One of the things we hope to find out is how specialists differentiate between the structures they build. I am fairly confident that the data structure based on 18 entities will be appropriate for analysing most civil engineering structures. However I am also sure that they will need to have specific definitions for the different uses to which the entities are put.

The example we encountered in developing the data structure for Defence Infrastructure Organisation was 'Pavements'. All pavements have the same elements and we have drafted generic definitions, but we found that we needed to write specific definitions for airfield pavements to make them relevant to surveyors and engineers who specialised in this sort of work. I am sure we will need specific definitions for roads as well, so that the communications element will include aircraft landing lights for runways and traffic lights for roads.

The potential number of specific definitions is huge; it is for this reason that we are trying to engage with the individual sectors to see if there are existing defined data structures that will fit into our overall concept of a generic data structure based on Entities  and Elements.

We have already started discussions with Network Rail and London Underground that look positive. Network Rail is developing an Analysis of Cost of Railway Engineering Works and Railway Rules of Measurement, which, at the top level, certainly fits in with the concepts in the SFCECA.

We are looking at data structures used by the Environment Agency and the Water Industry.

The object of developing the standard is to facilitate the development of benchmark costs that relate to functions that a structure fulfils rather than how it is constructed.

So for a standard that will be adopted as widely as possible we need to build a set of rules that are defined in words that are understood by each sector but retain the underlying generic structure.

What's in a name? A pavement by any other name would provide a usable surface.

Consultation documents are available from: www.bcis.co.uk/sfcecaconsult