on the nature and the composition of the ground, the duct may be
delineated by an embankment or a compacted earth wall.
Ventilation to the under-floor void must be provided on opposite ends through verminproof and rust-proof metal grilles. Depending on the external ground level, these
openings should be protected by shafts up to ground level.
Land drain under duct, if required

BASEMENT CAR PARKS

ACCESSIBILITY - The structure must be designed so that all the spaces are accessible and, in
particular, it is recommended that the columns are set out on a line behind the fronts of the
parking spaces (A) and with chamfers (B) and that wider spaces are formed against the walls
(C).
ACCESS RAMPS - The minimum width must be 3.50 m where one-way and 6.00 m where twoway. In curved sections, these widths must be increased to 4.50 and 8.00 m and the radius
of curvature must be compatible with the turning circles of the vehicles allowed into the car
park. The slope must be no more than 16% externally and 18% internally, with shallower
sections at top and bottom of 8% for a length of 2 m or 5% for a length of 4 m at the exit (D)
(for visibility).
C

D
2 m 8%

16 or 18%

2 m 8%

A
2,50

2,50

2,50 2,50

3,00

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CLEAR HEIGHT The minimum clear height under beams or pipework shall be 2.10 m in
general and 2.25 m at the points of access for people in wheelchairs.
FLOORS AND DRAINAGE - The floors must be laid to falls (minimum 0.5%) so that vehicle
washing water and any spilt liquids can run to untrapped gulleys connected to a petrol
interceptor upstream from the drainage pumps. The gulleys shall be located away from the
vehicle parking spaces. In order to prevent water running into the stairs or lift shafts or down
to a lower level, the floor must be raised by 3 cm in entrance lobbies and at the top of each
ramp.
5.5

PROTECTION AGAINST TERMITES

This protection must be provided if necessary, depending on whether the region or site is
susceptible to being affected by termites.

BASEMENT FLOOR SLABS

Several types of floor slabs can be used depending on the configuration of the building and
the nature of the ground:
Ground floor on solid ground or over under-floor void

Ground floor over basement

D
Reinforced concrete slab
Thermal insulation

A
E

Damp proof membrane

Blinding screed

A - REINFORCED CONCRETE GROUND SLAB ON SOLID GROUND This can be constructed in a

basement or at the ground floor if the nature of the ground makes it suitable. It shall be
independent of the structure and sub-divided by joints and shall be laid over a damp
proof membrane and a blinding screed, plus thermal insulation if necessary. This type of
slab shall be used in parking areas, plant rooms or stores. Because of the joints, it is
unsuitable for use in public areas, offices and service areas.
B - REINFORCED CONCRETE SUSPENDED SLAB OVER SOLID GROUND - This shall be constructed
as the slab at A above, but the reinforced concrete slab shall be tied to the walls and to
the structure and shall transfer all the loads onto the foundations. It is suitable for use in
all areas.
C - SUSPENDED FLOOR SLAB OVER UNDER-FLOOR VOID OR BASEMENT - This can be
constructed from reinforced concrete or using other techniques, if required, provided
that it meets the criteria for fire resistance and for sound insulation, depending on the
type of room beneath. It shall generally have thermal insulation on its soffit, in a noninflammable material (or non-combustible in certain cases).
Alternative: The thermal insulation may be fixed on top of the slab and, in this case, it
must be covered with a reinforced concrete slab to take the floor finish.
D - INTERMEDIATE BASEMENT FLOOR SLAB - This can be constructed from reinforced concrete
or using other techniques, if required, provided that it meets the criteria for fire
resistance and for sound insulation, depending on the type of room beneath. It shall, if
necessary, have thermal insulation on its soffit, in a non-inflammable material (or noncombustible in certain cases).
E - RAFT FOUNDATION - This foundation technique may be necessary, depending on the
nature of the ground or to provide pressure resistance when tanking is necessary.
F - EXTERNAL THRESHOLDS - The top of the reinforced concrete must be rebated in order to
fix a rustproof metal weather strip and to take the external finish (cement screed, stone,
tiling, etc.).
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INTEGRATION OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES BELOW GROUND LEVEL

7.1

NETWORKS OF PIPEWORK UNDER PRESSURE AND CABLES

These services must never be run underground or cast into concrete below ground.
They must be run within the areas of basements, horizontal service ducts and accessible
under-floor voids, with sleeves where passing through walls and floors and, in certain cases,
(depending on the risks), with fire-resistant or steam-proof casings.
When the configuration of the works below ground level or safety criteria do not allow the
services to pass through these areas, they must be run in ducts or sleeves.
It must always be assumed that the pipework and cables will have to be repaired or
replaced and access provided for this purpose through the tops of the ducts or by means of
access panels at the ends of the sleeves.
In the case of a tanked basement (see 5.2):
-

The services must pass through the external

walls at a level above the top of the tanking.(A)

If that is not possible, a tanked riser (B) or

efficient damp-proofing sleeves (C) must be
provided.
If channels are built into the structure, the
tanking must be continued into them (D)

7.2

DRAINAGE PIPEWORK
Drainage pipework in basement areas, horizontal service ducts and under-floor voids forms
part of the plumbing works, but it does have an effect on the structural work in respect of the
heights of beams and the formation of holes and openings through walls and floors.
Pipework which is underground or cast into the concrete, and drainage work below ground
level shall form part of the structural work and may concern several services which shall
always be kept separate:
-

Rainwater from the roofs.

Rainwater from light wells or ramps running to a pumped removal system.
Waste water from the hotel.
Waste water from levels below ground run to a pumped removal system.
Waste water from the kitchen run to a grease trap.
Waste water from the laundry run to a settlement tank.
Waste water from the car park run to a petrol interceptor.
Water from the land drains next to the perimeter walls
Water from the land drains under the slab

PIPEWORK THAT IS UNDERGROUND OR CAST INTO CONCRETE

This pipework can be located, depending on circumstances, under the ground floor or
basement floor or outside the building, along the external walls.
Underground pipework will only be permitted where the slab is on solid ground as diagram
A in article 6.
In the case of a suspended slab over solid ground as diagram B in article
6, the pipework must be encased in weak mix concrete above the slab in
order to guarantee its stability and to leave a certain amount of flexibility in
the event of subsequent alterations. This concerns, particularly, kitchen
installations on solid ground.

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In the case of a raft foundation as diagram E in article 6, although a certain amount of

flexibility must be maintained, the pipework must be encased in weak mix concrete above
the tanked raft following the same principle as above. Otherwise it can be cast into the
concrete of the raft.
TYPES OF PIPEWORK
- For drainage from kitchens and laundry rooms
- In other cases
CHANNELS, FLOOR DRAINS AND GULLEYS

Cast iron or steel with rustproofing

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

- In kitchen and laundry room floors

Stainless steel
- In toilets and tiled areas
Stainless steel
- In car parks and plant rooms
Cast iron or steel with rustproofing
- In secondary areas and stores
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
INSPECTION CHAMBERS
These must be located in services areas, car parks or secondary areas or corridors and
never in a public area, offices or sensitive areas, such as kitchens.
They must be sealed against smells and, where located in a tiled floor, they must have a
double cover finished with the same tiling, in a double rustproof frame (See A below).
External pipework run along the external walls of the building must never be laid on backfill.
It must have a proper foundation or be continuously supported on brackets tied into the
building (See B below).
Pipework passing through the perimeter walls to run to external inspection chambers must
be provided with the appropriate fittings to prevent the danger of breakage due to differential
settlement (See C below).
A

Danger of breakage
to be dealt with as
appropriate

7.3

PITS, CHANNELS AND DRAINAGE EQUIPMENT

These works may comprise, depending on the project:
-

Settlement tank and grease trap for the kitchen.

Settlement tank and petrol interceptor for the car parks.
Settlement tank for the laundry.
Sump for pumped removal system.
Sumps in plant rooms.
Fire fighting water storage tank.
Domestic water storage tank.
Channels at the bottoms of ramps.
Intercepting trap for oil-fired boiler room.

Depending on their size and position, these items of equipment shall be constructed from
reinforced concrete with internal waterproofing or from prefabricated single-piece units made
from reinforced concrete, rustproofed steel or polyester.

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Where they are incorporated within a sealed tanked structure, the prefabricated units must
be located in reinforced concrete pits into which the tanking shall be extended.
Covers, access hatches, step irons and other metal accessories must be effectively
protected against corrosion (galvanisation as a minimum).
The settlement tank and grease trap for the kitchen must preferably be located externally,
close to the building, otherwise it must be located in a plant room and sleeves must be
provided to allow the connection of the flexible pipe from the emptying lorry.

PRINCIPLES OF THE UPPER FLOOR STRUCTURE AND FLOORS

8.1

EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURAL WORK TO BEDROOMS

A - Load-bearing walls between
bedrooms

B - Load-bearing walls every other

bedroom

C - Load-bearing external and internal

walls

Flexibility

A - The reinforced concrete walls on their own provide sound insulation and the required
level of fire resistance between the bedrooms.
B Sound insulation and the required level of fire resistance between the bedrooms are
provided by the walls and the intermediate partitions. By increasing the size of the grid,
this type of structure makes it easier to transfer the loads onto the public common areas
or the car parks at the lower levels. It also allows the flexibility of creating double-sized
or communicating bedrooms (provided that the load-bearing walls are located on the
same grid as the service ducts).
C Sound insulation and the required level of fire resistance between the bedrooms are
provided by the partitions. This type of structure completely frees the grid required to
transfer the loads onto the public common areas or the car parks at the lower levels.
ABC

Common rule: Beams across corridors or service ducts must always be

avoided.
OK

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8.2

EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURAL WORK TO BEDROOMS

Walls (generally load-bearing) are inevitable around difficult points such as stair wells and lift
shafts and around the main rooms and service ducts. Walls are also necessary for the wind
bracing of the structure and for fire-resisting compartmenting between the main zones.
Apart from the walls referred to above, the structure of the public common areas must be
constructed from columns and beams in order to retain a certain level of flexibility for the
distribution of rooms and to enable them to be changed subsequently.

8.3

STRUCTURAL TECHNIQUES
REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES AND FLOORS
Reinforced concrete construction satisfies the various hotel criteria and may comprise:
-

Reinforced concrete gable walls minimum 16 cm thick.

Reinforced concrete cross walls between the bedrooms minimum 16 cm thick.
Walls of varying thicknesses (depending on loading and fire stability calculations) to
staircases, lift shafts, plant rooms and sundry areas
Reinforced concrete columns and beams to the public common areas
Solid reinforced concrete floor slabs

Minimum thickness of bedroom floor slabs:

-

Typical floors between bedrooms

Between bedrooms and public rooms
Between bedrooms and noisy rooms
Vertically above rooms occupied by third parties

17 cm
21 cm
23 cm
25 cm

(Noisy rooms: Multi-purpose rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, plant rooms, car parks, etc.).
The surface finish to the reinforced concrete works need not be rendered or screeded:
-

Careful surfacing of floors to receive floor finishes fixed with adhesive

Fair face shuttering to receive linings and paint on walls and ceilings

Areas of flooring with an untreated finish must nevertheless be provided for floor finishes
bedded in mortar (tiling, stone or marble) and for the door mats at entrances.
ACOUSTIC CRITERIA Caution: The minimum thicknesses stated above are given subject to
acoustic performance criteria as defined in the acoustic requirements for construction.
STRENGTHENED OR ADAPTED STRUCTURES The structural principle defined above may require
adaptations, particularly increased thicknesses of walls and floors, depending on the
reinforced concrete calculations, the site and/or the configuration of the project, including, for
example:
-

High rise buildings (towers)

Earthquake zone
Transfer of loads to an existing substructure

PREFABRICATION IN REINFORCED CONCRETE

Prefabrication shall not be excluded and may
be considered particularly for external wall units, flights of stairs or beams for hollow pot
floors, but it shall always require a particular design study in order to show exhaustively that
the works meet all the technical and functional criteria, including those of appearance. For
example, the joints between prefabricated units must never be visible (or become visible due
to cracking) on the bedroom walls and ceilings.
In the case of construction in an earthquake zone, the prefabrication techniques shall be
limited and shall be subject to a particular design study to ensure that they comply with the
rules of calculation of earthquake-resistant buildings.

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METAL STRUCTURES - Metal structures may be considered for associated structures

(projecting sections of the public common areas for example) or for the whole building when
it is necessary to comply with particular technical requirements - Great height, earthquakes,
short contract period - or with techniques usually used in the region.
The design of metal structures must take into account all the particular technical and
functional criteria, particularly: Protection against corrosion2, finishes or casings to ensure
the stability of the metal in a fire, durability and ten year guarantee of all these functions. The
design must also define the component parts of the floors, partitions, ceilings and various
works which will contribute towards the sound insulation between rooms.
TIMBER STRUCTURES - Timber structures may only be considered for:
- Roof structures
- Associated structures (projecting sections of the public common areas for example).
The design of timber structures must take into account all the particular technical and
functional criteria, particularly:
-

Fungicidal and insecticidal protection and protection against cryptogamic plants.

Stability in a fire.
Durability.
Ten year guarantee of all these functions.

Protection from the risks inherent in timber structures must also be provided, in particular:
8.4

Rising damp (cutting off of capillarity).

Shrinkage of the timber when wet.
Creaking created when walking on floors.

WATERPROOFING OF INTERNAL FLOORS

Waterproofing to the floors is to be provided to rooms such as: Kitchen and associated
areas, laundry room, boiler room, plumbing and air conditioning plant rooms, horizontal
services ducts, etc. when they are located above:
-

rooms that are "sensitive": electrical plant rooms, public rooms, bedrooms
premises of any kind occupied by third parties (including car parks if they do not form
part of the hotel)

This waterproofing may be achieved by using an epoxy resin based finish with the required
guarantee (ten year guarantee), applied to the reinforced concrete floor and carried up onto
adjacent concrete works: skirtings, thresholds, bases and upstands where pipes pass
through.
The resin finish may form the floor finish (case of plant rooms) or be finished with tiling
(kitchen for example). The rooms involved shall generally have falls to drain water to floor
gulleys or channels.

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL SERVICE DUCTS

9.1

HORIZONTAL SERVICE DUCTS

Horizontal service ducts are generally located below ground level (see specifications above)
but, in certain cases, horizontal service ducts may be necessary above ground level,
particularly in the case of horizontal plumbing installations located above sensitive areas of
the hotel or above third parties.
In this case, the ducts must be easily accessible for any maintenance or repair of the
services and must have waterproofing on the floor, turned up onto the skirtings, and
drainage gulleys connected to a system where water flow can be seen in a plant room so
that any leaks are rapidly detected.

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9.2

VERTICAL SERVICE DUCTS

A - Ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, A
electricity and low voltage ducts.
These ducts shall always be sealed off at
floor level and shall be accessible via a fire
resisting door at each floor level.
This shall concern mainly the bedroom
service ducts which combine several
functions.

D-E
Possible prefabrication
of bedroom service
ducts

B - Ducts containing only metal air supply, B

extraction or smoke extract ductwork.
These ducts shall always be sealed at each
floor level. In general, they shall not have
access doors.

E
Shaft
Duct

C
Sealed ducts that form the air C
ductwork itself. They shall not be sealed at
each floor level and continuity of the
airtightness of the vertical walls must be
ensured for the full height. This concerns
particularly the fresh air supplies for the
smoke extract and air intake or foul air
extract ductwork.

Vertical service ducts shall require particular attention to the design of the structure in
relation to the design of the services installations, so that all their functions are satisfied and
all installation details are properly dealt with:
-

As the ducts are sensitive points for the spread of fire, they must be enclosed and
sealed so as to prevent the danger of transmission of smoke and fire between floors,
and systematic checks must be made so that all holes through which smoke could
infiltrate are properly blocked.

The ducts must ensure the acoustic insulation between the duct itself and adjacent
rooms and, in many cases, between rooms above each other (this is the case for the
bedroom service ducts).

Ducts that contain air ductwork, pipework or cables must allow these installations to be
properly installed and to be accessible for the operation, maintenance and possible
replacement of certain elements.

The installation of ductwork, pipework and cables shall require the forming of holes and
openings through the structure, the fixing of sleeves, with the appropriate packing, at
holes through floors and walls, in order to satisfy fire resistance and acoustic insulation
requirements.

A B - VERTICAL PARTITIONS AROUND DUCTS - Several techniques are possible: Traditional

reinforced concrete, reinforced concrete prefabrication, rendered masonry partition, plaster
tile or plasterboard partition. Before making this choice, it is important to take into account
the conditions of installation of the four surrounding walls, connections at corners if one of
the walls is of a different type, the fixing of sleeves and packings and connections on the
external and internal surfaces.

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C - VERTICAL PARTITIONS AROUND DUCTS THAT ARE NOT SEALED OFF The same techniques as
A and B are possible but it is essential to ensure the continuity of the air sealing of the duct
where passing through floors. Reinforced concrete construction fully meets this criterion.
A B - HORIZONTAL SEALING OFF AT EACH LEVEL - The concrete seal must provide the same
level of fire resistance as the floor. It may be formed after the ductwork and pipework and
their sleeves have been installed. It can also be formed with prefabricated slabs, prepared in
advance, with circular holes. In all cases, additional packing is necessary between the
pipework and its sleeves.
A - FLOORS TO ACCESSIBLE DUCTS - The floor inside the duct must be smooth and at a slightly
higher level than the floor of the corridor or room in order to avoid an accumulation of dust.
D E - POSSIBLE PREFABRICATION Prefabrication in reinforced concrete of slabs over shafts
(D) and of the three walls (E) of the bedroom ducts which are of a repetitive nature may
rationally be considered. This will also allow suspended WC pans to be fixed to the
reinforced concrete duct walls.

10 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL STAIRCASES

The STRUCTURAL ENGINEER must always prepare accurate setting out details as part of the
working drawings for staircases to comply with accessibility and fire safety requirements
(See Accor guidelines and local regulations).
Reinforced concrete staircases, possibly prefabricated, satisfy all necessary criteria, but
other techniques may be considered, particularly for external staircases, which may be
metal, provided that they are effectively protected against corrosion.
FIRE STABILITY This shall not be necessary for flights of stairs when they are located in an
enclosed stair well or externally. On the other hand, it shall be necessary when the staircase
structure forms part of the general structure or when the flight comprises the separation
between two areas.
NON-SLIP TREADS This requirement concerns all staircases without exception and, in
general, requires the use of non-slip nosings. There may be different types of non-slip finish
depending on the situation of the staircase. For example, an external staircase finished with
stone requires particular attention.
A

In general, flights of stairs should be connected to top and intermediate landings

without a downstand beam.

They must have risers. Flights without risers may be considered exceptionally for
staircases of a monumental nature.

The treads must be prepared with the necessary thicknesses or surface finish to take
the various finishes (carpet, tiling, etc.). In the case of an escape staircase or a service
staircase which is finished only with floor paint, non-slip grooved metal nosings
(galvanised steel or rustproofed metal) must be built into the treads.

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11 INSULATION WORKS AFFECTING THE STRUCTURE

See also: insulation of floor slabs below ground level Article 6.

B C
D
E
F
Passage

Floating screed

Exposed

A Protection of the metal structures or floors against fire may be provided by means of a
sprayed or paste fireproofing, classified as non-combustible. On metal, the product must
be compatible with the rustproofing treatment.
B Thermal insulation that is exposed on the soffit of a floor slab must be formed from a
non-combustible material (or non-inflammable in an under-floor void), using panels fixed
into the shuttering or a sprayed or paste protection, provided that it can be painted with
a stabilising and finishing coat in occupied areas.
C The acoustic correction to the soffit of a floor slab that may be necessary to soundproof
a noisy room must be formed from a non-combustible material, using panels fixed into
the shuttering or a sprayed paste or fibrous protection, provided that it can be painted
with a stabilising and finishing coat in occupied areas.
D The thermal insulation to the top of a floor to a roof void must include a vapour barrier
(above or below, depending on the climate). It must be formed from durable, noncompressible and non-volatile insulating panels (glass wool mats, in particular, shall not
be used). If access is required to services, it must be protected with rigid panels.
E The thermal insulation under a floating slab must be formed from panels with a crushing
strength compatible with the live loads and point loads, extruded polystyrene for
example, covered with a damp-proof membrane in order to avoid runs of concrete.
F The floating screeds that may be necessary for the acoustic insulation of certain plant
rooms must be laid on an efficient, resilient material, compatible with the loads, covered
with a damp-proof membrane in order to avoid runs of concrete. Upstands around the
edges shall be formed to prevent any non-cushioned contact with the walls and
structure.
Where waterproofing is required, it can be formed on top, using a "trafficable" type
resin. Upstands around the perimeter, thresholds and upstands where sleeves pass
through shall be essential to create a waterproof tanked area.
G The acoustic insulation of a double partition shall be formed using a glass wool
insulating material of the appropriate density. There must be no contact between the
two partitions and, in general, the partitions should be in materials of different density
and/or thickness.
If cement-based finishing renders are necessary, care should be taken that the
thickness of the partition is sufficient to withstand the tension and, therefore, cracking.
H Thermal insulation using a partition lining shall generally be carried out below ground
level in heated rooms or damp rooms, such as kitchens. The insulation must be in an
inert and rigid material (extruded polystyrene for example) and must be fixed with no
contact with the external wall. If a render is necessary: same specification as above (G).
INSULATION OF FLOORS ABOVE COLD STORES
Note Refer to the thermal insulation requirements.

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COMMON RULES
The insulation materials listed above provide functions connected with the structure and, as
such, must be durable and covered by the ten year liability. In particular, they must last a
long time, without settling, disintegrating or becoming unstuck.
The following shall be forbidden under all circumstances:
All insulation materials containing asbestos fibres
Sprayed protection containing rock fibres
Polyurethane foam insulating materials or other products containing chlorine or nitrogen,
and likely to give off harmful gases in the event of a fire

12 PARTICULARS FOR MAJOR REFURBISHMENT WORKS

Major refurbishment works to an existing building may include extension, creation or
reconstruction works that are similar to new construction work and specific refurbishment,
strengthening or alterations to existing works that require particular measures.
A technical audit and investigations shall be essential in order to evaluate the characteristics
of the existing building and to specify the work necessary in all fields, particularly those in the
following table.
Functions to be checked
stairs,

Recommendations

Strength of floors,
balconies, etc.

terraces, It is recommended that the deflection

under controlled loads is measured so as
to check the theoretical calculations.

Structural
condition
of
elements and floor joists.

Possible presence of termites.

In general, a certificate should be issued at

the time of purchase of a building.

Rising damp.

Seek the origin of the problem.

load-bearing Check, in particular, the deterioration of

concrete elements, the corrosion of steel
(Half-timbered construction is particularly elements and the biological attack or
rotting of timber (particularly in moulded
critical in this respect).
sections).

Electrical or other treatment may be

necessary in certain cases.

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Flooding of basements.

Level of fire resistance of floors, walls and In general, when the fire resistance cannot
partitions.
be evaluated by calculation, sprayed
protection or plasterboard casings will be
necessary to ensure this function

Acoustic insulation of floors,

partitions and external walls.
of

under-sill

In general, this information may be

obtained from the history of the building or
from the river authorities.

walls, See Acoustic requirements.

panels

The need to improve the sound insulation

is very frequent, even for recent buildings.

The height
balustrades

and This must generally be a minimum of 1 m.

Thermal characteristics of the building.

10

Compatibility of loads on the existing In general, a schedule of the loads that are
foundations.
to be added and removed should be
prepared in order to check that the existing
foundations will not be taking an increased
loading (or at least by not more than an
acceptable amount).

Where the walls are very thick, it is always

necessary to check whether insulation is
needed or not.

13 MOVEMENT JOINTS
13.1 DESIGN :
The hotel must be designed to accommodate any movement which may occur from any
source such as:
- structural movement
- expansion and contractions
- abutment of different materials
- vibration.
In existing buildings a study shall be carried out to determine the position of existing
movements joints.
The joints shall be taken through to the surface finishes and shall be treated such that they
are:
- disguised
- positioned to align with finishes modules or patterns
- slip jointed.
A drawing shall be incorporated indicating the position and details of all such joints.

13.2 MATERIALS
The use of mastic pointing to form movement joints shall be avoided, and where available
monolithic, proprietary systems shall be used and fixed strictly in accordance with
manufacturers recommendations.
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