Oxford Method Research Programme

In order to meet the discipline of Oxford Method the following basic principles were adopted

• dimensional co-ordination based on a module of 100mm and a planning grid of 600 mm imposes a discipline on planning to enable standard components to be used.
• use of a structural grid within the dimensional planning discipline above.
• rapid dry construction with maximum use of factory made components.
• full integration of engineering services into the structure and design of the building.
• early enclosure of the building envelope to enable work to proceed despite bad weather.
• maximum and economic use of mechanical equipment on site and elimination of scaffolding.
• use of standard design data.
• use of carefully prepared performance specifications for individual components.
• The use of dimensional co-ordination greatly simplifies the planning problem and the actual mechanics of design is much accelerated. Coded and gridded drawings, supplemented by standard drawings, further reduce, by up to one-third, the time required for preparing production drawings.

The dimensional discipline also makes possible functional and structural changes, both in the short term involving replanning of the internal arrangements but leaving the external envelope unchanged, and in the longer term where the unit may become functionally obsolete and uneconomical to run, needing major reorganisation. In any case, the structure being a light weight one does not inhibit future major reorganisation to the same extent and may even be considered to have an inbuilt obsolescence factor. In this way the life-span of the building will be determined by its suitability to fulfil its function and by the relationship between running and capital costs and not by the permanence of the building fabric. At present the cost of major alterations can be as high as 60% of the cost of new buildings and as this gap between the cost of alterations and new buildings narrows so will the principle of complete replacement be more readily accepted, resulting in greater efficiency and less domination from the past.

Factory made components and mainly dry construction techniques, coupled with the standardised approach, greatly increase the scope for accelerating the building process.

Already inroads have been made on reducing the contract periods but with the use of more mechanical plant, more sophisticated scheduling techniques, and a fuller understanding by contractors, substantial reductions in building time are possible.

The use of both standard components and a planning module would further facilitate the use of computer aided design techniques in determining more accurately and more quickly the relative merits of alternative arrangements and their effect on cost, environment, efficiency, heating load, and so on.

All the various facets of the Oxford Method contribute to the need for a flexible solution to the building problem, within which the service may evolve according to the latest requirements. The solution further provides a predictable standard of finish which is durable, easily cleaned and hygienic, attractive and readily renewable. Environmental conditions can also be produced to match requirements within selected zones, complete overall flexibility in this respect could be provided, but at an increased initial capital cost.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF OXFORD METHOD

The major groups of components within the Oxford Method consist of

• substructure
• steel framework
• external envelope
  (a) cladding panels
  (b) roof
• concrete floor slabs
• suspended ceilings
• partitions
• engineering services
• furniture and fittings
• finishes

The Oxford Method relies on a definite sequence of operations; the primary elements (eg the structure) dictating the degree of accuracy required of secondary components. The framework of a larger component delineates the space for the infilling ones, and the sequential fit of one into another creates a set pattern of accuracy, tolerances and joints. Because of this accuracy, the design of joints between components reflected the quality of the solution. The original decision to provide sheltered working conditions over the site, allowing work to proceed uninterrupted under cover, at the same time creates a set pattern of site operations. The sequence of assembly that evolved from the operational decisions follows a routine pattern

• bases
• substructure
• framework
• roof
• suspended floor slabs
• cladding
• services
• suspended ceilings
• partitions
• finishes

There is however considerable scope for many of the operations to be undertaken concurrently rather sequentially, thus contributing to the shortening of the duration of the contract.

The demand for a high degree of accuracy in the production of components in the factory is further followed by the recommendation of accuracy in the setting out stage of the site works. The use of a theodolite by the general contractor is stipulated and the setting out of a perimeter frame sequence is followed by the setting out of structural grids.

To assist the designer, manufacturer, and building contractor, the location drawings and elevations are gridded and use the ordnance survey map type of reference grid. The absence of dimensions and the use of grids, together with the established dimensional zones and the standard sets of elemental details, ease communication between the architect and contractor. It must be emphasised that whilst there is a high degree of standardisation in Oxford Method building it is the approach rather than the solution which is standardised: the approach may be varied on occasion to meet particular needs, but deviations may have unforeseen repercussions.

The flexibility of the Oxford Method depends on the dimensionally co-ordinated ranges of components which may be used in the design and construction of all departments.

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