To achieve a license to promote a system as “SCI Assessed” a formal process has to be followed. This process applies to both standard and bespoke systems.
Standard systems with tabulated data for product selection
The information required from the system supplier is:
1. The scope of the applications for which it is claimed the system is adequate.
2. The range of loadings and/or locations (from which the snow and wind loads can be derived) for which the system is designed.
3. Specification of materials including connectors which are to be used in the system.
4. Design tables together with a clear statement of the design process with the relevant equations, together with any assumptions and interpretations of standards, used to generate the published design data together with worked examples. The design should generally be to British or Eurocode standards supplemented where relevant with appropriate test results. Temporary conditions should be included. Where software is used the programs (and versions used) should be identified and evidence of validation produced as appropriate.
5. Derivation of section properties used in the design process.
6. System manual including sufficient typical working drawings, details and relevant method statements against which the system is manufactured, transported and installed.
7. Details and results from any test work which has been used to help develop the design.
Extension to Bespoke Designs
Where the nature of the system is such that the standard range can be extended to include bespoke designs (or where bespoke designs are the norm) the assessment must focus on the process used rather than prescribed design tables.
The information required is:
1. A design manual with all steps clearly identified with the equations used and their derivation identified. The design should generally be to British or Eurocode standards supplemented where relevant with appropriate test results. The test programme and the derivation of the results will be required for assessment. The manual is to include the process for assessing loadings, frame analysis and design, member selection, connection design and the checking regime.
2. Necessary supporting information such as the derivation of the section properties for the components.
3. Specifications of all materials including connectors.
4. System manual with sufficient typical working drawings, details and method statements against which the system is manufactured, transported and erected.
SCI Work
A two stage process is envisaged:
1. First stage for which a fixed fee is charged:-
a. Review the information provided and identify any obvious omissions which would prevent assessment. This is to ensure assessment process can be carried out efficiently and in a timely way.
b. Provide a quotation to complete the work on the assumption that omissions will be rectified.
2. Second stage
a. Review the information supplied against the appropriate standards and check accuracy of data and examples.
b. Report back to supplier on areas where information is inadequate or missing.
c. Review further information.
d. Repeat process until satisfied.
e. Review information to be published in paper or electronic form where the SCI Assessed logo is to be used.
Administrative issues
The SCI report and information supplied by the supplier will be stored electronically for record purposes. Hard copy of the supplier information and SCI report will also be retained.