Key Changes in AMA Anläggning 23

Work on what has been launched as AMA Anläggning 23 began in early 2021. A record number of comments from the industry were submitted during the consultation process, and AMA Anläggning 23 ultimately included around 600 changes, with a focus on user-friendliness and sustainability.

It is not possible to go through all the changes, section by section and code by code, within the scope of this article. Instead, we will focus on the most significant changes.

Preliminary Work as Part of the Investigation

In the development of AMA Anläggning 23, an extended investigation process, called preliminary work, was applied to certain sections that required more comprehensive investigation. The preliminary work included rain beds, road barriers, and contaminated materials, resulting in a separate guidance for materials and several new codes and headings.

Separate Guidance for Materials

The separate guidance was titled "Handling of Materials – Guidance for AMA Anläggning 23" and addresses material handling in general. This guidance serves as an independent complement to the AMA system and provides recommendations for setting requirements regarding material handling in a construction project.

Invasive Alien Species Must Be Stopped!

Regarding material handling, AMA Anläggning 23 also introduces major changes with new codes prescribing how invasive alien species should be managed in connection with this.

In EU Regulation (1143/2014) on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, 88 species are listed as being so harmful in EU countries that they warrant a ban in all member states. In a construction project, it is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the material handling is done without the risk of spreading these species. This means that an inventory of the work area is required, either before establishment or before excavation and filling work is carried out.

This obviously complicates material handling, and to address this, additional guidance has been included under several codes and headings, including sections BBB and BBC in RA. Furthermore, requirements have been introduced stating that products such as soil, crushed materials, plant beds, etc., must be free from plants/plant parts of invasive alien species. These new requirements are outlined in codes such as DCL, DCK.15-16, DCK.25-26, and DGB.3-4.

New Codes for Rain Beds

The industry has long requested AMA codes for specifying solutions for stormwater management. In AMA Anläggning 23, their requests have been met. The new edition includes handling of stormwater delay in two new codes under the section on plant beds: DCL.241 for rain beds with surface intake and DCL.242 for rain beds with subsurface intake.

Increased Amount of Additives in Concrete

A change to the Swedish concrete standard SS 137003, based on climate transition, has led to a revision of the section EBE "Concrete Casting in Construction." The EBE section has been reworked and modernized overall.

Removal of Barcodes in DCC and PB

With AMA Anläggning 23, barcodes in AMA and RA have been removed. Previously, barcodes were used to indicate categories A, B, or C for asphalt pavings under DCC and to indicate laying methods for pipelines under PB. These barcodes have now been replaced by the established codes for production results.

Movement of Sheet Pile

Another new feature in AMA Anläggning 23 is that BG "Sheet Pile in Preliminary Work, etc." has been removed, and all sheet piles are now handled the same way under CDF "Geotechnical Support Structures," whether they are temporary or permanent.

Avoiding Misunderstandings and Disputes When AMA Anläggning is Contracted

The updates to AMA, RA, and MER Anläggning occur every three years. In the meantime, it is wise to stay updated on new technologies, new standards, and any corrections, etc., in AMA News. The text in AMA News must be included in the technical description if the client wants it to form part of the contract. Similarly, the careful client uses the advice in RA.

Common disputes in quantity contracts involve disagreements about what is actually included in a certain code, how changes in quantities should be handled, and how the contractor should report quantities. Clarity is therefore of utmost importance.

Fylgia Strengthens Expertise in Construction Law

Fylgia Law has enhanced its expertise in construction law and launched a new Construction Group. Together, we possess extensive knowledge in this field and are happy to assist you in all phases of your project, from drafting and reviewing contract packages to providing advice and support during any disputes.